Bass of the Week: Prophecy Instruments PLASMA-4
This week we’re checking out one of the most evocative basses I’ve seen in a while. The Prophecy Instruments PLASMA-4 has an aesthetic design that pulls from both organic and synthetic themes.
Tower of Power Announces First Major Tour in 2 Years
Tower of Power has unveiled a new spring tour of the U.S. that marks their first major outing since the beginning of the pandemic. Bassist Marc Van Wageningen, who had filled in for Rocco Prestia through the years, will carry on the tradition.
MonoNeon Drives the Groove on “Scary Goldings IV”
We’ve been enjoying the studio videos from Scary Goldings featuring organist Larry Goldings for the past few months, and now the full album is available. “Scary Goldings IV” is a collection of ever-funky grooves with Goldings and an unreal band.
Mastro Valvola Introduces the OFF1 Pedal
Mastro Valvola has unveiled a new pedal called the OFF1. The unit combines octave, fuzz, and filter circuits into a stompbox made for “guitar, bass, synth, and any other stuff,” the company states.
Metal Tour of the Year Returns for 2022
Metalheads rejoice! Megadeth, Lamb of God, Trivium, and In Flames have announced a 2022 leg for their “Metal Tour of the Year”. The package’s original dates were in 2020 and postponed until last summer.
Rush’s Alex Lifeson Announces New Band
Ever since Rush called it quits in 2018, fans have wondered what would be next for its members. Bassist Geddy Lee has been busy writing books, but now it looks like guitarist Alex Lifeson has started a new band.
Paul Wolfe Publishes “Bass Guitar in 50 Songs: Module 1”
Paul Wolfe has expanded his “How To Play Bass” lineup of instructional books with a new volume entitled “Bass Guitar in 50 Songs: Module 1”.
Zoom B6 Bass Multi-Effects Unit Now Shipping
Zoom’s B6 multi-effects processor for bass is now shipping. The latest addition to their floor units offers 11 bass amp and four DI models based on classic designs in addition to 10 preamps and effects models and a looper.
mssv, Featuring Mike Watt, Announces Haru Tour 2022
Mike Bagetta has announced a massive tour with his project mssv, which includes drummer Stephen Hodges and punk bass icon Mike Watt.
In Memoriam: Burke Shelley
Budgie bassist and vocalist Burke Shelley has passed away. His daughter Ela wrote on social media that he died in his sleep at Heath Hospital in Cardiff.
Ibanez Adds Three Multi-Scale BTB Bass Models for 2022
Ibanez is introducing several new iterations of their bass models this year including three new multi-scale versions of the BTB. The BTB805MS, BTB806MS, and BTB605MS all have an extended 37-inch scale on the B-string.
Squid Announces 2022 Tour
After their debut album made waves in 2021, British post punk band Squid will be carrying their momentum into 2022. They’ve just announced a set of tour dates.