Squier Releases Vintage Modified Mustang Bass
Squier has grown their Vintage Modified line with the introduction of a new take on Fender’s mid-60s Mustang bass. Staying true to the original, the Vintage Modified Mustang features a 30″ scale, 19 frets and comes in black or three-color sunburst finishes. The bolt-on constructed bass has a basswood body with a maple neck and fingerboard, while the pickup has...
Owen Biddle Leaves The Roots
Owen Biddle will be leaving the Roots in order to pursue his own project, Mister Barrington. The bassist, who joined the band in 2007 and has been seen with them on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon since 2009, confirmed the change on his Twitter account. “Thanks for all the love guys. It’s true!” Biddle tweeted. “I’m starting a new chapter...
Queen: Dragon Attack Live with John Deacon (1982)
Here’s a clip from Queen’s 1982 performance in Canada, released on the 2007 DVD Queen Rock Montreal. Bassist John Deacon holds down catchy riff on his Fender P-bass while the band jams out a heavy groove.
Bass of the Week: Little Guitar Works Torzal Standard
With time comes innovation, and for bass players, it means lighter rigs, improved effects pedals, and ergonomic basses. The Little Guitar Works Torzal Bass is a prime example of that progressive ideology. The customizable bass features your choice of woods and pickups, but the real “Twist” is in the neck. Literally. Developed in the mid-90s as a response to players...
Custom Shop: Birdsong Guitars
Founded in 2004, Birdsong Guitars is a company with a distinct reputation for excellent short-scale basses – one that founder Scott Beckwith prides himself on. After getting his start building in the late ’90s, Beckwith set up shop in Texas where he has been honing his craft with the aid of his wife and other luthiers. Most recently he revived...
Mark Dresser and Jen Shyu Release Synastry
Avant-garde jazz bassist/composer Mark Dresser has teamed up with vocalist Jen Shyu to release Synastry, an intimate duo album that explores the possibilities of jazz bass and voice. Shyu, who sings in English, Mandarin and Vocalese on the record, says their chemistry is part of what makes the project so special. “When Mark and I did our first session, we...
Fender Releases T-Bucket Acoustic Bass Guitar
Fender has released the T-Bucket Bass, the first four-stringer in their Hot Rod Design series. The acoustic bass guitar includes a Fishman Isys III pickup system for amplification, complete with a three-band EQ, onboard preamp and tuner. Finished in a classic three-color sunburst, the T-Bucket features a flame maple top with scalloped X bracing and mahogany back, sides and neck....
Dio Disciples, Featuring Rudy Sarzo, Announce U.S. Tour Dates
Dio Disciples, a band formed as tribute to the late vocalist Ronnie James Dio, has announced their first U.S. tour. Fronted by singer Tim “Ripper” Owens, the band is made up of alumni from Dio’s band, including bassist Rudy Sarzo, drummer Simon Wright, guitarist Craig Goldy and keyboardist Scott Warren. The tour starts in Poughkeepsie, New York in late September...
Fishbone Documentary on Screening Tour
A new documentary about the genre-defying band Fishbone is making its way around the country in select screenings, with a DVD release in the works. Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone follows the band’s career, from their formation in South Central Los Angeles and rise to fame to struggles and their current day affairs. The film focuses much attention on...
3Leaf Audio Releases PWNZOR Optical Compressor Pedal
3Leaf Audio has released the PWNZOR Optical Compressor, a new high-fidelity design that also nods to classic compressors with a Vintage switch. The pedal’s internal charge pump circuitry turns power from a standard 9-volt supply into 18-volts to provide more clean headroom. 3Leaf also included their new relay bypass system for clickless switching, which automatically switches to bypass mode if...
Korg Releases Pandora Mini
Korg is now shipping the Pandora Mini, an even more portable version of their popular multi-effect processor. Designed for both bassists and guitarists, the Pandora Mini includes 158 amp models and effects with 400 programs – 200 preset and 200 user programmable locations. The pocket-sized effects processor also includes 100 rhythm and metronome patterns for practice, while an Aux input...
Maxon Introduces RTC600 Real Tube Compressor Pedal
Maxon has updated their Real Tube series with the introduction of the RTC600 Real Tube Compressor. The new device will replace the company’s RCP660 model. The RTC600 offers improvements in design and audio quality while remaining true to the former’s spirit. Housed in cast zinc, the RTC600 is a studio grade tube compressor preamp built into a portable pedal design....