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Willis Takes on Your Questions
Hey Willis,
I purchased your signature model basses about a year ago. I bought it used. For my own curiousity, I am trying to figure out the year it was manufactured, where it was manufactured and where it fits into the evolution of your signature model. Some of the basses details are 1) Serial Number F0005134, 2) Swamp Ash Body w/ bolt-on neck (4 screws), 3) head stock matches the body and has your signature, 4) 34″ scale, 5) black triple wing tuners, 6) ramp is glued to body, 7) 9V Bartolini pre-amp and 8 ) round wound strings (I do not know if they are the originals). White fret dot markers are in the middle of the fretboard. The bridge is black and lightweight. Double strap locks on end of body.Thanks,David
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Hey David, That would be one of the original GWB1’s from the first two years of production. Back then, the basses were manufactured for Ibanez in Japan by the Fujigen factory and they did some fine work. In the 2nd edition, we moved the fret markers to between the E and B string since there was a possibility of buzz caused by the different expanion/contraction qualities of the inlay dot material vs. the ebony fingerboard. Also, the ramp isn’t glued – it’s attached with double sided tape. It’s our intention that you remove the ramp and adjust its height by using different layers of normal tape and then re-attaching it with double sided tape. You’ll get better use out of the ramp if you set it to your preferred height. |
Hey Willis,
I jis got turned on 2 your playN, via iTunes.I bought afew of your projects, & jis had 2 tell U that I dig yo’ vibe. Especially, the slow FUNky trax. Play on.
Innaminnit,
Psa150!=tg
Hey Psa150!=tg,
Lucky for me I found this site lingotoword.com. Here’s what they came up with:
I became interested in your playing by way of iTunes. I purchased a selection of your projects, and have to tell you that I enjoy your feeling and atmosphere. Especially, the slow FUNky tracks.
Hey Psa150!=tg,
tnx 4 yr knd wrds n yr Emsg. Im ncouragd by yr sincerity n clevA uz of lang.
mch tnx,
GW
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Hey Willis,
What would you recommend to do to improve to ease the moving of the fingers of the left hand?
I’d be pleased if you could answer my question. Thank you very much in advance.
Lutz
Hey Lutz,
This is one I can take directly from my (shameless plug alert!) 101Tips for Bass Book.
Try this experiment on a fretted bass. Put your first finger directly over the dot that’s in between the B and C on the A string. Your finger should be exactly in the middle between the two frets. When you press down the resulting note will be a C. Play constant, repeated C’s in the right hand. Try letting up on the pressure and notice how quicly the note wants to start buzzing. Go back and forth from the clean C to the buzz to get a sense of the pressure involved.
Now move your finger up to the C so that your finger is on or just slightly past the 3rd fret.
Play the constant C’s and try letting up on the pressure again. Notice anything different?
You should be able to tell that as you lift up it doesn’t want to buzz nearly as soon as when your finger is directly in the middle between the frets. Again, go back and forth from the Clean C to the buzzing. As you lift up try to stop just before the C starts to buzz. That amount of pressure, right before it will start to
buzz, is all the pressure that’s needed to play a note on the bass. Is it less pressure than you normally use? I thought so. Probably a lot less pressure.
By being accurate with the left hand and always having your finger in contact with the fret, you can use a lot less effort to play the bass. Accuracy can be acquired just by being conscious of having your finger in the right place every time you play a note. But the best restuls come from teaching your left hand exactly where that pressure point is for each finger. Start with the 2nd finger on a G (E string, 3rd Fret). Make sure that you locate that 2nd finger just touching or slightly past the fret you’re using. Play constant repeated notes with the right hand just like before. Start out with your finger just touching the string (no note shouldsound) and then gradually press down all the while playing constantly with the right hand. Once the G stops buzzing and sounds cleanly, gradually lift up with the 2nd finger until it begins to
buzz again. Keep alternating buzzing and clean until you get a sense of exactly how much pressure it takes to keep the note clean. Always be just on the verge of buzzing. Once you think you have a handle on the pressure, play each note of the G major scale for at least 3 seconds just barely alternating between buzz and clean. Go up and down the scale at least twice this way. It would be a good idea to start out every practice session with this exercise.
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Hey Willis,
At any point in your career did you ever use rotosounds? I ask because those sound incredibly great to me. Jaco type tone obviously and some other people. As a follow up was there ever a close second to the ghs progressives or are they far and away “the strings”?In other news, I got a case of beer, listened to the big wave about 10 consecutive times, and did a drunken dance.
Thank you for that , sir.
Drewskie
Hey Drewskie,
My neice (when she was 2 years old) used to do this crazy dance whenever the Big Wave came on but I think they skipped the case of beer part. Of course, a long time ago I was doing the Rotosound thing on the 4-strings basses that I built. Eventually I decided that stainless steel was a little too harsh. I stopped with the GHS’s about 6 or 7 years ago. (shameless plug alert!) I’ve seen the light. D’Addario XL’s are the the only way to go. I use both flavors, regular and EXP, depending on the situtaion. 45, 65, 85, 105 & 135 for the B.
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Hey Willis,
I just got myself a GWB-1, and she is indeed a lovely bass. I’m curious, though, why you went with a 2 band rather than a 3 band EQ? So much of the life in the bass sound is in the low mids…I’m sure you have good reasons, and that it’s likely that you can articulate them.Thanks, and dogs and basses are a good combination for a long and happy life…JK
Hey JK,
Congrats and I couldn’t agree with your last sentiment more. Actually, one of the best features of this bass is the low mid sound that comes out of it naturally. I didn’t want to risk any electronics messing with that. Originally, I was using mine without a preamp and no EQ, but for a production model, it was pointed out to me that to compete on the sales floor we’d have to put in a preamp. So I was lucky to get to work with Bartolini to develop an EQ based on the natural sound that I was getting without a preamp. I think the result is very transparent with the ability to brighten or darken and add some low end. I think if you listen through a halfway decent system, you’ll find it doesn’t need any EQ.
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Hey Willis,
Where can we buy your music. None of the stores visited carry your stuff?
MC
Hey MC,
Here’s one word that will change your whole life: google
Look it up (hint: it’s on the internet)
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Hey Willis,
Gary, I’ve noticed that you and Victor Wooten are both using those triple wing tuners. I am curious about the benefits of these and how I can purchase them as after market parts. Also, your work has hugely influenced my own playing over the years (just thought I’s mention that).
Thanks, Chuck
Hi GaryI read somewhere on the net that you first got your Sure-grip tuners off a hardware store. Is that the case ? If so can you let me know which one? I have Ibanez-gotoh tunersbut I dig those knobs.Thanks a million.
Take care, you are a huge inspiration.
Dear Mr. Willis,I recall some time ago that your custom tuners that are standard issue on your Signature bass were also available on your site individually (if I’m correct, in a set of 4 and then individual ones to fill out 5, 6 strings, etc). Do you still sell them from your website, and if so could you give me a quick price quote?Thank you for your time in this matter.Sincerely, Ian
Hey Guys,
Thanks for the kind words and yes the tuners are still officially available. The individual wings are available in sets of 2 or 3. Here are the part numbers:
2MHKB1GWB2 MACHINEHEAD KNOB (2PCS=1SET)
2MHKB1GWB3 MACHINEHEAD KNOB (3PCS=1SET)
Yeah, the original inspiration came from trying to lighten up the headstock. I originally used electronics store radio knobs made by CALRAD along with some special shaft adaptors to get them to fit. It was very labor intensive but it looked cool. Eventually, because of certain patent restrictions, Ibanez came up with the triple-wing design and I modified it s little from there.
Positive Grid launches Spark 2, the next evolution of their cutting-edge smart guitar practice amplifiers and Bluetooth® speakers.
Engineered for acoustic, electric guitar, and bass, Spark 2 delivers an immersive practice and playing experience. Enjoy detailed sound and an all-new upgraded speaker design powered by Positive Grid’s exclusive Sonic IQ Computational Audio technology. With an onboard creative looper, optional battery power, and intuitive AI features for tone exploration and practice, Spark 2 is the gateway to a musical experience that goes beyond expectations.
Proprietary Audio and Advanced Technology
Spark 2 represents a leap forward in amplifier design. It integrates a new DSP amp modeling engine with double the processing power, and at 50 Watts, it packs 25% more volume than the original. Positive Grid’s proprietary Sonic IQ Computational Audio delivers incredibly detailed and dynamic sound. New HD amp models, enhanced by multi-band dynamic range compression and virtual bass augmentation, redefine the sonic landscape.
Equipped with two premium FRFR speakers and reflex ports, Spark 2 offers wide stereo imaging and broader frequency response, ensuring refined bass and clear, immersive sound.
Built-In Creative Looper
Spark 2’s built-in Groove Looper features hundreds of hyper-realistic drum tracks. From basic loops to multi-layered soundscapes or the ultimate jam session, this intuitive tool inspires endless creativity. Onboard amp controls provide quick, on-the-go looping functionality.
AI-Powered Tone and Smart Jam
Spark AI revolutionizes tone exploration. Describe any desired tone in the Spark app – from practical to outlandish – and Spark AI will suggest tones to audition or download. The more it’s used, the smarter it gets, delivering the perfect sound.
Additional smart features make it easy to practice, learn new songs and improve playing skills. Smart Jam listens to the user’s playing style and generates accompanying bass and drum parts, while Auto Chords analyzes any song streamed and displays the guitar chords in real time, to make learning and practicing new songs easier than ever.
Enhanced Hardware Design and Portability
Spark 2 allows for storing up to eight customizable presets directly on the amp for quick access to favorite sounds. Perfect the tone with large, visible onboard controls for looper, EQ, gain, reverb, and more.
Designed for convenience, an optional rechargeable battery provides up to 12 hours of playtime for on-the-go sessions. The new double-thick strap and durable build ensure easy and secure transport. Spark 2 is also Bluetooth® ready, allowing for music streaming and jamming along with favorite tracks anytime, anywhere.
Multiple Outputs and Advanced Features
Spark 2 offers versatile connectivity with a headphone out for private practice, stereo line outs for external audio sources, and a USB-C port which enables it to function as an audio interface. WiFi-enabled, Spark 2 allows convenient over-the-air firmware updates, keeping the amp up to date with the latest features and improvements.
“I’ve used a ton of practice amps while touring the world for over 38 years and it was always just a technical, bland exercise,” says guitar virtuoso, singer-songwriter and producer Nuno Bettencourt. “Spark 2 is like taking Madison Square Garden wherever you go – epic and versatile.”
Color Options
Available in Pearl or Black finish with a dark weave grille and premium finish.
Special Event, Upgrade Pricing & Availability
Join the special live premiere event featuring Nuno Bettencourt and surprise guests on August 1, 2024, at 8:00 am PT/11:00 am ET. Visit positivegrid.com/pages/livestream for more details and to sign up for a reminder.
Regularly USD $299, Spark 2 will be available at special early bird pricing during the pre-order period. Registered Spark 40 owners can also receive exclusive upgrade pricing.
For more information and to sign up for pre-order alerts, visit positivegrid.com/products/spark-2.
A review of the Joyo Gloam – Sub Octave Fuzz Pedal for Bass
Disclaimer: This pedal was kindly provided by Joyo for the purpose of this review. However, this does not influence our opinions or the content of our reviews. We strive to provide honest, unbiased, and accurate assessments to ensure that our readers receive truthful and helpful information.
Introduction: The Joyo Gloam is a sub-octave fuzz pedal specifically designed for bass players, combining modern sub-octave effects with rich fuzz tones. With two independently controlled circuits, the Gloam aims to provide a versatile range of sounds, from deep, aggressive fuzz to Moog-like synth effects. This review will explore the Gloam’s specifications, controls, and overall performance, highlighting both its strengths and areas for improvement.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 130 * 110 * 50 mm
- Weight: 403g
- Working Voltage: DC 9V
- Controls: The Joyo Gloam features a comprehensive control set designed to provide bassists with a wide range of tonal options:
- Dry Tone: Adjusts the tone of the clean signal.
- Dry Volume: Controls the volume of the clean signal.
- Sub Octave Volume: Adjusts the volume of the sub octave signal.
- Gain: Controls the amount of gain in the fuzz circuit.
- Fuzz: Adjusts the intensity of the fuzz effect.
- Bass: Controls the bass frequencies in the fuzz circuit.
- Treble: Adjusts the treble frequencies in the fuzz circuit.
- Fuzz Mode Switch: Switches between two different fuzz modes.
- Dry Tone Frequency Switch: Selects between two different frequency points for the dry tone.
Performance: The Joyo Gloam excels in its dual-circuit design, offering both a sub octave and a fuzz channel that can be controlled individually. However, it’s important to note that the octaver cannot be used without the fuzz circuit activated; the only way to solo the octaver is by turning down the fuzz while both channels are engaged.
Fuzz Circuit: The fuzz circuit includes standard controls such as gain, volume, bass, and treble, along with a fuzz mode switch that toggles between two distinct fuzz modes. While one of the fuzz modes is highly usable and delivers a rich, aggressive tone, the other mode falls short and is less practical for most applications.
Octaver Circuit: The octaver circuit features controls for sub octave volume, clean volume, and clean tone, along with a dry tone frequency switch that provides two different frequency options. This allows for significant tonal versatility, enabling bassists to fine-tune their sound to match their preferences. Despite its limitation of being tied to the fuzz circuit, the octaver produces a deep, balanced sound that stands out.
Combined Effect: When used together, the fuzz and octaver circuits create a wide range of sounds, from classic, aggressive fuzz to synth-like tones reminiscent of a Moog synthesizer. This combination makes the Gloam a powerful tool for bassists seeking to experiment with their sound and achieve unique, textured tones.
Pros:
- Versatile Controls: Extensive control options for both fuzz and octaver circuits.
- Rich Tones: Delivers deep, aggressive fuzz and balanced octaver sounds.
- Sturdy Construction: Durable build quality ensures reliability.
- Wide Range of Sounds: Capable of producing everything from classic fuzz to synth-like effects.
Cons:
- Unusable Fuzz Mode: One of the fuzz modes is less practical.
- Dependent Octaver: Octaver cannot be used independently of the fuzz circuit.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the Joyo Gloam sub-octave fuzz pedal offers a versatile and powerful option for bassists looking to expand their tonal palette. Despite some flaws, the Gloam delivers impressive sounds and flexibility. Its combination of rich fuzz and deep octaver tones, coupled with a sturdy construction, makes it a valuable addition to any bassist’s pedalboard. For those seeking a modern bass distortion with the added depth of sub-octave effects, the Joyo Gloam is a compelling choice for a very compelling price.
Visit online at joyoaudio.com/product/281.html
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Behind the Strings – Jim’s Corner…
D’Addario & Co. proudly announces the launch of “Jim’s Corner,” a captivating new YouTube series telling the 400-year-old story of the D’Addario family creating the world’s largest music accessories company. This series features Jim D’Addario, Founder and Director of Innovation at D’Addario and Co., sharing his family’s remarkable journey from 17th century Italy to a 21st century global enterprise.
In the first four episodes now available, Jim D’Addario takes viewers back to the beginning, making strings from animal guts and knotting ukulele wire as a family around the television. Countless generations carried the passion forward until the 1970s when the company made it official and never looked back. Jim recounts the creation of strings that inspired legendary riffs, including one by The Who, the launch of Darco strings, the merger with Martin Guitars and the company’s humble beginnings with his wife, Janet and brother, John. Jim D’Addario’s firsthand accounts provide an intimate and personal perspective on the milestones and challenges that shaped D’Addario into the revered brand it is today.
Episode Highlights:
- Episode 1: The Early Days in Italy and the Move to America
- Episode 2: Inspiring Iconic Riffs and Legendary Partnerships
- Episode 3: Launching Darco Strings and Merging with Martin Guitars
- Episode 4: Building the D’Addario and Co. Legacy
Watch & Subscribe Now:
Join us in celebrating this incredible legacy by watching the first four episodes of “Jim’s Corner” on YouTube. New episodes will drop every month so please subscribe to our channel to ensure you don’t miss any future episodes and exclusive content from D’Addario & Co.: www.youtube.com/@daddarioandco
Gear News
Gear News: Aguilar Amplification Unveils Limited Edition NYC Gold Skyline Tone Hammer Preamp
Aguilar Amplification announces the release of the Limited Edition NYC Gold Skyline Tone Hammer Preamp pedal. Hand serialized 1-100, this exclusive edition celebrates Aguilar’s deep roots in New York City with a tribute to its iconic landmarks and vibrant spirit.
Born in the heart of NYC and raised on the road, the Tone Hammer Preamp DI has been an indispensable tool for bassists seeking inspiring tone and versatility. The new Limited Edition Gold NYC builds on this legacy with striking custom graphics encapsulating the essence of New York City. Featuring iconic landmarks from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building, this pedal is not just a tool, but a piece of art embodying the soul of the city. Each unit features a sharp platinum silkscreen over a stunning matte gold sparkle finish, that is as visually captivating as it is sonically powerful.
The Tone Hammer is an essential preamp/direct box for every bassist’s toolbox. The Tone Hammer features fully sweepable midrange frequencies in addition to bass and treble controls. With the Tone Hammer’s pristine D.I. players are set for either studio or stage. To give this tone shaping unit the ultimate flexibility we introduce our proprietary Adaptive Gain Shaping circuitry (AGS). AGS allows the player to kick in an additional gain structure and EQ with the “stomp” of a button. You can go from modern slap sounds to vintage or overdriven. 18-volt operation gives the Tone Hammer plenty of headroom to reproduce the most dynamic playing styles. Separate gain and master controls allow players to dial in just the right gain structure for any instrument.
Aguilar Amplification’s Jordan Cortese adds, “With only 100 hand-numbered units available, this third iteration of our NYC edition Tone Hammer is a collector’s dream. “It’s a homage to our city’s monumental influence on music and culture and celebrates the craftsmanship and the story of Aguilar”.
Street price: $299.99 For more information, please visit www.aguilaramp.com
Gear News: Future Impact V4 Guitar & Bass Synth Now Available in the U.S.
Interview With Barker Bass’s Inventor and Writer Lee Barker
Working-Class Zeros: Episode #4 – Boutique and Vintage Basses, Dress Code for Summer Gigs
Gear News: Ibanez & Graph Tech Launch Multi-Scale Bass with Cutting-Edge Tuning
Album: John Entwistle, Rarities Oxhumed – Volume Two
July 22 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Gear News: Positive Grid Launches Spark 2
Gear Review: Exploring the Joyo Gloam – Sub Octave Fuzz Pedal for Bass
Alberto Rigoni On Unexpected Lullabies
