Articles by Kevin Johnson - Page 859

The new Vee Strap is an innovative solution to the problem of finding the right way to hold a heavy or uncomfortable bass. It features a dual-shoulder strap design that evenly distributes weight and stabilizes your instrument. Essentially, it is two straps built into one, coming together in a “V” on your back and buttoning onto your bass like any...

While checking out all the great new gear at NAMM, the Gold Tone booth really caught our eye with some great twists on the bass. New for 2010 is their PBB model, a resonator bass with an extending aluminum endpin allowing it to sit in an upright position. The bass has a 32″ scale, with a mahogany body and maple...

Sublime with Rome have announced an extensive tour as a follow-up to their debut 6-date trek in April and May. The group continues to perform popular songs from Sublime’s self-titled album, which was released just after original singer Brad Nowell’s death. Bassist Eric Wilson explained earlier this year, “Many of our songs have never been performed live, most notably our...

EMG has released Jazz bass versions of their X series pickups: the JX, JAX, and JVX sets. The brand’s X-Series is made to provide increased headroom, giving the voicing an organic and open tone while keeping great clarity and response. EMG describes them as “bridging the gap between passive and active tone.” The JX retains the jazz bass tone while...

Digitech released the new BP90 Bass Multi-Effects Processor as part of their appearance at the 2010 Summer NAMM Show. Powered by the AudioDNA 2 processor, the BP90 is built to digitally represent equipment including stompboxes, amplifiers, cabinets, and tons of effects. In all, it features 27 effects, 11 amps, five cabinets, and five stompboxes to choose from. Along with 50...

The Fleabass line will be expanding with the coming of the Street Bass model, due to ship in late July. The Street Bass is an even more affordable version of the already available Touring Bass, which Flea himself is using to tour and write the new Red Hot Chili Peppers album with. The Street model varies from the Touring Bass...

Jazz trio Tri-Fi, featuring bassist and Scott Lafaro expert Phil Palombi, have announced that they are in the process of creating a new album. The CD will be their third album, following up on 2007’s Postcards. To fund the project, they have created a Kickstarter account, which asks for donations in return for gifts, ranging anywhere from a digital download...

Grip Studios has added to their line of Custom Guitar Hangers, featuring wall hangers in the shape of hands. Made in Detroit, the hangers come in standard or made to order custom designs with high gloss finishes, and support basses and guitars. Two new designs will be released in July 2010, called Bella Rose and Woody. You can also get...

As a part of the promotion of the new Green Day: Rock Band video game, Fender has announced the Rock & Roar Giveaway. The grand-prize winner receives an autographed Squier by Fender Mike Dirnt Precision Bass Gutar, a Fender Rumble 15 combo amp, and a copy of the new Green Day: Rock Band game. Five runner-ups will also win the...

After announcing a summer tour, Primus will also be taking part in the 2nd annual Oddity Faire Tour, which is being billed as a “freak show like no other.” The tour is a multi-medium event, including musicians as well as other performers. The acts joining the trio for the trek will be rotating throughout the tour, but Mariachi el Bronx,...

Punk legend Mike Watt’s supergroup project, Floored by Four, has announced that they will be releasing a self-titled debut album, due out September 28 on Chimera Records. This will be their first recording together, a little over a year after their first live performance. The other band members include Wilco guitarist Nels Cline, former Cibo Matto keyboardist Yuka Honda and...

Pigtronix has introduced their latest analog effects pedal: the EP2 Envelope Phaser. The EP2 is a redesign of the company’s original Envelope Phaser, but still features the option of both envelope and LFO modulation. Among the new features is a “Staccato” function which accommodates tight funk bass by “listening” to your playing and discharging the envelope between your notes. This...