ESP Unveils LTD Elite Basses
ESP has introduced a new line in their products called the LTD Elite series, which splits the difference price and quality between ESP’s high-end instruments and their more affordable LTD line. The new line is built in Japan and are based on the company’s most popular ESP models, including two basses: the J-4 and J-5. Four and five-string models perspectively,...
Johan Hansén-Larson: Joy Spring
Sometimes some really great musical moments can come out of just jamming along to a backing track. Here’s Johan Hansén-Larson having some fun with an Aebersold recording of the classic Clifford Brown tune “Joy Spring.”
Orange Amplification Announces DIVO VT1000 Valve Tester
Orange Amplification has released the DIVO VT1000 Valve Tester, an automatic tube tester that performs a host of diagnostics on both preamp and power amp tubes. The unit has one octal and two nine pin valve sockets to fit different types of tubes. Once inserted, the user presses the start button and the tests are run. The Orange DIVO VT1000...
Olivier Babaz Releases “Midnight Cafeine”
Bassist Olivier Babaz has released his first trio album entitled Midnight Cafeine. Featuring pianist Sylvain Ransy and drummer Mark Nelson, the 10-track effort includes lots of creative interplay between the musicians. Babaz, who composed all the songs on Midnight Cafeine, utilizes both upright and electric basses throughout the album to create unique textures in the soundscape. “[My] electric bass playing...
Ampeg Introduces PF-800 Bass Amp
Ampeg has expanded their Portaflex Series with the PF-800. At 800-watts the bass head is the strongest in the line while only weighing 11.8 pounds. Similar to the rest of the line, its compact design allows it to be stowed inside the Portaflex PF flip-top cabinets. Features on the new amp include classic hi/lo boosts, a 3-band EQ with a...
James LoMenzo and Mike Portnoy: Led Zep NAMM Jam
James LoMenzo teamed up with drummer Mike Portnoy during the Bonzo Bash NAMM Jam, which celebrates the life and work of the late John Bonham. The duo jammed out “How Many More Times” from Led Zeppelin’s self-titled album, locking in perfectly to the groove.
String Harmonies Releases “Trinity”
String Harmonies has released their latest effort, Trinity. The string trio, which consists of Vik Momjian on six-string bass, Antranik Kzirian on Oud and Yervand Kalajian on violin, weave a beautiful mix of modern and traditional Armenian music that soothes and excites. Momjian’s bass serves as a solid foundation with a fat, gorgeous tone. Throwing in chordal work from time...
Aguilar Announces Two New Soapbar Pickup Series
Aguilar has introduced the Super Singles and the DCB pickups, two new pickup series for bass. Both types of pickups are wound in the company’s New York City factory and will be available in a variety of 4-, 5-, and 6-string standard soapbar sizes. The Super Singles offer a single coil sound in a soapbar size, Aguilar says, going on...
Schecter Introduces Nikki Sixx Signature Bass
Schecter and Nikki Sixx have teamed up to release the “Schecter Sixx” Bass, a 4-string signature model for the Motley Crue bassist. Sixx, who also is an accomplished author and radio show host, collaborated with the company to create the instrument. “It was an exciting and creative process to work with Schecter on the new Schecter Sixx Signature Series Bass,”...
La Bella Strings Introduces 760T White Nylon Tape Wound Bass Set
La Bella Strings has introduced the 760T White Nylon Tape Wound Set of bass strings. The new strings differ from their 760N counterparts by being made with a transparent nylon wrapped over stainless steal underlays. La Bella notes that the White Nylon set offers a brighter sound and smoother finish for easier gliding between notes. The 760T set can be...
Kala Unveils Rumbler U-Bass
Kala is unveiling a new U-Bass at this year’s Winter NAMM show called the Rumbler. The new ukulele-sized bass offers new custom engineered electronics and proprietary strings. The Rumbler’s electronics include a piezo pickup matched with an active EQ and built-in tuner. Its strings are Kala Silver Rumbler Strings, which are made with a special Nylgut compound with calcium carbonate...
Vinniescream: Bass Playalong of A Wilhelm Scream’s “The Horse”
Our friend Ben Blumgart sent this one in, noting that we could cover more punk videos. The clip is a playalong of the bass line to A Wilhelm Scream’s “The Horse” played by Vini of the Brazilian band Fall Over, who goes by Vinniescream on YouTube. Vini absolutely nails the high energy tune and makes the overdriven tapping sections look...