Bass of the Week: Luthman Basses Lady M 10th Anniversary I
France’s Luthman Basses celebrated their 10th anniversary in December 2015 with a special version of their Lady M model, and now it’s our bass of the week. The company went all out on the bass with a highly figured burl camphor top with a “wave opening” over a flamed maple body, all finished in a maxi high gloss. Its seven-piece...
Erlend Caspersen: Abhorrent’s “A Lightness of Mind” Playthrough
It’s time to get your face melted by Erlend Caspersen again. This time the monster bassist shows you how it’s done on the Abhorrent track “A Lightness of Mind”, which features unrelenting riffs and some satisfyingly dissonant bass chords. For those brave enough to attempt it, Caspersen has supplied the tabs on Dropbox. Fasten your seatbelts.
Sonoma Wire Works Introduces Two New Audio Interfaces
Sonoma Wire Works has unveiled the GuitarJack Stage and StudioJack Mini, a pair of audio interfaces compatible on Mac, PC, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Android systems. Each model features dual in and out jacks with 24-bit/48kHz AD/DA converters. Their mono Hi-Z 1/4-inch inputs are suitable for bass or guitar, while a second stereo mic/line 1/4-inch input is aimed at...
In Memoriam: Remembering the Bassists We Lost in 2015
As we reflect on the musical highs of 2015, let us not forget those bassists we lost. Our community lost some of its brightest stars this year, but their musical legacies will never go away. Join us as we take a moment to remember the lives and legacies of the bass players we lost this year. Tim Drummond (January 10,...
Crowdfunding Campaign Created for Slain Bassist Anthony Tolson
A fundraising campaign has been set up for the family of Detroit bassist Anthony Tolson, who was murdered on Christmas Eve on his way to see his children for the holiday. Tolson, who toured with artists like Ne-Yo and Young Jeezy, had finished playing for a church service when he was killed in a carjacking. He was 33 years old....
Genzler Amplification Announces Magellan 800 Bass Amp
After launching its initial product line earlier this year, Genzler Amplification has unveiled their first amp. The Magellan 800 is an 800-watt that features clean and drive channels for gig versatility. The front of the amp has Mute and Pad switches with separate volume controls for each channel. Its 3-band EQ includes a parametric mid control, and larger sculpting can...
Talking Heads: Take Me To The River, Live 1980
I recently came across a great full-length concert video of the Talking Heads, and it got me moving. Taken from their November 1980 performance at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic, New Jersey, the band is in rare form with Tina Weymouth sharing bass duties with Busta “Cherry” Jones. Other members of the touring band include soon-to-be King Crimson member Adrian...
In Memoriam: Lemmy Kilmister
It’s another tough day in the bass world. Rock icon and bass legend Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister, who fronted Motörhead since 1975, has died at the age of 70. The news was confirmed by the band’s Facebook page. “There is no easy way to say this,” the statement read. “Our mighty, noble friend Lemmy passed away today after a short battle...
Bass of the Week: Ploughman Guitars Fanned Fret Bass
This week we’re checking out a fanned fret design by Ploughman Guitars in Serbia. Luthier Radovan Jovicic built the bass with a multi-scale ranging from 33 inches to 35 inches. It’s built with neck-through construction featuring a maple and mahogany neck and wenge fingerboard with mahogany binding. The body wings are a sandwich of mahogany, white ash, and heat treated...
Tower of Power to Celebrate 48th Anniversary with Tour
It may seem hard to believe, but 2016 will mark 48 years since the formation of Tower of Power. The influential group has released 18 studio albums, seven live albums, six compilations, three DVDs, and have toured the world with thousands of shows. To celebrate the band’s longevity, they’ll be bringing their unique blend of soul, funk, jazz and rock...
Steve Bailey and Friends: Jingle Bells
Steve Bailey has sent out his annual audio Christmas greeting, and this year’s is the biggest yet. As head of the Berklee Bass Department, Bailey brings in featured artists during their visits to the college to make special bass arrangements of holiday carols. This year has Bailey, Sandro Scoccia, Leland Sklar, John Patitucci, Victor Wooten, David Ellefson, Gary Willis, and...
In Memoriam: Terry Horbury
Vardis bassist Terry Horbury has passed away after a battle with cancer. He was 65 years old. The band announced his death on their Facebook page. “Many of his generation had their lives changed by music in the 1960s,” the statement read, “but Terry’s first Cream gig in ’67 started him down a path which encompassed 50 years and 60...