Spector Introduces NS-2 CT-B Carved Top Bass
Stuart Spector was showing off his latest creation at NAMM this year with the Spector NS-2 CT-B, a carved top take on the company’s flagship NS-2 model. Handbuilt in Spector’s U.S. workshop, the bass features a chambered alder body with a redwood top that’s carved on both the inside and outside surfaces. The top also fits their Helium series and...
DR Strings Introduces Pure Blues Bass Strings
DR Strings has introduced a new set of bass strings called Pure Blues. The strings utilize a Quantum-Nickel wrap, which the company describes as combining the best characteristics of steel with a nickel feel. “Pure Blues bass strings combine a fat, warm punch with an edge especially designed for the modern bassist,” DR writes. “Pure Blues strings provide more output,...
Mark Michell: Scale The Summit’s “The Dark Horse” Playthrough
Here’s another great metal playthrough by Scale the Summit’s Mark Michell. The bassist tears through “The Dark Horse” from the band’s album The Migration at EMG Pickups TV studios. The song’s creative rhythmic variations tied with Michell’s tone make for a great bass part. Be sure to check out the bass break at the 3:48 mark.
Consider the Source: An Interview with John Ferrara
As we become more connected, a deeper mixing of culture and ideas is creating some innovative music. One example is Consider the Source, and a style they call “Sci-Fi Middle Eastern Fusion”. Check out our interview with bassist John Ferrara, who talks about that and more
Monster Truck: Sweet Mountain River & Old Train, Live
I’m not sure how I got onto this band, but I’m glad I did. Monster Truck is a gritty rock band informed by classic ’70s metal riffage. While the group is based out of Ontario, there’s a certain southern rock groove to it, too. The band is fronted by bassist Jon Harvey, who unleashes some solid grooves while handling lead...
Eden Amplification Launches the World Tour Pro Series
Eden has announced the World Tour Pro Series, consisting of the WTP900, the WTP600, and the WTPPRE. Eden calls the series their new flagship line and steps things up from their existing World Tour amps. Each of the models is loaded with the same features but differ in the power sections. The WTP900 is rated at 900 watts with stereo...
Josh Cohen: Solo Bass Arrangement of “Chameleon”
Here is a video that will freak you out musically and visually. Josh Cohen created a beautiful, funky arrangement of Herbie Hancock’s “Chameleon,” and decided to do something a little different for the video. The bassist is clad in an all white suit and moves erratically to emphasize parts of the song. While the visual dynamic may be bizarre, the...
ESP Guitars Introduces Bunny Brunel Signature Basses
Fusion bassist Bunny Brunel teamed up with ESP Guitars to unveil a new signature line at the 2015 Winter NAMM Show. The basses comes in two models: the BB-1004/QM, which is a four-string with a See-Thru Black Sunburst, and the BB-1005FL/QM, a fretless five-string with a Burnt Orange finish. Both editions carry many of the same features, including an alder...
Rinat Ibragimov: Bach Cello Suite No. 3, 5. Bourrée
Bach may have written suites for cello, but they sound just as fantastic on the bass. In fact, this third suite is often used as solo material for classical bassists. Here’s the London Symphony Orchestra’s principal bassist Rinat Ibragimov performing the fifth movement of Bach’s Cello Suite No. 3. His mastery of the instrument is obvious as he plays the...
The Levin Brothers Announce Tour Dates
After releasing their first ever album together last year, Pete and Tony Levin have announced twelve date tour of the Northeastern United States. The musical brothers duo will kick things off in Rosendale, New York at the Rosendale Cafe on March 14th before covering most of New York state with stops in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. The group’s classic cool...
Bass of the Week: Rikkers Guitars Hollowline
Based on the the company’s Powerline model, the Rikkers Guitars Hollowline is distinguished by a chambered body that makes all the difference. “Not only do [the chambers] reduce weight significantly, they also make for a remarkably resonant and transparent tonal character,” Rikkers shares on their website. Each bass is custom built to order with a plethora of options. Rikkers prefers...
Nordstrand Introduces Alnico III Series Bass Pickups
Nordstrand Pickups has launched the Alnico III series of bass pickups. After introducing an Alnico III Tele pickup set, the company realized the alloy works well for bass. “[Alnico III] gives it a slightly more mellow sound,” Stewart McKinsey told us at the NAMM show. “It doesn’t have quite as much crunch to it, but it really fills out the...