Xotic Unveils the XJPRO-1 5-String ProVintage Series Bass
Xotic has expanded their bass lineup with the XJPRO-1 5-String ProVintage Series Bass. As part of the ProVintage Series, the new bass combines elements of classic and modern features while building on their previous lineup. “The ProVintage Series basses, inspired by the Xotic XJ Series, feature a structurally balanced neck for reliable intonation that is coated with a unique oil...
Willcox Guitars Unveils 2018 Saber Bass
Wilcox Guitars is updating their bass lineup by replacing their outgoing Saber VL Bass with the 2018 Saber bass. The reworked instrument features an AAAA flame maple top, lightweight chambered swamp ash body, and their patented LightWave optical pickup system. “LightWave pickups use infrared light technology to ‘map’ or ‘see’ string vibration, resulting in a significant enhancement in tone, sustain...
Barefaced Audio Introduces Limited Edition Tweedy One10 Bass Cabinet
Barefaced Audio has unveiled a special limited edition tweed version of their One10 bass cabinet. Limited to 10 units, the cab has all of the power of their regular One10 model in a vintage look with a tweed wrap, Marshall BluesBreaker cloth grill, brown piping, and genuine imitation leather strap handle. It is fitted with a 10CR250 driver, which can...
Music Nomad Announces FRINE Fret Polish Kit
Music Nomad has a new product for getting the grime off of your frets. FRINE fret polish is designed to clean and polish all frets safely and quickly. The kit comes with an ounce of the polish and three fretboard guards to fit small, medium, and jumbo fret sizes. It also includes a microfiber suede cloth specially designed for use...
Rush’s “A Farewell To Kings” Gets 40th Anniversary Reissue
It’s been 40 years since Rush released A Farewell To Kings. The album, which notably features the hit “Closer to the Heart” among others, is being celebrated by the trio with a reissue including a massive box set. Anchored by the incredible bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee, each version of the reissue includes a remastered version of the original album plus a...
Pigtronix Introduces Trio of Micro Pedals
Pigtronix has expanded their micro pedal lineup with three new pedals: the Gatekeeper Micro noise gate, Class A Boost Micro clean boost, and all-new Octava Micro octave up/drive/fuzz. Each of the units features true bypass switching and a housing with dimensions of 3.75 inches by 1.5 inches by 1.75 inches. The Class A Boost Micro utilizes discreet J-FET transistors in...
Bobby Vega Releases “Matters of the Heart” EP
Bobby Vega has a reputation, or maybe several. He’s known for his incredible knowledge of bass gear. He’s known for being the go-to bassist in the Bay Area. He’s also known for grooving his ass off with a pick, but that’s not all there is to his playing. Now fans who know his funk and rock playing can get a...
Free The Tone Announces the PA-1QB Programmable 10-Band EQ Pedal
Japan’s Free The Tone has released the PA-1QB, a programmable 10-band EQ pedal for bass. The device’s signal path is analog with a digital parameter control section for storing and processing your settings. The pedal revolves around the Holistic Tonal Solution, or HTS, circuit that has been revamped for 2018. “It holistically manages high-quality guitar/bass signals from input to output...
Bass of the Week: Fleeting Guitars Tsukanoma
This week we’re checking out the Tsukanoma bass built by luthier Jim Fleeting of Fleeting Guitars. Taking a cue from Japanese design, the hand-built instrument features striking aesthetics. “The Tsukanoma bass is designed as a tribute to the incredible woodworking and modern design in Japanese woodworking,” Fleeting writes. “The use of sharper corner bevels make this a departure from the...
Moe’s Rob Derhak Declared Cancer Free
Back in July, Moe. announced that they were going on hiatus after Rob Derhak was diagnosed with cancer. Now the bassist has some good news to share. “After being scanned, poked, and prodded my Dr.’s have given me a green light,” he wrote on Facebook. “Did I kick cancers ass? No, it beat me up pretty good. But I just...
Z. Vex Effects Introduces Vertical Vexter Fuzz Factory Pedal
Z. Vex Effects has introduced a new vertical version of their Vexter Fuzz Factory pedal. Formerly configured as a horizontal pedal, the new VFF will feature the same effects and circuitry in a more pedalboard-friendly setup. It utilizes two new old-stock ’60s germanium transistors, but that doesn’t mean it’s a vintage sound. “The circuit is not modeled after any classic...
David Ellefson Brings Back Combat Records
Megadeth bassist David Ellefson is reviving the legendary thrash label Combat Records through his EMP Label Group. Combat was founded in 1983 and was known for representing bands like Exodus, Circle Jerks, Death, Agnostic Front, and more. It also signed Megadeth and released the band’s debut album, Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!, in 1985. “So excited and...