Osiamo Introduces Dr. J Effects Pedal Series
Osiamo has launched the Dr. J line of effects pedals, which the company describes as bringing reasonable prices to the “boutique” market. The series includes three stompboxes aimed at bassists: the D-55 Aerolite Comp, the D-53 Sparrow Driver & DI, and the D-52 Soloman Bass Overdrive. All of the pedals feature true bypass switching, a metal housing, and DC power....
Music Theory – Chords in Minor Keys App Released for Android
Stuart Bahn has just released the second in his Music Theory Toolkit Series of apps for Android devices, entitled Music Theory – Chords in Minor Keys. The app trains you to learn all the minor, major, and diminished chords found in all 12 minor keys. Your theory is tested as the app displays a minor key and a roman numeral,...
Cody Wright: How to Play Funk Bass with a Pick
Last month we featured a burning track by the Jonathan Scales Fourchestra entitled “TNFJ“. The song really caught readers’ attention with sick drumming, other-worldly steel drums, and of course, the extra funky bass line by Cody Wright. Wright, who uses a pick to play, also wowed us with a driving and percussive solo. Here is his new video tutorial on...
Elvis Costello and The Roots Release “Wise Up Ghost”
At face value, it may not seem like Elvis Costello and The Roots would be a natural pairing, but their new collaborative album Wise Up Ghost is proof that their musical visions sync up in a special way. The project started on the set of Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, where drummer Ahmir ”?uestlove” Thompson and The Roots are the...
Cort Unveils Artisan 20th Anniversary Basses
Cort has announced a line of 20th Anniversary editions of their Artisan basses, including the Artisan A-Custom 20th and the Artisan B 20th. Each of the models are limited edition and come in four and five-string versions with a 20th Anniversary logo on the electronics cover plate. The Cort Artisan A-Custom 20th bass features neck-thru construction centered around a 9-piece...
Fender Unveils Deluxe and American Deluxe Dimension Bass Models
After introducing the Dimension Bass as part of their Modern Player Series, Fender has revealed that the bass is now available as part of their Deluxe and American Deluxe instrument lines. Available in 4- and 5-string versions, the Fender Deluxe Dimension Bass is built with an ash body in the model’s new body shape, the Black-finish model is made with...
Cryptopsy: Two-Pound Torch Bass and Guitar Playthrough
Prepare to have your face melted. Here’s an insane video of Cryptopsy bassist Olivier Pinard and guitarist Chris Donaldson ripping through the song “Two-Pound Torch” from the band’s self-titled album. Pinard proves to be just as nimble as Donaldson and employs several techniques to spice up the bass line.
Bass of the Week: Esperanza Spalding’s South Paw Fretless 5-String
If you happen to follow Esperanza Spalding’s Facebook page, you might have seen from photos of her Radio Music Society summer tours that she’s wielding a slick new 5-string fretless. The bass is a South Paw, created by NYC luthier Simon Propert, and it’s one of a kind. “Each bass is custom and a little different, so there is no...
Roger Waters: The Man Behind The Wall Biography Released
As bassist and songwriting force behind the seminal rock band Pink Floyd, Roger Waters has been an icon in the music industry for over four decades. His story is now being told by biographer Dave Thompson, in Roger Waters: The Man Behind the Wall. The 288-page book, which is the first full biography on Waters, follows the musician’s life from...
Ashdown Engineering Announces ABM-NEO-400-RC Rackmount Head
Earlier this year, Ashdown introduced the ABM NEO series of bass combos and cabinets. Now the company has introduced the ABM-NEO-400-RC, a 400-watt rack-mountable head, to complement the line. Similar to the rest of the series, the new amp couples the company’s ABM EVO III preamp with a lightweight power amp. It starts with a an instrument input with level...
Maurice Ellis: Justin Timberlake’s “Mirrors” All Bass Cover
Anthony Crawford sent me this video, and when he’s spreading the love, you know it’s going to be good. Here’s bassist Maurice Ellis playing an all bass arrangement of Justin Timberlake’s “Mirrors.” Ellis creates a thick groove and plays the song’s bass line, chords and melody all on bass. After sticking to the radio edit of the song, he takes...
George Porter, Jr. and Runnin’ Pardners Announce Tour Dates
George Porter, Jr. is taking his band Runnin’ Pardners on the road this fall for a solid tour of the South and West Coast. The ever-grooving bassist will be kicking things off in his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana on September 20th before criss-crossing the country and ending at the Blue Canoe in Tupelo, Mississippi on Novemeber 11th. A founding...