Buzz
Bass of the Week: AJR Guitarmods Piccolo Bass
Last year we featured a gorgeous singlecut bass from AJR Guitarmods that wowed readers. Now, builder Andy Rogers has finished a new instrument in a different direction: a semi-hollow piccolo bass. The elegant model was built for his band’s bassist, Pete. “Pete wanted a bass that he could practice with, and sort new riffs out, on the settee without risking...
Talking Technique: Efficient Practice Hacks #5: Mnemonics – Part 2
More memory tools for bass players! This is part two in my mini series on Bass Mnemonics. Mnemonic – hard to say the word – but endlessly useful! You can take a look at part 1. Here is more… and a time-limited bonus for you at the end! Eartraining: Song beginnings are a great way to remember intervals. Maybe you...
Alex Al and Darryl Williams: Funky Bass Duet
Bassists Darryl Williams and Alex Al got funky at Spaghetinni during NAMM week. Dig it.
Warwick Launches Leland Sklar Signature Bass
After introducing a prototype at NAMM last year, Warwick has launched the Sklar Bass I Signature bass. Made with legendary session bassist Leland Sklar, the hollowbody four-stringer is based on the Star Bass with modifications for Sklar’s liking including an arm support built into the body. The German master-built instrument is built with a carved body crafted from mahogany with...
Diego Tarantino: Overjoyed
Diego Tarantino sent us another one of his excellent solo bass covers. This time around, Diego performs Stevie Wonder’s “Overjoyed,” using two bass tracks.
Marleaux Basses Unveils the Tiuz
Master luthier Gerald Marleaux unveiled a brand new model at the NAMM Show this year called the Tiuz. Named after the mythological German god, the bass is designed to be lightweight, customizable, and flexible. That flexibility is due in part to Marleaux’s new pickups and preamp. “The heart of the TIUZ lies in a brand new electronics package,” the Marleaux...
Snarky Puppy: Skate U (Live)
The first time we featured Snarky Puppy was back in 2011, with their video for “Skate U.” Here’s the Michael League and the band performing that tune live at Jam Cruise 14, in January 2016.
Bass Players To Know: Tommy Shannon
Austin, Texas, here we come! As the plane takes off, I think about everything that I want to experience on my short visit. Tacos, BBQ, and of course, blues. Austin has an incredible live music scene and, in addition to popular festivals such as SXSW and Austin City Limits, an equally impressive list of musicians who call the town home....
Adam Ben Ezra: Hide and Seek
Bassist – and one man band – Adam Ben Ezra is back with another video. In this clip, he performs “Hide and Seek” live at Sofar Sounds in London.
RJM Music Technology Introduces the Mastermind LT MIDI Foot Controller
RJM Music Technology has introduced the Mastermind LT, a MIDI foot controller they describe as low coast yet very capable. It’s a more attainable version of their Mastermind GT for working musicians. “The trick was to reduce the cost substantially without compromising quality,” a press release states. “Building the Mastermind LT with a single LCD and a multi-color LED over...
Advanced Bass: How to Play Across the Bar Line
In this lesson, we’ll take a deep dive inside the world of playing across the bar line. Equally as relevant for both your solo lines and your groove playing, we will cover how to play across the bar line by using “Time Signature Superimposition” that will take your phrasing to a whole new and exciting level. Follow along with this...
Bass & Banjo: Dinah
Bassist Nicolas Dubouchet has a duo with banjoist Stéphane Borde known simply as “Bass & Banjo.” In this video, they’re joined by guest guitarist Geoffroy Boizard for this fun performance of “Dinah.”