Polyphia: Ernie Ball “Big Sound” Session
Ernie Ball has introduced a new artist session video series called “Big Sound” that features up-close studio sessions. They launched it with a three-song set by Texas-based instrumental masters Polyphia captured during rehearsals for their summer tour.
New Perspectives Music Introduces Upright Bass Pickup
Tim Sway of New Perspectives Music has unveiled a new upright bass pickup that he says he’s been “dreaming about making for decades.” The pickup mounts to the back of your fingerboard with a simple system, while the height of the four ceramic magnets can be easily adjusted.
Jimmy Haslip Publishes “Pentatonic Soloing for Electric Bass” Instructional Book
Pentatonic scales are some of the most commonly used scales in music, but their familiar patterns can often lead to uninspired ideas. Jimmy Haslip has just released a new book to help you unlock the secrets of the scales to create dynamic, engaging solos.
Anthrax’s Frank Bello Joins the Spector Artist Roster
Spector has announced a new collaboration with Anthrax bassist Frank Bello, who has joined their artist roster. The new partnership will result in a signature bass for him that is under development and slated for release in 2025.
Tom Hamilton Opens Up on Aerosmith’s Retirement
Aerosmith announced that their farewell tour was once again canceled and that they were retiring. It was a sad end to the band’s touring days, but Tom Hamilton says there may be more in store.
Art of Trio: Bluex
Art of Trio is a guitar power trio that also features guitarist Luca Mantovanelli and drummer Elio Rivagli. Their first video for the song “Bluex” grooves hard thanks to the pocket between Feliciati Feliciati and Rivagli while Mantovanelli shreds on top.
Tony Levin Shares Update on BEAT Tour Rehearsals
Tony Levin shared an awesome diary entry on his website about BEAT’s early rehearsals.
Epifani Launches the Boost Da Bass Preamp DI Pedal
Epifani has introduced a new pedal called the Boost Da Bass Preamp DI, which they say was “meticulously engineered to ensure that your bass tones are rich, full, deep and harmoniously blend with the other instruments.”
Peter Hughes Leaves The Mountain Goats
After over two decades with the band, bassist Peter Hughes has left The Mountain Goats. The news was shared in a post on the band’s social media.
Bass of the Week: Mana Bass Custom Scroll Bass
This week, we’re checking out another fabulous instrument from the collection of Bass Upfront founder David Sutkin. This custom scroll bass from Mana Basso is a four-string with an extra-long 35-inch scale.
Anthony Crawford and Percy Jones Feature on King Llama’s “fata implexis”
Los Angeles-based fusion group King Llama has released a new album called fata implexis that defies genre boundaries. The group, which is the brainchild of guitarist/songwriter Ryan T. Bailey and drummer Luis Briones, underwent some changes after the COVID lockdown.
Zeal & Ardor Return with “Greif”
Zeal & Ardor scored one of the most acclaimed releases of 2022 with their self-titled album. Now, they’ve followed it up with “Greif.”