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
Listen to Roger Glover’s isolated bassline on Deep Purple’s Highway Star By Brian Fox published 12 July 24 Highway Star presents the best route to the heart of Deep Purple’s riff-driven righteousness
Rick Beato reunited with his late uncle’s bass after 50 years – with the help of Joe Bonamassa By Matt Owen published 12 July 24 The bass went missing from a family home in the mid-'70s, but was miraculously spotted in a recent Bonamassa video
Cheap Trick’s Tom Petersson on how he pioneered the 12-string bass and influenced a generation of players By Nick Wells published 12 July 24 Having invented the massive 12-string bass sound back in 1978, Cheap Trick’s Tom Petersson earned his place as one of the most innovative bassists in rock ’n’ roll
Dean Guitars maker has won the right to a retrial in Gibson trademark dispute By Matt Parker published 10 July 24 The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that Armadillo Enterprises is entitled to a retrial that will include previously excluded evidence
Deep Purple play Smoke on the Water on the lake that inspired it – with actual fire in the sky By Janelle Borg published 10 July 24 The band return to Montreux, the site of the 1971 casino fire depicted in the lyrics of their iconic track
Elwood Francis replaced Dusty Hill in ZZ Top – but he still feels uncomfortable about it By Matt Owen published 10 July 24 Francis originally served as ZZ Top's longtime guitar tech, but took on a completely new role at the behest of Hill's wishes after the bassist passed away
