Latest
Bass is Just Living Its Adolescence… Let’s Evolve! by Igor Saavedra
How many times have you heard phrases like “This is a Classic Bass Technique”, “I like classic basses”, “Electric Bass Tradition”, and a hundred more phrases that are spread over the million articles and notes that have been written in relation with our beloved instrument?
It is important to say that I think that all these quotes are well inspired, and have been intended to show and to express respect for our instrument and its evolution. But if we analyze them more profoundly, they become completely inaccurate.
Paul Tutmarc was in my opinion the creator of the very first Electric Bass. He began our instrument’s history in 1934, building the fretted 30″ scale Audiovox #736 and started to commercialize it on 1935. So, if mathematics doesn’t lie, this year, 2011, the Electric Bass is 77 years old.
Some people prefer to count from the construction of the very first Fender 34″ standard scale fretted Bass, which on 1950 was the first widely commercialized Bass in history. I think we have to be fair with Mr. Tutmarc and give him the deserved credit for being the real inventor of the fretted, electric, solid body and “shoulder strapped” Bass.
Electric Bass and Electric Bassists started the evolution process since those years, merging from the shadows of sound and the dark corners of the stages, and slowly achieving its deserved place on the music scene. Since Jaco, Electric Bass finally proved that it was also capable of being a consistent and convincing solo instrument.
Within the fundamental and standard band/group instruments, Electric Bass is the youngest of them all. Drum Sets, Electric Guitars and Keyboards started their evolution many years before our instrument, and are still evolving. But the most important aspect to mention is that all those instruments, even though they have been experiencing all the technological advances throughout the years like the Electric Bass, have maintained their exact role and function within the band context, and this is exactly how the Electric Bass differentiates itself and stands apart from the others. If we compare what Electric Bass used to be 77 years ago with what it is now in terms of technique, function, sound, role, gravitation, and many more aspects, the differences are outstanding. The reason for this constant and accelerated evolution is very simple indeed, and responds proportionally to the longevity of the Electric Bass.
It would be wiser avoiding terms like “Tradition”, “Classic”, and “Correct”, and changing them for terms like “Commonly”, “Originally”, and “Conventionally”, etc. Those other terms help in promoting involution, fundamentalism and orthodox behaviors that damage creativity, change and the achieving and consolidation of an identity for our instrument…
The most toxic aspect comes when these subliminal ideas contaminate critics, bassists, teachers, and future teachers that will be always assuming that there’s already an “Established Bass Truth”, that they are somehow commissioned to preserve, like in Classic Piano for example which has hundreds of years of evolution, enough time to be related with terms like “Classic” and “Tradition”, (also debatable).
You’ll find people trying to force the application of Double Bass techniques and studies on the Electric Bass, objecting fingerings, sweeping, tapping, chords, number of strings, sound, and soloist role…eventually, refusing to accept any evolution related with the so called “Classicism” of the instrument. And even mort dangerous, classifying every evolution outside from what they consider to be the “Electric Bass Context”
e.g.: I play an 8 string Bass, so “That’s not a Bass”, Ergo: “I’m not a Bass Player.”
I’ve said it many times…, and maybe it’s a good occasion to repeat it:
“In my opinion, the very essence of the Electric Bass & Electric Bass Playing relays just on the execution concept, and remains intact unless you change it’s fundamental role in music… you can add new roles, but not change the fundamental one”.
See you on the next my friends…, please feel free to comment and share..!!
Gear News
New Gear: Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Internationally renowned bassist ALBERTO RIGONI (soloist, BAD AS, Vivaldi Metal Project, TwinSpirits, etc.) is proud to announce the release of his signature bass VPR5 made by renowned Italian luthier Gaetano Costanzo!
The bass is entirely handmade in Italy, without the use of CNC or other machinery, and has rather special features. The VPR is a 5-string bass (but also available as a 4-string) with 30 frets, Seymour Duncan pickups, Music Man Alnico style, passive electronics (volume, tone and a switch to select series/parallel/single-coil mode), alder body, and American maple neck and fingerboard. Gotoh tuners that ensure perfect intonation. The bass is totally painted white (nitro finish) but other colors can be requested. The VPR has a weight of about 2.9 kg and suitable for any genre.
For more information contact Gaetanobass77@gmail.com or visit online at www.instagram.com/gaetanocostanzoluthier or www.facebook.com/GaetanoCostanzoLuthier
Bass Videos
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Bassist Graham Stanush…
Return to Dust is keeping Grunge alive and well! They have a new self-titled album that went out on May 3rd, 2024 and will be super busy promoting this project in the near future.
Graham Stanush is the bass powerhouse driving their sound and adding vocals to the mix. Join me as we hear all about Graham’s musical journey, details about the new album, how he gets his sound and their plans for the future.
Featured Videos:
Visit Online:
linktr.ee/returntodust
instagram.com/returntodustband/
twitter.com/Returntodustbnd
youtube.com/@returntodustband
tiktok.com/@returntodustband
Bass Videos
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
CrystalBright Rombo Picks
PR SamplePlaying bass with a pick is still a touchy subject in our community. I believe you should be able to use whatever you need to get your sound. Even though I mostly play with my fingers, I like to check out innovative new picks that might have something new to offer, sonically speaking.
Judith and Carlos from Rombo recently contacted me about a new material called CrystalBright that they have been researching for the last 12 months and offered to send some prototype picks. After trying them out, I put together this video with my findings.
For more info check out @rombopicks
Latest
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Check out our top 10 favorite basses on Instagram this week…
Click to follow Bass Musician on Instagram @bassmusicianmag
FEATURED @sireusaofficial @ricardosguitars @gullone.bajos @godin_guitars @sandbergguitars @adamovicbasses @bassbros.uk @baumguitars @harleybentonofficial @dingwallguitars
Gear
New Joe Dart Bass From Sterling By Music Man
Sterling by Music Man introduces the Joe Dart Artist Series Bass (“Joe Dart”), named after and designed in collaboration with the celebrated Vulfpeck bassist.
Above photo credit: JORDAN THIBEAUX
This highly-anticipated model marks the debut of the Dart bass in the Sterling by Music Man lineup, paying homage to the Ernie Ball Music Man original that all funk players know and love. The bass embodies many of the original model’s distinctive features, from its iconic minimalist design to the passive electronics.
The design process prioritized reliability, playability, and accessibility at the forefront. Constructed from the timeless Sterling body, the Dart features a slightly smaller neck profile, offering a clean tone within a comfortable package. The body is crafted from soft maple wood for clarity and warmth while the natural finish emphasizes the simple yet unique look.
Engineered for straightforward performance, this passive bass features a ceramic humbucking bridge pickup and a single ‘toaster’ knob for volume control. Reliable with a classic tone, it’s perfect for playing in the pocket. The Dart is strung with the all-new Ernie Ball Stainless Steel Flatwound Electric Bass Strings for the smoothest feel and a mellow sound.
The Sterling by Music Man Joe Dart Bass is a special “Timed Edition” release, exclusively available for order on the Sterling by Music Man website for just one month. Each bass is made to order, with the window closing on May 31st and shipping starting in November. A dedicated countdown timer will indicate the remaining time for purchase on the product page. Additionally, the back of the headstock will be marked with a “2024 Crop” stamp to commemorate the harvest year for this special, one-of-a-kind release.
The Joe Dart Bass is priced at $399.99 (MAP) and can be ordered globally at https://sterlingbymusicman.com/products/joe-dart.
To learn more about Joe Dart, visit the official Vulfpeck artist site here https://www.vulfpeck.com/.
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
Preparing for Performance with Dr. Randy Kertz
Interview With Bassist Erick “Jesus” Coomes
