Genzler Amplification Announces Magellan 800 Bass Amp
After launching its initial product line earlier this year, Genzler Amplification has unveiled their first amp. The Magellan 800 is an 800-watt that features clean and drive channels for gig versatility. The front of the amp has Mute and Pad switches with separate volume controls for each channel. Its 3-band EQ includes a parametric mid control, and larger sculpting can...
Talking Heads: Take Me To The River, Live 1980
I recently came across a great full-length concert video of the Talking Heads, and it got me moving. Taken from their November 1980 performance at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic, New Jersey, the band is in rare form with Tina Weymouth sharing bass duties with Busta “Cherry” Jones. Other members of the touring band include soon-to-be King Crimson member Adrian...
In Memoriam: Lemmy Kilmister
It’s another tough day in the bass world. Rock icon and bass legend Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister, who fronted Motörhead since 1975, has died at the age of 70. The news was confirmed by the band’s Facebook page. “There is no easy way to say this,” the statement read. “Our mighty, noble friend Lemmy passed away today after a short battle...
Bass of the Week: Ploughman Guitars Fanned Fret Bass
This week we’re checking out a fanned fret design by Ploughman Guitars in Serbia. Luthier Radovan Jovicic built the bass with a multi-scale ranging from 33 inches to 35 inches. It’s built with neck-through construction featuring a maple and mahogany neck and wenge fingerboard with mahogany binding. The body wings are a sandwich of mahogany, white ash, and heat treated...
Tower of Power to Celebrate 48th Anniversary with Tour
It may seem hard to believe, but 2016 will mark 48 years since the formation of Tower of Power. The influential group has released 18 studio albums, seven live albums, six compilations, three DVDs, and have toured the world with thousands of shows. To celebrate the band’s longevity, they’ll be bringing their unique blend of soul, funk, jazz and rock...
Steve Bailey and Friends: Jingle Bells
Steve Bailey has sent out his annual audio Christmas greeting, and this year’s is the biggest yet. As head of the Berklee Bass Department, Bailey brings in featured artists during their visits to the college to make special bass arrangements of holiday carols. This year has Bailey, Sandro Scoccia, Leland Sklar, John Patitucci, Victor Wooten, David Ellefson, Gary Willis, and...
In Memoriam: Terry Horbury
Vardis bassist Terry Horbury has passed away after a battle with cancer. He was 65 years old. The band announced his death on their Facebook page. “Many of his generation had their lives changed by music in the 1960s,” the statement read, “but Terry’s first Cream gig in ’67 started him down a path which encompassed 50 years and 60...
Carl Mörner Ringström Trio: Silent Night
Here’s a version of “Silent Night” like you’ve never heard before. Guitarist Carl Mörner Ringström teamed up with bassist Johannes Zetterberg and drummer Jonathan Lundberg to make this intense yet relaxed version of the carol. Zetterberg lays down the groove on a beautiful six-string fretless before taking the lead at the 1:38 mark. The track is available as a free...
Tony Grey: Carol of the Bells
We’re getting into the holiday spirit with some bass videos, including this new arrangement of “Carol of the Bells” by Tony Grey. The bassist creates an ambient soundscape with the song’s lulling melody before taking a beautiful solo over top. Light the tree, sit back and enjoy. Grey is offering the track as a free download on his website.
Bass of the Week: Mana Basso Glade 6-String
This week we’re checking out a six-string Glade model from Mana Basso custom basses. The gorgeous singlecut bass features a Padouk, Wenge and Swamp Ash body matched to a Wenge, Padouk and Flamed Maple neck for a rich textural palette. Its Birdseye maple fretboard leads your eye to the bass’s carved headstock, which is made as part of the neck...
Jan-Olof Strandberg and Dominique Di Piazza: Bass Duo Improvisation
Jan-Olof Strandberg uses his solo project, aptly entitled The Strandberg Project, to bring together musicians from all over the world to create incredible musical experiences. He also regularly invites guests bassists to join his band for tours, including Michael Manring, Armand Sabal-Lecco, Paul Jackson, and more. His latest collaboration is with Dominique Di Piazza, who joined him for the “Strandberg...
Electro-Harmonix Introduces 720 Stereo Looper Pedal
Electro-Harmonix has expanded their series of looping pedals with the 720 Stereo Looper. Featuring 720 seconds (12 minutes) of stereo recording time, the pedal includes ten independent loops and unlimited overdubbing for flexible looping. The looper has 24-bit A/D/A converters and a sample rate of 44.1kHz for high quality audio. Its controls are streamlined with a Push:Mode button that toggles...