Gretsch Expands Electromatic Line With Two New Hollow-Body Basses
Gretsch has added several new models to their Electromatic series, including two new hollow body basses: the G5440LS and the G5442BDC. Though they share many features, the G5440LS is a 34? scale bass with a single-cutaway design while the G5442BDC is the little brother of the two, with a short 30.5? scale and double-cutaway body. The new offerings are both...
Norman Lachapelle: L’irlandaise and Improvisation
Luthier Pierre Erizias sent me this video of Norman Lachapelle playing the tune “L’irlandaise”. The song is sheerly musical, and not a note is misplaced. “I think Normand is not getting the props he deserves,” Erizias said. “He is a refined and seasoned musician that could walk easily with the best out there for sure.” I think I have to...
Peter Hook Memoir Coming This Fall
Peter Hook has announced that his memoir is set to hit the shelves October 1 from publishers Simon & Schuster. Unknown Pleasures: Inside Joy Division. will document the bassist’s time in the seminal post-punk band, from helping to form the band to lead singer Ian Curtis’s death. Hook will also delve into his time with New Order, which was formed...
Spector Unveils ReBop MM Basses
Spector has expanded its ReBop family for basses with the ReBop4 MM and ReBop5 MM. While keeping many of the same traits as their predecessors, the new models are equipped with an EMG-HZ MM passive dual coil pickup. They also introduce maple fingerboards with black Spector inlays and a trans blue stain matte body finish. As with the rest of...
Nathan Navarro: One Handed Bass Solo
Nathan Navarro had a dream that he lost one of his arms, which inspired him to write this solo bass piece. The ethereal piece is a little dream-like itself and features some real right hand dexterity to execute the complicated tapping. For more on Nathan, check out his New School interview.
IK Multimedia Expands Amplitube with 2.5 Release
IK Multimedia has released a major update for the iOS version of Amplitube. Version 2.5 of the mobile amp modeling and effects processor app expands its capabilities with MIDI and digital audio support, a redesigned recorder and mixer section, and audio copy and paste functions. It also adapts to new iOS devices by supporting Retina Display. Purchases from the in-app...
Birdsong Guitars Introduces Embrace Fretless Bass
Custom shop Birdsong Guitars has introduced a new fretless model called the Embrace. The bass, which was prototyped over several years, is a 32? scale fretless neck-through with a single passive soapbar. Described as a “working man’s electric fretless”, the bass is handmade in Texas yet streamlined to offer a price most everyone can reach. Birdsong will be making Embraces...
Bass of the Week: Fodera Buckeye Burl Yin Yang Imperial 6 Elite
I get to check out tons of basses every day, but when Anthony Wellington posted the details of his new Fodera my jaw hit the floor. The latest in the renowned bass educator’s collection is a Buckeye Burl Yin Yang Imperial 6 Elite from the New York boutique shop, who stated it’s the “most complex Yin Yang we have ever...
Rudy Sarzo Leaves Blue Oyster Cult
Rock legend Rudy Sarzo has left the ranks of Blue Oyster Cult, he revealed in an upcoming interview with Ultimate Classic Rock. The bassist, whose resume includes work with Ozzy Osbourne, Quiet Riot, and Whitesnake, said his departure was on good terms. “Due to my scheduling with other projects that I’m doing, it became a little bit hard for me...
Fender Introduces CB-100CE Acoustic Bass Guitar
Fender has upped their acoustic bass game this summer with the CB-100CE. The dreadnought cutaway bass sports a spruce top with scalloped X bracing and mother-of-pearl acrylic rosette. The mahogany neck’s profile is styled after that of a Jazz Bass and has a dual-action truss rod for proper adjustments. Its bridge is rosewood and has compensated saddle. For further flexibility,...
Asia Releases “XXX”
Eighties supergroup Asia is celebrating their 30th anniversary with a new album entitled XXX. Featuring members of Yes, ELP, King Crimson, UK and The Buggles, the band’s current lineup includes bassist/vocalist John Wetton, guitarist Steve Howe, drummer Carl Palmer, and keyboardist Geoff Downes. The new release is being hailed as their best since their breakthrough self-titled album. “We’re very pleased...
Fender Custom Shop Unveils Limited Edition Relic La Cabronita “Boracho” Bass
Fender’s Custom Shop has unveiled their 2012 Limited Edition Models, including the Limited Edition Relic La Cabronita “Boracho” Bass. Bringing together elements of the Porazzo and its sister Boracha, the Boracho sports a reversed Jazzmaster body with added mass. Couple that with a custom T.V. Jones Thunderblade pickup and you get what Fender says is a “very unique and LOUD...