Bass of the Week: Hernan Gordon Astor Bass
Our new Facebook group has been great for connecting with bassists. One of the early posts was by Hernan Gordon from Argentina, who shared a pair of basses he built for himself. They are called Astor and Lautaro in dedication to his children. This week we’re checking out the Astor bass, which Gordon created based on a Fodera design. The...
TC Electronic Announces the Sub ‘N’ Up Mini Octaver
After introducing the Sub ‘N’ Up octaver last year, TC Electronic has announced a new mini version of the pedal. The Sub ‘N’ Up Mini retains the same tonal characteristics of its big brother while stripping it down to the bone for a small footprint. The pedal has Dry mix, Sub octave, and Up octave knobs. It is also Toneprint-enabled,...
Death: The Philosopher, Live 1998
Death was one of the biggest metal bands in the world for a reason, and here’s one of them. This clip of “The Philosopher” was taken from a 1998 performance at the Dynamo Open Air festival. It was the first performance of the band’s “Sound Of Perseverance” lineup, including Scott Clendenin on bass. The song is filled with killer riffs...
F-Pedals Announces the PunQmonk Envelope Filter
F-Pedals has introduced the PunQmonk, a classic dynamic envelope filter they say is inspired by and dedicated to Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea. The compact stompbox is pared down to a switch to toggle between two frequency range modes (OM and HUM) and a potentiometer for setting the filter response. It also has a jack for plugging in their...
Grand Funk Railroad: I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home)
We recently launched a Facebook group to connect even more bass players. It’s been incredible to see the conversations and ideas presented. No Treble columnist Ariane Cap posed the question “What tunes are – or were at some point – difficult for you technically?” Roy Eraca responded with Grand Funk Railroad’s “I’m Your Captain,” which led me to check it...
Justin Chancellor: New Tool Album 90 Percent Done
It’s been 11 years of waiting for a new album, but Tool’s Justin Chancellor says that the band is most of the way done with their next release. “We’re about 90 percent there,” he told the MetalSucks podcast. “We’ve just been really picky over what we want to put on this new album and really want to come up with...
Boss Introduces the GT-1B Bass Effects Processor
Boss has expanded their line of multi-effects units with the GT-1B Bass Effects Processor. Utilizing the company’s Multi-Dimensional Processing (MDP), the GT-1B features 90 unique effects, 13 preamp types, and a dedicated looper. The unit has a streamlined interface with Easy Select and Easy Edit functions for quickly adjusting the parameters of your effects. It’s fitted with an onboard control...
John McCarthy Releases Learn Bass, Master Edition
John McCarthy has released a new 152-page instructional book for bassists called Learn Bass, Master Edition. Starting at the beginning with how to hold the instrument, the book covers everything from theory and scales to rhythm and how to play with a drummer. McCarthy also covers plucking techniques, slap and pop, and pick technique. Once you register your book, you’ll...
Bass Tracks: An Interview with Derek Frank
When you take a look at a list of his current gigs, it’s a wonder that Derek Frank gets any sleep at all. The L.A. bassist and musical director has been busy laying down the low end for Shania Twain, Air Supply, Mindi Abair and the Boneshakers, and The Dirty Diamond, to name a few. That’s not to mention his...
Gov’t Mule Returns with “Revolution Come… Revolution Go”
After 15 studio and live albums, Gov’t Mule has returned with Revolution Come… Revolution Go. The band, anchored by Jorgen Carlsson, proves their staying power in the release, which blends several genres to create their unique sound. “The main thing for us is to always have our personalities shining through,” frontman Warren Haynes explains. “When someone has an idea, we...
Bass of the Week: GV Guitars NeoFang Steambass
BasstheWorld.com just released a new demo of the GV Guitars NeoFang Steambass, and it’s too cool not to share. Made in Slovakia, the bass’s design revolves around the steampunk aesthetic of blending old-time and modern looks. They achieve this with an alder body wrapped in carbon fiber against a full rosewood neck as well as cool gear inlays on fretboard...
Sven Lindvall: Comparing 17 Vintage Basses
Who doesn’t love a good vintage bass? Our friend Jan Östlund sent us this video of studio bassist Sven Lindvall playing a riff over 17 of the most iconic vintage basses. It’s so cool to hear all the subtle (and not so subtle) differences in each of the instruments. Lindvall plays through each axe twice: once with a finger-style riff...