The Cars Reform While Preserving Bassist’s Memory
New Wave rockers The Cars have reformed to record new material for the first time since their split in 1988, though the group will be missing bassist/vocalist Benjamin Orr, who died of cancer in 2000. Co-founder Ric Ocasek told Rolling Stone that, “This is not a reunion – it’s more like a conjunction. I never thought I’d make another Cars...
Daisy Rock Introduces Rebel Rockit Bass
Daisy Rock has introduced the Rebel Rockit Bass, the newest model in the company’s line of full-scale instruments. The 34” scale bass features a lightweight sycamore body and a rock maple neck with 22 frets, designed to be more comfortable for girls with smaller hands. Seymour Duncan P+J passive pickups are included. In keeping with the manufacturer’s “girl rocker” demographic,...
Bernhard Lackner Releases Plucking Hand Workout For Electric Bass
Bassist Bernhard Lackner has released a new instructional book, Plucking Hand Workout For Electric Bass, featuring 200 exercises on 2-finger right hand technique. Written in both standard notation and tablature, the book focuses on developing your plucking hand in order to improve your overall technique, tone and musicianship. The exercises start at the beginning with quarter notes and work up...
Daring Audio Debuts with Bass Effects Pedal Line
Daring Audio made their debut at NAMM this year with the release of a new line of bass effects pedals, including the Particle Beam, Laser Cannon, Edge Activator, and Phat Beam. Built in California, the light energy-inspired pedals all feature true bypass and high headroom 18-volt circuits that run off of either a 9-volt batter or standard 9-volt adapter. The...
Wally Voss: Live Bass Solo (1980’s)
Joseph Garcia sent in this video of bassist Wally Voss, a shredding master who spent time in the ’80s touring with Yngwie Malmsteen. Here is a face-melting solo he played with the band Front Runner, before joining Malmsteen. “This is a must-see for fans of Cliff Burton and Billy Sheehan,” Garcia wrote, and we couldn’t agree more!
Cort Announces Gene Simmons Punisher-2 Bass
Cort added a second bass to their Gene Simmons series, the GS-Punisher-2. The bass, more traditionally shaped than the AXE model, was designed in part with the KISS bassist himself and features bolt-on construction. The black-painted Mahogany body is accented with a maple neck and a rosewood fretboard containing white pearl diamond inlays. All of the hardware is chrome, including...
Lemmy Documentary Released on DVD
After a long wait, the Lemmy documentary has been released on DVD. The nearly two-hour film, which took about four years to make, gives an unprecedented look into the life of rock icon and Motörhead bassist/frontman Lemmy Kilmister. Originally screened at last year’s South by Southwest festival, the documentary includes interviews with Metallica, Dave Grohl, Ozzy Osbourne, Slash, and more...
Esperanza Spalding and Stanley Clarke Among 2011 Grammy Winning Bassists
It was another great year for bass players at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards, held February 13 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The big win of the night came for Esperanza Spalding, who beat out Justin Bieber and others to be the first jazz artist in decades to win the Grammy for “Best New Artist.” Spalding called...
Fender Expands Rumble Bass Amplification Line
Fender has expanded their Rumble Bass amplification line with the inclusion of the Rumble 150 and 350 heads with supporting 1×12, 2×8, and 4×10 cabinets. The heads, rated at 150- and 350-watts respectively, feature built-in overdrive controls with Gain and Blend knobs as well as a 4-band EQ with Punch and Scoop switches. The amps also feature an XLR Line...
Rex Brown Leaves Arms of the Sun
Ex-Pantera bassist Rex Brown has issued a statement saying that he has parted ways with his latest project, Arms of the Sun. “To all the friends & fans, I have left the Arms of the Sun project,” the bassist shared. “I wish them well & Godspeed!!! Good luck brothers!!!” There is still no word of a replacement bassist for the...
Geezer Butler: No Black Sabbath Reunion for Original Members
The hopes for a full Black Sabbath reunion seem to have come to a halt, according to a post from bassist Geezer Butler. In a statement on his website, Butler wrote, “I would like to make it clear, because of mounting speculation and rumours, that there will be definitely NO reunion of all four original members of Black Sabbath, whether...
Warwick Unveils Star Bass II Single Cut
Warwick has announced the Star Bass II Single Cut bass, a modified version of their retro-styled Star Bass II. Available in either laminated Flamed Maple or Tigerwood, the hollow body bass features a set Flamed Maple neck and Wenge fingerboard. The new Single Cut also differs from its predecessor with the introduction of passive MEC humbuckers and passive MEC electronics....