SKB Cases Introduces New J/P Electric Bass Case
SKB is now offering the 1SKB-44PRO J/P Electric Bass case. Previously made exclusively for Fender, the case is built to fit Precision and Jazz style basses. The cases are vacuum formed of lightweight ABS plastic with molded in stacking ribs. Other features include fiberglass reinforced TSA locking trigger latches, a over-molded cushion grip handle, and a ridge EPS, plush lined...
Höfner Introduces Gold Label Series Violin Basses
Höfner has added a new and colorful lineup of basses to their Gold Label Series they say are “intended to appeal to a new generation of bass players who appreciate the qualities of the Höfner bass but would like it in anything except sunburst.” The Gold Label Violin Basses take their classic design and finish it in four new colors:...
Janek Gwizdala Launches Bass String Donation Campaign
There’s something beautiful about the bass playing community that you just don’t find in the rest of the music world. The sense of camaraderie and willingness to help others out is a hallmark of true bassists, and Janek Gwizdala has once again proven this point by launching We Need Strings, a site dedicated to getting bass strings into the hands...
Deimel Guitarworks Introduces Firestar Bass
German luthier Frank Deimel has mixed elements of several bass styles into his latest creation, the Deimel Guitarworks Firestar Bass. The long-scale bass features a figured hard rock maple neck that is fashioned after a P-Bass’s dimensions and topped with a Pau Ferro fretboard. The body is a single piece of yellow poplar. The bass is rigged with three Lollar...
Bass of the Week: Music Man Big Al
In 2009, Music Man introduced a bass version of their Albert Lee Signature guitar called the Big Al. Its angular body and unique pickups caught the community’s attention, and the next year the company announced a 5-string version. The Big Al and Big Al 5 are built with African mahogany bodies, maple necks, and maple or rosewood fingerboards with a...
Black Sabbath Releases “13”
The wait is finally over. Black Sabbath have released 13, their first studio album featuring original members Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler since 1978’s Never Say Die. The band, which officially reunited in late 2011, is rounded out by Rage Against the Machine drummer Brad Wilk, who fills in for Bill Ward. Ward left the reunion in February...
The Billy Sea: The Mare’s Day, Live at Altamont Theatre
Bassist Jake Wolf sent us this great performance of his band The BIlly Sea performing their tune “The Mare’s Day” at the Altamont Theatre in Asheville, North Carolina. The trio creates a sense of nostalgia in the song, which changes time feels throughout to add poignancy to slide guitarist Billy Cardine’s thoughtful phrasing. Wolf builds upon the serene nature of...
Mumford and Sons Bassist Ted Dwane Hospitalized
Mumford and Sons have postponed three headlining shows this week after bassist Ted Dwane was hospitalized while on their current tour. “Our friend and bandmate Ted has been feeling unwell for a few days, and yesterday he was taken to a hospital to receive emergency treatment,” the band stated on their Facebook page. “The scans revealed a blood clot on...
T-Rex Effects Introduces Fuel Tank Goliath Power Supply
T-Rex Effects new Fuel Tank Goliath is a power supply with seven isolated outlets made to deliver juice to pedals and effects. The outlets range in voltage with five standard outlets of switchable 9 or 12 volt power at up to 450mA, an 18-volt DC outlet rated at 250mA, and a 12 volt AC outlet that can handle 450mA. Other...
Joe Lester: “Australopithecus” Intronaut 5-String Fretless Bass Play-Along
Joe Lester stopped by the EMG studio with his 5-string fretless Zon to record a play-along of his band Intronaut’s song “Australopithecus.” The bassist runs the gamut of tones from a beautiful clean fretless “mwah” to a bone-crushing distortion.
Geddy Lee Auctions Signature Bass For Children’s Charity
Geddy Lee has donated one of his Signature Fender Jazz Basses to the children’s charity Lonny’s Smile for an upcoming auction to benefit Camp Oki, a free weeklong camp for children from Quebec and Ontario who suffer from heart defects. The Rush bassist’s axe has been set up to Lee’s performance settings by his bass tech, Skully, and is also...
Yes Announce Yestival
Yes fans, mark your calendars: the iconic progressive rock band has announced their first ever festival, called “Yestival.” Set for Saturday, August 3rd at Camden, New Jersey’s Susquehanna Bank Center, the day long event will include performances by the band as well as The Musical Box, Renaissance featuring Anne Haslam, Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy and other acts to be announced....