Dean Introduces Updated Ashley Purdy Signature Basses
Black Veil Brides bassist Ashley Purdy had a new pair of Dean Signature basses debut at the NAMM show this year, with the Spire “War Paint” and Cadi “Outlaw” models. Co-designed by the bassist and the company, the basses are revamps of the existing models, with special graphics added to suit Purdy’s style. When Purdy first joined up with Dean,...
Chickenfoot Announces “Different Devil” North American Tour
Since the release of their second studio album ironically entitled III, Chickenfoot has only given a handful of performances in the U.S. and Europe. That’s about to change as the group has announced the “Different Devil Tour”, with 20 dates spanning the U.S. and a single date in Canada. Originally formed in 2008, the band consists of former Van Halen...
Spock’s Beard: Crack the Big Sky
Here’s one for the prog-rock fans. This clip features Spock’s Beard playing their tune “Crack the Big Sky,” off their 2008 DVD Live. Bassist Dave Meros underpins the tune with an awesome snarly tone, though he knows how to sweeten it up during the bass melodies.
Dunlop’s MXR Bass Fuzz Deluxe Debuts At NAMM
New for 2012 from Jim Dunlop is the MXR M84 Bass Fuzz Deluxe, a stompbox with “vintage fuzz modified for the modern bassist.” In addition to the Tone and Fuzz knobs, the new pedal features both dry and wet controls for dialing in the perfect mix without losing any low end. The Bass Fuzz Deluxe can be powered by a...
New School: Viaceslav Svedov
Viacelsav Svedov has been catching the attention of the YouTube world with his inventive and entertaining solo bass covers of popular rock tunes, including “Purple Haze,” “Master of Puppets,” and “Tom Sawyer.” With an infectious sense of energy and enthusiasm, the bassist’s videos have been averaging around 100,000 views while his “Around the World” cover hit nearly 225,000. Hailing from...
Bass of the Week: Adamovic Eric Czar Signature 7
Eric Czar’s Signature bass from Adamovic is a thing of beauty. With a monstrous 7-strings and 30 frets, the instrument gives Czar an incredible range. Strung E to A#, bass was designed between Czar and Nikola Adamovic to allow for easy chord playing and fast tapping while combining “the unique voices and timbres of a bass and a baritone guitar...
Custom Shop: An Interview with Michael Pedulla
Passion trumps all. That’s what master luthier Michael Pedulla learned after building his business to greater and greater heights. Starting as a one man shop in 1975, Pedulla reached a pinnacle in production during the mid-1990’s, putting out close to 750 basses each year. Michael was forced to work more on running the company than building basses, and since then...
Steampunk Band BB Blackdog Releases “No. One”
BB Blackdog is a band that defies the norm. Comprised of two bassists and a drummer, the Steampunk rock outfit has been spreading their own brand of catchy riffs and low-end goodness for several years with tours across Europe and the U.S. John Ferguson is the band’s rhythm bassist and Dale Rowles is the lead bassist and vocalist. The trio...
Ibanez Unveils Gerald Veasley Signature GVB36 Bass Guitar
In 2010, Ibanez unveiled the Gerald Veasley Signature GVB1006 Bass. Built by the company’s master luthiers in Japan, it comes with a price point that not everyone can reach. For 2012, Ibanez has introduced the GVB36, which shares many of the same attributes while making it more affordable. Similar to the 1006, the GVB36 is a 6-string with a string...
Big Sir Releases “Before Gardens After Gardens” and Announces Tour Dates
Big Sir has released their fourth album, Before Gardens After Gardens. Part electronica and part indie rock, the band is a collaboration between Mars Volta bassist Juan Alderete and vocalist Lisa Papineau who provide the foundation for the music. Before Gardens After Gardens deals with life and death, as the both Alderete and Papineau were diagnosed with serious illnesses around...
Genz Benz Introduces Focus LT Series Bass Cabinets
Genz Benz expanded their cabinet offerings with the introduction of the Focus LT series at NAMM this year. The lineup includes a 1×12, a 2×10, a 1×15, and a 4×10. Designed to be compact and high-powered, the Focus LT series have a smaller stage footprint to save space during performances. Each of the cabinets carries speakers with ceramic/ferrite magnet structures,...
Earth, Wind and Fire: “That’s the Way of the World”, Live (1981)
Of all the great EWF songs out there, “That’s the Way of the World” might be my favorite. Here’s the band performing that tune live at a 1981 concert in Oakland, and they are in top shape. Of course, the legendary Verdine White is helping to lay down the “almighty groove.” As one commenter reacted, “Verdine on bass. It just...