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....
Modulus Graphite Unveils the Funk Unlimited RevOLite Bass
Modulus Graphite has expanded on their Funk Unlimited model with the RevOLite version. Designed by master builder Joe Perman, the Funk Unlimited RevOLite carries the same shape with advanced carbon fiber reinforced construction that increases rigidity and reducing weight. The bass weighs in at just 6.5 pounds. The RevOLite’s body is built with carbon fiber-reinforced alder, ash, or basswood while...
KHDK Electronics Unveils the Abyss Bass Overdrive Pedal
Kirk Hammett’s KHDK Electronics has introduced the Abyss Bass Overdrive, a pedal they describe as versatile for ultimate control over your tone. “It provides a warm, tube-like boost and a subtle crunchy overdrive which is perfect for rhythm playing,” they write. “For a more powerful rhythm or soloing, the “hi” setting adds saturation, sustain, low end and compression.” The secret...
Warwick Updates Rockboard RBO LT XL Power Supply
Warwick’s W-Music Distribution has updated the RockBoard Power LT XL power supply for 2017. The mobile unit is fitted with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to supply effects pedals for up to 50 hours with hum-free 9V DC current. It has two 9V DC outputs as well as a USB output for charging smartphones. It can be turned on and off with...
HAVOK: Intention To Deceive
Nick Schendzielos is one of my favorite metal players. His innovative style never fails to get me headbanging. A great example of that is this video from his band Havok for the song “Intention to Deceive”. The bassist rips it up, alternating between laying on the groove and adding tasty fills. Havok will be on tour with Darkest Hour for...
Bass of the Week: Rikkers Guitars Treeline
This week we’re checking out a unique instrument made by Rikkers Guitars. Made in the Netherlands, the Treeline is a lightweight single-cut design derived from their Powerline model. “The Treeline is a tribute to wood as a natural product. No trees no life – let alone custom basses,” Rikkers writes. “The single-cut construction allows for optimal energetic transmission of the...
New York Gypsy All Stars: Cloud Nine
I love genre-bending music, and the New York Gypsy All Stars are kings of blending styles from around the world. It also helps that Panagiotis Andreou is a monster bass player. Besides an unshakeable groove, Andreou has a way of finding some of the nastiest effects to propel a song. Here’s a live clip of the band playing “Cloud Nine”...