Latest
Interview With Luthier Rybski
Interview With Luthier Rybski of Rybski Basses…
I recently had the opportunity to sit and chat with one of the finest luthiers I have the privilege of knowing. Rybski basses have been played all over the world from the US, Europe, Australia, and South America. Not only does he build some of the finest custom basses, he also does setups, repairs and customizing of any bass on the market.
Ty) How did you get started in building guitars and basses?
Rybski) I was always connected with arts and crafts. My dad was a pro musician. I’ve always liked to build things and be involved in music at the same time, so at some time, I felt the two needed to be connected. At age 15, I started to experiment with building musical instruments and by the age of 18 I had some projects done and ready. I built my first pro bass guitar in 1980. I also like to build any string instrument, i.e. (all electric) guitars, violins, cellos, uprights.
Ty) What separates your instruments for the others?
Rybski) I’m not a traditional luthier by any means. Although I have been involved in restoring a lot of classical instruments, my passion was always inventing, designing and customizing new and different instruments. I not only design my shapes, but also electronics, especially pickups. My instruments are a custom fit for the musicians I am working with, which is becoming a rare trait. I also use very unusual and rare materials to achieve different sounds and aesthetics.
Ty) Without going into too much detail, can you give more insight into your custom pickups?
Rybski) As many technologies before, my pickup building happened accidentally. I was in the need for different sounds and started experimenting with what I had and it was much different that what is on the market. I’ve noticed right away the big difference in sound and performance, and after only 35 years of doing it, I’m still getting better. The most important things in my research were tone, noise canceling, and practicality. Soon after, I added the craft part, which is the wooden covers and that was around 1980.
Ty) what are some of the best tone woods that you like to work with?
Rybski) First of all, let’s say it straight. All woods are tone woods and for one reason or another, the traditional art of luthier made people believe that certain woods are better than the other. Personally, I still use some maple, but the range of woods in my shop is only limited to availability. My recent specialty as you may find in my info is “Wooten Woods Camp” material. Mostly it is driftwood from Duck River floods deposited at the campground. Usually this type of wood is rarely used for anything but also very beautiful. With the knowledge and skill, you can use it to create beautiful masterpieces. I also like exotics, for example, my favorites are padauk, purple heart, rosewoods, and burls for looks.
Ty) what types of hardware do you prefer?
Rybski) I prefer to support local US business if possible and the Hipshot comes as the top supplier with a great quality product. I also use the recent superstar Babicz for the bridges, and Schaller from Germany.
Ty) Are your custom builds limited to Rybski designs?
Rybski) Not at all. I offer the build called “One of One” and the concept is to let customer design it and being involved in the process. I don’t care if it’s a napkin drawing, photograph, or email with explanation. I’m set to help design and achieve the required effect. All of my builds are completely done by hand and being a one-man shop, I have absolute control over the outcome of the project.
Ty) what is the typical turnaround time for a custom bass build?
Rybski) Custom Rybski as appears on the website takes an average 10-14 weeks right now, although the more custom involved projects can stretch much longer depending on the availability of materials and the level of customization, like inlays and finishes.
Visit online at rybskibass.com
Gear News
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Spector offers Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses…
Spector, a leading authority in bass guitar design, unveils two new Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses. Synonymous with bass excellence since 1987, Wimbish collaborated with Spector’s USA Custom Shop to create the DW-4 and DW-5 models, echoing the iconic instruments that have been favored heavily throughout his recording and performing career.
These signature basses faithfully replicate Wimbish’s originals, down to the smallest details like neck contours and nut widths. Customized EMG pickups, developed in collaboration with Wimbish, capture the distinctive sound that has shaped his monumental musical impact. These models invite players to explore the feel and response that have defined Wimbish’s signature style over the years.
Available in 4-string and 5-string versions, each model boasts unique features & finish options. The DW-4 comes in Amber Stain Gloss and Black Stain Gloss options, while the DW-5 offers Dark Blue Stain Gloss and Faded Natural Gloss. Every purchase includes a certificate of authenticity signed by Doug Wimbish. Wimbish comments, “Spector took the time to get every little nuance right, and that to me is dedication and being thoughtful enough to know ‘I want to nail it,’ and they did. I’m able to pick these instruments up for the first time and play them like I’ve already had them for years.”
For more information, visit spectorbass.com/doug-wimbish-usa-signature-series/.
Photo: Doug Wimbish, pictured with the new Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses
Bass CDs
New Campaign: Alberto Rigoni, Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings
Italian bass master and composer ALBERTO RIGONI is thrilled to announce his brand new project “Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings”.
Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings features a super talented drummer from Japan (TBA) and tons of female guitarists such as SAKI, Giusy Busetto, Alexandra Zerner (TBC) and many many others (TBA). Furthermore, Alberto has also launched a Fundraising Campaign for the project. 20% of the income will be donated to Lega del Filo d’Oro legadelfilodoro.it/it, an Italian association that helps deaf and blind children!
Alberto shares:
“Hello friends and music lovers! I’m Alberto Rigoni, an Italian composer and.. a BASS GUY! Between 2008 and 2024 I released 13 solo albums, spanning from progressive, rock, ambient to funky and experimental music, which also features contributions from musicians such as keyboard wizard Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) drummer Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) and Marco Minnemann (the Aristocrats), keyboardist Kevin Moore (ex Dream Theater), singer John Jeff Soto (ex Goran Edman (ex Y. Malmsteen), bassists Nathan East, Stu Hamm (Joe Satriani), Nik West (ex Prince) and many others. I’m also bass player for BAD As, Sunset Groove Society, Kim Bingham, The Italians bands and co-producer of Mistheria’s Vivaldi Metal Project.”
Alberto on the new project Nemesis Call:
“Even if my latest album “Unexpected Lullabies”, dedicated to my newborn Vittoria Parini Rigoni, will be released on June 4th, 2024, when Vittoria came to life I felt the need to compose new music (yes, I really can’t stop!!!!!). This time will be quite challenging because I’m willing to release an instrumental ambient/prog/rock/metal album, that will feature a talented and young drummer (TBA) and tons of female guitarists (that’s why I will call the album “Queens of the Strings”) such as Alexandra Zerner, YOKA and many others (TBA/TBC)). It won’t be easy to manage all such great musicians but I will make it!! Are you ready to face a new prog experience? The album will be released in Digipack CD and in high-quality digital format approximately at the beginning of 2025.”
The Fundraising Campaign:
As an independent artist, Alberto is looking for supporters who can help him reach the budget for the production (recordings, mix, mastering, artwork etc.) of this new album and has started this fundraising campaign that will end successfully on October 15th, 2024.
Get further information about Alberto Rigoni’s new project Nemesis Call Fundraising campaign at albertorigoni.net/nemesiscal
Bass Videos
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
Bassist Derek Frank…
Many of you will remember the last time I chatted with Derek Frank was back in 2017. The main thing that impressed me was how busy Derek was and how he juggled playing with many huge acts.
Now, I am happy to hear that Derek launched a new album last March titled “Origin Story” where he digs deep into his roots and pays homage to Pittsburg.
Join me as we get caught up after all these years and hear the details about the new album, how Derek gets his sound, and his plans for the future.
Photo, Stephen Bradley
Featured Videos:
Visit Online:
www.derekfrank.com
www.instagram.com/derekfrankbass
www.youtube.com/derekfrankbass
www.facebook.com/derekfrankbass
Latest
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Check out our top 10 favorite basses on Instagram this week…
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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
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
