Gear Watch: Digitech JamMan Stereo and JamMan Solo Looper Pedals
Loopers rejoice! Digitech has introduced the new JamMan Solo and JamMan Stereo Looper pedals. The Stereo looper features true stereo loops as well as reverse playback, and the Solo is designed “for the guitarist or bassist looking for a full-featured looper in a compact form.” The pedals feature storage of up to 35 minutes of CD-Quality loops in 99 loops...
Joy Division/New Order’s Peter Hook to open new club
Bassist Peter Hook of New Order (formerly Joy Division) is opening a new music venue in his hometown of Manchester. The venue, called FAC251: The Factory, features 3 floors and a 350-person capacity, is set to launch on January 29. Interestingly enough, the actual building is where Joy Division’s old label, Factory Records, had its offices. Hook says of the...
Rumors of System of a Down reunion fly after bassist’s post
Will System of a Down be added to the growing list of reuniting bands this year? Bassist Shavo Odadjian has caused some controversy on the subject this week from his Twitter account. On January 11th, he posted “Are u guys ready for System???” leading readers to believe that the band will be returning from its hiatus which started after the...
Walter Payton Suffers Stroke
Walter Payton, bassist for the famous New Orleans based Preservation Hall Jazz Band, suffered a stroke on January 8, just before a gig in Washington D.C. The jazz band was set to perform with the Blind Boys of Alabama that night, when one of the band’s road crew members found Payton in his room. He has since been recovering in...
Gear Watch: Warwick’s Adam Clayton Reverso Signature Bass
Adam Clayton has teamed up with the Marcus Spangler and the makers at Warwick to create a bold new bass: the Adam Clayton Reverso Signature Bass. With a unique body design and high quality features, this bass is sure to turn heads. The body, which is a Warwick Stryker reversed, is made of Khaya Mahogany with a 5A quilted maple...
Hole to tour again after 11 years
Courtney Love has reformed her 90’s alt rock band, Hole, and will perform its first shows in almost 11 years. The new line up included bassist Shawn Dailey, guitarist Micko Larkin, and drummer Stu Fischer. Courtney is the only original member of the band. The band was originally formed by Love with bassist Eric Erlandson, who was in the group...
Gear Watch: Soundblox Pro Multiwave Bass Distortion Pedal
Source Audio will be introducing the Soundblox Pro Multiwave Bass distortion pedals at the upcoming NAMM show. The pedals feature multiband processing which is a technique that breaks a signal into multiple band and distorts them individually, allowing for more clarity and articulation. The pedal also features 23 presets and an additional clean boost/EQ mode. Each of the presets is...
Slayer bassist/frontman to undergo surgery; tour dates cancelled
After dealing with back pain since an overseas tour last October, Slayer bassist and frontman Tom Araya will have to undergo surgery. Consequently, the band’s American and Canadian Carnage tour, which was to start on January 18th, have been cancelled. Also cancelled is the UK/European tour in March and April. The dates are already being rescheduled, and tickets already purchased...
Gear Watch: Two Notes Audio VM-202 Cab Simulator
French manufacturer Two Notes Audio Engineering will be presenting their new product, the VM-202 Guitar/Bass Cab Simulator at the upcoming NAMM show. The product, which is a follow-up to their VB-101 DI, takes your signal from your pre amp and runs it through an exclusive tube stage simulator, as well as their TORPEDO algorithm to simulate cabinet and microphone simulations...
The Who Tribute to be held at Carnegie Hall
Ever wanted to see some of your favorite players give their own take on the legendary bass lines of the Who’s John Entwistle? Here’s your chance: promoter Michael Dorf will be presenting “The Music of the Who” at Carnegie Hall on March 2, 2010. The event, which benefits six organizations for music education, will feature such artists as Warren Haynes...
David Ellefson introduces “the Beamz”
Former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson is helping to introduce a new device, called the Beamz, to the music industry. On his latest episode of his YouTube video series, “David Ellefson’s Rock Shop,” Ellefson demos the apparatus, which is a system of laser beams, which when broken, trigger computer software to play back or create music. David says, “It’s very simple...
Gear Watch: Madarozzo introduces 2010 gig bag and case couture
Madarozzo has announced its new 2010 line of gig bags and case couture. The line of instrument bags and cases are a “fusion of fashion design, functionality, quality, and instrument protection” designed for the discriminating player. Various gig bag options accommodate for acoustic basses, headless basses, odd shapes, and fitting two basses in one bag. All the bags offer headstock...