Best bass compressor pedals 2024: our pick of pedals to get your low-end in line By Richard Blenkinsop last updated 25 July 24 We look at the best compressors for bass, from some of the biggest names around including Origin Effects, Empress Effects, Boss, and more
How Carol Kaye set the tone for Quincy Jones’ Hikky-Burr, the theme for The Bill Cosby Show By Chris Jisi published 24 July 24 A veteran of over 10,000 record dates, Carol Kaye improvised her entire bassline on this 1971 Quincy Jones single
ZZ Top’s Elwood Francis on teching for Joe Perry, lying to Steve Vai – and the curse of his viral 17-string bass By Andrew Daly published 24 July 24 The gear-trashing DIY enthusiast once had to choose between Vai and Joe Perry, before being fired and rehired by Guns N’ Roses – in a matter of days
Positive Grid has unveiled the Spark 2 – here’s how it plans change the amp game... again By Matt Parker published 23 July 24 The year’s most anticipated amp launch is here – and we’ve got the full details
Best Precision Bass 2024: P-Basses from Fender and beyond By Chris Corfield last updated 23 July 24 Our top picks of the most recognizable bass in history, including models from Fender, Sire, Sterling by Music Man and more
Krist Novoselic revisits three Nirvana classics as he joins FooVana hybrid tribute act By Phil Weller published 22 July 24 The bassist surprised concert-goers as he joined the Foo Fighters/Nirvana covers band to celebrate the grunge legend's legacy
How Jack Bruce tapped into his jazz roots with fusion supergroup Spectrum Road By Nick Wells published 21 July 24 Jack Bruce launched Spectrum Road in 2012, featuring drummer Cindy Blackman-Santana, and Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid
How Bob Babbitt laid down an epic first-take solo on this under-appreciated Motown classic By Chris Jisi published 20 July 24 Every bassist needs to familiarize themselves with Bob Babbitt’s knockout solo
Spector unveils three new basses – featuring fresh tonewood and finish options and a gnarly preamp created with Darkglass By Phil Weller published 19 July 24 The Euro CST and LX models – offering through and bolt-on necks – add variety to its bass range while underscoring the “classic Spector growl”
The Porter is a headphone amp designed to work with your favorite pedals – and its creators reckon it’s practically invincible By Phil Weller published 19 July 24 Neighborhood Circuits has built the tiny, pedal-friendly headphone amp to last, and offers something different from the all-in-one solutions of the market
Positive Grid confirms the Spark 2 will arrive within weeks – and, yes, it has a looper By Matt Parker published 18 July 24 The most-requested missing feature of the original amp has now been addressed – and it will be here sooner than you think
Xvive has upgraded its flagship wireless system – how does it stack up next to the new challengers? By Phil Weller published 18 July 24 The instrument wireless system market is rapidly expanding and now Xvive has given its flagship product some choice upgrades to help the A58 standout
Elwood Francis on the origins of his 17-string bass – and why he regrets it becoming a ZZ Top staple By Michael Astley-Brown published 18 July 24 Elwood Francis reveals the origins of his preposterous 17-string bass – and why he’s disappointed it went viral
Jason Newsted is selling the 10-string Alembic bass used on Metallica’s Black Album tour By Phil Weller published 17 July 24 The musician has collected some rare, weird, and wonderful instruments over his 40-year career, now he’s teamed-up with Reverb to get them into the hands of new players
Social media bass sensation April Kae burned out her hands from nonstop playing, producing and editing – playing with a pick was her saving grace By Janelle Borg published 16 July 24 Kae reveals how having to be a content creator, videographer, editor and producer in addition to being a bassist caused repetitive strain injury
Fernandes Guitars – the company behind iconic electrics played by Billie Joe Armstrong, Kirk Hammett and Robert Fripp – has filed for bankruptcy By Michael Astley-Brown published 15 July 24 The Japanese firm, which was also behind the Sustainer pickup and Burny guitars, was founded in 1969
How Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones took flight with Them Crooked Vultures By Nick Wells, Brian Fox published 14 July 24 Back in 2010 John Paul Jones, Dave Grohl and Josh Homme joined forces in a bid to redefine heavy rock
Longtime David Letterman bassist Will Lee recalls his toughest recording date in NYC By Chris Jisi published 14 July 24 The session took place in January 1975 at Secret Sound Studios on West 24th Street
Andy Fraser names the forgotten song that marked the pinnacle of his bass playing with Free By Nick Wells published 13 July 24 Having already sparked Free’s biggest hit, All Right Now, Andy Fraser once again proved that the bass can be a focal point as much as an accompaniment
Joe Satriani and D’Addario have designed a $20 strap that could eliminate the twisted strap problem By Phil Weller published 12 July 24 Designed specifically for rear-facing strap buttons, the Auto Lock Swivel Strap vows to move as freely as you do while always remaining locked in place
