Buzz
Dean Introduces Updated Ashley Purdy Signature Basses
Black Veil Brides bassist Ashley Purdy had a new pair of Dean Signature basses debut at the NAMM show this year, with the Spire “War Paint” and Cadi “Outlaw” models. Co-designed by the bassist and the company, the basses are revamps of the existing models, with special graphics added to suit Purdy’s style. When Purdy first joined up with Dean,...
Chickenfoot Announces “Different Devil” North American Tour
Since the release of their second studio album ironically entitled III, Chickenfoot has only given a handful of performances in the U.S. and Europe. That’s about to change as the group has announced the “Different Devil Tour”, with 20 dates spanning the U.S. and a single date in Canada. Originally formed in 2008, the band consists of former Van Halen...
Spock’s Beard: Crack the Big Sky
Here’s one for the prog-rock fans. This clip features Spock’s Beard playing their tune “Crack the Big Sky,” off their 2008 DVD Live. Bassist Dave Meros underpins the tune with an awesome snarly tone, though he knows how to sweeten it up during the bass melodies.
Red Hot Chili Peppers “I’m with You Bass” Transcription Book Released
Last year, the Red Hot Chili Peppers returned with their latest album, I’m With You. The album was the band’s first in five years, tenth overall, and first to feature guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, who replaced longtime guitarist John Frusciante. The album was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rock Album and was well received by fans. Hal Leonard has just...
Dunlop’s MXR Bass Fuzz Deluxe Debuts At NAMM
New for 2012 from Jim Dunlop is the MXR M84 Bass Fuzz Deluxe, a stompbox with “vintage fuzz modified for the modern bassist.” In addition to the Tone and Fuzz knobs, the new pedal features both dry and wet controls for dialing in the perfect mix without losing any low end. The Bass Fuzz Deluxe can be powered by a...
New School: Viaceslav Svedov
Viacelsav Svedov has been catching the attention of the YouTube world with his inventive and entertaining solo bass covers of popular rock tunes, including “Purple Haze,” “Master of Puppets,” and “Tom Sawyer.” With an infectious sense of energy and enthusiasm, the bassist’s videos have been averaging around 100,000 views while his “Around the World” cover hit nearly 225,000. Hailing from...
Evan Marien: “Havona” (Jaco Pastorius Solo Bass Cover)
Evan Marien has taken one of Jaco Pastorius’ great compositions, “Havona” and put his spin on it. Evan took the chord changes for the tune, programmed some backing tracks on his computer, and let it rip on his bass. Evan shares the details: “I’m playing and soloing over the chord changes to Havona by Jaco Pastorius: Emaj7#11 Cmaj7#11 Bmaj7#11 Gmaj7#11...
Gary Husband Releases “Dirty and Beautiful Volume 2”, Featuring Mark King
When Gary Husband went into the studio for his latest record, the drummer, keyboardist and composer enlisted the help of an all-star cast to help him make it a reality. The result is Dirty and Beautiful Volume 2, the follow up to Husband’s 2010 Vol. 1 release of the same name. Among the musicians Husband recruited is Level 42 bassist...
Bass of the Week: Adamovic Eric Czar Signature 7
Eric Czar’s Signature bass from Adamovic is a thing of beauty. With a monstrous 7-strings and 30 frets, the instrument gives Czar an incredible range. Strung E to A#, bass was designed between Czar and Nikola Adamovic to allow for easy chord playing and fast tapping while combining “the unique voices and timbres of a bass and a baritone guitar...
Custom Shop: An Interview with Michael Pedulla
Passion trumps all. That’s what master luthier Michael Pedulla learned after building his business to greater and greater heights. Starting as a one man shop in 1975, Pedulla reached a pinnacle in production during the mid-1990’s, putting out close to 750 basses each year. Michael was forced to work more on running the company than building basses, and since then...
Miles Mosley: Bass Bash Performance (NAMM 2012)
One of my favorite bassists, Miles Mosley took the stage at one of my favorite off-NAMM events, the annual Bass Bash. Here’s Miles with Tony Austin. The duo won “Best In Show” at NAMM 2012 for their performance at the Bash. He’s also rocking it on his Blast Cult bass (check out our story on Blast Cult and the bass).
Steampunk Band BB Blackdog Releases “No. One”
BB Blackdog is a band that defies the norm. Comprised of two bassists and a drummer, the Steampunk rock outfit has been spreading their own brand of catchy riffs and low-end goodness for several years with tours across Europe and the U.S. John Ferguson is the band’s rhythm bassist and Dale Rowles is the lead bassist and vocalist. The trio...