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Articles by Kevin Johnson - Page 2


Thomann Takes Fender to Court Over Stratocaster Cease-and-Desist Campaign
News

Thomann Takes Fender to Court Over Stratocaster Cease-and-Desist Campaign

Thomann has launched legal action against Fender over its Stratocaster cease-and-desist campaign, saying the dispute threatens competition and innovation.

Bass of the Week: Schecter’s FreeZesicle Is Ricky “Freeze” Smith’s Purple Funk Machine
Bass of the Week

Bass of the Week: Schecter’s FreeZesicle Is Ricky “Freeze” Smith’s Purple Funk Machine

Schecter’s FreeZesicle bass was built for Ricky “Freeze” Smith, pairing a Freeze Purple finish with EMG electronics and Prince-inspired visual details.

International Society of Bassists Welcomes Electric Bass, Adds Steve Bailey and Victor Wooten
News

International Society of Bassists Welcomes Electric Bass, Adds Steve Bailey and Victor Wooten

The International Society of Bassists is expanding its mission to include electric bass, with Steve Bailey and Victor Wooten joining the effort.

Weekly Top 10: ZVEX DB-1 Pedal, Major Pentatonic Bass Lines, Ron Carter, and More
Weekly Top 10

Weekly Top 10: ZVEX DB-1 Pedal, Major Pentatonic Bass Lines, Ron Carter, and More

This week’s top bass stories include the ZVEX DB-1, Ryan Madora’s major pentatonic lesson, Ron Carter with Norah Jones, Yes, Fender, and much more.

Sixpence None the Richer Bassist Justin Cary Dies at 50
In Memoriam

Sixpence None the Richer Bassist Justin Cary Dies at 50

Justin Cary, bassist for Sixpence None the Richer and a Nashville session player, has died at 50 following a stroke. Read about his career and legacy.

La Bella Launches Ian Martin Allison Signature Strings for Short Scale Bass
Accessories & Strings

La Bella Launches Ian Martin Allison Signature Strings for Short Scale Bass

La Bella Strings has teamed up with Ian Martin Allison once again to introduce a short scale version of his signature strings. Available in four and five-string sets, the new scale option still has the same feel and custom gauges as the original set. “When Ian Martin Allison approached us about doing a signature set of Super Polished strings, he...

Billy Gould Confirms Faith No More’s 2027 Reunion Tour: “We’re Gonna Play”
News

Billy Gould Confirms Faith No More’s 2027 Reunion Tour: “We’re Gonna Play”

Billy Gould has confirmed Faith No More will return to the stage in 2027, marking the influential band’s first shows since 2016.

Fernando Molinari Unleashes Progressive Bass Firepower on “Numen”
Interviews

Fernando Molinari Unleashes Progressive Bass Firepower on “Numen”

Fernando Molinari discusses his new EP, Numen, a progressive instrumental album blending metal, jazz, fusion, flamenco, and bold bass work.

Sleep Returns With “Have Spacesuit Will Travel” and New Lineup
New Albums

Sleep Returns With “Have Spacesuit Will Travel” and New Lineup

Al Cisneros has revived Sleep with “Have Spacesuit Will Travel,” the band’s first new music in eight years, plus a full fall 2026 North American tour.

Heiko Hoepfinger, BassLab Founder and Composite Bass Innovator, Has Died
In Memoriam

Heiko Hoepfinger, BassLab Founder and Composite Bass Innovator, Has Died

Heiko Hoepfinger, founder of BassLab and a pioneer of composite bass design, has died. His work reshaped ideas about instrument construction.

Polyphia Announces Massive 2026 World Tour and Releases “Can You Feel It”
Concerts & Tours

Polyphia Announces Massive 2026 World Tour and Releases “Can You Feel It”

Polyphia has announced an extensive 2026 world tour and released “Can You Feel It,” featuring Clay Gober’s bass work and extended techniques.

Bergantino Launches Its Lightest Bass Cabinets Yet with the HPN Series
Amps

Bergantino Launches Its Lightest Bass Cabinets Yet with the HPN Series

Bergantino unveils its HPN Series bass cabinets, pairing lightweight neo designs with three configurations, premium drivers, and up to 1,000 watts RMS.