Marek Bero and Stephunk T.: Sense Of Urgency
Marek Bero sent in this cool video of his collaboration with Czech music producer Stephunk T. called “Sense of Urgency.” The song centers on Bero’s bass as he lays down a fast and bubbly groove that gives the song its title.
DR Strings Now Shipping USA Flag NEON Red, White and Blue Color Coated Strings
In preparation for the 4th of July, DR Strings has announced the USA Flag NEON Red, White and Blue color coated string sets. Guitarist Jeff “Skunk” Baxter helped coordinate the new strings in order to benefit the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which guarantees a college education and support for sons and daughters of Special Forces parents who have fallen in...
G&L Launches Detroit Muscle Series: SS Collection LB-100 Basses
If you love cars and basses, you’re in for a treat. G&L has revealed the Detroit Muscle Series SS Collection, which brings their instruments together with four historic color finishes from ’60s-era GM Motors muscle cars. The lineup includes the recently reissued LB-100 in either Daytona Yellow, Hugger Orange, Cranberry Red, or Marina Blue. Its aesthetic appeal is rounded out...
Levy’s Leathers Announces Basket Weave Carving Leather Bass Straps
Levy’s Leathers has introduced their line of Basket Weave Carving Leather straps, featuring a firm carving veg-tan leather top with a basket weave tooled insert. Each strap also has a soft garment leather backing with a foam core for comfort. The series comes in seven colors: Black, Burgundy, Brown, Cranberry, Dark Brown, Walnut, and Tan. They’re adjustable from 41 inches...
Focusrite Announces The iTrack Dock Recording Interface
Focusrite has introduced the iTrack Dock, a recording interface for the Apple iPad. The device is fitted with dual microphone inputs, two line inputs, an instrument DI, independent stereo monitor and headphone outputs, and a USB port for use with MIDI controllers. The iTrack Dock’s mic pres are the same found in their Scarlett range of USB interfaces and include...
Bass of the Week: Tony Cochran Mercy Bass
I love instruments that get stylistically creative, and Tony Cochran has a knack for making them. Cochran, who is also the syndicated cartoonist of the comic strip Agnes, has a habit of taking neglected guitars and basses and giving them a new life. “I [find] them on Craigslist, at garage sales, and hidden in closets. The guitars remain fully functional....
King Crimson Announce Reunion Tour Dates with Tony Levin
It’s really happening: King Crimson has just announced the initial tour dates with their latest incarnation – their eighth. The group’s lineup and plans for touring were announced back in September, with bassist Tony Levin returning to the fold. The rest of the band includes founder Robert Fripp, guitarist Jakko Jakszyk, saxophonist Mel Collins, and drummers Bill Reiflin, Pat Mastelotto...
Marco Mendoza Leaves Black Star Riders
The Black Star Riders have announced that founding bassist Marco Mendoza will be leaving the fold after their current U.S. tour wraps up on June 22nd. Mendoza, who also plays in Thin Lizzy, cites other projects and schedule conflicts as the reason for his departure. The group has already named former RATT and Lynch Mob bassist Robbie Crane as its...
Carvin Introduces JB4 and JB5 Classic Bolt-Neck Jazz Basses
Following up on their recent PB series, Carvin has announced the JB4 four-string and JB5 five-string Classic Bolt-Neck Jazz Basses. The new models blend classic styling with the company’s more contemporary features including a locking bass bridge, a smooth contoured neck heel with a 5-bolt neck plate, and a 22-fret neck with dual carbon fiber reinforcement rods. Another key aspect...
Molten Voltage Introduces The Tempode
Molten Voltage has released The Tempode, a MIDI clock generator pedal for synchronizing up your MIDI-capable pedals to a single device. The Tempode can be used as a stand-alone device but is also compatible with all MIDI controllers. Built for simplicity, the pedal has MIDI in and out jacks and a pair of footswitches to start the clock or tap...
Rotosound Revamps Tru Bass RS88LD Black Nylon Bass Strings
Rotosound has upgraded their Tru Bass RS88LD Black Nylon bass strings with a new computer controlled engineering process in their UK factory. The company says that the process, along with finishing by their craftsmen, add to the strings’ lifespan and playability. Rotosound describes the tone as “double bass-like.” The Tru Bass 88 was originally designed by James How for Jim...
Bass of the Week: HJC Customs Alchemy Fretless 5
Back at the Winter NAMM show this year, we ran into our friend Vuyani Wakaba roaming the floor with a smile from ear to ear. He was overjoyed by his new HJC Customs Fretless Alchemy 5, which is this week’s Bass of the Week. Wakaba teamed up with luthier Harold J. Cagle for the custom creation. It features an African...