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Bass Musician Magazine’s Year of the Luthier – Xavier Lorita
Bass Musician Magazine’s Year of the Luthier – Xavier Lorita…
How did you get your start in music?
I started to play the classic guitar at the age of 13 when I was at the school. My cousin who at that time played the electric guitar, taught me to play with an old classical guitar. It was a very fun time because everything I learned from music was completely self-taught and thus each chord or melody I learned was an exciting experience for me.
Are you still an active player?
Unfortunately no longer. I was active years ago when I started experimenting with repairing instruments but being focused 100% to building electric basses I set aside my role as musician. I cross the line between musician and Luthier because it was more exciting to build my own bass guitar.
How did you get started as a Luthier? When did you build your first bass?
I started thanks to my cousin Michael. A few years after starting to play classical guitar with him we realized it was better for playing songs together that I play the bass. Shortly my cousin, frustrated for not finding a good guitar or bass, decided to build it for himself and I helped him in the project. It was 1992 and I was 16 years old and was so thrilled by a completely unknown thing.
With my cousin and little information we completed a fretless 5-string electric bass made entirely of Beachwood. It sounded very well and that encouraged me to modify my first bass guitar, a copy of a Tune bass, very fashionable at that time.
After about 3 years of testing with that Tune bass, in 1995 I decided to buy some tools and start my first 4-string Alembic bass, because Mark King was my idol in those years. I was obsessed with playing and having the same bass like Mark, and so I started to work with a piece of paper and a pencil drawing and eventually built my first handmade bass in my parents’ house.
Every evening after leaving the high school I came home and I started working on my bass. But just before finishing the project I saw that I needed help from a professional to cut the pickup cavities… that is when I met Jerzy Drozd.
How did you learn the art of woodworking/Luthier? Who would you consider a Mentor?
My cousin Michael and Jerzy Drozd both are Mentors for me. The first awakened in me the passion to build basses and the second gave the professional touch.
In 1998 I went to Jerzy’s workshop and he helped me with routing pickup cavities for my first bass. After seeing my first project I returned home thinking that someday I could build basses as beautiful as Jerzy’s basses. My surprise was that a year after Jerzy phoned me and offered a job as an apprentice due to a vacancy. It was 1999 and I can say that there began my career as a professional Luthier. From 1999 to 2012 I worked at Jerzy Drozd starting as an apprentice and becoming a professional Luthier in all aspects.
How do you select the woods you choose to build with?
We only select the best wood available from our suppliers. Although we usually work with wood from different sources and European woods such as alder, sycamore, walnut or olive, they are very present in our instruments. For each customer we select the most suitable woods according to sound, tone and weight, without sacrificing aesthetics. So every bass is unique and special and we prefer not to have a large wood stock in our workshop. Just what we need to work at that time.
Wood selection is an art but responds to different criteria: moisture, hardness, figure and density. We seek the most stable dry pieces for necks and if is possible we look for quarter-sawn cuts, but with our 3 piece necks this is not essential. For the bodies we seek a good figure and especially low weight and good tonal qualities. And for tops everything is possible.
How about pickups? What pickups did you use in the past? What electronics do you use right now?
In the past I worked with Bartolini pickups and EMG but with the experience with Jerzy I decided to apply my knowledge to improve some designs that I had in mind. That is why I now use my own split-coil hum-cancelling pickups with wooden covers.
The whole process from winding the coils to make the covers and final assembly is done in the workshop. This allows us to control the quality of the whole process step by step. For our economical models we work together with Delano pickups and also with Aguilar amplification under request.
For electronics we work with Glockenklang 2 and 3 band preamps. They sound amazing with our custom split-coil pickups.
Who were some of the first well-known musicians who started playing your basses?
Marcos Miranda, Miki Santamaria, Andres Rotmistrovsky, Fernando Lamadrid, Juan Antonio Guerra and Carlos Sanchez are some of our endorsers. All of them well-known bass players in Spain and Europe. Carlos and Andres are our most international artists.
How do you develop a signature or custom bass for an artist?
The most important thing is to investigate what kind of instruments the customers have and what kind of music they play. Listening to the customer is the key because it gives us some clues about that sound our customers are looking for.
This is not about making a copy of an instrument that the customer already has. It’s just about getting a little references to start with the overall design and the mixes of woods and electronics. Although often the customer is looking for something completely different and in this case we simply listen to what they have in mind. All that process is the same whether it is a new design for an artist or a model for a customer. In our company we make no difference because for us, all people are equally important.
After gathering all the information, we do the design on the computer and after the approval of the client, we start cutting templates that help us to cut the instrument itself. Not using CNC machines means that we have a lot of templates due to all the modifications requested by our customers.
What are a few things that you are proud about your instruments and that you would consider unique in your instruments?
I’m very happy overall with the design and ergonomics. This is key for me because on my previous stage with Jerzy the design and attention to small details were very important and I know that’s the way to success. There are still many things to improve every day to make the perfect bass guitar, and this forces us to use the best wood and hardware to get that dream sound for our customers.
I think the sound and tone is what differentiates our instruments as well as a certain “style” or ” aesthetics” in small details, such as wooden bridges and tail pieces or pickups wooden covers or headstock. These details create a different look. But above all a direct and friendly relationship with all of our customers; we don’t have customers, we have a family.
Which one of the basses that you build is your favorite one?
My favorite bass is Andres Rotmistrovsky’s bass. This was an amazing challenge to build a hollow-body bass for him because this was my first hollow body bass design after leaving Jerzy’s workshop. With these kind of basses you never know how things are going to finish. Too many options to be considered and the result is not always good enough.
But in this case all the long working nights were worth it because Andres is delighted with his instrument.
Can you give us a word of advice to young Luthiers who are just starting out?
What I would say to young Luthiers is: put all the passion in what you do because without passion nothing is possible. A lot of work, passion, effort and sacrifice are necessary and at the end it is all worth it and takes you to success if you work well.
What advice would you give a young musician trying to find his perfect bass?
My advice is, don’t look for the perfect bass because it doesn’t exist. There is a bass that best suits your sound and comfort needs, but people always try to find a bass that fits all styles in one and that doesn’t exist. So, do not waste much energy on finding the perfect bass. With time and experience they will see that it is necessary to have two or three different instruments in sound and design to get all that they want.
What is biggest success for you and for your company?
The greatest success for me is to wake up every morning and work in what I love freely. The fact of being close to the people and capture their concerns, their desires and dreams and turning them into an instrument and at the end of the process see the happiness in her faces is a full success for me… as simple as that.
Are you preparing something new, some new model or new design? Or maybe some new gear amps, etc.
We’re always working in something new or thinking in how to improve the current models. Now we have some special projects in mind such as a new bolt-on singlecut model and a new Baby bass for 2017. And of course a second hollow-body bass for Andres Rotmistrovsky.
What are your future plans?
We’re working with our endorsers, especially with Marcos Miranda, to offer a future Bass camp in the near future that mixes nature, music clinics and bass guitar building construction clinics.
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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
