Moe. On Indefinite Hiatus After Rob Derhak Diagnosed With Cancer
Tough news to report: moe. has announced an indefinite hiatus after bassist Rob Derhak was diagnosed with cancer. The band made a statement on their Facebook page: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, moe. will be going on indefinite hiatus effective August 1st, 2017,” they wrote. “We will play our remaining 2 shows in July (7/21 PlayStation Theater, 7/28 The Huckleberry Jam),...
Fender Unveils the Justin Meldal-Johnsen Road Worn Mustang Bass
Fender debuted five new signature models at the Summer NAMM show this year including one bass: the Justin Meldal-Johnsen Road Worn Mustang Bass. The session ace, who has worked with artists ranging from Beck to Nine Inch Nails, teamed up with the company to create an instrument based on his personal ’66 Daphne Blue Mustang Bass. The short-scale bass is...
Pablo Elorza Orchestra: Unsung Heroes
Pablo Elorza has always floored us with his playing. Here’s a great clip of his jazz orchestra performing “Unsung Heroes” from his solo album Jardín Japones. Elorza impresses on his six-string bass with a big tone while his band equally brings the fire on his composition.
Victor Wooten Announces New Album, Fall Tour
Get ready: Victor Wooten has announced he will be releasing a new solo album this fall. TRYPNOTYX will be available on September 5th and will be his first solo record since 2012. The bass guru will is joined by his latest trio featuring monster drummer Dennis Chambers and saxophonist Bob Franceschini. Guest artists will include vocalist Varijashree Venugopal and “voicetrumentalist”...
Bergantino Introduces the Forté Bass Amp
Bergantino has expanded their bass amp lineup with the Forté, which the company describes as “an incredibly flexible, state-of-the-art Bass Amplifier, delivering maximum performance in a compact package.” The unit is a close relation to their B|Amp and features the same analog preamp and power section with fewer options. It weighs in at just six pounds. The Forté is rated...
Kung Fu: Sfvendago
Kung Fu are rounding out 2017 with Ninja Cuts, a collection of singles that will be released through the end of the year. “Sfvendgao” is the first single in the series and a song that they say “captures the essence of Kung Fu; live & up close.” That essence of course includes the fresh bass lines by Chris DeAngelis. His...
Bass of the Week: Muckelroy Six-String Solo
This week we’re checking out a beautiful six-string Solo model bass built by luthier Brady Muckelroy. Its owner, Chris Taylor, shared the specs and photos of the gorgeous beast. “It plays like an absolute dream and the electronics allow for some amazing tone versatility,” he writes. The sleek design features neck through construction with a five-piece wenge, maple, and Ecuadorian...
Black Sabbath: Sweet Leaf (Geezer Butler’s Isolated Bass)
Today is bass legend Geezer Butler’s birthday, and we’re celebrating with a killer isolated bass track from one of my favorite Black Sabbath songs: “Sweet Leaf.” It’s the opening track from 1971 album, Master of Reality, and besides being a heavy song, it’s a great example of Butler’s style. He lays down the riffs with a huge, sludgy tone, accenting...
Yamaha Revamps BB Series Basses for 2017
Yamaha’s BB Bass series is growing this summer with nine new models that debuted at the Summer NAMM Show. The reworked basses, which range from entry-level to professional, will feature a smaller body among other upgrades. The new line starts with the four-string BB234 and five-string BB235. Each is built a solid alder body fitted with a custom V3 ceramic...
Warwick Unveils Limited Edition Teambuilt 35th Anniversary Basses
Each year, Warwick releases a special master-built, limited-edition model. This year they’re celebrating their 35th anniversary with a version of the Thumb NT, but they’ve also just announced a companion model in their Teambuilt series. The Warwick Teambuilt Pro Series Thumb BO LTD 2017 will come in four and five-string models limited to 100 units of each. The bass’s body...
Donovan Stokes: Upright Bass Cover of Cliff Burton’s “Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth)”
You may recognize Donovan Stokes from his No Treble column, The Lowdown With Dr. D, where he delivers tons of great insights for the double bass. What you may not know is that while he’s well versed in classical and jazz, he also has a background in heavy metal. Check out this unbelievable cover of legendary Metallica bassist Cliff Burton’s...
In Memoriam: David Zablidowsky
Sad news to report today: Adrenaline Mob bassist David Zablidowsky has died after the band’s touring RV was struck by a tractor trailer. He was 37 years old. The news was confirmed in part by Disturbed bassist John Moyer, who formerly played in Adrenaline Mob. “This talented, humble, sweet soul left us today way too soon,” he wrote on Facebook....