Buzz
Pure Ampeg Tone. Rugged Pedal Designs
There’s nothing like playing through your favorite Ampeg amp, be it the thunderous SVT or the rich B-15. But, there may be gigs where an 8×10 isn’t right. You might be touring and can’t get the Ampeg rig you requested. I know, right? Now, with three different Ampeg pedals available, each delivering something unique, you can always trust you will...
Bass of the Week: Lairat Basses Stega Gold
This week we’re checking out a bass fit for Goldfinger himself. French luthier Paul Lairat went all out on the Stega Gold, which is part of his “Outstanding Basses” range and limited to 10 pieces. The bass is a decadent version of his Stega model that is built with maple and fully covered in gold leaf. The Paul Lairat Stega...
Talking Technique: Sting Groove Workshop
Inspired by a Sting bass line, I’m bringing you a groove creation workout today. We’ll cover how to create your own bass line using a simple formula that will have you coming up with ideas for workable grooves every time. We also shine a light on the correct use of pentatonic scales and top it all off by learning Sting’s...
Ben Harper: Steal My Kisses (Live on Austin City Limits)
Ben Harper’s “Steal My Kisses” is one of those great tunes, thanks in large part to bassist Juan Nelson. Here’s Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals performing the song on Austin City Limits. Dig Juan’s solo around the 3:13 mark.
Verellen Amps Unveils the Meatflip Flip-Top Bass Combo Amp
Ben Verellen of Verellen Amps has shared his latest creation called the Meatflip. Designed as a custom build for a customer, the 100-watt amp puts the company’s flagship Meatsmoke preamp into a flip top bass combo. Now Verellen will offer the design in a small production run. The Meatflip preamp will have foot switchable clean and overdrive channels. Controls include...
Forq: Fenix
Forq has a new single from their latest album, Thr?q. The band offers up a new sound on this one, which as always features Michael League on bass. Thr?q is .
Electro-Harmonix Reissues the Green Russian Big Muff Distortion Pedal
It’s back, but smaller than ever. Electro-Harmonix has announced they’re reviving the classic Green Russian Big Muff distortion pedal. A faithful reissue of the mid-90s model, the pedal now has a more compact and pedalboard-friendly footprint. The pedal has Tone, Sustain, and volume controls for dialing in what the company calls “devastating low-end and unique sludge and sizzle.” Other features...
Consider The Source: Many Words of Disapproval
Consider the Source have just released a dramatic new music video for their song “Many Words of Disapproval,” and it’s killer. The song features a rolling, tapped bass line from John Ferrara in 5/8. The song comes from their album, World War Trio, Part II + III.
Oteil Burbridge Announces New Album, Tour Dates
Oteil Burbridge has been keeping plenty busy with Dead & Company for the past couple years, but he’s also been working on his own music. Now the groove monster has announced a new solo album and tour. Water in the Desert will be released on October 20th and is tied together by a central theme. “I started writing the songs...
Bootsy Collins Announces New Album
Funkateers rejoice! Bootsy Collins has announced he will be releasing a new album this October entitled World Wide Funk. The star-studded record will be his first release in six years. “The whole concept was not only about playing music or being current on this album, but about teaching people how to funk for themselves so they can bring some funk...
Mu-FX Unveils the Micro-Tron III Envelope Filter
Mu-FX has expanded their pedal line with a new compact pedal. The Micro-Tron III is described as “a compact, convenient, and affordable” version of the classic Musitronics Corp. Mu-Tron III envelope filter, which was originally introduced in the 1972. “The Micro-Tron III provides all the classic Jerry tone and Bootsy funk, in a pedalboard-friendly size and powered by industry-standard 9V...
Standard Fusion Company: Yesterdays
Jason Raso shared this video of his second track from his “Session One” series. As a bonus, Michael Manring appears on the track. Jason lays down a sweet groove behind the band, which offers some beautiful, lyrical playing by Manring over top.