Buzz
Dunlop Releases MXR M83 Bass Chorus Deluxe
Dunlop’s new chorus pedal is described by the company as “powered by pure analog bucket-brigade technology”. The MXR Bass Chorus Deluxe includes top-mounted Flanger and X-Over buttons with LED status indicators. The pedal’s “X-Over Mode” offers up decreased modulation in the lower frequencies, designed for optimal results when playing upper register chords and lines and keeping the low end in...
How to Improve Your Phrasing
Q: I’m looking to make my phrasing more dynamic. What would you suggest? A: For this week’s column, I decided to make a little video to answer this question, and demonstrate what I do to work on my phrasing. Check it out:
Jenna Jackley and Ryan Haines: The Wonder Song
Ryan Haines sent in this very cool video of an original song he co-wrote with singer-songwriter Jenna Jackley. “It’s a nice, bass oriented piece with a tuneful bass solo at about 2:50,” he shares. Indeed.
Victor Wooten Announces February 2013 Tour Dates
Victor Wooten has announced the first tour dates of 2013 in support of his latest releases Words and Tones and Sword and Stone. The band will be trekking across the West Coast through February, including a two night stay at Yoshi’s in Oakland, California. As with his new albums, the tour will include a stellar group of musicians playing many...
Reader Spotlight: Markus Steitz
Meet Markus Steitz, a bass player from Germany who has an incredibly busy life (check out what he does in his “spare” time). We loved Markus’ story and especially his answer to the super powers question. And so here is your bassist in the spotlight for the week of January 15, 2013. Bio: In 1983 my sister infected me with...
EBS Announces Billy Sheehan Signature Drive Pedal
EBS will be debuting their latest offering for bassists at next week’s NAMM Show, the Billy Sheehan Signature Drive Pedal. Designed along with the bassist himself, the new pedal mixes clean and distorted signals together to preserve low frequencies to “find balance between distortion and definition.” “This pedal is a distillate of several important principles in the signal chain for...
Munir Hossn and Tedy Santana: De rua pra rua!
Damian Erskine sent this to us with the headline “Killer Groove.” Coming from Damian, that means something! Here’s a tricked out tune from bassist Munir Hossn and drummer Tedy Santana called “De Rua Pra Rua!” from an upcoming album entitled Tambour du Prince. The Brazilian duo are obviously having a blast while keeping an angular groove. Make sure you check...
Hal Leonard Announces “At A Glance” Series for Bass
Hal Leonard’s popular At A Glance series for guitarists is making its way to bassists with the release of several titles this year. Each set in the series combines an interactive DVD and companion book. The DVD lessons offer up on-screen music with tips and information about the subject matter and provides real world application through the use of popular...
Black Sabbath Reveal Details of New Album and Warm Up Tour Dates
Black Sabbath has offered up new details about their new album, which will feature original members of singer Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler. The new release will be titled 13 and will be dropping in June, 2013, according to the official Black Sabbath website. The post also revealed that the band recorded the album in Los...
Making Resolutions: A Guide for Bass Players
Although it seems most people have given up on the practice of making New Year’s resolutions, some musicians still make music-related resolutions. The most popular ones seem to be along the lines of “practice more,” or worse, “become a better bass player.” While the intent is laudable, it is unlikely that such “resolutions” will have a positive end result. They...
UNT Bass Camp: 100 Basses – At Once
It just keeps getting better and better. Last week, we shared a video of 90 bassists performing at once. It was the most watched video of the week. Then a guy named Will sent this along, which tipped the scales. He said approximately 100 bassists are performing at once on this stage. Now I’m awaiting an email where someone says...
TC Electronic Announces Ditto Looper Pedal
TC Electronic is getting back to the basics with the Ditto Looper, a looping pedal that keeps things simple with only a footswitch and a level control. The Ditto allows for five minutes of looping with unlimited overdubs to create full arrangements. All the magic is in the footswitch: press once to record, then press again to play the loop,...