Back in black: Strymon offers Midnight Edition finish on its TimeLine, Mobius, DIG, and BlueSky pedals By Matt Parker published 4 March 22 The effects manufacturer has expanded its first limited-edition range with four refinished stompboxes, all for the same price as the originals
Bandcamp acquired by Fortnite developer Epic Games By Sam Roche published 3 March 22 “We share a vision of building the most open, artist-friendly ecosystem in the world,” says Bandcamp founder and CEO Ethan Diamond
Pixies return with anthemic new single Human Crime By Michael Astley-Brown published 3 March 22 The standalone track arrives as the alt-rock stalwarts prepare to kick off their post-Covid touring schedule
Boss launches its first touchscreen-equipped amp and multi-effects processor, the GX-100 By Matt Owen published 3 March 22 The upgraded unit boasts a number of features from the brand's flagship GT-1000, including AIRD technology, over 150 effects, 23 amp models, an onboard looper and the ability to serve as a USB audio interface
The new issue of Bass Player celebrates the 100th birthday of Charles Mingus By Joel McIver published 2 March 22 We meet the master's son Eric Mingus for a never-before-heard insider view of the maestro
Trace Elliot says its connection-packed TE-1200 bass head represents a “new period of innovation” By Matt Parker published 2 March 22 Bass brand unveils new 1200W head with four-band EQ, plus built-in high- and low-band compression
Fractal Audio unveils upgraded FC-6 and FC-12 Mark II foot controllers By Matt Owen published 2 March 22 Next-gen units promise a more convenient user experience thanks to expanded, easier-to-read footswitch mini-displays
Night Ranger’s Brad Gillis and Mr. Big’s Billy Sheehan announce new Skills project, share debut single, Stop the World By Matt Owen published 1 March 22 The track is lifted from Skills' first studio record, Different Worlds, due May 13
Stone Temple Pilots’ Robert DeLeo has a solo album on the way By Matt Parker published 28 February 22 The bassist tells fans that 10 tracks are now recorded and ready to go, with two more to come
Solar Guitars introduces a trio of strikingly finished bass models By Matt Owen published 28 February 22 Four- and five-string offerings flash matte colorways, Solar active pickups and a choice of either roasted maple or ebony fretboards
The D'Addario Foundation launches the Bridge Fund, a new initiative to provide funding for music education in Black communities By Sam Roche published 23 February 22 “The damaging consequences of Covid have only exacerbated the need to address the enormous gap in educational resources and opportunities,” says Executive Director, Suzanne D'Addario Brouder
Guns N' Roses' Duff McKagan joins Eddie Vedder onstage in Seattle for an energetic cover of The Pretenders' Precious By Sam Roche published 23 February 22 The bassist joined Vedder's all-star backing band, The Earthlings – which features Josh Klinghoffer, Chad Smith, Andrew Watt, Chris Chaney and Glen Hansard – at Benaroya Hall on Monday (February 21)
Positive Grid unveils the Spark MINI, a downsized version of its celebrated Spark smart guitar amp By Matt Owen published 22 February 22 The streamlined practice amp literally fits in the palm of your hand, and debuts an all-new Smart Jam Live feature that generates off-the-cuff bass and drum backing lines
Origin Effects unveils BassRIG Super Vintage and BassRIG ‘64 Black Panel overdrive and preamp pedals By Matt Owen published 22 February 22 The Ampeg SVT and Fender Showman-inspired duo will be joined by appropriately finished Cali76 Compact Bass compressor pedals
Watch John Paul Jones, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, Buffalo Nichols and more join forces to cover Led Zeppelin's When the Levee Breaks By Jackson Maxwell published 18 February 22 The all-star cover was recorded in an effort to raise funds for charities that focus on environmental justice and sustainability
Fender's Ensenada, Mexico factory struck by fire By Sam Roche published 18 February 22 While no injuries have been reported and the blaze was extinguished in “minutes”, the extent of the damage done remains unknown
TC Electronic unveils Impulse IR Loader mini pedal, packed with Celestion impulse responses By Michael Astley-Brown published 17 February 22 The compact stompbox boasts ‘pedal platform’ combined amp and cab sims, the ability to switch between IRs and even includes acoustic guitar IRs
Foo Fighters go death metal on surprisingly heavy new track March of the Insane By Matt Parker published 16 February 22 The old-school metal thrasher features a killer shred solo and arrives ahead of the release of the band’s new movie Studio 666
Ibanez commemorates US distributor Hoshino's 50th anniversary with dazzling Custom Shop Collection By Matt Owen published 15 February 22 50 one-of-a-kind instruments have been unveiled as part of the Japanese brand's largest-ever single run line of custom shop guitars
Rush celebrate 40 years of Moving Pictures with new Super Deluxe Edition, including liner notes from Kim Thayil, Les Claypool and Bill Kelliher By Matt Parker published 11 February 22 The Canadian prog-rockers' acclaimed 1981 album will be offered in six different versions, with options including an unreleased live album, plus Dolby Atmos mixes
