Markbass Announces MoMark MVVL-HE Master Module
Markbass continues their new product announcements for 2011 with the introduction of the MVVL-HE Master module. The MVVL-HE Master is designed to fit into any MoMark amp chassis, features a master volume control, the Markbass VLE and VPF filters, and a Line Out level control. The circuitry is gold-plated in addition to all high level components, which Markbass says makes...
Carl Martin Releases Classic Optical Envelope Pedal
Carl Martin has released a new stompbox to their lineup, the Classic Optical Envelope. The effects company explains it is “essentially a classic envelope filter (auto-wah)” for bass or guitar with some extra tweak-ability. The pedal includes two foot switches, the first being for activating the effects, and the second for switching between modes. The pedal operates in three modes...
Custom Shop: LeCompte Electric Basses
Based out of the Houston, Texas area, Bud LeCompte has been building basses since 2004, after acquiring a technical background and inheriting a plethora of woodworking tools. Having been interested bass playing and drawing since his teenage years, LeCompte’s designs vary from paying homage to classic instruments to unique shapes and lines that defy that same tradition. In this installment...
Pierluigi Balducci: Tully More Song
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, here’s a fun clip of Pierluigi Balducci playing his Irish-inspired composition “Tully More Song,” from his CD Niebla. Cheers!
The Wailers Announce 2011 Tour
The Wailers, featuring legendary bassist Aston “Family Man” Barrett, have announced tour dates from March through August, including several festival appearances. The band was originally the backing group for reggae icon Bob Marley, who carries on his music. Last year’s tour celebrated his 40th anniversary with the group. Barrett co-founded the Wailers and continues to lead them to this day....
Billy Cox to Anchor Experience Hendrix 2011 Tour
The Experience Hendrix Tour, which pays homage to the life and works of Jimi Hendrix, is being reprised for 2011, as the first eight dates have been announced. The performances are set in the West Coast, bouncing between Nevada, California, and Arizona. The Santa Rosa, California stop has already been sold out. Bassist Billy Cox, who was played in the...
Warwick Releases Streamer LX LTD 2011
Warwick unveiled their limited edition model for the year, the Streamer LX LTD 2011. Available in 4 and 5-string versions, the bass is a variant of their Streamer design with woods they use less often. The 2011 edition sports a Maple body with a plain Blackwood on top. The bolt-on neck is made of Blackwood with Maple stripes and is...
Gene Simmons: Original KISS Reunion Will Happen One Day
In a recent interview with Metal Messiah Radio, KISS bassist and vocalist Gene Simmons spoke on the band and the possibility of a reunion with original members Peter Criss and Ace Frehley. “There will be one more time when we play together,” he said. “Sometime in the future there’s going to be a last show. Sometime in the future we’ll...
Mr. Big Announces World Tour, Including U.S. Dates
Mr. Big has announced an extensive world tour in support of their latest release, What If, featuring the group’s original lineup including bassist Billy Sheehan, guitarist Paul Gilbert, drummer Pat Torpey and vocalist Eric Martin. The trek will have the quartet stopping twice in the U.S., first in Hollywood on April 2nd, then again as part of the M3 Festival...
PocketLabworks Releases PocketGK Bass Guitar Amp iOS App
PocketLabworks has teamed up with the amp builders at Gallien-Krueger to make the world’s first iOS amp simulator designed specifically for bass. The app requires an instrument adapter, which is sold separately. The adapter connects your bass to your device, and the app allows you to select your amp combinations and settings, including different cab configurations, EQ, Dynamics, and presets....
Spector Releases RXT Rex Brown Signature Bass
Spector unveiled a few new basses for 2011, including the RXT, a new signature model designed in part by Down’s Rex Brown. The bass is part of their USA series, meaning it’s built in their Woodstock, New York workshop. Featuring neck-thru construction, the RXT brings together a solid AAAA maple body with a 3-piece maple graphite reinforced neck with a...
Slipknot Announces Touring Bassist
With a handful of European dates lined up for the summer, Slipknot has announced that Donnie Steele will be acting as touring bassist in place of the late Paul Gray. The news came as a statement on the band’s website, explaining that Steele is the best fit since he was a founding guitarist in the band and was close to...