G&L Introduces MJ-4 Bass Guitar
G&L has introduced the MJ-4 Bass, a bass with a familiar feel that the company says is part of an evolution of bass features. The model sports a pair of G&L’s new Bi-Coil Alnico V pickups, which they say looks like a classic single-coil but actually contains two side-by-side coils configured in series-humbucking mode. The pickups are matched for a...
The Brothers Johnson: Stomp!
Today, we’re gonna throw it back with the 1980 music video for “Stomp!” by the Brothers Johnson. Bassist Louis Johnson is holding it down with a perfect grooving bass line. Dig it.
In Memoriam: Chuck Goff
Chuck Goff, who played bass with country music superstar Toby Keith, died this week after sustaining injuries from a car accident. He was 54. Carl “Chuck” Goff Jr. played for Keith for over 25 years as both a bass player and band leader. He also cowrote “You Ain’t Much Fun” and “Upstairs Downtown” from the 1994 album Boomtown. Keith shared...
Marcus Miller and Alex Han vs. Joe’s “Claptrap”, Live on Rai Radio
Here’s an outstanding video of Marcus Miller and saxophonist Alex Han going to town on a beat given to them by a DJ on Italy’s Rai Radio. Miller shared the story on his Facebook page recently while in the studio. “Been in the studio with Alex Han for the past couple weeks working on his album,” Miller said. “Here’s some...
Primus Gears Up For Spring 2013 3D Tour
A week after announcing a tour with his Duo De Twang, Les Claypool and Primus are gearing up for a new leg of their 3D Tour. The concert experience has audience members wear 3D glasses to enjoy a “one-of-a-kind psychedelic experience.” Performances also feature Quad Surround Sound, as well. The trek kicks off in Eureka, California on MAy 10th with...
Bass of the Week: Line 6 Variax Bass 700
This week we take a look at the Line 6 Variax Bass 700, an interesting bass that was produced during the 2000’s. It included special modeling software to reproduce tons of classic bass sounds, ranging from a ’61 Jazz Bass to a ’03 Thumb to bass synths. The Variax used piezo bridge saddles to capture each string’s vibrations, then signals...
Bass Dynasty: An Interview with James Jamerson, Jr.
It’s not easy to fill the shoes of a man regarded as one of the most influential pioneers of the electric bass, but it’s something that comes naturally to James Jamerson, Jr. After all, his father – who subsequently changed the face of popular music – was the one who taught him to play. He practically grew up in the...
Rinat Ibragimov: Vanhal Double Bass Concerto in D Major
Here’s a great video of Rinat Ibragimov playing Vanhal’s Concerto for Double Bass. Ibragimov, who is principal bassist for the London Symphony Orchestra, tackles the piece with incredible finesse and agility. The video description shares the background for this piece: “This popular piece of double bass repertoire is commonly called for in auditions, and here Rinat demonstrates its performance using...
Trent Reznor Reinvents Nine Inch Nails, Promises Touring
Trent Reznor has announced the return of Nine Inch Nails after a four year hiatus with the promise of extensive touring for the next two years. The band’s revival includes an interesting lineup, including former Jane’s Addiction bassist Eric Avery and King Crimson guitarist Adrian Belew. “I was working with Adrian Belew on some musical ideas, which led to some...
Pigtronix Introduces Three New Bass Effects Pedals
Pigtronix debuted three new bass-centric effects pedals at NAMM this year: the Bass Fat Drive, the Philosopher Bass Compressor, and the Bass Envelope Phaser. Each is a tweaked version of one their existing products that have been fine-tuned for bassists. Bass Fat Drive The Bass Fat Drive features Pigtronix’s CMOS clipping concept and responds by breaking up based on how...
Rybski Introduces Sean O’Bryan Smith Signature Basses
Rybski Custom Bass Guitars has introduced the Sean O’Bryan Smith Signature Bass. Currently available in Deluxe and Standard versions, the Nashville bassist’s new bass brings together classic elements of a traditional P/J bass with modern craftsmanship and a 21-fret J-profile neck. “Sean’s career incorporates a successful solo career and also a highly successful recording career with artists worldwide,” a press...
Adam Duce Splits from Machine Head
Bassist Adam Duce has left the ranks of Machine Head, according to a statement on the band’s website. Though he’s hinted at thinking of leaving before, the news comes as a surprise considering Duce founded the band with guitarist/vocalist Robb Flynn in 1991. The group released seven albums with over 2.4 million copies sold during his tenure. “Machine Head and...