MonoNeon, Mr. Talkbox and John Blackwell: “Controversy” Prince Tribute
Musicians around the world have been paying tribute to the Purple One since his untimely passing in April, and they have yielded some incredible moments. Here’s a great clip from a live Prince tribute hosted by Bootsy Collins that features Byron “Mr. Talkbox” Chambers, drummer John Blackwell from New Power Generation and bassist MonoNeon, who was one of the last...
Fund Set Up for Chip Shearin After Moving Accident
Bassist Chip Shearin suffered a devastating blow on when nearly all of his family’s possessions were destroyed on June 22nd. Shearin was in the process of moving his family to Los Angeles when the driver of his moving truck fell asleep at the wheel. The resulting accident ruined most of his children’s toys, his studio equipment, several of his basses,...
Greer Amps Introduces the Super Hornet Octave Fuzz Pedal
Greer Amps has released a new octave fuzz pedal called the Super Hornet, which they say works great on guitar and bass. Based on a Foxx Tone Machine, the pedal tweaks the vintage-style circuit by using NOS BC-107B transistors and adding a feature to the octave section. The octave switch can be set to On or Stinger modes. When in...
Kristian Dunn: Staring At Screens
El Ten Eleven multi-instrumentalist Kristian Dunn has just released a new solo ambient album called . Besides beautiful pads, the album is full of intimate and introspective bass playing. Check out the video for the new song, “Staring at Screens” to see what we mean:
Fuzzrocious and Electro-Faustus Team Up for Greyfly Pedal
Fuzzrocious Effects has teamed up with Electro-Faustus to create a unique “noisemaker” called the Greyfly. The pedal combines the Fuzzrocious Grey Stache fuzz with the Electro-Faustus Blackfly spring-activated noise generator for a whole new pedal experience. The Greyfly can be used on its own with three springs that can be plucked, scraped, and twanged to create your signal, which is...
Gheorghe Postoronca: The Light From Inside
Gheorghe Postoronca always brings a personal level to his solo bass songs. His latest, “The Light From Inside”, is no exception. The bassist utilizes a capo on four of his six strings along with strumming to create glorious harmonies and textures. It sounds like he is singing through his instrument, which is something many of us strive for.
Orange Amplification Introduces The Crush Bass Combo Series
Orange redesigned their entry-level bass combo range with the Orange Crush Bass series. The line – consisting of 25, 50, and 100-watt combos – upgrades their most accessible bass amps with a parametric EQ circuit inspired by their new 4 Stroke bass amp. They also feature analog circuitry, redesigned speakers and ported cabinetry, an onboard tuner, and a headphone output...
Bass of the Week: Warwick Custom Shop Streamer Stage II
Warwick’s Custom Shop has been putting out some beautiful instruments. Our bass of the week is one of their latest creations: a Streamer Stage II sporting a 1-inch Macassar Ebony top. The masterbuilt bass features neck-through construction centered around a 7-piece wenge and purpleheart neck. Its Tigerstripe Ebony fretboard is inlaid with dragon heads below the 12th fret and yin-yangs...
Elrick Introduces Satin Matte Black for Expat e-volution Basses
Elrick Bass Guitars has expanded their Expat Series with satin black matte finishes. The sleek, blacked-out aesthetic will be available on their e-volution four and five-string basses. Made in the Czech Republic, the handmade basses are inspected and setup by Elrick. They feature select swamp ash bodies, three-piece maple necks, and wenge fretboards. Electronics include U.S. Bartolini pickups and electronics,...
Boss Introduces Free Mobile Tuner App
Boss has expanded their tuner line into the digital realm with a new mobile tuner app. Available as a free download for iOS and Android, the app takes on the familiar look of the company’s TU-3 pedal tuner and features a 21-segment meter and note display. Arrow indicators show when a note is in tune, flat, or sharp. The app...
In Memoriam: Rob Wasserman
Bassist Rob Wasserman, who played alongside some of the world’s greatest musicians, has passed away from an undisclosed illness. He was 64 years old. Wasserman began as a violinist, switching to bass as a teenager. He studied bass at the San Francisco Conservatory as well as composition with John Adams. His early career included stints with Van Morrison, Oingo Boingo...
Amptweaker Introduces Bass Jr Distortion Pedal Series
After years of requests, Amptweaker recently added a Dry Low knob to their TightMetal and TightRock pedals. Now the feature is available in a new bass friendly range called the Amptweaker Bass Jr Distortion Series. Each of the models share most of the features of their guitar counterparts but with the new Dry Low knob to help maintain the bottom...