In Memoriam: Marshall Grant
Marhsall Grant, the bassist in Johnny Cash’s original backing duo The Tennessee Two, has passed away at the age of 83. Grant was instrumental in Cash’s sound and success, as he also served as Cash’s road manager until 1980. Grant’s playing became an integral role in the “boom-chicka-boom” sound, which shaped a whole style of country and rockabilly music. Born...
ESP Adds to LTD B-Series Bass Guitars
In addition to their new LTD J-Series basses, ESP has introduced two new basses to their LTD B-Series: The B-50FM and B-55FM. The 4- and 5-string models share the qualities of their siblings, but are distinguished by their flamed maple tops. Available in three different sunburst finishes, the flamed maple top covers the basswood body. The maple neck features a...
George Duke to Premiere Concerto for Christian McBride
How many people can say that George Duke wrote a symphonic jazz piece for them? Well, add Christian McBride to that list. Duke, the legendary keyboardist/singer will be premiering the work, Concerto for Christian McBride, during a free performance on September 24th at UCLA with the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra and McBride himself. Conducted by Mitch Glickman, the 67-piece orchestra will...
Coheed and Cambria Part Ways With Michael Todd
Coheed and Cambria have parted ways with longtime bassist Michael Todd, according to a statement the band issued August 4th. “After a lot of thought, introspection and discussion, Coheed and Cambria will be continuing our journey without bassist Michael Todd,” the message read. “We have spoken to him and this is a mutual decision between both parties. Michael was a...
Dream Theater Announces New Album, Tour Dates
In preparation for their next album, Dream Theater have announced a run of North American tour dates starting September 24th at the Warfield in San Francisco. This will be the group’s first venture without drummer Mike Portnoy, who left the band in September 2010 and subsequently replaced by Mike Mangini. The new album, A Dramatic Turn of Events, is due...
Recording Acoustic Bass with Steve Bailey
Recording double bass can be a real hassle. As anyone who has tried it can tell you, it takes time to find the right balance of definition and depth. Luckily, Steve Bailey spent tons of time figuring out what works for him, and made this video to share his techniques. Bailey not only explains his mic placement, but also goes...
Fender Introduces Bronco 40 Bass Amp
Fender has introduced the Bronco 40, a bass amplifier with built-in effects and amp modeling. The 1×10 combo also includes Fender’s FUSE software and USB connectivity, allowing it to function as an audio interface with DAWs as well as tweak and swap presets online. Rated at 40 watts, the amp has 24 on-board presets using 8 amp models including the...
Snapshots Foundation Posts Carol Kaye Interview
The Snapshots Music & Arts Foundation has posted an extensive 6-part interview with legendary session bassist Carol Kaye, whose playing can be heard on thousands of tunes ranging from Sonny and Cher’s “The Beat Goes On” to The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations.” The interview ranges on topics including Kaye’s background, why she picked up bass, the art making music, and...
G&L Introduces Limited Edition Korina Collection ASAT Bass
G&L has unveiled a new special run of instruments called the Korina Collection. Limited to 100 pieces for each model, the company explains that Korina was chosen for its tone and collector’s value. Holding down the bottom end of the line is Korina Collection ASAT Bass. As with the Korina Collection guitars, the ASAT Bass features a 2-piece Korina body...
Kings Of Leon Cancel U.S. Tour; Jared Followill Explains
Kings of Leon have cancelled the remainder of their U.S. tour after ending a Dallas, Texas concert early, citing lead singer Caleb Followill’s exhaustion and throat problems. However, bassist Jared Followill hints that the group has deeper seated issues. “Dallas, I cannot begin to tell you how sorry I am. There are internal sicknesses & problems that have needed to...
Brian May Announces Bass Guitar Model
Queen fans get ready: House Music has unveiled the Brian May Bass. The guitarist (we won’t hold that against him) gave the low-end treatment to his infamous 6-string called the Red Special, which he made with his father as a kid. Finished in Cherry Red, the “Fat Bottomed” bass is a medium 31.5” scale instrument, featuring a bound mahogany body...
Metallica Announces Special 30th Anniversary Concerts
Metallica has announced a string of shows to celebrate their 30th anniversary together. Anchored by bassist Robert Trujillo, the metal veterans will be playing December 5, 7, 9 and 10 at the Fillmore in San Francisco, with tickets only available to their fan club members. Official members will be treated to $6 tickets, or admission to all four shows for...