Birdsong Guitars Introduces Sparrow Bass and SD Curlee Phoenix
The short-scale masters at Birdsong Guitars have taken things a step further by adding the Sparrow Bass to their lineup. Originally introduced as a prototype, the model features an incredibly short 25.5-inch scale. Birdsong explains on their website: “The thought was this – if our 31? scales behave & speak like 34s, could we do a something even shorter that...
John Patitucci Joins Chick Corea for Elektric Band Tour
The classic lineup of Chick Corea’s Elektric Band will be hitting the road once again this fall. Anchored by bass heavyweight John Patitucci, the band will also include guitarist Frank Gambale, saxophonist Eric Marienthal, and drummer Dave Weckl. “The group sort of reformed itself with everyone’s desire to play together,” Corea explains. “I thought it would be an interesting thing,...
Beetronics Launches the Whoctahell Fuzz/Octave Pedal
Beetronics has launched its first handmade effects pedal line including the WhoctaHell, a low-octave fuzz with independent controls for each effect. “Its overdrive/fuzz is summed up with a gnarly, squared-wave low octave, resembling an 8-bit bass synthesizer,” the company writes. “Its octave has a range of one or two low octaves, selectable by a toggle switch and also has it’s...
The Meters: Look-Ka Py Py/Jungle Man, Live 1974
I’ve been on a huge Meters kick lately. All of George Porter, Jr.’s bass lines groove like crazy. They’re simple and to the point, which is perfect. Here’s a great clip of The Meters live in 1974 on Dr. John’s “New Orleans Swamp.” The group tears into “Look-ka Py Py” before a cool transition into the slower, thicker “Jungle Man”....
Anthony Jackson Forced to Sit Out Hiromi Trio Performances
Several dates of Hiromi Uehara’s trio concerts have been rearranged after the pianist announced that bass legend Anthony Jackson has suffered a medical emergency. Details are slim, but Hiromi posted the news to her Facebook page: “We regret to inform the public that Anthony Jackson is experiencing an unanticipated medical situation,” a statement read. “As such, for the upcoming Blue...
Bass Tendencies: An Interview with Ra Diaz
Suicidal Tendencies has a legacy of great bassists. Louiche Mayorga, Tim “Rawbiz” Williams, Stephen “Thundercat” Bruner, and Metallica’s Robert Trujillo have all held the throne, just to name a few. Earlier this year, bassist Ra Diaz stepped up to the plate to carry on the tradition. It’s been a bit of a dream come true for the Chilean-born, Los Angeles-based...
Gator Cases Introduces XL-Sized Aluminum Pedalboard
Gator Cases has unveiled the GPB-XBAK Aluminum Pedalboard. Measuring at 32 inches by 17 inches, the American-made pedalboard can hold up to 20 pedals and includes hook and loop adhesive strips for rearranging them. It also has power supply brackets underneath the board for mountint two separate power supplies. Rear-facing cutouts make it easy to run power up to your...
Nathan Navarro: Super Mario Bass Guitar Playthrough
Nathan Navarro is back with another brilliant bass video, and this time he’s playing along with a run-through of World 1-1 from the original Super Mario Brothers. The bassist dials in a retro video game tone before playing the music. He even plays the right sound effects for when Mario jumps, spits fire, gets the super star, and even landing...
In Memoriam: Lewie Steinberg
Original Booker T. & the M.G.’s bassist Lewie Steinberg has passed away after a battle with cancer. He was 82 years old. Steinberg was born in 1933 in Memphis, Tennessee. While many people associate Donald “Duck” Dunn with the M.G.’s, Steinberg was the group’s first bassist and recorded on the first two albums: Green Onions and Soul Dressing. He was...
Sly and the Family Stone: “Hot Fun in the Summertime” and “I Want To Take You Higher”
“Hot Fun in the Summertime” is the perfect song for the season, and “I Want To Take You Higher” is a bass masterpiece. Larry Graham throws it down in this medley of the two songs. The mix on this clip is a little wonky, but luckily the bass is turned up nice and high.
Bass of the Week: Nichols Guitar Company Seas of Cheese Bass
Just like with music, great bass designs often come from the inspiration of other basses. That’s the case with our featured bass this week: the Nichols Guitar Company’s Seas of Cheese Bass. As the name suggests, the model is inspired by the famous Carl Thompson basses used by Primus’s Les Claypool. “The design was inspired by Les Claypool and some...
Levy’s Leathers Introduces Ryder Strap
Levy’s Leathers had introduced the Ryder Strap, which they call an old classic reborn. The design is known for its use by rockabilly artists. Its 1-inch wide strap is fitted with an adjustable pad for comfort. The strap is made entirely from veg-tan leathers with two contrasting colors and orange saddle stitching for visual appeal. It can be adjusted from...