Roland Introduces R-26 Field Recorder
Roland has released the R-26 Portable Field Recorder featuring dual built-in stereo microphones, two XLR/TRS inputs, and an input for a stereo plug-in powered mic. The device allows for up to six channels of simultaneous recording and has Roland’s patented IARC circuitry on the inputs to reduce interference. While the R-26 supports 24-bit/96 kHz linear PCM recording, you can also...
Pigtronix Releases the Dual Expression Pedal
Pigtronix has teamed up with Mission Engineering to produce the Dual Expression Pedal, a unit with two outputs to simultaneously control the parameters of two pedals with expression inputs. A polarity switch also allows for controlling effects in opposite directions, for which Pigtronix gives the example of increasing the speed of a phaser while decreasing the delay time on a...
New School: Dywane “MonoNeon” Thomas
Dywane “MonoNeon” Thomas is not your average bassist. Formerly known as PolyNeon, Thomas’ unique style is a result of his main influences of ‘70s Soul and modern avant-garde music – which come together in some very interesting ways. What makes you new school? Well I never considered myself “new school”, but I guess I do have a some characteristics that...
Sting Adds to “Back to Bass” Tour with European Dates
Following the success of his North American concerts, Sting has announced a European leg to his “Back to Bass” tour. As the title implies, Sting gets back to his roots and lays down the low-end on his vintage Fender while celebrating the 25th anniversary of his solo career. As such, the tour is also in support of his latest “25...
Bass of the Week: Maruszczyk Instruments Frog Omega Europe 5
This week we take a look at the Frog Omega Europe 5 bass from Maruszczyk Instruments, a custom instrument designed on the company’s Frog series. Built on an alder body, the bass a quilted maple theme, with the figured wood being used for the top, fingerboard, headstock, and pickup covers. The set-in neck is made of hard rock maple. The...
Ultra Low: An Interview with Jeroen Paul Thesseling
Jeroen Paul Thesseling is a bassist constantly pushing himself to new heights. The Amsterdam native picked up his first 4-string bass in his teens, eventually going on to study at the Conservatory at Enschede in the Netherlands. Though his studies were varied, his love for heavy music prevailed as he started his career with the death metal band Pestilence. After...
Dropkick Murphys Announce 2012 Tour Dates
The Dropkick Murphys, led by bassist/vocalist Ken Casey, have announced two months worth of tour dates beginning in late January in Europe and finishing March 24th in Washington, DC. The tour culminates in the Irish punk rockers’ annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, including two shows in Lowell, Massachusetts and the ShamrockFest in D.C. The band will also be releasing a...
Catherine Popper Leaves Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Catherine Popper has parted ways with the folk/blues rock-tinged group Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. Popper, who joined the group in 2009, made the announcement on her Facebook page. “Hey everybody for the past two and a half years, [Grace Potter and the Nocturnals] has been my family away from my family. We’ve all grown so much together. So it’s...
Fear and the Nervous System Releases Debut Album, Featuring Billy Gould
Fear and the Nervous System, an experimental industrial metal band formed by Korn’s James Shaffer and Faith No More bassist Billy Gould, has released their self-titled debut album. The group also includes Repeater vocalist Steve Krolikowski, Bad Religion drummer Brooks Wackerman, guitarist Leopold Ross and keyboardist Zach Baird. Grounded by Gould’s gritty bass tone, the album project began as a...
Supergroup Rocket Juice and the Moon, Featuring Flea and Damon Albarn, Release Live Tracks
The group known as Rocket Juice and the Moon has uploaded seven songs from their debut performance at the Cork Jazz Festival. Consisting of Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, Blur/Gorillaz mastermind Damon Albarn, and Fela Kuti drummer Tony Allen this supergroup announced their union late last year. Their world-music influenced style draws heavily from the ’70s Afrobeat, especially as...
Zoom Upgrades Recorder Line with the H2n Handy Recorder
Zoom is now shipping their new H2n Handy Recorder, a device related to the company’s original H2 design. The H2n features five studio-quality mics, onboard with several modes to employ different micing techniques, including Mid-side, 90-degree X/Y stereo, 2-channel and 4-channel surround. This updated version has more controls added to the sides of the unit to streamline workflow. Zoom also...
Jens Ritter Unveils LaMarquis Jefferson Signature Bass, “The Bone”
German luthier Jens Ritter has just announced a new model to his Artist Series. The Bone was designed with bassist/producer LaMarquis Jefferson, whose credits include bass lines for OutKast, Goodie Mob, Society of Soul, TLC and more. “The Bone” features a German Alder body, a three-piece maple bolt-on neck, and a maple fingerboard, all decked out in white. THe Carrara...