Mattoverse Electronics Unveils Solar Sound Desktop Saturator
Mattoverse Electronics has unveiled The Solar Sound Desktop, a transistor-based gain circuit that utilizes a solar panel and picks up where the original Solar Sound left off.
FKT Audio Introduces The Fretless Pedal
FKT Audio has released a new pedal called The Fretless, which combines a midrange parametric EQ with a chorus and reverb. The pedal was designed the enhance the sound of a fretless bass during rhythm and lead sections.
Ernie Ball Music Man Ball Introduces the Family Reserve Nitro StingRay Retro ’76 Bass
Ernie Ball Music Man unveiled the latest in their limited edition Ball Family Reserve instruments. The Spring 2023 drop includes the Ball Family Reserve StingRay Retro ’76 bass.
Flea’s Podcast, “This Little Light”, Out Now
Flea’s new podcast, This Little Light, has launched with its first three episodes. As we previously reported, the Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist created the fifteen-part series to interview artists about their early musical journeys.
Polyphia Announces Headlining North American Tour
Polyphia has announced a North American tour in support of their most recent album, “Remember That You Will Die.” The band, featuring bassist Clay Gober, will kick off the headlining trek on September 30th.
Fender Announces the Squier Sonic Series Basses
Fender’s entry-level Squier Bullet series has been replaced by a new line called the Sonic Series. The new instruments carry similar attributes to their predecessors with new colors and new models.
Queen and Adam Lambert Announce North American “Rhapsody” Tour
After a four-year hiatus, Queen and Adam Lambert are bringing The Rhapsody Tour back to North America. The production has been expanded and updated since its inception in 2019 and will feature a set list spanning Queen’s full catalog.
SolidGoldFX Unveils the Beta-V Bass Preamp Pedal
SolidGoldFX has revamped one of their bass pedal offerings with the Beta-V, which they call a preamp that kicks. The Beta was their first bass-specific pedal, and the latest edition continues the model’s take on capturing the warmth and grit of vintage tube amps.
NICKO Releases Debut Album, “NICKO_1”
NICKO has just released his solo debut, “NICKO_1,” a bass-driven album inspired by a love of classic video game soundtracks. The instrumental record blends the sounds of retro synths and drum machines with contemporary pop for an upbeat feel and memorable hooks.
In Memoriam: Ray Shulman
Sad news to report as Gentle Giant bassist Ray Shulman has passed away after a long illness. He was 73 years old. The news was shared by his brother Derek on Facebook.
Bass of the Week: Neal Heppleston Solo Model
This week we’re checking out a gorgeous new double bass from Neal Heppleston called the Solo Model. Based in West Yorkshire, the luthier created the specs to benefit solo bass playing, hence the name.
Dominic “Forest” Lapointe: First Fragment’s “Soif Brûlante” Playthrough
Dominic “Forest” Lapointe is one of the most incredible fretless players in the world. He’s just released a playthrough video for First Fragment’s “Soif Brûlante,” which is highly demanding and equally musical.











