Gibson Announces 2014 SG Special Bass
This year marks Gibson’s 120th anniversary and they’re celebrating with a plethora of new and upgraded models including the 2014 SG Special Bass. The 30-inch scale bass incorporates features from several of Gibson’s electric basses to create a unique and affordable bass. Starting with a solid mahogany body in the classic SG shape, the bass is built with a glued-in...
Iconic Sound Announces “Light Lead” Optical Analog Instrument Cable
Iconic Sound has announced they will be unveiling the Light Lead, the world’s first optical analog, jack-to-jack instrument cable at NAMM this month. The new technology uses analog fiber optics which provides zero capacitance and zero loading. This in turn offers completely uncompressed and full analog signal transmission no matter the cable length. The Light Lead’s cables are high density,...
Fender Custom Shop Unveils 2014 Custom Collection
Fender’s Custom Shop has unveiled the 2014 edition instruments of their annual Custom Collection. The lineup includes two basses: the 2014 Proto Precision Bass and the 1964 Heavy Relic Precision Bass. Fender Custom Shop 2014 Proto Precision Bass Formerly named the Pro Series, the Proto Series is the Fender Custom Shop’s “proving-ground” line built with distinctive features requested for master...
Cavalera Conspiracy Recruits Converge Bassist Nate Newton
Metal legend Max Cavalera and his group Cavalera Conspiracy have named Converge’s Nate Newton as their new bassist. Newton broke the news in a statement online: “Hello friends! Just wanted to get some info to everyone since I’ve been getting so many messages…. Yes I am playing bass on the new Cavalera Conspiracy record. No…I am not going to leave...
John McVie Returns To the Stage
After being diagnosed with cancer in October, John McVie is back to performing with Fleetwood Mac. The health scare forced the band to cancel a tour of Australia and New Zealand as McVie underwent treatment. But the veteran rockers returned to the stage for a December 30th gig at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Singer Stevie Nicks spoke with ABC...
In Memoriam: Herman “Trigger” Alpert
Herman “Trigger” Alpert passed away on December 21st at the age of 97. The jazz bassist was best known for playing in the original Glenn Miller civilian orchestra, where he was credited with adding some much needed swing to the rhythm section. Alpert was born in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1916. After studying at Indiana University, he moved to New York...
Bass of the Week: Nelson Instruments Coquette Bass
This week we check out the Nelson Instruments Coquette Bass, a neck-through bass that blends elements of retro styles. The quarter-sawn hard maple neck is flanked with basswood body wings, which the company says offers enhanced sustain, rigidity, and projection. The bass comes in single and dual pickup configurations. The pickups are Nelson’s Bass Chiefs mounted to the gold-anodized aluminum...
In Memoriam: Remembering the Bassists We Lost in 2013
As 2013 draws to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the notable bassists that left us this year. Their grooves helped to create the soundtrack of life for people all over the world. Rick Huxley (February 11, 2013) Bassist for The Dave Clark Five. As part of the Dave Clark Five, Huxley was a part of the...
Xotic Unveils Chuck Rainey Signature Bass
Bass legend Chuck Rainey has a new signature model from Xotic called the XPJ-1T, a bass designed with versatility in mind. Rainey collaborated with Xotic on the bass which features a P/J pickup configuration with elements of the company’s XP and XJ models. The XPJ-1T starts with a ash body and a bolt-on maple neck with 21 frets. Its original...
In Memoriam: Dwayne Burno
Jazz bassist Dwayne Burno has passed away of undisclosed causes at the age of 43. Born in Philadelphia, Burno was a mainstay of the New York City jazz scene for the past two decades. His resume includes work with legendary artists including Freddie Hubbard, Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, Joe Henderson and many more. Burno started his musical education at an...
OM: State of Non-Return
Our friend Lyall Storey sent us this video of OM performing “State of Non-Return,” saying the doom metal band is a prime example of “no treble”. OM consists of just a rhythm section with Al Cisneros on bass and vocals, Emil Amos on drums and Robert Lowe on percussion. Cisneros delivers his signature thick, crushing riffs throughout the song. “He...
Dream Theater Announces 2014 North American Tour Dates
After announcing European tour dates, Dream Theater has revealed their North American tour plans for 2014. The prog metal outfit will be kicking things off at Toronto’s Massey Hall before covering the States in the Northeast, Midwest, and West Coast. Their trek is capped with three dates in Mexico. “We are all really pumped and excited to bring our new...