Custom Shop: May Custom Basses
Shawn May of May Custom Basses started playing as a teen and got interested in building after a chance visit to the local library. Inspired by the distinguished luthiers who came before him, he eventually turned his interests into a business. Intrigued with exotic and “intense” looking woods, May focuses on creating one-of-a-kind instruments for each of his customers. We...
Kustom Unveils KXB500 Bass Amplifier
Kustom Amplification has introduced the KXB500 bass amp, a no-nonsense amp built for a big sound while staying compact. The amp is rated at 500 watts and has a total of five control knobs, and weighs in at five pounds. The KXB500’s input stage accommodates for a range of signal levels features a clip LED and mute switch. Tone controls...
Victor Wooten Releases First Track from “The Music Lesson” Soundtrack
In preparation of the upcoming soundtrack release from his audiobook, The Music Lesson, Victor Wooten is giving away free downloads of a track called “Lesson Prelude”. The track is a beautiful rendition of his song “The Lesson,” with a guitar doubling the melody. The full soundtrack will be available for download starting September 20th, but the Woot Crew has something...
Bernhard Lackner Releases “Stories From Home”
Bernhard Lackner has released his third album, Stories from Home. The Austrian-born bassist explains the album came to him after getting song ideas while visiting his native country. Besides a wealth of musical talent on the release, including Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez, Jeff Coffin and Derico Watson, the album was co-produced by fellow Nashville bass ace Adam Nitti. Lackner flew...
In Memoriam: Marshall Grant
Marhsall Grant, the bassist in Johnny Cash’s original backing duo The Tennessee Two, has passed away at the age of 83. Grant was instrumental in Cash’s sound and success, as he also served as Cash’s road manager until 1980. Grant’s playing became an integral role in the “boom-chicka-boom” sound, which shaped a whole style of country and rockabilly music. Born...
ESP Adds to LTD B-Series Bass Guitars
In addition to their new LTD J-Series basses, ESP has introduced two new basses to their LTD B-Series: The B-50FM and B-55FM. The 4- and 5-string models share the qualities of their siblings, but are distinguished by their flamed maple tops. Available in three different sunburst finishes, the flamed maple top covers the basswood body. The maple neck features a...
George Duke to Premiere Concerto for Christian McBride
How many people can say that George Duke wrote a symphonic jazz piece for them? Well, add Christian McBride to that list. Duke, the legendary keyboardist/singer will be premiering the work, Concerto for Christian McBride, during a free performance on September 24th at UCLA with the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra and McBride himself. Conducted by Mitch Glickman, the 67-piece orchestra will...
Coheed and Cambria Part Ways With Michael Todd
Coheed and Cambria have parted ways with longtime bassist Michael Todd, according to a statement the band issued August 4th. “After a lot of thought, introspection and discussion, Coheed and Cambria will be continuing our journey without bassist Michael Todd,” the message read. “We have spoken to him and this is a mutual decision between both parties. Michael was a...
Dream Theater Announces New Album, Tour Dates
In preparation for their next album, Dream Theater have announced a run of North American tour dates starting September 24th at the Warfield in San Francisco. This will be the group’s first venture without drummer Mike Portnoy, who left the band in September 2010 and subsequently replaced by Mike Mangini. The new album, A Dramatic Turn of Events, is due...
Recording Acoustic Bass with Steve Bailey
Recording double bass can be a real hassle. As anyone who has tried it can tell you, it takes time to find the right balance of definition and depth. Luckily, Steve Bailey spent tons of time figuring out what works for him, and made this video to share his techniques. Bailey not only explains his mic placement, but also goes...
Fender Introduces Bronco 40 Bass Amp
Fender has introduced the Bronco 40, a bass amplifier with built-in effects and amp modeling. The 1×10 combo also includes Fender’s FUSE software and USB connectivity, allowing it to function as an audio interface with DAWs as well as tweak and swap presets online. Rated at 40 watts, the amp has 24 on-board presets using 8 amp models including the...
Snapshots Foundation Posts Carol Kaye Interview
The Snapshots Music & Arts Foundation has posted an extensive 6-part interview with legendary session bassist Carol Kaye, whose playing can be heard on thousands of tunes ranging from Sonny and Cher’s “The Beat Goes On” to The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations.” The interview ranges on topics including Kaye’s background, why she picked up bass, the art making music, and...