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Marcus Miller Band: “Blast” Live
The 2012 Jazz Week Burghausen featured six days of performances by a variety of groups, including Marcus Miller with his band. The band was on their spring tour in Europe. Here’s a clip from their performance of the tune “Blast”, from Marcus’ A Night in Monte Carlo. Marcus and drummer Louis Cato really lock it in on this one.
Ibanez Adds 6-String to Grooveline Bass Series
Ibanez has extended their Grooveline series with the introduction of the G106, a six-string version of the ergonomically-minded model. Made in Ibanez’s Japanese factory, the bass is designed for optimized balance in sitting and standing positions. The G106’s body features an alder center and ash for the top and back, all in a natural finish. Its 5-piece neck is built...
Artificial Harmonics: The Basics
In the last several columns we have talked about harmonics using open strings. These are often referred to as “natural” harmonics. If we play harmonics on a string while fully stopping the string somewhere else, (for example, if we press down an A on our G string and then play a harmonic above that) these are referred to as “artificial”...
Jeff Schmidt is Back: “And I Crumble” Solo Fretless Bass
Jeff Schmidt made a solid impression with many great videos a couple of years ago. He has been away from the solo bass scene for quite a while now, but the wait is over. Jeff is back with a brand new solo bass performance of a composition he calls “And Now I Crumble”. Great to have you back, Jeff! If...
Geddy Lee Gives Bass to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In advance of Rush’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this month, Geddy Lee has given one of his basses to the Hall. Photo by the Cleveland Plain Dealer The instrument – Lee’s Fender bass used in the recording of “Tom Sawyer” from the 1981 album Moving Pictures – was installed on Wednesday at the Hall’s...
Epiphone Announces Limited Edition TV Pelham Blue Bass Collection, Including EB-3
Epiphone is paying tribute to the old school with a limited edition of six of their models in TV Pelham Blue, a color finish that was first introduced in the ’60s. The color was offered as a custom option in its heyday and as such is rare to find on vintage instruments. The lineup includes the Ltd. Ed. TV Pelham...
Weekly Top Ten: The Best in Bass for the Week of March 31
We featured some really popular videos and how to’s last week, which combined to make up half of the weekly top ten list. There’s even a top ten list inside this list – with the most popular gear stories of the month. Top ten inside of top ten equals and extra dose of bass awesomeness for this week’s popular No...
Bonnaroo 2012 Superjam with Questlove, D’Angelo, Pino Palladino and More
During the 2012 Bonnaroo festival, the Superjam was set up by The Roots drummer Questlove. Questlove recruited Pino Palladino to play bass, setting the stage for some real magic. Questlove said Pino is “one of the greatest bass players I’ve had the pleasure of working with. He is the second coming of James Jamerson…” Pino added that with bass and...
In Memoriam: Neil Smith
Bassist Neil Smith, a one-time member of AC/DC and Rose Tattoo passed away early this morning, according to a message posted on his Facebook page. The bassist had been battling cancer. “Neil Smith passed away in the early hours of the morning, Sunday the 7th of April 2013. He was sleeping peacefully and surrounded by family. “Neil is now in...
Dunlop Goes Lower with New Heavy Core Bass Strings
Dunlop’s bass strings lineup is going even lower with the introduction of their Heavy Core Bass Strings. Designed with thicker core wires, the new sets were created to give a standard feel and tonal definition at drop tunings. The Heavy Core lineup comes in three flavors: Heavy for Drop D and D-standard tuning, Heavier for Drop C and C-standard tuning,...
Jürgen Attig: Journey To Jaco
Bassist Jürgen Attig released Aventureiro in 2012, in tribute to Jaco Pastorius. As you’ll quickly find out when you watch this video, Jürgen’s Jaco-like tone and approach is nothing short of remarkable. Thanks to Benjamin Nestler who shared this video with us.
In Memoriam: Chris Bailey
Chris Bailey, the bassist for The Angels, has passed away at the age of 62 after a battle with throat cancer. The Angels guitarist John Brewster posted the news on the band’s Facebook page. “It is a very sad day for us,” Brewster said. “We have lost a great friend in Chris Bailey and a great friend to a lot...