Buzz
Orange Reintroduces the Terror Bass Amp
Orange Amplification has reintroduced the Terror Bass, a compact amp that features a tube preamp and Class D power section. The combination makes it sound even closer to their flagship AD200, the company says. The new Terror Bass retains the original control layout while adding a clean switch for extra headroom and cleaner sounds. It offers up to 500 watts...
Bass of the Week: BassLab Guitars L-Bow
The L-Bow by BassLab Guitars is one of the most attention-grabbing designs in the bass world, but its extra bow in the neck is not for shock factor. This week we’re checking out a recent five-string L-Bow-V that, like their other instruments, features a tuneable composite material in place of wood. “This is the bass, that most often generates typical...
Zander Zon: The Most Hauntingly Beautiful Movie Theme
Zander Zon is back with another video featuring his new harp bass, built by Barton Basses. Zander describes this one as “The Most HAUNTINGLY BEAUTIFUL Movie Theme.” His control over the instrument – and the music – is just flat out amazing.
Wayne Shorter Releases “Emanon,” Featuring John Patitucci
Master jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter has blended his music with the visual arts on Emanon. The triple album, which is only available in physical releases, is accompanied by an 84-page graphic novel penned by Shorter with Monica Sly and illustrated by Randy DuBurke. Shorter borrowed the title Emanon, which is “no name” spelled backwards. “When Dizzy Gillespie had a piece...
Bass Gear Roundup: The Top Gear Stories in September 2018
The year is flying by, and we’re closing out another month. Don’t worry about it, just enjoy the latest roundup of the top 10 reader favorite bass gear stories. Here’s the list for September. 1. Ashdown Engineering Tone Pocket Portable Bass Headphone Amp Ashdown has just introduced the Tone Pocket, a compact headphone preamp designed for practice, home studio, and...
Korg Announces MA-2 Metronome
Korg has expanded their line of metronomes with the MA-2, a compact card-type device that builds upon their MA-1 model. The new unit has an improved display, a louder sound, and new functions like a timer mode. Available in blue/black or black/red color schemes, the MA-2 has a tempo range of 30 bpm to 252 bpm. It allows for different...
Otis Rush: I Can’t Quit You Baby
We were sad to learn the news of Chicago blues guitarist Otis Rush’s passing this week. Here’s a great clip of the blues legend in 1966 performing “I Can’t Quit You Baby” (a tune written by the great Willie Dixon). Jack Myers is laying it down, and looking quite cool doing it. RIP, Mr. Rush.
David Ellefson Adds East Coast “Basstory” Tour Dates
Megadeth bassist David Ellefson is gearing up to release his second memoir, More Life with Deth, in November and he’s taking his bass on the road to support it. Following the final dates of the Midwest leg, his “Basstory: An Intimate Evening Of Riffs And Repartee With David Ellefson” tour will be coming to the East Coast with a string...
Zorg Effects Unveils the Glorious Basstar 2 Pedal
France’s Zorg Effects has updated their flagship bass pedal with the Glorious Basstar 2. New features include a vertical enclosure with top-mounted jacks and an optional soft switch relay true bypass. It still retains its sonic features with a three-band overdrive. “It cuts the signal in three frequencies bands: bass/mids/trebles,” Zorg writes. “Each band can then be saturated independently and...
Dali Mraz Group with Federico Malaman: Kicks
Check out our good friend Federico Malaman rocking and grooving it out with the Dali Mraz Group in this live clip. The tune, “Kicks,” was written by Federico, who takes an awesome solo along the way.
Esperanza Spalding Teases New Album with Burniss Travis on Bass
Last year, Esperanza Spalding shocked the world by creating Exposure, an album created on the spot and completely live-streamed on Facebook over 77 hours. Now she’s revealed her next album, 12 Little Spells, will be available in October with another unique release. Starting on October 7th, Spalding will release one song per day on her website and social platforms until...
The Lightbulb Moment: Keeping Time In The Studio
I pledge allegiance to the time… set by the drummer? By the click? Somewhere in between? These days, almost all recordings are done to a click track. And why not? It forces everyone to be aware of the desired tempo and to be responsible for their own sense of good time-keeping. It eliminates huge fluctuations, assuring that the adrenaline rush...