Höfner Introduces H64/VB-R Tweed-Style Violin Bass Case
Höfner has debuted the H64/VB-R hardshell case for their Violin Basses. The new tweed-style case takes the place of the previous black vintage case and will be included with each German built violin bass. It will also be available separately. The H64/VB-R is inspired by the Selmer Tweed Style cases that were supplied in the ’60s. Features include classic case...
Steve Swallow Quintet Releases “Into the Woodwork”
Steve Swallow has released Into the Woodwork, a new, multi-textured collection of twelve of the bassist’s original tunes. The album features a revised lineup of Swallow’s quintet with longtime collaborator Carla Bley on organ, Chris Cheek on saxophone, Steve Cardenas on guitar, and Jorge Rossy on drums. “This album is very much about what this cast of characters provoked in...
Bass of the Week: AC Guitars Recurve Classic 6
Scottish luthier Alan Cringean makes some fine instruments, and this AC Guitars Recurve Classic 6 is a beautiful example. Topped with a stunning Tasmanian Myrtle Burl, the 6-string bass as much a piece of art as it is a workhorse instrument. Equally stunning to the bass’s top is its back, which shows off the natural wood grain of its swamp...
Spector Announces Chris Kael CK-4 Signature Bass Guitar
Five Finger Death Punch’s Chris Kael will have a new signature series bass with Spector, which is set to be released this fall. The Spector Chris Kael CK-4 Signature Model Bass Guitar is part of the company’s Korean Professional Series and features neck-thru construction with a Rex body shape. Available in matte black or matte white, the CK-4 is built...
Oscar Pettiford’s “Lost Tapes” Released
By the 1950s, Oscar Pettiford had already made a name for himself as a force in the bebop movement and was working as a bandleader. But when the bass legend first arrived in Germany in 1958, he was lauded even more than he could believe. His signature style and use of bass as a solo instrument was extremely popular with...
Carvin Unveils PB4 and PB5 Basses
New for summer 2013, Carvin has added to their bolt-on basses with the PB4 and PB5 Classic Bolt-Neck Basses. The new designs take cues from a classic design while adding a few of Carvin’s own touches, like Carvin’s locking bass bridge, a sculpted neck heel, and newly designed pickup. Specifically, the passive SCP split coil P-type humbucking pickup utilizes a...
Mogami Cable Introduces Gold Series Instrument Silent Series
Mogami Cable announced the Gold Instrument Silent Series of cables at Summer NAMM in Nashville. Offered in straight and 90° angle plugs, the line of cables feature Neutrik Silent Plugs that allow for hot-swapping instruments without causing a pop in the signal. The plugs have an internal switch that automatically silences the cable when unplugged. Cable features include an oxygen-free...
Toto, Featuring Nathan East, Announces First Full North American Tour in A Decade
Toto has announced their first full North American tour in almost a decade as part of a worldwide trek in celebration of the band’s 35th anniversary. Kicking off July 26th in Belleville, Ontario, the veteran rockers will skip across Canada and the United States before wrapping up on September 14th in Chandler, Arizona. The band’s current lineup includes Steve “Luke”...
Pigtronix Introduces Gatekeeper Noise Gate Pedal
Pigtronix has introduced the Gatekeeper, a new noise gate pedal that utilizes J-FET circuitry to eliminate unwanted sounds from your signal path. The pedal is built for simplicity with a Threshold knob and a Release knob to dial in the gate’s settings. Pigtronix states the threshold control offers a wide range combined with superior headroom to offer smooth transient response,...
Esperanza Spalding: Precious, Live at Amoeba
My friend Dos was the first person to introduce me to the music of Esperanza Spalding, and this was the first tune that made me realize her genius. Taken from her 2008 release, Esperanza, “Precious” is a gorgeous groove that is a perfect blend of jazz and R&B. The bass line is infectious – and fun to play – and...
Headway Music Audio Announces EDB-2 and EDM-1 Preamps
Headway Music Audio has expanded their range of acoustic preamps with the EDB-2 and EDM-1, a pair of preamps that will replace the company’s flagship EDB-1 EQ Direct Blend Preamp. Both of the new preamps are designed for acoustic instruments, including upright bass and acoustic bass guitar, and are housed in a metal chassis with belt clips, rubber feet, and...
Payson Introduces Fanned Nickel Steel Medium Light Bass Strings
Payson has introduced a new Medium Light gauge set to their fanned nickel steel bass strings. As with the rest of the series, the Payson Fanned Nickel Steel Medium Light Bass Strings are designed specifically for Dingwall basses, or any other boutique builders using fanned multi-scale lengths from 34 to 37 inches. The set’s gauges are .130T, .100T, .078T, .058,...