Fano Guitars Announces the JM4-FB Bass
Fano Guitars has introduced the JM4-FB bass, and instrument they say is inspired by the classics and redefined by creativity. The model, which will be debuting at the Winter NAMM Show, is based on one of their guitars. “Using the ever-popular JM6 as a springboard, we designed the JM4 Bass to look and feel as though it’s been part of...
Steep Canyon Rangers Announce New Bassist
The Steep Canyon Rangers have announced a change in the ranks with the addition of bassist Barrett Smith, who will fill the shoes of Charles Humphrey III. Humphrey was the band’s original bassist, but they say Smith is already a great fit. “Our new bass player is Barrett Smith,” Woody Platt stated. “He’s from Columbia, South Carolina, but we met...
Bass of the Week: Dream Studio Guitars Voodoo Bass
This week we’re checking out the Voodoo Bass from Dream Studio Guitars. Created as a signature model for Jorge Casillas of the Voodoo Glow Skulls, the bass brings old-school tone with a more futuristic body. “No Active Pick Ups, no Ebony Neck; this is old school bass here,” Dream Studios writes. “Maple Neck, Maple Fretboard, and some good old vintage...
EvenMidi Updates H9 MIDI Controller
EvenMidi has updated their H9 MIDI controller with a host of new features. Designed for the Eventide H9 as well as other devices, the unit offers control of up to four devices simultaneously or switching from one to the other. It has nine banks of three presets for a total of 27 presets that can be customized. It works with...
Ibanez Announces Upswing Electric Upright Bass
Ibanez will be introducing their very first electric upright bass at the 2018 Winter NAMM Show. Dubbed the UB804 or “Upswing”, the bass was designed to mimic the tone of an acoustic upright bass. “The special AeroSilk Piezo pickup, along with the Walnut, Maple, and Jatoboa woods, combine to create a tone that is incredibly warm and true to the...
Mattoverse Electronics Announces The TetraStep MkII
Mattoverse Electronics has released the TetraStep MkII, an updated version of their four-step square wave sequencer. It has four pitch controllable steps with on/off buttons for each step. Users can adjust the rate, tone, pitch, and volume of each step. The MkII version adds a slew of new features including a Tap Temp footswitch, Sync In and Out functionality, illuminated...
Aguilar Amplification Unveils 2018 Limited Edition Cabinet Color
After adding the SL 212 to their lineup, Aguilar Amplification has unveiled their limited edition cabinet color for 2018: Dorian Gray. The outfit will be available on the SL 112 (250 units), the SL 410x (100 units), and the SL 212 (100 units). All of the Dorian Gray cabs will feature a “Limited Edition 2018” label on the crossover as...
James Jamerson’s Family Starts GoFundMe to Raise New Headstone, Scholarship Fund
Without a doubt, James Jamerson is a huge figure in the history of the electric bass. His work on countless Motown hits inspired scores of bassists while creating the groove that made a generation dance. Now his family wants his burial site to have a headstone to match his legacy. Jamerson’s cousin Anthony McKnight has started a GoFundMe crowd-funding campaign...
The Stray Cats Reunite For 2018 Concert
Rockabilly fans rejoice: The Stray Cats are reuniting to perform their first North American performance in 10 years. The original trio of Brian Setzer, Slim Jim Phantom, and Lee Rocker will be performing at the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend on Saturday, April 21st. The band, known for hits like “Stray Cat Strut” and “Rock This Town”, got their start...
Earthquaker Devices Introduces Westwood Translucent Drive Manipulator
Earthquaker Devices has introduced the Westwood, a pedal they describe as “a mild mannered light-to medium-gain translucent overdrive manipulator.” Its EQ section includes Treble and Bass controls with up to 20 dB of cut/boost while its drive section offers a host of tones. “The Westwood’s Drive control sets the level of gain for a near-clean boost at lower settings, to...
Pawn and Prophecy: An Interview with Mike LePond
Symphony X bassist Mike LePond is gearing up to release his second album with his solo project, Silent Assassins, and it’s a beast of an album. Pawn and Prophecy is an eight-song adventure leading listeners through the bassist’s favorite literature. Songs vary in story from Greek mythology to literature like H.P. Lovecraft. The masterpiece of the album is a 20-minute...
Tedeschi Trucks Band Announces Wheels of Soul Tour 2018
Each summer the Tedeschi Trucks Band puts on their Wheels of Soul Tour with a killer lineup. This year is no different as the band has tapped Drive-By Truckers and The Marcus King Band to join them on the 19-date trek. “We all draw from some of the same roots,” co-bandleader Derek Trucks explains. “But we also share a different...