Buzz
Fender Expands Rumble Bass Amplification Line
Fender has expanded their Rumble Bass amplification line with the inclusion of the Rumble 150 and 350 heads with supporting 1×12, 2×8, and 4×10 cabinets. The heads, rated at 150- and 350-watts respectively, feature built-in overdrive controls with Gain and Blend knobs as well as a 4-band EQ with Punch and Scoop switches. The amps also feature an XLR Line...
Rex Brown Leaves Arms of the Sun
Ex-Pantera bassist Rex Brown has issued a statement saying that he has parted ways with his latest project, Arms of the Sun. “To all the friends & fans, I have left the Arms of the Sun project,” the bassist shared. “I wish them well & Godspeed!!! Good luck brothers!!!” There is still no word of a replacement bassist for the...
Derek Frank: Billie Jean
Derek Frank leads off his bass-only intro for “Billie Jean” in this live performance of the bassist’s arrangement of the Michael Jackson tune. Recorded live in Studio City, CA in September, 2010.
Geezer Butler: No Black Sabbath Reunion for Original Members
The hopes for a full Black Sabbath reunion seem to have come to a halt, according to a post from bassist Geezer Butler. In a statement on his website, Butler wrote, “I would like to make it clear, because of mounting speculation and rumours, that there will be definitely NO reunion of all four original members of Black Sabbath, whether...
Warwick Unveils Star Bass II Single Cut
Warwick has announced the Star Bass II Single Cut bass, a modified version of their retro-styled Star Bass II. Available in either laminated Flamed Maple or Tigerwood, the hollow body bass features a set Flamed Maple neck and Wenge fingerboard. The new Single Cut also differs from its predecessor with the introduction of passive MEC humbuckers and passive MEC electronics....
Bass Jam: Matthew Garrison, Darryl Jones, Mike Pope, Linley Marthe and Pippo Matino (2004)
For the final session of Euro Bass 2004, bassists Matthew Garrison, Darryl Jones, Mike Pope, Linley Marthe and Pippo Matino took the stage, with drummer Claudio Romano for this bass-powered performance. Marthe’s solo at the beginning is the bomb.
Yes Announces Rite Of Spring U.S. Tour Dates
Anchored by Chris Squire, the veteran prog-rockers in Yes will be hitting the U.S. with a new string of tour dates. The “Rite of Spring Tour” starts March 6, 2011 at the House of Blues in Houston, Texas and works its way around the East Coast and Midwest before ending in Washington, DC on April 4, focusing on clubs and...
John Paul Jones and the Guitar Wars Band: Red Rooster
Here’s a fun blues jam from Guitar Wars featuring John Paul Jones on bass. The band also includes Paul Gilbert, Steve Hackett and Nuno Bettencourt.
Motörhead Releases The Wörld is Yours
Motörhead has released The Wörld is Yours, the trio’s 28th album. Led by icon Lemmy Kilmister, the group is releasing the CD in celebration of their 35th anniversary, with the bassist/singer being the sole constant member. The new album is the follow-up to 2008’s Motorizer, and is also the first record to be released on their new Motörhead Music label....
Fodera Announces Mike Pope Signature Viceroy Bass
In addition to the new Yin Yang Standard Bass, Fodera was showing off their new Mike Pope Signature Viceroy at their NAMM booth. The 6-string bass has some very innovative features, including a removable fingerboard extension that’s held in by strong magnets. The extension allows for the bass to transition between 20 and 24-frets, which Pope explains makes a big...
Custom Shop: The Making of Orchid (Part 3)
This week, we continuing the series on the making of Orchid, a custom bass by Rick Toone. If you missed it, check out Part 1 and Part 2. Trapezoid Neck Profile Ebony facing is glued to the headstock. Next, the fretboard, headstock and contours are precisely shaped, including the patented Trapezoid Neck Profile used on these two basses. We’ve all...
Hartmut Kracht Performs “Budapest” on Upright, Bass Guitar Style
Here’s a pretty cool solo bass piece by upright bassist Hartmut Kracht, who adds a little to the performance by playing his upright like a bass guitar. I used to get in trouble for this in orchestra class back in the day!