Andres Rotmistrovsky Releases Debut Album, “Upbeat”
Andres Rotmistrovsky, who has gained popularity for his solo bass arrangements, has released his first solo album, entitled Upbeat. The record includes the bassist’s original compositions written while studying at Berklee College of Music, as well as arrangements of standards. “This album is [named] after several years of studying the powerful effects that can be created with rhythm, when accenting...
Lehle Releases DC Filter
Lehle has released the DC Filter, a stereo filter for removing unwanted DC voltage from audio signals. The filter handles both mono and stereo signals and sports a passive design, so it doesn’t require a power supply. Lehle explains that audio signals with a DC offset can cause an “unpleasant” switching noise. While offsets can occur in various places in...
Fender Announces “Select” Series, Including New Precision and Jazz Bass Models
Fender is kicking off 2012 with the introduction of the Fender Select Series, which they describe as it’s “new top-of-the-production-line best” instruments. The series, which includes new Precision and Jazz Bass models, presents the company’s classic designs with marked upgrades like choice tone woods, quartersawn maple necks with compound-radius fretboards, and specially voiced Select pickups. The Fender Select Precision Bass...
Steve Lawson Releases New Live, Improvised Solo Bass Album
Steve Lawson has released Believe in Peace, a four song album taken from his performance at the I Ching Arts Exhibit in Minneapolis. The exhibit featured the work of Geoff Bush, which moved Lawson so much that he decided to break from his normal gig routine with his wife and play an additional improv solo set. “Intending to play a...
In Memoriam: Pete Stevens, Co-Founder of Wal Basses
Pete Stevens, co-founder of Wal Basses, has passed away at the age of 65. The announcement came from the Wal Bass website. “It is with deepest sadness that we must pass on the news that Pete ‘The Fish’ Stevens, co-founder of Wal Bass Guitars,” the company stated. “As many in the Wal family will know, Pete had suffered from chronic...
Ed Friedland: Looping Bass Version of Steely Dan’s “Do It Again”
Here’s a cool video of Ed Friedland, aka the Bass Whisperer, building up a full on version of Steely Dan’s classic “Do It Again” during a 2010 clinic at the Bass Emporium in Austin, Texas. After “giving the drummer some,” Friedland fills out the tune’s bass line, chords and melody before ripping into a tasty solo.
In Memoriam: Remembering the Bassists We Lost in 2011
Charles Fambrough January 1, 2011 Charles Fambrough, jazz bassist. Fambrough’s credits include working with Grover Washington, Jr., Airto Moreira, McCoy Tyner, Wynton Marsalis, and more. Mick Karn January 4, 2011 Mick Karn, former Japan bassist. Karn’s fretless bass and interesting, angular playing style left an impression on bassists around the world. Phil Kennemore January 7, 2011 Phil Kennemore, bassist for...
Billy Sheehan: Clinic Session on Becoming a Better Bass Player
Here’s an insightful clip of Billy Sheehan giving a clinic for Guitar Center. The Mr. Big bassist touches on becoming a better bassist by learning cover tunes and focusing on your actual playing instead of gear. My favorite line: “Just practice!”
Marshall Amplification Acquires Eden Electronics
Marshall Amplification has purchased Eden Electronics from U.S. Music Corp. Eden, who specializes in high-end bass amplification, will still be distributed in the States by U.S. Music Corp, so North American customers “will not impacted.” In a joint press release, both Marshall and U.S. Music Corp stated that the sale would result in more resources being poured into Eden. “We...
New School: Zander Zon
Zander Zon, who takes his name from the famed line of boutique bass guitars, follows the vein of solo bass. Employing piccolo strings and alternate tunings, the bassist builds thoughtful and challenging compositions as well as cool arrangements of popular tunes that have captured the imagination of YouTubers. What makes you new school? My focus as a musician is to...
Van Halen to Tour, Release New Album in 2012
Van Halen has released a new trailer announcing that the iconic rock band will be hitting the road in 2012. Though the dates have not yet been revealed, the teaser states tickets will be up for sale on January 10, 2012. The band has also signed with Interscope Records and is expected to release a new album in conjunction with...
Bass of the Week: Bootleg Guitars Dawg
Described as a “down and dirty,” no-frills bass, the Bootleg Guitars Dawg 4 bass gets its name from the Cleveland Browns’ Dawg Pound of which we assume luthier Jon Hill is a member. Hill, who is based in Cleveland, explains he designed the bass for the working musician. The 4-string version of the Dawg has a 34” scale and is...