Bass of the Week: Odyssey Basses Calypso
This week, we’re checking out the Calypso from Odyssey Basses, a bass that’s handmade in Greece by luthier Iannis Ioannides. The slick design comes in 4-, 5-, and 6-string configurations with options for lefties, as well. The Calypso comes standard with a lightweight swamp ash body, an American maple neck, and an Indian Rosewood fingerboard, though several upgrade options are...
Bass With a Voice: An Interview With Danielle Schnebelen
Trampled Under Foot is making a big splash with their first major label release, Badlands, a thirteen track collection of soulful and gritty blues tunes that groove like no other. The sibling power trio is fronted by singer/bassist Danielle Schnebelen, who pours her soul out in heartfelt lyrics and low notes. “All I really want to do is inspire goodness...
Bart Soeters: Bass Sounds
There’s so much to like about this video, it’s hard to figure out where to begin. Bart Soeters made this video to showcase the diverse sounds of the bass. Accompanied by Joris Holtackers on drums and keys, Soeters uses 19 (!) basses throughout the jam to show the wide variety of tones and feels that each bass achieves. If you...
Thundercat Releases Sophomore Album, “Apocalypse”
Thundercat, aka bassist Stephen Bruner, has returned with his second full-length album, Apocalypse. Continuing Bruner’s unique hip hop meets jazz meets indie rock style, the effort centers on the cycle of life and all its ups and downs. The topic has been heavy on the bassist’s mind since the passing of his close friend and fellow musician, Austin Peralta, who...
Alain Caron Awarded Oscar Peterson Lifetime Achievement Award
Bassist Alain Caron was honored at the Montreal International Jazz Festival this past week with the prestigious Oscar Peterson Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes a “Canadian musician who has made outstanding contributions to jazz in his country.” The occasion marked the first time a musician won the award twice, as he first won the award as a member of UZEB...
Overwater Introduces Scott Devine Signature SDS Lite Bass
Overwater’s Scott Devine Signature series has a new model with the announcement of the SDS Lite. Modeled after Devine’s fretless bass, the Lite version is a slightly lighter weight instrument that the company says has a “smoother, more neutral voicing.” The SDS Lite keeps with Devine’s shorter 33? scale preference and is available in 4 or 5-string versions. Its 3-piece...
Bass Orchestra: All Bass Queens of the Stone Age Medley
Bass Orchestra, aka Ran Mussman, is back again with an all bass tribute to the Queens of the Stone Age. Mussman rocks through “Turnin’ on the Screw,” “No One Knows,” and “Little Sister,” using only his bass guitar.
Pixies Announce New Bassist, World Tour and Single
After losing Kim Deal last month, the Pixies have certainly kicked things into high gear. The band has made many announcements including a world tour that’s set to begin this fall in Europe. The Muffs’ Kim Shattuck will be filling in the low end for the journey. Shattuck played bass in The Pandoras before becoming the guitarist for the pop...
Fender Now Offering Precision and Jazz Bass Replacement Bodies and Necks
Fender has announced a new line of replacement bodies and necks, produced at their manufacturing facilities in both Corona, California and Mexico. The parts come with the exact specifications as those used in their full American and Standard series instruments. So far, Fender is offering Precision and Jazz bodies and necks. Each of the bodies are offered in alder or...
Eastwood Announces Limited Edition Classic 4 Bass in Greenburst
Eastwood has introduced a run of limited edition instruments, including a version of their Classic 4 bass. The retrofied, 30.5? scale 4-stringer is limited to 24 instruments and is finished in a striking Greenburst. The Eastwood Classic 4 features a semi-hollow body with bound laminate maple sides and a flamed maple top as well as a bound maple neck. Its...
Bass of the Week: Ramsay Musical Instruments Aurora NW6BP
When Bryan Acampo sent us a photo of his bass, and I knew we had to feature it. Bryan plays an Aurora NW6BP bass, by the London-based Ramsay Musical Instruments. The single-cut, neck-thru bass features ash body wings, an alder/mahogany tone block, and a birdseye poplar top for a stunning display. The Aurora NW6BP’s neck is built with 3-piece quarter-sawn...
Godlyke Announces Maxon AD10 Analog Delay and ASC10 Stereo Chorus Pedals
Godlyke has released two new Maxon effects pedals: the AD10 Analog Delay and the ASC10 Ambient Stereo Chorus. Both models are a part of the brand’s new Compact Series and are housed in chassis with reduced footprints. Other common features include an easy-access battery door, an LED status indicator, 9-volt battery or AC power options, and buffered bypass switching. The...