Buzz
Chase Bliss Audio Unveils The Dark World Reverb Pedal
Chase Bliss Audio has expanded their line of pedals with The Dark World, a dual channel reverb that is their first fully-digital effect circuit. The effect is a collaboration with Keeley Electronics and Cooper FX that they say celebrates classic and ultramodern reverb engine. “Its dual channel format transcends what most people think of as a reverb pedal, moving freely...
Acoustic Amplification Adds B300C and B600C to Bass Combo Lineup
Acoustic Amplification has unveiled two new models with their C-Series: the B300C and the B600C bass combo amplifiers. Both models are built with class-D power sections for strong output power while maintaining a reasonable weight. The 300-watt B300C is fitted with a 15-inch ferrite speaker matched with a piezo horn tweeter, while the B600C bumps things up to 600 watts...
Rush and Mr. Big: In The Mood
On Thanksgiving, we reshared this epic clip of Billy Sheehan filling in for Geddy Lee during a soundcheck. Billy shared it on Facebook, and someone shared this video in response. Mr. Big toured with Rush during the Presto tour in 1990. Luckily someone shot this video of the two bands coming together on stage for this performance of “In The...
Muse Experiments on “Simulation Theory”
Muse’s latest album, Simulation Theory, explores the idea of living in a simulated existence while steeped in ’80s culture references. The album artwork was designed by “Stranger Things” artist Kyle Lambert, and all the music videos reference film like Back to the Future, Thriller, and Teen Wolf. Muse also dig into the sounds of the era. As opposed to the...
Godlyke Announces the EMMA Electronic Navigator Delay Pedal
Godlyke has announced the release of the ND-1 Navigator Delay from EMMA Electronic, which they say “offers everything you need in a delay pedal, and nothing you don’t.” This includes tap-tempo function, modulation, wet/dry outputs, trails, and beat-splits. “The Navigator’s most unique feature is a separate Level control for the beat-split delay repeats,” Godlyke writes. “This option allows the user...
Jacob Banks: Unholy War, Unknown and Chainsmoking
Zycopolis TV has one of my favorite Youtube channels. They just shared this awesome video of Jacob Banks performing at Jazz à Sète 2018, featuring three tunes from the vocalist and his band. Michael Hamilton plays some great lines in this clip, and clearly had a lot of fun doing it.
Anderson .Paak’s “Oxnard” has Killer Bass Lines
Anderson .Paak’s highly anticipated third album, Oxnard, is available now. The star-studded effort is the realization of the singer/drummer’s “beach series” and features guests including Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dog, Pusha T, J. Cole, Q-Tip, and more. “This is the album I dreamed of making in high school when I was listening to Jay-Z’s The Blueprint, The Game’s The...
The Marcus King Band: Homesick
The Marcus King Band visited Paste Studios last week, and their performance of “Homesick” just knocked me out. Stephen Campbell holds it down on this one, with one funky groove.
Choosing a Direction: Focusing on Your Approach to Bass and Music
Q: I am an intermediate bass player and I am a fan of several different bass players. I love the way Janek Gwizdala composes, plays chords and creates music using a looper. I can’t get enough of Gary Willis and his amazing groove as well as his fretless tone. I also love listening to guys like Sean Hurley and Jonathan...
Federico Malaman: Afro Fred
Federico Malaman has a new album out, and our friends at Bass The World have shared a video for one of the tracks. “Afro Fred” was written by Federico, who had this to say about the tune: “I am a great enthusiast of African rhythms. I like the way it triggers an uncontrollable urge to dance. Anyone who has ever...
Updated Edition of “Rock Bass 101” Available Now
Ed Friedland’s instructional book Rock Bass 101 has been updated for 2018 by publisher Hal Leonard. The 50-page book covers essential bass lines, techniques, theory, and grooves for the working bassist. It includes full-length songs that are available for download or streaming via Hal Leonard’s website. Specific topics include tips on playing position and posture, warm-up exercises, essential scales, and...
MXR Releases the Vintage Bass Octave Pedal
MXR has announced the Vintage Bass Octave, a pedal they say gives the classic octaver circuit with modern upgrades like superior tracking, cleaner headroom, and versatility. The new stompbox is also housed in a compact chassis to save room on your pedalboard. “The voice of the Vintage Bass Octave is rich and throaty, and it comes in two forms—one octave...