Buzz
Bass of the Week: Fleeting Guitars Tsukanoma
This week we’re checking out the Tsukanoma bass built by luthier Jim Fleeting of Fleeting Guitars. Taking a cue from Japanese design, the hand-built instrument features striking aesthetics. “The Tsukanoma bass is designed as a tribute to the incredible woodworking and modern design in Japanese woodworking,” Fleeting writes. “The use of sharper corner bevels make this a departure from the...
Ben Titus: I Want You (She’s So Heavy) Solo Bass Arrangement
Our friend Ben Titus sent us this video of a new arrangement of The Beatles’ “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” he made for solo bass. “I first started doing this song on solo bass for a Beatles feature at a bass camp years ago. However, it was a bit too repetitive to stay in my rotation, so I haven’t...
Moe’s Rob Derhak Declared Cancer Free
Back in July, Moe. announced that they were going on hiatus after Rob Derhak was diagnosed with cancer. Now the bassist has some good news to share. “After being scanned, poked, and prodded my Dr.’s have given me a green light,” he wrote on Facebook. “Did I kick cancers ass? No, it beat me up pretty good. But I just...
Z. Vex Effects Introduces Vertical Vexter Fuzz Factory Pedal
Z. Vex Effects has introduced a new vertical version of their Vexter Fuzz Factory pedal. Formerly configured as a horizontal pedal, the new VFF will feature the same effects and circuitry in a more pedalboard-friendly setup. It utilizes two new old-stock ’60s germanium transistors, but that doesn’t mean it’s a vintage sound. “The circuit is not modeled after any classic...
Marcus Miller Band: Frankenstein (Live)
Here’s a clip from a 2005 performance by Marcus Miller and his band performing Edgar Winter’s “Frankenstein.” Marcus (as always) lays down one solid groove, and there are just a ton of burning solos throughout.
David Ellefson Brings Back Combat Records
Megadeth bassist David Ellefson is reviving the legendary thrash label Combat Records through his EMP Label Group. Combat was founded in 1983 and was known for representing bands like Exodus, Circle Jerks, Death, Agnostic Front, and more. It also signed Megadeth and released the band’s debut album, Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!, in 1985. “So excited and...
Seymour Duncan Unveils La Super Rica Fuzz Pedal
Seymour Duncan has a new pedal called La Super Rica. Translated to mean “super rich,” the silicon fuzz pedal is “inspired by iconic fuzz sounds” with a classic parametric midrange for versatility. “First we brought [the classic fuzz circuit] up to modern standards by adding a true-bypass switch, an LED, and a standard 9v power connection,” the company explains. “We...
A. R. Rahman with Mohini Dey: Thee Thee & Malargale
Back in October, Berklee put on a concert with (and in tribute to) A. R. Rahman. Here’s a clip from that concert of the tune “Thee Thee & Malargale,” featuring members of The Berklee Indian Ensemble. The best part for us: the tune is a showcase for bassist Mohini Dey.
Julian Lage Trio Announces 2018 Tour Dates
Modern jazz bass master Scott Colley will be joining guitarist Julian Lage for his upcoming European and North American tour dates. Lage’s trio, filled out by drummer Kenny Wollesen, will be trekking in support of their new album, Modern Lore, due out next year. The group will begin the year in Italy, winding through Europe until January 20th. They’ll hit...
GHS Strings Announces Pressurewound Bronze Bass Strings
GHS Strings has introduced a new line of strings called the Pressurewound Bronze Bass for acoustic/electric bass. The newly designed strings aim at eliminating harsh tones associated with bronze strings. “Many acoustic/electric bass players know that the traditional bronze strings that come standard on these basses have harsh overtones and a lot of string noise,” the company writes. “GHS created...
Bass Players To Know: Lloyd Trotman
As a soul music enthusiast, one of the greatest assets to my record collection has been the Atlantic Rhythm And Blues 1947-1974 compilation. It documents the early years of popular American music, the rise of the R&B genre, and the classic recordings that continue to show up in film, television, and radio. The musical selections are accompanied by a chronological...
Jaco Pastorius Big Band: Sophisticated Lady
On this day in 1951, Jaco Pastorius was born. We’re celebrating with this clip from his big band performance in Tokyo on September 1, 1982, which features Jaco and Toots Thielemans on Duke Ellington’s “Sophisticated Lady.” Happy birthday, Jaco. We miss you.