Buzz
Dealing with a Removable Neck
Q: I have read your latest column on the set-up of your bass and that you had a removable neck installed. I never had one and one of the reasons why I’m holding off on this is the fact that a removable neck also means a removable bridge. I mean: the bridge is not fixed on the bass, which is...
The Derek Trucks Band: I’d Rather Be Blind, Crippled And Crazy
I often listen to The Derek Trucks Band’s , which offers up one killer performance by an equally killer band. Here they are performing “I’d Rather Be Blind, Crippled And Crazy”, anchored by the sweet bass lines of Todd Smallie.
Weekly Top 10: Remembering Victor Bailey, Talking Technique, New Bass Gear, Videos and More
This was a tough week in the world of music and bass. Bass legend Victor Bailey passed away on Friday, and the outpouring of love for him propelled our tribute to the #1 slot on the most read list. RIP, Mr. Bailey. This week’s top 10 also includes a discussion with Damian Erskine on the pros and cons of a...
Bill Laurance: Never-Ending City
Snarky Puppy keyboardist Bill Laurance recently released , which was recorded in May 2015 at Union Chapel in London. Joined by Snarky Puppy bassist Michael League, who plays bass and Moog Little Phatty on the album, here’s the track “Never-Ending City”.
IK Multimedia Introduces MODO Bass Virtual Instrument
IK Multimedia has released MODO Bass, a physical modeling virtual bass instrument. The program recreates the response, feel, and tone of a real electric bass with accurate replications of 12 standard models. Beyond the models themselves, nearly every aspect of physically playing the bass can be dialed in, from playing technique (finger, slap and pick) to muting, to where you...
Epiphone Unveils Limited Edition Korina Explorer Bass
Epiphone has released a line of limited edition instruments featuring korina wood, including the Limited Edition Korina Explorer Bass. The bass sports the classic explorer body shape and comes loaded with a set of Epiphone’s XR and XT humbuckers. Both its body and neck are made of korina (also known as African Limba), while the fingerboard is rosewood. The glue-in...
Christian Sturgess: Brutai’s “Of Ashes” Bass Playthrough
Earlier this year, we were knocked out by bassist Christian Sturgess as he ripped through his band Brutai’s track “Onyx“. Now he’s back with another gritty play along for the song “Of Ashes” from their upcoming debut album, Born. Sturgess uses a gnarly overdrive, power chords, and tapping to keep the song super heavy.
Sadowsky Introduces 3-Knob Onboard Bass Preamp
Sadowsky has released a the 3-knob Onboard bass preamp, which is their first to be available as a prewired drop-in for J style basses without a side jack. No soldering is required to install it in your bass. “It has been designed for minimally invasive installation on most J-bass style instruments,” the company writes. “The only modification required is a...
The Last Hero: An Interview with Brian Marshall
Alter Bridge’s fifth studio album, , is a continuation of the band’s heavy-yet-melodic style. That sound is anchored by the thick bass work of Brian Marshall. The bassist, along with guitarist Mark Tremonti and drummer Scott “Flip” Philips, was a founding member of Creed before forming Alter Bridge in 2004. Vocalist Myles Kennedy rounds out the group, who spent this...
Prince’s Bassists: Musicology
Last month, musicians from throughout Prince’s career came together for an official tribute concert in Minneapolis. The star studded event was anchored by five of the Purple One’s bass colleagues: Sonny T from New Power Generation, Ida Nielsen from NPG/3rdEyeGirl, Andrew Gouche from NPG, Josh Dunham from NPG, and MonoNeon. In a beautiful moment, all five bassists performed together on...
In Memoriam: Victor Bailey
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that bass legend Victor Bailey has passed away from complications with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. He was 56 years old. Bailey was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania into a musical family. His father, Morris Bailey Jr., was a composer, arranger and saxophonist that wrote songs for R&B artists from the ’60s and ’70s...
Earthquaker Devices Introduces V2 Updates of Dispatch Master, Speaker Cranker, Acapulco Gold, and Afterneath Pedals
Experimental pedal maker Earthquaker Devices has released updated versions of four of their pedals including the Dispatch Master, the Speaker Cranker, Acapulco Gold, and the Afterneath. The pedals, which range in use from delay/reverb to distortion and overdrive, all now feature silent soft-touch relay based switching. This allows for “truly silent and effortless operation with increased long-term durability,” the company...