Ibanez Introduces New Fretless SR Bass Models
Ibanez is now offering fretless versions of their SR370 and SR375 models. Aimed at providing fretless basses at a cost-effect price point, the company chose to start with the SR370 due to its maple body which they explain lends itself seamlessly to a fretless version. The SR370F and SR375F are 4- and 5-string basses, respectively, and are built with slim...
Jan-Olof Strandberg Releases “Made in Finland” with Michael Manring
Finnish bassist Jan-Olof Strandberg has released his seventh album as a leader entitled Made In Finland. The new effort also includes contributions from fellow bass heavyweight Michael Manring, along with keyboardist Kimmo Tapanainen, saxophonist Risto Salmi, drummer Kimmo Pörsti and guitarists Matias Kupiainen and Petteri Hirvanen. Included in the package is an hour long DVD with live studio performances by...
Bass of the Week: GMR Bassforce NT
While checking out different luthiers’ websites, I came across the GMR Bassforce NT: a neck-through version of their flagship model. Based out of the UK, GMR’s Bassforce is proof of their constant work. “The shape is seen on Bassforce is a case of evolution of early models which started coming out from the workshop nearly 30 years ago,” explains GMR’s...
Owen Biddle’s Mister Barrington: Rawzz
Since leaving The Roots in August, bassist Owen Biddle has been focusing on his project, Mister Barrington. Here’s a video from their latest album, II, for the song “Rawzz.” The trio’s experimental sound mixes electronica with hip hop and lots of crazy keyboard sounds.
Fender Introduces Factory Special Run Antigua Jazz and Precision Basses
Fender continues to bring old school to the forefront with the announcement of a “Factory Special Run” of instruments with their retro Antigua finish. Introduced in the late 1960’s, the distinct color scheme was revisited in 1977 with more of a greenish shade. The new limited edition line includes both Jazz and Precision bass models. Both basses feature an alder...
Juan Alderete Launches New Pedals and Effects Resource
Mars Volta/Big Sir bassist Juan Alderete has launched PedalsAndEffects.com, a new website with which the bassist hopes to spread his knowledge of using effects. Alderete, whose genre-bending career spans over two decades, is known for making some of the most incredible sounds with his extensive pedal collection. “Because of my 25+ year obsession for pedals/stompboxes/effects, I wanted to share my...
BOSS Introduces eBand JS-10 Audio Player with Effects
BOSS has announced their new eBand JS-10 Audio Player with Effects, a jam-along machine for bassists, guitarists and singers. The JS-10 features an integrated 2.1 sound system including a built-in subwoofer, while dual inputs allow for two players at once, which BOSS suggests is perfect for teacher/student lessons. Though it comes with a library of over 350 pre-loaded audio loops...
Marthe/Viccaro/Privat Project: “Pa Pè”
Linley Marthe is a monster. Want proof? Check out this video of his project with drummer Nicolas Viccaro and pianist Grégory Privat playing the tune “Pa Pè” at La Note Bleue Jazz Club in Monaco. The tune takes a turn at the 5:54 mark when the trio kicks into a half-time groove and Marthe begins a funky envelope-laden solo.
Kansas Announces North American Tour with King’s X
Kansas has announced a new North American tour this fall with direct support from King’s X and That 1 Guy. Rooted by bassist Billy Greer, the “Carry on Wayward Son” rockers have been a big influence on King’s X bassist/vocalist dUg Pinnick. “I’ve been a huge Kansas fan since the beginning,” Pinnick says. “I remember sitting on the floor with...
Heil Sound Introduces Pro Set 3 Headphones
Heil Sound has gone pro with the introduction of their Pro Set 3 Headphones, which sport 40mm neodymium magnets and voice coils. The specially designed cushioned head band is shaped to be ergonomic. An interesting trait on the Pro Set 3’s is that the cable is detachable, and the set comes with three cables – a 1.8 meter straight cable,...
Fender Custom Shop Introduces Dusty Hill Signature Precision Bass
The Fender Custom Shop has expanded its Artist Series instruments with the Dusty Hill Signature Precision Bass. Available in Black and Nocaster Blonde, the bass oozes old school with a road worn finish and reverse headstock. The ZZ Top bassist helped tweak the bass, which features a custom designed Seymour Duncan pickup, a custom neck shape, and rear-routed controls. The...
Bob Babbitt to Receive Star on Music City Walk of Fame
Funk Brother and bass legend Bob Babbitt will be getting part of his due respect by receiving a star on the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee. Babbitt’s star, which will be the Walk of Fame’s 60th commemorative sidewalk marker, will be unveiled at a ceremony on June 5th that will also be inducting Steve Winwood. The bassist...