Agile Partners Introduce AmpKit Version 1.4, with Ashdown Amp Model
AmpKit, the popular amp modeling app for iOS, has been updated with Version 1.4. The new incarnation introduces two new pedals and two new amplifiers including modeling of the Ashdown ABM-900 and its matching 8×10 cabinet. The second in AmpKit’s bass amp series, the Ashdown rig replicates all the features of the real ABM-900. Besides the company’s signature VU meter,...
Bass of the Week: Nordstrand NX5
I’ll admit it – I’m a sucker for boutique top woods. That’s why I had to do a double take when I saw Nordstrand’s first NX5 Bolt-on bass guitar. Its spalted maple top and matching headstock have a gorgeous textural look with striking light and dark contrasts thanks to the spalting, which is naturally created in wood by fungi. Equally...
Arild Andersen Steps Out Front With “Celebration”
For more than four decades, Norwegian bassist Arild Andersen has been a foundation in the sound of ECM Records. His recordings for the label include work with Bill Frisell, Kenny Wheeler, Paul Motian and many others. Now, the bassist has just released Celebration, an album consisting of music from ECM’s catalog. The six track collection features Andersen as the lead...
Alembic Unveils Stanley Clarke Signature Deluxe 5-String Bass
Stanley Clarke will be stretching out a bit more with the introduction of his new Alembic Signature Deluxe 5-string bass, which the company will offer in their signature series. Tuned E to C, the step from a 4- to a 5-string bass allows for playing Clarke’s songs written for tenor bass as well as everything written for traditional tuning. Clarke...
J. Backlund Design Introduces JBD-800B Bass Guitar
J. Backlund Design has stepped into the low end with the introduction of their first bass, the JBD-800B. Modeled after the company’s versatile JBD-800 guitar, the new 4-string bass sports three Seymour Duncan Bass Lines pickups with a 5-way pickups selector for extended tonal range. The JBD-800B features bolt-on construction with a 6-bolt maple neck and either rosewood or maple...
Mono Cases Introduces M80 Pedalboard Case Line
Continuing their summer releases, Mono Cases has introduced a new line of M80 pedalboard cases. The series includes Club, Tour and Pro sizes that fit three respective Pedaltrain pedalboards, as well as other brands. Similar to their M80 instrument cases, the new pdealboard cases are built with a water resistant Sharkskin outer shell, steel riveted handles, industrial rubber soles, and...
Aguilar Introduces Hum-Canceling J-Style Bass Series Pickups
Aguilar has introduced a pair of new hum-canceling single coil pickups called the AG 4J-HC and AG 5J-HC. Made for 4- and 5-string basses respectively, the pickups act as direct replacements for 4- and 5-string Fender Jazz and other J-style basses. The new pickups were designed to eliminate the hum that comes from neck and bridge pickups being at different...
Lamb of God/Dethklok Headlining Tour Cancelled
The co-headlining tour between metal giants Lamb of God and Dethklok with support from Gojira has been cancelled due to Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe’s continued incarceration in the Czech Republic. The tour, which was to feature low-end goodness from Lamb of God’s John Campbell, Gojira’s Jean-Michel Labadie, and Bryan Beller (aka Dethklok’s Murderface), has no plans to reschedule...
Source Audio Introduces Hot Hand 3 Universal Wireless Effects Controller
Source Audio has released a new incarnation of their Hot Hand with the Hot Hand 3 Universal Wireless Effects Controller. The new model expands on its predecessor by broadening its compatibility to non-Source Audio pedals. The Hot Hand 3 package consists of a ring containing a 3-axis accelerometer that translates your hand movements into an expression signal that can be...
New School: Aaron Gibson
Aaron Gibson presents an interesting blend of singer/songwriter and solo bassist. Once described as “Jack Johnson playing with the Red Hot Chili Peppers,” the Oregon-based low-ender comps for himself while playing impressive original tunes as well as covers. Aaron scores solo gigs by covering the bass line, harmony, melody, and vocals all on his own. We reached out to find...
Simon & Garfunkel with Pino Palladino: The Only Living Boy in New York
While preparing to interview Joe Osborn, I became borderline obsessed with this song. Originally played by Joe on Simon & Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water, the bass line has such a beautiful melody to it while holding down the harmony in all the right spots. Here’s a clip of the duo’s DVD with bassist Pino Palladino, who presents the line...
Sean O’Bryan Smith Gets Spiritual With “Reflection”
Bassist Sean O’Bryan Smith has released Reflection, a twelve-track collection of hymnals, spirituals, and gospel tunes arranged with a “soul-jazz groove.” More than a soul record, the bassist says the effort mirrors his own career. “Reflection is a tribute not only to great hymns and worship tunes, but also a nod to where I’ve come from as a musician and...