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Happy Birthday Ashdown! Mark Gooday and the Guys Share Their Top 10…
Happy Birthday Ashdown! Mark Gooday and the Guys Share Their Top 10…
From Ashdown…
Celebrating 19 Years of Ashdown – Ashdown have turned 19! It all began for Ashdown back 1997, but even in those early days, company founder Mark Gooday could’ve already easily been described as a bass amp veteran having previously been managing director of Trace Elliot.
Swiftly approaching the 20th Anniversary milestone since their launch, Ashdown have become a firm favourite of bass players around the globe. Known for their cool styling, tour proven reliability and superb tone, Ashdown bass amps can be seen on stages around the world with some of the biggest artists.
Building not one, but multiple globally respected and loved brands does not come easy or without hard work. Ashdown, are always learning and evolving the product range to suit the ever changing landscape of the music industry. Ashdown look forward to continue building top quality bass and guitar amplifiers for the next 19 plus years.
The last few years has seen Ashdown push the boundaries and tap in to new technologies to keep up with the demands of the modern musician/consumer. In the last year, they have been working towards to launch of Meters Music, a new consumer electronics subdivision of Ashdown that will include the recently announced Meters Headphones, which uses Ashdown’s trademark VU meter as the vision behind the entire brand.
Keep an eye out for more developments with Ashdown Engineering, Hayden Amps and Meters Music this year. Until then…
To celebrate Ashdown’s 19th anniversary, Mark Gooday and the guys over at Ashdown have (not in any particular order) shared 10 important things they’ve learned in the last 19 years that have made Ashdown the globally renowned brand they are today… and of some points have been added for a splash of humour (6 & 9).
- Unparalleled Build quality – The only way we have continued to not only survive, but to grow and prosper in today’s competitive music trade is by gaining full customer satisfaction through the consistent delivery of high quality products.
- Customer Service – Attaining and retaining customer satisfaction is key for any company. We find that a really simple yet efficient level of customer support, paired with unparalleled build quality (point 1) has been one of the primary reasons for Ashdown’s success.
- Artist Relations – We never undervalue the advantage of our brand ambassadors. We’ve worked really hard to build such a wide and recognised artist roster and it brings us much joy playing #spotthevu on stages around the globe. Our artists pay for their gear and play our amps because they love the sound and reliability.
- Social media and modern PR cannot be ignored. We dedicate a fair amount of time engaging with consumers on our social channels. During the evolution of social media, we really get the feel of our audience knowing who we are, where we are and what we stand for.
- Product Evolution is truly important. We would love it if bass players continued to buy 8x10s and 1000 watt bass heads, but in reality the trend amongst modern bass players is practicality and tone at an affordable price. We can safely say we offer a comprehensive product range to suit every player and every need, bedroom or arena, studio or live, tube or class D.
- Never get stuck in a hotel room with Shavo from System of a Down and Guy Pratt before a day’s work at the NAMM show… Just in-case you ever find yourself in such a situation.
- Brand strength and recognition. Our VU meter has become the most recognised feature of Ashdown amps… so much so that we needn’t put the Ashdown logo visibly on the front of our amps anymore.
- Listen to the pros – we wouldn’t be where we are today without the feedback from some of the world’s most respected bass players, including John Entwistle, Mark King and JJ Burnel amongst others.
- Back up your MySQL server – following the collapse of our website in March this year, we would kindly remind everyone to ensure their web hosts or IT partners back their s*** up to avoid timely and costly rebuilds.
- Attend trade shows. Attending tradeshows such as NAMM and Frankfurt Musikmesse are a great way of touching base with existing customers, scheduling press and finding new business.
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
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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
