Articles by Kevin Johnson - Page 229

I always love when fans send in basses that get them excited. This week we’re checking out a jaw-dropping six-string that was sent in by Tyler D.

After announcing a big lineup change in 2020, Obscura has a new album called “A Valediction”. The record marks the first of a trilogy concept that will be followed up with two more albums.

Ernie Ball Music Man has unveiled the Winter 2021 edition of their Ball Family Reserve instruments, including one bass: The BFR Stingray 5 Special Fretless.

Deep Purple’s Roger Glover has been working on his autobiography, which is moving along. In other news, Deep Purple recently released a covers album. “Turning To Crime” is their first release to not have any originals on it.

Vs Audio Effects has introduced a new pedal called the PAND?RA Fuzz that they say offers a huge variety of sounds for both bass and guitar. The unit is based on the Arbiter Fuzz Face circuit and features a hand-selected germanium transistor plus and an independent transparent boost.

Mats Eilertsen has returned with a new album called “Hymn for Hope”. The 13-track release spans a range of emotions with a “wide span of lyrical, thoughtful, melancholic, fierce, driving, swinging, playful music.”

Phil Jones is known for utilizing small speakers to get a big sound. Now he’s created his smallest bass amp ever with the new PJB Nanobass X4, which his company calls “a highly efficient mini engineering marvel that redefines transportability and ‘Tone To Go.’”

With the departure of Lexxi Foxx, Steel Panther announced that they would be holding an open audition. The tongue-in-cheek glam metal band received 1,669 submissions and they’ve narrowed it down to 32 finalists. Now they’re asking for help.

Christian McBride has released a second live album from the legendary Village Vanguard, this time with his Inside Straight quintet. It’s a special moment for the group, as the band was originally formed for a residency at the venue.

Ashdown has expanded their pedal lineup as well as their range of artist products with two new effects units: the John Myung Double Drive Pedal and the Geezer Butler Pedal of Doom.

Double bassist and composer Teppo Hauta-aho has died. He was 80 years old. Hauta-aho wrote over 300 works for bass, making him one of the most prolific composers for the instrument of our times.

Mike Watt is such an icon of the instrument that it’s only fitting his signature bass is equally epic. This week we’re checking out the second version of his Wattplower by Reverend Guitars.