G&L Introduces M-Series Basses
Thirty years after the introduction of their flagship L-2000 model, G&L has unveiled their new M-series basses. The M-2000 and M2500 both build upon their predecessor, which was first designed by Leo Fender in 1981, and aim to be more flexible while retaining the same attitude. The M-series basses still feature dual MFD humbuckers, but the pickups have been voiced...
Bass of the Week: JanAid Guitars’ Bob Abbott Yolanda 5
Named after a butterfly found in southern Spain, the JanAid Yolanda 5 bass draws inspiration from nature. This week, we check out the latest incarnation of the bass, which is also a signature model for Baltimore-based player Bob Abbott. The Yolanda 5 was built with a variety of woods, utilizing their “defects” to create a a piece of art. The...
Versatility: A Conversation with Christian McBride
As the jazz standard goes: “Things ain’t what they used to be.” The music industry as a whole is changing, but even so, truly remarkable artists will always shine through. Christian McBride is one of those artists. Raised in Philadelphia, McBride moved to New York City at the age of 17 to step up his music career. Through hard work,...
Shonna Tucker Parts Ways With Drive-By Truckers
After eight years with the band, bassist Shonna Tucker has left the Drive-By Truckers. The split, which appears to be amicable, was announced by Tucker on the group’s website. “It’s time for me to move on to the next great thing, whatever that may be,” Tucker wrote. “I want to thank each and everyone of you, with my whole heart...
Red Hot Chili Peppers to be Inducted Into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; Add More U.S. Tour Dates
The Red Hot Chili Peppers are among the 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, alongside Guns N’ Roses, Donovan, the Beastie Boys, Laura Nyro, and the Small Faces/The Faces. The group, which formed in 1983, will be honored during the Induction Ceremony in Cleveland, Ohio on April 14th, 2012. Founding member Flea posted on the band’s website about...
Marcus Miller: Power, Live at the 2008 Lugano Jazz Festival
Marcus Miller is one bad dude, and here’s just a little more evidence. In this clip, taken from Switzerland’s Lugano Jazz Festival in 2008, the bass icon rips through the aptly named tune “Power.” The rest of his band includes Alex Han on Saxophone, Jason “JT” Thomas on Drums, and Federico Gonzales Pena on Keyboards.
Korn Dips Into Dubstep with The Path of Totality
In a step away from the norm, Korn has released The Path of Totality, a dubstep-influenced album that takes their typically grungy distorted sound and adds electronica to the mix. The group, anchored by bassist Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu, brought in dubstep artists like Skrillex, Excision and Noisia to create their new hybrid songs. “The basis of our band has always...
Glockenklang Goes Lightweight with the Blue Soul Bass Amp
Glockenklang has released details on the Blue Soul, their new 650-watt Class D amp that weighs in at just 5 kg (approximately 11 pounds). With a focus on warmth and detail, the German amplification company says it rings clear as a bell. The Blue Soul features a pair of switchable inputs, with a gain knob and a variable input trim...
Watson Pickups Launches Product Line
Watson Guitars has just launched a new pickups company, specializing in a variety of bass pickups. Run by former Nordstrand employee Michael Cooper, Watson Pickups’ new line offers products ranging from vintage replacements to completely custom creations for extended-range instruments. Cooper designed the entire line. “My current favorite design is a tap-able modern P pickup,” Cooper explains, “which fits into...
Phil Palombi’s Tri-Fi Releases Christmas Album
Here’s something to help get you in the holiday spirit. Tri-Fi, featuring bassist Phil Palombi, have released a new holiday album entitled A Tri-Fi Christmas. The piano trio’s seasonal record contains their personal spins on twelve Christmas classics including “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” and “Joy to the World.” “Even though we recorded it in the middle of summer, we...
Nordstrand Releases Pre-Ernie Ball Music Man-Inspired 2B-MM Preamp
Nordstrand has released the 2B-MM preamp, an accurate reproduction of an early pre-Ernie Ball Music Man 2-band preamp. The preamp comes prewired, and while it works as a direct replacement for early Music Man basses, the company explains it works well for many instruments. As with the original design, the 2B-MM’s bass control only boosts and the treble boosts and...
New School: Steve Lawson
Steve Lawson is the epitome of new school. After beginning to play solo bass in the late 1990s, Lawson has been utilizing his love of technology and community to not only expand the scope of the instrument’s identity, but also to bring players together in discussions through social media. Steve’s advocacy for a “do-it-yourself” career, including releasing your own music...