Tech 21 Introduces VT Bass 500 Bass Amp Head
Tech 21 has unveiled the VT Bass 500, a bass amp head that marries their all-analog SansAmp preamp with a 500-watt Class D power amplifier. The amp, which is adapted from the SansAmp Character Series, weighs in at 6.5 pounds. A key point to the amp’s circuitry is its Character control that alters the overall tone of the unit from...
Steve Harris and British Lion: Eyes of the Young, Live
Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris is getting ready to take his solo project British Lion out on the road for a month-long tour of the UK. For a teaser of what’s to come, the bass legend posted this live clip of “Eyes of the Young” from his 2012 album. Harris brings his signature snarling tone and driving bass lines to...
Truetone Unveils 1 Spot Pro Power Supplies
Truetone has expanded their 1 Spot series of power supplies with the 1 Spot Pro line including the CS7 and CS12 models. Each of the new power bricks offer a variety of voltages with seven and twelve isolated outputs, respectively. The 1 Spot Pro CS7 features three voltage options – 9Vdc, 12VDC, and 18VDC – for use with most effect...
The Stanley Clarke Band: No Mystery, Live
Today we’re celebrating the great Stanley Clarke’s birthday with a killer clip of his band live at Bimhuis in Amsterdam. The jazz legend and crew tackle the Return to Forever song “No Mystery”, which Clarke also released on his band’s 2010 self-titled album. Clarke pulls out all the stops with his signature bass lines, arco work, and a jaw-dropping percussive...
Bass of the Week: Rob Allen Deep 4/5
Bass builder Rob Allen has a way with creating clean designs that are very playable pieces of art. Our bass of the week is the luthier’s Deep model, a semi-hollow body bass available in four and five-string models that features a classic f-hole. “The body starts out with 3″ thick alder stock and is surfaced down to 2 1/8″, and...
TC Electronic Expands PolyTune Series Tuners
TC Electronic’s PolyTune series is getting two new models added to the lineup with the PolyTune Clip and PolyTune 2 Blacklight. Both tuners support both guitar and bass tuning with polyphonic and chromatic modes. The PolyTune Clip clips onto the headstock of your bass and automatically switches between polyphonic and chromatic tuning modes. Its display adapts to flip the display...
In Memoriam: Chris Squire
Bass legend Chris Squire, who stood at the helm of progressive rock in Yes since 1968, has died of cancer. He was 67 years old. Yes released a statement on their Facebook page announcing the news. “It’s with the heaviest of hearts and unbearable sadness that we must inform you of the passing of our dear friend and Yes co-founder,...
The Electric Flag: Over Lovin’ You, Live 1967
I love discovering older bands that I missed, and The Electric Flag is definitely one of them. The short-lived band fused blues, rock, and soul for an upbeat sound. Electric Flag was anchored by bass great Harvey Brooks, who also worked with Bob Dylan, The Doors, and Miles Davis. His active bass line drives the energy alongside a young Buddy...
Motörhead Announces North American Tour Dates
Lemmy Kilmister and Motörhead are headed back out on the road. The band has announced a North American tour for August and September that will span from California to New York with several stops in between. The string of dates kicks off August 19th in Riverside, California with Saxon and Crobot in support. Motörhead will also be playing Riot Fest...
Olivier Babaz: Bass & Kalimba Cover of “Stairway to Heaven”
Olivier Babaz has a specialty in performing double bass, kalimba, and shaker simultaneously to create a unique and beautiful texture. His latest video takes on the iconic Led Zeppelin song “Stairway to Heaven,” and it has to be seen to believed. Babaz starts the melody on the kalimba before switching to focus on bass during the breakdown, while his footshaker...
Petros Klampanis: Blue Cave
Here’s another great example of how versatile the double bass is as an instrument. Greek bassist Petros Klampanis paints a vivid picture with his bass on “Blue Cave,” a song inspired by an area on his home island of Zakynthos. Utilizing looping and effects, Klampanis builds a haunting and beautiful backdrop to build a melody and solo over. You can...
SolidGoldFX Introduces Sasori Fuzz Pedal
SolidGoldFX has released the Sasori Fuzz, a pedal they describe as “brimming with rich brassy overtones and a unique buzz saw grind.” The pedal, which takes its name for the Japanese word for scorpion, is designed for both bass and guitar. The Sasori is set up with Fuzz, Level, and Tone controls to dial in the effect. Besides its biting...