Höfner Violin Bass History Detailed in New Book
Höfner’s iconic Violin Bass is getting a thorough examination in the new book Höfner – The Complete Violin Bass Story, written by Höfner aficionado Steve Russell and the company’s own Nick Wass. The 320-page book chronicles the bass’s history from its inception to the present using photos and information from Höfner Company Archives as well as the expertise of Gerhilde...
Goby Labs Introduces “Thingy” Series Accessories
Accessories company Goby Labs has introduced the Thingy Series, consisting of the Goby Labs Guitar-hook Thingy and the Stand-top Thingy for iPad. The whimsically-named gadgets attach to microphone stands to provide simple, portable solutions for gigging musicians The Guitar-hook Thingy is an instrument hanger which attaches to a tripod microphone stand with a patent-pending grip that forms a closed loop...
Mike Mills: No R.E.M. Reunion
Fans of the defunct alternative rock band R.E.M. shouldn’t hold their breath for a reunion. Though the group decided to “call it a day as a band” on good terms, bassist Mike Mills recently told Rolling Stone that the chances of them getting back together is likely not in the cards. “We said we’re done and we’re done,” he said....
Bass of the Week: KB Guitars Robert Hurst Acoustic Bass
Ken Bebensee of KB Guitars made this gorgeous acoustic bass guitar for jazz bassist Robert Hurst, whose work ranges from stints with Wynton Marsalis to being a member of The Tonight Show Band. The 5-string bass brings together elements of a cello and an archtop jazz guitar for a unique hybrid bass. It’s built with an extra deep body made...
Eric Avery Quits Nine Inch Nails
Photo by acidpolly Eric Avery has announced he’s parting ways with the newly revamped Nine Inch Nails, citing exhaustion from touring with Garbage. The band, whose lineup was unveiled in late February by creator Trent Reznor, has not named a replacement. “It’s with very mixed emotions I tell you all that I’m pulling out of NIN,” Avery wrote on his...
FLAG, featuring Chuck Dukowski, Announce Tour Dates
The Black Flag reunion group, simply known as FLAG, has announced a tour schedule for 2013, from May through September. The tour is based around several festivals, including Punk Rock Bowling, the Orion Music + More Festival, and Amnesia Rock Fest. Not to be confused with the official Black Flag, FLAG consists of former Black Flag members Keith Morris, Dez...
Ibanez Introduces Mike D’Antonio MDB3 Signature Bass
Killswitch Engage’s Mike D’Antonio and Ibanez have teamed up to release the bassist’s third signature model, the MDB3. Based on the company’s Destroyer model, the bass’s mahogany body features beveled edges to provide right arm comfort while picking. Its three-piece maple neck is topped with a rosewood fretboard inlaid with a MDB logo at the 12th fret. The pickup departs...
Lorenzo Feliciati and Lorenzo Esposito Fornasari Release “Berserk!”
Bassist Lorenzo Feliciati and vocalist Lorenzo Esposito Fornasari have teamed up to release Berserk!, an aptly titled album that defies labeling. The effort draws from nearly every musical style with elements of psychedelia, jazz, doom metal, electronica, opera, and more. Each song has an nearly schizophrenic feeling while remaining true to the tune’s musical core. “I have never been able...
Steve Lawson and Daniel Berkman Set to Release 11-Hour Album
Steve Lawson isn’t one for sticking to the norm. Besides his ethereal solo work, the six-string bassist likes to experiment with other improvisors to create in-the-moment performances – often without having ever played with them before – and release the result directly to his fans. His latest collaboration with percussionist Daniel Berkman, entitled FingerPainting, collects nearly every note that the...
Nikki Sixx Selling Stage-Played Basses from Motley Crue Concerts
Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx is offering fans a chance to buy his stage-played basses from the band’s current and upcoming North American tours. Each night of the tour, Sixx will play one of his signature Schecter basses for the concert. Fans that buy the bass will get to have a meet-and-greet with Sixx before the concert where he will...
David Gage Instruments Introduces Realist LifeLine Double Bass Pickup
David Gage Instruments is adding to their Realist series of instrument pickups with the Realist LifeLine. The new double bass pickup is a self-powered piezo that the company describes as offering a “focused bass sound.” The LifeLine works on basses with adjustable bridges and is mounted on the bridge adjuster without glue or fasteners. Its output jack is held tightly...
Gigantour 2013 to Feature Megadeth, Black Label Society, Newsted
The 2013 round of Gigantour has been announced, and this year promises to be another great summer of metal. Hosted and headlined by Megadeth, the package tour will include performances by Black Label Society, Device, Hellyeah, Newsted and Death Division. If you’re keeping track, that means fans will be able to see David Ellefson, Jason Newsted, JD DiServio, Bobzilla and...