Bass of the Week: Hot Wire Bass Inlaw 521 BO
German bass company Hot Wire produced a super cool version of their Inlaw 521 BO model with a stunning quilted maple top and matching pickup covers. The “zebra” effect is attained by using a lighter quilted maple and a dark quilted maple to create a sharp contrast. The Inlaw comes in several versions, but the 521 BO is a 5-string,...
Stories Behind the Songs: Bob Daisley
Without a doubt, Bob Daisley is one of the most influential bassists of all time. For over four decades, Daisley has laid down the low end for everyone from Mungo Jerry to Rainbow to Ozzy Osbourne to Gary Moore. In fact, nearly every one of you reading this right now has probably played his bass lines, whether you know it...
Jean-Luc Ponty with Guy Christian Nsangué Akwa: Celtic Steps
Here’s a cool video of Guy Christian Nsangué Akwa taking a solo with Jean-Luc Ponty’s band on the tune “Celtic Steps.” The bassist starts things off pretty cool before working the whole group into a frenzy. (I love the bass freakout at 2:50). As if that wasn’t enough, he plays the blazing melody in unison with the rest of the...
Roger Waters Announces Final and Largest Production of “The Wall”
Roger Water’s tour of The Wall will be coming to a gigantic finale on July 21st in Quebec City, Quebec. Held at the Fields of Abraham, the recently added concert will be the last tour stop of the current North American trek, but will differ from the rest in that the production will feature a set twice as large as...
Dan Briggs and Trioscapes Release “Separate Realities”
Dan Briggs and his new group Trioscapes have released their debut album, Separate Realities on Metal Blade Records. Originally started to do a one-off show of the Mahavishnu Orchestra’s Celestial Terrestrial Commuters, the sax/bass/drums trio brings together elements of prog rock, metal and jazz. Briggs, who lays down the low end for the prog metal outfit Between the Buried and...
Copilot FX Releases New Octave Pedal for Bass
Copilot FX has a new octave pedal designed specifically for bass. The Cubic is a versatile pedal with a switch for two different voices – one with pure octave and the other with mixed octave, while the switch on the front of the pedal toggles between providing one or two octaves down. In addition to Volume and Blend controls, the...
Dean Markley Introduces Nikki Sixx Helix HD SS Bass Strings
Dean Markley has expanded their Helix series strings with a signature set for Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx. Used by the man himself, the Nikki Sixx Helix HD SS Bass Strings are made of a special stainless steel alloy that the company says has an “inherent bright and cutting timbre.” Following the line, the new set of strings is constructed...
Geezer Butler Speaks on the State of the Black Sabbath Reunion
Since its announcement, the Black Sabbath reunion has had nothing but difficulty after difficulty. Plans for a world tour and new album were put on hold after lead guitarist Tony Iommi was diagnosed with Lymphoma, while drummer Bill Ward recently declared his contract unsignable. There’s been no official statement on Ward’s departure, but bassist Geezer Butler weighed in on the...
Simon Fitzpatrick: Solo Bass Cover of “Stairway to Heaven”
Bass whiz Simon Fitzpatrick has done it again with a jaw-dropping version of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven”. This clip comes from a May 22nd performance with the Carl Palmer Band at Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks, Kent. The bassist even covers the guitar solo with one handed tapping while keeping the bass line going, eventually wrapping up the big jam...
V-Moda Introduces Faders VIP Tuned Earplugs
V-Moda has expanded their Ear Armor series with their new Faders VIP line of tuned metal earplugs. Available in four sizes, the new earplugs reduce noise levels by 12dB across the spectrum. The fittings are made of medical grade BLISS 3.0 hybrid-silicone to fit any ear extra small, small, medium, and large sizes. Each set comes with a detachable cord...
Carvin Introduces BRX15.3 and BRX18.1 Bass Cabinets
Carvin has added two new models to their BRX Series bass cabinets: the BRX15.3 and the BRX18.1. Made in the USA, the new cabs are built from Baltic Birch plywood covered in DuraTex and have recessed steel handles as well as caster inserts. The BRX15.3 is a 600-watt 3-way cabinet loaded with a 15? woofer, an 8? mid driver, and...
Rex Brown and Kill Devil Hill Release Debut Album
Kill Devil Hill’s long awaited self-titled debut is now available from SPV/Steamhammer. The band, comprised of ex-Pantera/Down bassist Rex Brown, drummer Vinny Appice, guitarist Mark Savon and vocalist Jason “Dewey” Bragg finalized its lineup in March of 2011 with the addition of Brown. “Vinny is a brilliant drummer, and of course, I was immediately interested when he asked me whether...