Evan Brewer Joins The Faceless
Technical death metal band The Faceless has added bassist Evan Brewer to their ranks. The position had been vacant since founding member Brandon Griffin left the group last year. They made it official through their social media pages. “The sickest bass player in the game, Evan Brewer (Animosity/Reflux) has officially joined The Faceless,” the band wrote. “See his videos on...
An Interview with Victor Wooten
Fifteen years ago, Victor Wooten released a solo electric bass album that inspired countless bassists to push themselves to new limits. Today, you’d be hard pressed to find a “best of” or “reader’s choice” list of top bassists without him. Victor is a busy bassist, teacher, and more recently, record label owner. We caught up with him during one of...
Squier Introduces Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass Special SS
Squier has introduced the Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass Special SS, a short scale take on the classic Fender model. Featuring a 30” scale, the bass is suitable for anyone who appreciates the comfort of a short-scale instrument, as the company explains it’s more than just a student model. The Jaguar Special SS has an Agathis body and a Maple neck...
Hot Tuna Releases “Steady As She Goes”
Hot Tuna, the group formed in 1969 by Jefferson Airplane bassist Jack Casady and guitarist Jorma Kaukonen, have released their first studio album in 20 years. Steady As She Goes represents over 50 years of the duo playing together, and as such, the 12 tracks are reflective of their lives thus far. Though there is an acoustic vibe, this is...
On-Stage Stands Unveils ProGrip II Stand
On-Stage Stands has introduced the GS8200 II Hang-It Guitar Stand, a stand that allows instruments to hang from the headstock, rather than sit in a cradle. When a bass is put on the stand, the weight of it closes padded gates to lock the headstock in place. Unique to the GS8200 is the addition of spring-loaded gates, so the system...
Bryan Beller Releases “Wednesday Night Live”
Bryan Beller has just released his first solo live album, Wednesday Night Live, recorded during his band’s September 15, 2010 performance at the Baked Potato in Los Angeles. Beller’s band included guitarists Rick Musallam and Griff Peters, Mike Keneally on keyboard and guitar and Joe Travers on drums. In prepping for the recording, Beller wanted to make sure the song...
Washburn Unveils Stu Hamm Signature Bass
After years of having a signature acoustic bass produced by Washburn, Stu Hamm now has a signature electric bass guitar with the company, called the SH B3 Hammer. The new model is a a double cut-away design featuring an alder body and a bolt-on maple neck with a radial neck joint. The fingerboard is rosewood. Made in the USA, the...
Asia Announces New Omega Tour Dates
80’s supergroup Asia has announced new dates to continue their extensive Omega tour, which began last year after they released their album of the same name. Led by bassist/vocalist John Wetton, the lineup includes drummer Carl Palmer, keyboardist Geoff Downes, and guitarist Steve Howe, each being from the bands Yes, ELP, King Crimson, UK, and The Buggles. The new leg...
AER Introduces Amp Three Bass Combo
German amp makers AER has announced a new addition to their Bottom Line series of bass amps, called the Amp Three. The 200-watt combo amp has features two 8” speakers, which the company explains helps to enhance low-mids for clarity and punch for cutting through the mix. For tonal control, the Amp Three has a 3-band EQ with parametric mids,...
Deep Purple Announce “The Songs That Built Rock” Tour
Deep Purple have announced “The Songs That Built Rock” Tour, which will be the group’s first North American tour in four years. The trek marks another milestone as it will be the first time they perform with a symphony orchestra on the continent. The orchestra will accompany them on every date except for San Francisco. The lineup for the shows...
Ampeg Introduces BA-108 and BA-110 Combo Amps
Ampeg is expanding their Bassamp combo series with the introduction of two smaller practice amps, the BA-108 and the BA-110. Designed as miniature versions of their siblings, the new combos have similar features, including a tilt-back design and a ported baffle for low frequency extension. Both models have a 3-band EQ, MP3/CD input with a level control, an effects loop,...
Custom Shop: Wyn Guitars
Wyn Guitars is a one-man custom bass shop run by Randy Fullmer, a man with a healthy obsession for exotic woods. An artist at heart, Fullmer got his his start as a luthier at an early age before becoming an animator and producer for Disney. He eventually returned to building instruments, switching to exclusively making basses. Fullmer just finished moving...