Mission Engineering Introduces VM-PRO Volume Pedal
Mission Engineering has added a new volume pedal to their line up with the introduction of the VM-PRO. The pedal offers up an integrated buffer to maintain frequency response whether you’re using long cables or multiple effects pedals. The VM-PRO is available in standard and PZ versions to accommodate for standard pickups or piezos. The device takes different instrument levels...
Audix Releases Cabi5 and Cabf5 Microphone Mounting Kits
Audix has introduced the Cabi5 and Cabf5, a pair of kits that bundle their i5 or f5 microphones with their CabGrabber microphone mounting systems. The CabGrabber mounting system is a spring-loaded mic support that grips onto bass or guitar cabinets for easy mounting. The system mounts without the use of tools and has a curved arm with a locking choke...
Fender Custom Shop Introduces Limited Relic 1955 Precision Bass
The Fender Custom Shop has rolled out its Spring 2013 offerings, including the Limited Relic 1955 Precision Bass. Mimicking the look of an aged bass, the new model is the Custom Shop’s first to feature a special Black over Three-color Sunburst nitrocellulose lacquer finish. The bass is created by Fender’s master builders with a lightweight ash body and a quartersawn...
Pinnick Gales Pridgen: Collateral Damage
Earlier this year, the badass power rock trio of dUg Pinnick, Eric Gales, and Thomas Pridgen teamed up and released their self-titled debut album. Now they have a music video for “Collateral Damage,” which is underpinned by Pinnick’s ballsy bass tone. Dig it.
Andrew Seward Leaves Against Me!
Bassist Andrew Seward has parted ways with Against Me!, according to a post on the band’s website. Comments from each of the bandmembers suggests that there’s no love lost between the three of them. “No drama here,” Seward wrote. “I reached a point where I need to focus on other things. Respect to [vocalist Laura Jane Grace] and [guitarist James...
Dean Introduces USA Jeff Berlin Basic Bass
Dean Guitars has released a new bass to their Signature Series with the USA Jeff Berlin Basic. Made in the USA, the new model scales things back from the Patchwork bass while keeping the design’s strengths in place. The Jeff Berlin Basic features bolt-on construction with an alder body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fingerboard. It’s fitted with a...
Josh “Bass Mountain” Townsend: For My Father
Josh “Bass Mountain” Townsend sent in this very personal performance of his original song, “For My Father.” He wrote the song without understanding what it was about until his father passed away. “I always knew that it was a special song, but I could never figure out why,” Townsend wrote. “I could never pick a name for it, and I...
Deep Purple Releases “NOW What?!”
It’s been forty-five years since Deep Purple released their debut album, Shades of Deep Purple. In that time, the group has gone through numerous lineups and countless trials and tribulations. After it all they’re ready for more with their 19th studio album, NOW What?!, an 11-track effort of brand new material. The band’s current lineup includes three classic lineup members...
Bass of the Week: Christopher Woods Guitars Wizard Bass
This week we check out the Wizard by Christopher Woods Guitars. Woods, who got his start working for Michael Tobias, started building under his own name in 2000 under the CWG banner and does work on a custom basis. The Wizard is a striking design with long, symmetrical horns and a round bottom that comes to a point just above...
ESP Introduces Tommy Stinson Signature Basses
Guns N’ Roses bassist Tommy Stinson has a new line of signature basses from ESP as part of their Artist Series instruments. While the basses share many qualities, the ESP Tommy Stinson Bass is built in the company’s custom shop while the TS-4 runs as part of their LTD lineup. Both basses sport a set of active EMG pickups in...
Dave Matthews Band Announces Massive Summer 2013 Tour
Dave Matthews Band has announced a Summer 2013 tour, set to kick off May 17th at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, Texas. The tour, which spans five months, will feature support from Snoop Dogg, Gogol Bordello, Mariachi El Bronx, and more. The band, anchored by bassist Stefan Lessard, dropped their latest album, Away from the World in...
Tom Hamilton Breaks From Aerosmith Tour Due to Illness
Aerosmith’s Tom Hamilton has left the band’s current tour due to illness, Yahoo reports. The bassist got a chest infection and has flown home to recuperate while the veteran rockers carry on with David Hull in his place. Hull, who previously sat in for Hamilton in 2006 while he was recovering from throat cancer, is expected to finish out the...