Deep Space Devices Introduces The Red Ghost Distortion
Deep Space Devices has launched their first product with the Red Ghost Distortion, a pedal aimed at heavier types of music. The unit offers simple controls with a single knob and two switches. “Designed to appeal to stoner rock and shoegaze enthusiasts, the Red Ghost offers menacing options to your tone,” Deep Space Devices writes. “With the single knob, “Horde”,...
Bass of the Week: Marleaux Bass Guitars Contra
Gerald Marleaux is hands down one of my favorite bass builders. His artistic touch and attention to detail make all of his instruments play and sound just as good as they look. This week we’re checking out his Contra model, which takes its semi-acoustic design in part from the violin family. “The Contra is made with the same materials as...
Stryper Releases “God Damn Evil”
Christian Metal band Stryper has returned with their 12th studio album, God Damn Evil. The follow-up to 2015’s Fallen, the album is the first to feature new bassist Perry Richardson, who came into the fold after longtime member Timothy Gaines left last year. “We jammed and heard him play, and he’s a really killer player,” Sweet said of Richardson. “He...
MC5’s Michael Davis Memoir Published
Legendary rock band MC5 is celebrating 50 years since the release of the seminal album, Kick Out The Jams. (Check out the upcoming tour with Dug Pinnick on bass.) Part of the year’s festivities include the release of a new memoir by the late Michael Davis. is a 350-page book that details the bassist’s time in the band with tales...
Höfner Unveils the H500/5 “Reeperbahn” Bass
Höfner has reissued another part of their history with the H500/5 “Reeperbahn” bass. Based on the 500/5 that was produced between the ’50s and ’70s, the instrument features a large hollow body and short scale neck. It was famously used by a Beatle, though not the one you’re thinking of. “Although used by many players none is quite so famous...
The Who Release “Live at the Fillmore East 1968”
A unique performance from The Who is now available in a three-LP or 2-CD set. Live at the Fillmore East 1968 captures the band in New York City nearing the end of a long tour, but more importantly, the shows took place one day after the assassination of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King. “America was already a country...
Fodera Unveils the Madrone Burl Monarch 5 Standard Special Bass
Fodera has expanded their Standard Specials line of instruments with the Madrone Burl Monarch 5 Standard Special. Built around the Monarch model, the bass has a new combination of woods with a mahogany body, Madrone Burl top, a three-piece maple neck, and an ebony fingerboard. Fodera says the real difference is in the pickups as it is the first Standard...
Sting and Shaggy Release “44/876”
In a somewhat unlikely pairing, Sting and Shaggy have teamed up to release 44/876. The album’s title is taken from the area codes for the U.K. and Jamacia, respectively, to represent each musician’s background. “I think on paper it’s pretty unlikely. We have very different vocal styles,” the former Police bassist admits. “Yet when we actually do sing together, it’s...
IK Multimedia Now Shipping the iRig Stomp I/O USB Pedalboard Controller
IK Multimedia’s iRig lineup has gotten a little bigger with the iRig Stomp I/O. The USB pedalboard controller is designed for live and studio use with a built-in audio interface featuring 24-bit audio and up to 96kHz sampling rate. It also has a combo input jack for use with line, instrument, or mic input with phantom power. The controller connects...
WristGrips Now Available
Playing a lot of bass can lead to some serious issues with your hands and wrists. Ryan Sollee and Gabe Castro are combatting those issues with WristGrips, a one-size-fits-all compression wrap that aims at preventing health problems. “WristGrips help prevent and heal tendonitis, arthritis, and carpal tunnel issues, by compressing and supporting the wrist, increasing oxygen and blood flow to...
Nolabass: An Interview with James Singleton
New Orleans is a city steeped in tradition, but a big part of their culture is constant evolution. That may be why James Singleton is one of the busiest bassists in town. He’s been a mainstay of the scene for over four decades by playing a myriad of styles with tons of music legends: John Scofield, Ellis Marsalis, Stanton Moore,...
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones Announce 30th Anniversary Tour Dates
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones are celebrating 30 years of music this summer with a handful of North American tour dates. The band will feature the original lineup of Fleck, Roy “Future Man” Wooten, Howard Levy, and Victor Wooten. The outing revolves mostly around festivals in late June, kicking off with the Rochester Jazz Festival on June 26th followed by...