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...
Fret-King Unveils Black Label Series with Perception Bass Guitar
Fret-King has unveiled their new Black Label series of instruments, including the Perception Bass Guitar. Available in 4 and 5-string versions, the Perception sports a passive P/J pickup set made by Wilkinson. The body is made of two pieces of American Alder, while the neck is Canadian Hard Rock Maple topped with a rosewood fingerboard. Hardware on the bass is...
Bass of the Week: Hot Wire Bass Inlaw 521 BO
German bass company Hot Wire produced a super cool version of their Inlaw 521 BO model with a stunning quilted maple top and matching pickup covers. The “zebra” effect is attained by using a lighter quilted maple and a dark quilted maple to create a sharp contrast. The Inlaw comes in several versions, but the 521 BO is a 5-string,...
Stories Behind the Songs: Bob Daisley
Without a doubt, Bob Daisley is one of the most influential bassists of all time. For over four decades, Daisley has laid down the low end for everyone from Mungo Jerry to Rainbow to Ozzy Osbourne to Gary Moore. In fact, nearly every one of you reading this right now has probably played his bass lines, whether you know it...
Jean-Luc Ponty with Guy Christian Nsangué Akwa: Celtic Steps
Here’s a cool video of Guy Christian Nsangué Akwa taking a solo with Jean-Luc Ponty’s band on the tune “Celtic Steps.” The bassist starts things off pretty cool before working the whole group into a frenzy. (I love the bass freakout at 2:50). As if that wasn’t enough, he plays the blazing melody in unison with the rest of the...
Roger Waters Announces Final and Largest Production of “The Wall”
Roger Water’s tour of The Wall will be coming to a gigantic finale on July 21st in Quebec City, Quebec. Held at the Fields of Abraham, the recently added concert will be the last tour stop of the current North American trek, but will differ from the rest in that the production will feature a set twice as large as...
Dan Briggs and Trioscapes Release “Separate Realities”
Dan Briggs and his new group Trioscapes have released their debut album, Separate Realities on Metal Blade Records. Originally started to do a one-off show of the Mahavishnu Orchestra’s Celestial Terrestrial Commuters, the sax/bass/drums trio brings together elements of prog rock, metal and jazz. Briggs, who lays down the low end for the prog metal outfit Between the Buried and...
Copilot FX Releases New Octave Pedal for Bass
Copilot FX has a new octave pedal designed specifically for bass. The Cubic is a versatile pedal with a switch for two different voices – one with pure octave and the other with mixed octave, while the switch on the front of the pedal toggles between providing one or two octaves down. In addition to Volume and Blend controls, the...
Dean Markley Introduces Nikki Sixx Helix HD SS Bass Strings
Dean Markley has expanded their Helix series strings with a signature set for Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx. Used by the man himself, the Nikki Sixx Helix HD SS Bass Strings are made of a special stainless steel alloy that the company says has an “inherent bright and cutting timbre.” Following the line, the new set of strings is constructed...