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Napalm Death's Shane Embury

“I was just trying to play distorted bass – everything had to be on 11!” Napalm Death bassist Shane Embury on writing riffs and fighting nazis

By Joel McIver published

In an exclusive extract from Shane Embury’s new autobiography, the veteran Napalm Death bassist reveals the inspirations behind his monstrous tones

Orange O Bass

Orange O Bass review – this stylish and affordable reissue is a more serious contender than you might think

By Joel McIver published

First released to acclaim in 2015, the Orange O Bass has been tweaked and reissued – but is it fresh fruit or has it been diluted?

Simon Gallup (left) and his new Schecter signature basses

The Cure’s Simon Gallup has been gigging with 2 gnarly new-look bass guitars – and now Schecter has released them as his latest signature models

By Matt Owen published

A cosmetically updated Ultra Spitfire and a new semi-hollow stunner dubbed the Corsair have been unveiled

Fender Mike Kerr Jaguar Bass

Fender Mike Kerr Jaguar Bass review – a short-scale stunner with a unique pickup pairing that handles much more than just rock

By Joel McIver published

Exclusive: We bring you the first review of the Royal Blood frontman’s long-awaited – and strictly limited-edition – signature bass. Stand clear!

Ross Electronics pedals

“It's not a replica or a clone. It’s the actual thing”: JHS Pedals revives influential gear brand Ross Electronics – and recruits John Mayer, Brian Wampler and Robert Keeley for new documentary

By Matt Owen published

A 30-minute film has been released to chart the history and revival of the cult classic company, which is back with five new stompboxes

Bassist Chi Cheng performs live with his band, The Deftones at the University of California, Irvine Bren Events Center October 23, 2000 in Irvine, CA.

“Stephen said, 'Why don't you just play along with my guitar line?' I said: 'Why don't you just p**s off?'” A classic interview with Deftones bassist Chi Cheng

By Joel McIver published

Deftones bassist Chi Cheng died 10 years ago this year. Back in 2003 he talked to us about his influences, his approach to bass playing and his fights to play things his way…

Fender Mike Kerr Jaguar Bass

“A traditional bass player might find it a bit bizarre”: Fender and Royal Blood’s Mike Kerr team up for a signature Jaguar Bass – is this the secret sauce to his heralded tone?

By Matt Owen published

The bold short-scale four-string comes loaded with custom pickups that – combined with a spot of pitch-shifting – could be the key to unlocking Kerr's coveted guitar-esque sounds

Actor Gary Sinise playing bass

“Will we see a bass player in the White House one day? Maybe, but it might not be me!” Forrest Gump star Gary Sinise on why he plays bass for veterans

By Joel McIver published

He played injured vet Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump. Now Gary Sinise plays his trusty Fender Jazz to raise millions for military veterans

Les Claypool of Primus performs on the opening night of their "Tour De Fromage". Photo by J. Shearer/WireImage)

"Like wrestling an octopus": How to play bass like Les Claypool

By Nick Wells published

Even if you're not playing double-stops tapped on a fretless 6-string bass there’s still a lot you can learn from Primus frontman Les Claypool. We asked him to break down some of his craziest basslines...

Robert Trujillo of Metallica performs on stage at Ippodromo San Siro on May 8, 2019 in Milan, Italy.

“Ozzy Osbourne gets in my face and we're doing this dance. Sometimes Kirk and I do it during For Whom the Bell Tolls”: Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo explains the origin of his iconic crab walk

By Nick Wells published

Robert Trujillo thanks Ozzy Osbourne for helping turn on his stage performance with Metallica

Vola Vasti 5 STM J1

Think kill switches don’t belong on bass? Steve Tréguier’s new metal machine from Vola Guitars is here to prove you wrong

By Nick Wells published

The adventurous prog stalwart showcases his Tom Morello-style kill switch technique on his new signature bass, the Vasti 5 STM J1

Prince performs at half time during Super Bowl XLI between the Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears at Dolphins Stadium in Miami, Florida on February 4, 2007.

“Prince was serious about what he wanted. He would turn around, point to you and say, ‘Go!’”: Josh Dunham names the five albums that helped shape his sound with Prince

By Nick Wells published

According to Josh Dunham, having chops is cool, but playing with Prince you really had to play in the pocket

Nikki Sixx

“We never saw it coming that Mick wasn’t going to be able to tour and was going to have to quit the band”: Nikki Sixx offers his own take on the Mötley Crüe drama

By Matt Owen published

“We didn’t choose this, but since we had to be put in this position, we’re very happy with where we’re at right now,” the bassist said in an exclusive new Guitar World interview

Electro-Harmonix Pico Platform Compressor/Limiter pedal

Electro-Harmonix just launched a serious competitor in the mini compressor pedal stakes

By Michael Astley-Brown published

The Pico Platform Compressor/Limiter won’t take up much room on your pedalboard, but it will deliver studio-style squeeze with plenty of flexibility

James Jamerson Motown Studios

For decades no-one even knew his name. This month, James Jamerson will have a street named after him

By Nick Wells published

How James Jamerson became a bass guitar hero: with tributes from Jack Bruce, Suzi Quatro and Paul McCartney

Gibson Garage in Nashville

“A groundbreaking store for all things Gibson”: Gibson to open new flagship Garage outside the US for the first time

By Matt Owen published

Located in London, the new Gibson Garage will follow in the footsteps of the company's premiere Nashville store, and stock a range of products from across the Gibson brand family

Fender California Streetwoods guitars

Disneyland-salvaged wood and guitars that literally smell as good as they look: Fender goes big on sustainability for unique California Streetwoods collection

By Matt Owen published

Wild tonewood selections head-up the Custom Shop’s newest Masterbuilt range, which was created in partnership with Street Tree Revival

Best short-scale basses 2023: the ultimate guide to the greatest pint-sized basses at all price points

Best short-scale basses 2023: the ultimate guide to the greatest pint-sized bass guitars at all price points

By Daryl Robertson last updated

From Fender to Gibson, Gretsch to Spector, here are our top picks for the best short-scale basses on the market right now

Paul McCartney performs live on stage with Wings at Ahoy on 25th March 1976 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. He plays a Rickenbacker 4001S bass guitar

“Wings are underrated. It’s difficult to follow The Beatles. It’s like following God”: How Paul McCartney quit the world's biggest band... and triumphed

By Nick Wells published

On this day in 1971 Paul McCartney announced the formation of his new group Wings, who rose in a few short years from college level to an American stadium phenomenon

Meshell Ndegeocello performs during the Festival Jazz A La Villette 2011 at Cite de la Musique on September 3, 2011 in Paris, France.

“40 minutes of bass solos just ain’t going to work for me”: Meshell Ndgeocello on why she could never be as solo-orientated as Jaco Pastorius

By Nick Wells published

Yes, she’s an A-list bass player, but for Meshell Ndgeocello the groove comes first