The Bassmonsters: Live in Prague
The 2016 BASSEUROPE convention just wrapped up, and it was quite a week of bass goodness. Held in Prague, the event included tons of double bass performances and clinics. Here’s a clip of The Bassmonsters performing during the convention. The song is the group’s theme song, written by the talented bassist and composer Simón Garcia. This lineup of the Bassmonsters...
Bass of the Week: J Ferro Basses Escalon
This week we’re checking out the J Ferro Escalon bass. The model is part of a new series created by industry veteran Jose Ferro, who spent 17 years as Executive Vice President of ESP Guitars. Available in four- and five-string versions, the Escalon features neck-through construction with a five-piece maple and mahogany neck matched to mahogany body wings. Its top...
Darkglass Electronics Launches Microtubes 900 Bass Amp
After showing a prototype at the NAMM Show this year, Darkglass Electronics is now shipping their first bass amplifier. The Microtubes 900 offers several upgrades from the prototype including extra power and an intuitive footswitch. Its design includes an all-analog preamplifier matched to a Class D Power module that dishes out 900 watts. Darkglass explains that the amp has an...
Fender Introduces T-Bucket 300E Bass
Fender has revamped their T-Bucket series for 2016, including the introduction of the 300E Bass. The medium-scale, acoustic-electric bass is fitted with a Fishman Isys III pickup system. It comes complete with an active preamp and built-in tuner as well as volume and tone controls. The T-Bucket 300E Bass is constructed with mahogany back and sides with a figured maple...
Cliff Williams Officially Retires from AC/DC
After announcing it earlier this year, Cliff Williams has officially retired from AC/DC after a nearly 40 year run. The bassist joined the band in 1977, just two years after their debut album, and played on every subsequent release. “I’m just ready to get off the road,” Williams stated in a video interview. “[I need] family time now and just...
Peter Hook and the Light Embark on North American “Substance” Tour
Peter Hook and the Light are returning to North America this Fall to perform the works of Joy Division and New Order. The trek will have the bassist revisit his former bands by performing Joy Division and New Order’s compilation albums Substance live, sequentially and in their entireties. “Released in August 1987, New Order’s Substance was originally conceived as a...
Jens Ritter Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Coffee Table Book
This year marks the twentieth anniversary of Jens Ritter Instruments, and the bass maker is celebrating with a commemorative book of his work. “I started my career as an instrument maker in 1996. Now in September 2016 I am celebrating my 20th anniversary with a coffee table book with pictures of my favorite instruments from the last 20 years,” Ritter...
Alex Bershadsky, Oz Noy, Nathaniel Townsley & Kama Kamila: POP-001
Alex Bershadsky has teased his upcoming album with a new video for the song, “POP-001”. Besides the bassist’s incredible strumming and slap playing, the tune features heavyweight musicians with guitarist Oz Noy, drummer Nathaniel Townsley, and vocalist Kama Kamila. If this is any indicator of its direction, we’re really looking forward to the new album!
Ibanez Unveils Limited Edition SR Premium Bass
Ibanez is making a special run of heir SR Premium bass for 2016. The SR5SMLTD Premium is a five-string model that will sport a spalted maple top, birdseye maple fingerboard, and birdseye maple pickup covers to exude what the company calls a rare exotic charm. As a member of the Premium line, the bass carries several other upgrades from standard...
Bass of the Week: Pachyderm Basses Blonde Bass
Les Claypool has always played distinct basses, and this week we’re checking out one of those basses he helped design: The Pachyderm Basses Blonde Bass. Claypool worked with luthier and longtime friend Dan Maloney to form the company and create his idea of the ultimate bass. “My idea was to incorporate the traits of the instruments I have loved over...
Storksky & Fortheloveofbass: Fracas Maracas
Ivo Schot, aka Fortheloveofbass, is back again with a new collaboration. In his fourth bass and vocal song, he teams up with the Dutch artist Storksky for a version of the song “Fracas Maracas.” “[It’s] a rock tune with a lot of grit,” Schot shares. “The song features a 1956 Danelectro Longhorn bass, which is the oldest bass I’ve ever...
Cort Announces AB850F Acoustic Bass Guitar
Cort Guitars has expanded their bass lineup with the AB850F, an acoustic bass guitar featuring a full-size, jumbo body that the company says produces plenty of volume. The bass, which comes in natural and black finishes, is constructed with a dovetail neck joint and venetian cutaway for better access to the upper register. Its body back and sides are mahogany...