Ernie Ball Introduces Slinky Flatwound Bass Strings
Ernie Ball is fusing the elements of two types of strings with their new Slinky Flatwound Electric Bass Guitar Strings. Developed with the company’s patented cobalt steel alloy, the strings are described as having the sound of round wound strings with the smooth feel of traditional flatwound strings. The strings are constructed with a cobalt ribbon wire wrapped around a...
Nenad Vasilic: Deep Purple’s “Burn” Solo Bass Arrangement
Double bassist Nenad Vasilic is back with a new cover video of Deep Purple’s “Burn.” While the whole arrangement is acoustic, check out his innovative method for getting “distortion” to match the ’70s rock vibe.
In Memoriam: Craig Gruber
Bassist Craig Gruber, best known as an original member of Rainbow, has passed away from prostate cancer. He was 63 years old. Gruber’s rise in the rock world began when he joined Elf in late 1973. The band was fronted by Ronnie James Dio, who also covered bass duties before Gruber’s introduction. The bassist was featured on two studio albums...
Spector Introduces Limited Edition Mike Starr Signature Euro4LX Bass
Spector Basses has introduced a new Mike Starr Signature version of their Euro4LX bass. Available as a limited edition, the bass is crafted in the company’s Czech factory and will only be available for order in the 2015 calendar year. “We started working with Mike on this before he passed away,” Spector’s PJ Rubal told us. “He’s known for his...
Bass of the Week: New York Bass Works Cremona 5
This week we check out a custom Cremona 5 by New York Bass Works. Built by luthier David Segal for bassist Sean Joynes, the instrument is based around a rare wood from central Africa called Moabi. Joynes gave us the scoop: “This new Cremona 5 bass is made of Red Alder with a Moabi Pommele (African Pearwood) top,” he wrote....
Tony Campos Joins Fear Factory
Metal bass mainstay Tony Campos has announced that he’s leaving the ranks of Soulfly to join Fear Factory. The bassist, who is best known for his time in the now defunct Static-X, made the announcement on Facebook while on the road with Ministry. “Big announcement time. Now that I’m back out on the road with Ministry, I can go ahead...
Tech 21 Boost Comp Pedal Now Shipping
After announcing the pedal at this year’s NAMM Show, Tech 21 is now shipping the Boost Comp. The all-analog compressor utilizes FET-based technology, which the company says is inherently warm, while simplifying the controls for easy tweaking. The pedal offers pre and post-effect tone shaping capability with its Presence and Tone controls. Presence adds a pre-compression tonal boost in the...
Bass Battle: Live Looping Session #7
Bass Battle has taken his looping sessions to a whole new level. The bassist, aka Bogdan Diaconeasa, sent us his latest looping session, which features his already stellar playing fleshed out with ambient effects and a backbeat. The jam creates a mesmerizing sonic atmosphere and a hook that will stick in your head.
Iron Maiden: Powerslave, Live 2008
Powerslave is one of Iron Maiden’s greatest albums, and the title track is just as killer. Here’s the band tearing it up during a performance in Costa Rica with Steve Harris laying it down like only he can. The clip is taken from a 2009 British/Canadian documentary called Iron Maiden: Flight 666, which followed the band during their Somewhere Back...
Warwick Announces German Pro Series Basses
Warwick is introducing a new lineup called the German Pro Series, which aims to offers their German-made instruments at an affordable price. All of the basses are produced in Germany by Warwick and a partner company. “The tone woods for the German Pro Series are naturally air dried, hand selected, and glued at Warwick in Markneukirchen, also the necks, and...
Levy’s Leathers Announces MGJ2 Straps
Levy’s Leathers has introduced the MGJ2 Strap Series, featuring nine textured jacquards. Each of the nine models is lined with a tucked edge leather backing and tri-glide adjustment. The straps are two inches wide and adjustable up to 56 inches in length. An XL version adds an extra 12 inches to the overall length. They are available now for $93.30....
Booker T and the MG’s: Melting Pot, Live 1989
Donald “Duck” Dunn is a legend for a reason. Here’s a great clip of the bassist laying it down with Booker T and the MG’s at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes back in 1989. The group played through many of their hits, including this version of 1971’s “Melting Pot.” Dunn’s rock solid groove lays perfectly in the pocket to...