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....
Yes Announces Rite Of Spring U.S. Tour Dates
Anchored by Chris Squire, the veteran prog-rockers in Yes will be hitting the U.S. with a new string of tour dates. The “Rite of Spring Tour” starts March 6, 2011 at the House of Blues in Houston, Texas and works its way around the East Coast and Midwest before ending in Washington, DC on April 4, focusing on clubs and...
Motörhead Releases The Wörld is Yours
Motörhead has released The Wörld is Yours, the trio’s 28th album. Led by icon Lemmy Kilmister, the group is releasing the CD in celebration of their 35th anniversary, with the bassist/singer being the sole constant member. The new album is the follow-up to 2008’s Motorizer, and is also the first record to be released on their new Motörhead Music label....
Fodera Announces Mike Pope Signature Viceroy Bass
In addition to the new Yin Yang Standard Bass, Fodera was showing off their new Mike Pope Signature Viceroy at their NAMM booth. The 6-string bass has some very innovative features, including a removable fingerboard extension that’s held in by strong magnets. The extension allows for the bass to transition between 20 and 24-frets, which Pope explains makes a big...