Laney Amps Introduces the R500 Head and Combo Amp
Laney Amplification spruced up their Richter Series of bass amps with a new look plus two new models. “For this show we’ve taken our original Richter range and we’ve given them a facelift,” a Laney rep told us at the NAMM Show. “Richters 1-4 are in the same cosmetic as the Nexus, but we’ve also added two new products: the...
The Language of Bass: An Interview with Anthony Crawford
As genres morph and blend into each other, it has been increasingly important for bassists to be able to cover a variety of styles. Many get a style knowledge that is either an inch wide and a mile deep or a mile wide and an inch deep. Anthony Crawford’s knowledge is a mile wide and a mile deep. That may...
Or Lubianiker: HadToDoIt
Or Lubianiker shared this new composition on Facebook and it’s killer. Though there’s some very complex work to it, the song came together in an evening. “So last night instead of using my studio time for what I intended I ended up producing this little vid,” he wrote. “A combination of inspiration and procrastination! I just ‘Had to do it’....
Trickfish Amplification Expands Bass Cabinet Lineup
Trickfish Amplification expanded their lineup of cabinets this year with the SM210V, SM210HD and the BM410HD. Each of the cabs are fitted with the company’s new proprietary neodymium 10-inch drivers. “The SM210V is the first cabinet to use our new, proprietary neo 10″ driver and the results are stunning,” says Trickfish’s Richard Ruse. “We’re achieving a greater MAX SPL rating,...
Funkadelic: Tear The Roof Off The Sucker, Live on KCRW
In preparing for our interview with P-Funk’s Lige Curry, I revisited tons of old Parliament and Funkadelic bass lines. One that always sticks out for me is from “Tear The Roof Off The Sucker.” It’s sparse yet somehow meaty. Here’s Curry with George Clinton and Funkadelic performing the funk classic on KCRW.
Amptweaker Introduces the Pressurizer Compressor Pedal
Amptweaker unveiled the Pressurizer compressor at the Winter NAMM Show this year. Suitable for bass or guitar, the stompbox compressor aims to retain the attack of your instrument while adding sustain. “Sustain without compression… a common suggestion Amptweaker receives that means ‘don’t mess with my attack,’” the company says. “The PressuRizer™ compressor accomplishes this in several unique ways, and includes...
Bass of the Week: LowDown Bass Guitars Special Custom Series 4F Fretless
Wandering around the halls at the NAMM Show is great for finding unique instruments. While browsing Hall E this year I saw this killer four-string fretless built by Tim Seisser of LowDown Bass Guitars. With all the interesting body work and the stunning fingerboard, I had to find out more. “This bass started as an effort to use some really...
Bryan Ladd Band: Endorphin, Live at Bass Bash 2017
One of my favorite performances from NAMM this year was at the Bass Bash. Bryan Ladd led his band through throwback grooves and modern melodies alike. Here’s a cool clip of “Endorphin”. The jam is a killer, plus Ladd takes a slippery, filtered solo at the 5:50 mark.
Trace Elliot Announces the Transit B Bass Guitar Preamp Pedal
Along with the launch of their micro ELF bass amp at the NAMM Show this year, Trace Elliot returned with the Transit B Bass Guitar Preamp Pedal. The versatile preamp offers a host of controls with a pre-shape to dial in the classic Trace Elliot EQ curve, a dual-band compressor, a drive section, and a 5-band semi-parametric EQ. The compressor...
Schecter Introduces Stiletto Stage Basses
Schecter introduced the Stiletto Stage four- and five-string models at the Winter NAMM Show. The basses are designed to be a stripped-down, performance-ready bass at an affordable price point. Available in white and black gloss finishes, the neck-through basses are built with a mahogany body, a carbon-fiber reinforced maple neck, and ebony fretboard. The frets are marked with mother of...
Marcus Miller: How To Improvise a Solo
After getting the ability to groove under their fingers, many bassists struggle to learn how to take a solo. Luckily one of the greatest bassists ever is here to give you some tips. Marcus Miller sat down to make this video lesson for the Montreux Jazz Academy, which is affiliated with the annual jazz festival. From drawing to inspiration to...
Trevor Dunn Anchors New John Zorn Album
Composer John Zorn has released the sixth album with his 21st-century ensemble Simulacrum, called The Garden of Earthly Delights. The powerhouse band is comprised of bassist Trevor Dunn, keyboardist John Medeski, drummer Kenny Grohowski, guitarist Matt Hollenberg, and vocalist Sara Serpa. The exploratory album celebrates the 500th anniversary of the death of renowned painter Hieronymus Bosch. “A visionary of unparalleled...