Led Zeppelin Releases “Celebration Day”
On December 10, 2007, the surviving members of Led Zeppelin reunited for the first time since in 27 years. The concert, which served as a memoriam to friend and Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun, is now available as a DVD/CD set called Celebration Day. The band’s lineup features its surviving members – singer Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, and bassist...
Electro-Harmonix Announces Deluxe Bass Big Muff Pi
Electro-Harmonix has unveiled their latest bass specific pedal with the Deluxe Bass Big Muff Pi. Building on its predecessor, the Deluxe has the same Volume, Tone, and Sustain controls, but adds a -10dB input pad, a Blend knob and a noise gate. Another new feature is a foot-switchable crossover section that’s split into two parts: a low pass filter on...
Stefan Hergenröder & Claus Hessler: Löewenzahn
If you’re searching for a little inspiration for your delay pedal, look no further. This video of bassist Stefan Hergenröder and drummer Claus Hessler has got you covered. The footage here is taken from the recording of the track “Löewenzahn” from Hergenröder’s upcoming album, and yes, that’s how he plays it live. The bassist uses a single delay to create...
Jason Newsted Launches New Online Presence to Connect with Fans
Jason Newsted is ready to reconnect with his fans, as evidenced by a new official web presence, including his own website and social media outlets. The former Metallica bassist announced the news with a YouTube video. After leaving Metallica in 2001, Newsted worked on albums with Voivod, Papa Wheelie, and Rock Star Supernova, though news of his work became more...
Eric Clapton Announces 2013 Tour Featuring Willie Weeks
Eric Clapton will be hitting the road in 2013 for a U.S. tour, set to kick off March 14th at in Phoenix, Arizona and culminating in the 2013 Crossroads Guitar Festival at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. The guitar legend has once again enlisted bassist Willie Weeks to lay down the groove for his band. Weeks, who has worked...
Jeff Bradetich: Bach Cello Suite No. 1, I. Prelude
The Bach Cello Suite is one of the most beautiful pieces ever written, and thankfully it translates pretty well to bass. Here’s the first movement of the first suite performed by master bassist Jeff Bradetich. The clip is taken from his DVD of the entire first suite.
Notion Music Introduces Progression 2.0 Composition Software
Notion Music has released Progression 2.0, the latest version of their composition software for bass, guitar and drums. New features include a more intuitive interface, desktop/iPad compatibility, and real instrument sounds for playback including bass samples by Victor Wooten. Other real samples are provided by guitarist Neil Zaza and drummer Roy “Futureman” Wooten. Progression 2.0’s ability to work on multiple...
PocketLabworks Introduces NeoBuds Noise-Isolating Earbud Headphones
PocketLabworks is now offering NeoBuds, a set of noise-isolating in-ear headphones aimed at musicians. The new earbuds feature nedodymium drivers, which the company says offers pro audio sound and super bass performance. NeoBuds offer a 4-foot cable ended with a standard 3.5mm stereo plug for connecting to smartphones, tablets, MP3 players, and more. The PocketLabworks NeoBuds Pro Musician Neodymium Noise-Isolating...
N-Audio Introduces Isolated Splitter / DI Box
Bulgarian boutique pedal company N-Audio has introduced the Isolated Guitar Splitter / DI Box. The unit – which accepts guitar, bass, and line level signals – combines a splitter y-box with dual isolated outputs and a DI box for recording. The company explains that the heart of the pedal is in its transformer. “Unlike typical transformer isolated guitar splitter this...
Paul McCartney Releases “Live Kisses” DVD
Earlier this year, former Beatle Paul McCartney stepped away from the bass for the album Kisses on the Bottom, an effort that instead featured a host of studio and jazz musicians accompanying him as he sang traditional pop tunes that shaped his early musical understanding. Now Sir Paul has followed up with a live DVD called Live Kisses. Recorded in...
Bass of the Week: Schecter Blackjack ATX C-4
This week we check out the Schecter Blackjack ATX C-4, a 4-stringer with attitude. Available in Sunburst, Black Satin, and Aged White finishes, the bass is built with a mahogany body, 3-piece mahogany neck, and an ebony fingerboard. The company explains ebony has a “snappy, crisp attack” that lends itself to picking due to its high amount of percussive overtones....
Custom Shop: BNA Audio
Great things often come out of solutions to problems. For example, bassist Mark Robertson noticed that amplifying an upright bass to really loud levels was an issue that got overlooked by most manufacturers. He eventually discussed it with friend and electronics guru Justin Herlocker, and BNA Audio was born. The team got into building hi-fi bass cabinets and is an...