Vox Introduces Two New Multi-Effects Bass Pedals
Vox has announced the StompLab series of multi-effects pedals, including the StompLab IB and IIB pedals for bass. The respective stompboxes offer 60 and 61 types of modeling including amp, cabinet, and effects with 100 preset programs. All the effects were created from Vox’s VT+ series of modeling amps as well as the Tonelab series of multi-effect units. Dressed in...
In Memoriam: John Stockfish
John Stockfish, the original bassist for Canadian folk artist Gordon Lightfoot, has passed away of natural causes in his hometown of Windsor, Ontario. He was 69. Stockfish trained at the Royal Conservatory of Music, but honed his chops by touring North America and Europe with Tommy Danton and the Echoes. It was in 1965 that he connected with Lightfoot led...
Victor Wooten: Music as a Language
Besides being and incredible bassist, Victor Wooten is an equally talented educator. Check out this TED-Ed video of Wooten offering words of wisdom while he plays his rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
Xotic Introduces 4-String Version of XP-1T Bass
Xotic has released a 4-string of the XP-1T model, which thus far had only been available as a 5-string. The P-style bass offers vintage and modern tones by including a toggle for passive or active electronics. The active portion is Xotic’s Tri-Logic bass preamp, which has Bass, Mid, and Treble controls, a Mid switch, a Bright switch, and an Active...
Le Fay Introduces 32? Fretless Singer 4 Bass
Le Fay has introduced a new fretless version of their Singer model with a 32-inch scale and 19mm string spacing. Among the new features is the inclusion of the company’s new single-coil pickups, which have angular thumb rests and a three-point screw arrangement to prevent wobbling. Two pickups are under the bridge pickup cover while the neck cover houses one....
Ray Brown and John Clayton: Five O’Clock Whistle
Here are couple of the greatest jazz bassists having fun on the old standard “Five O’Clock Whistle.” Ray Brown and John Clayton have a groove together like no other. And if you haven’t yet, make sure to check out their SuperBass stuff with Christian McBride.
Bruno Tauzin: “Wow”
Here’s an aptly named solo bass groove called “Wow” from bassist Bruno Tauzin. The piece offers a catchy melody supported by rich chordal responses to make for an interesting listen.
Kathy Valentine Suffers Wrist Injury, Sits Out Tour Dates
Go-Go’s bassist Kathy Valentine has been sidelined with a broken wrist and will have to sit out of the band’s current tour. The Go-Go’s are touring in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the hit album Vacation. Valentine, who co-wrote the album, has had surgery to realign the distal radius bone. “The surgery will allow for wrist movement much quicker...
Bass of the Week: De Gier BeBop
There are lots of interpretations of the old J-bass, but one that strikes me most is the BeBop made by Dutch boutique shop De Gier. It offers a little more in the curves department with subtle tweaks to set itself apart from the classic design. Available in 4- or 5-string versions, the De Gier BeBop comes standard with an alder...
The New Face of Bass: An Interview With Evan Brewer
With unbelievable technique and a unique musical voice, Evan Brewer is quickly becoming the face of the new wave of bass heroes. The former Animosity bassist joined the ranks of technical death metal band The Faceless last year in time to help write and record their new album Autotheism, which hit shelves August 14th. The band has just wrapped up...
Lava Cable Introduces Grab N’ Go Configurable Pedal Board System
Lava Cable has introduced a new version of their Configurable Pedal Board System called the Lava Grab N’ Go. Built from specially formulated ABS, the board is made up of several pieces that lock together and are secured to form-fitting ABS base plates with machine screws and locking nuts for stability. The board is available in seven pre-assembled versions ranging...
Xander Myers: Funky Bass Cover of PSY’s “Gangnam Style”
Who doesn’t like a good viral video? Korean rapper PSY scored it big with his latest hit “Gangnam Style,” which has reached over 67 million views on YouTube. The zany and infectious tune inspired Xander Myers to make a slightly funkier version with his own bass line. Check it out!