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Bass Musician Magazine’s Year of the Luthier – Rick Link, Beardly Customs
How did you get your start in music?
I started by learning the trombone when I was in 5th grade. I took up bass in 1993 after listening to the Red Hot Chili Peppers album Blood Sugar Sex Magic for an entire summer.
Are you still an active player?
Yes I am. I play in a band called Dirty Confession and a band called In The Company Of Heroes.
How did you get started as a Luthier? When did you build your first bass?
I’ve always wanted my own custom bass, but never had the money for it, so I decided to build my own. My very first bass was a neck through fretless six string. I started working on that on December 28th, 2010, which happened to be my birthday.
Portrait of a Craftsman from Daniel Montgomery on Vimeo.
How did you learn the art of woodworking/Luthier? Who would you consider a Mentor?
I am self taught, but I utilized the internet as a teacher. Talkbass.com has a luthiers forum that is a wealth of knowledge and is always available. I’ve networked myself pretty well during my time and have quite a few luthiers who I consider good friends and are always up to helping out.
How do you select the woods you choose to build with?
I go by what my clients want to use in their builds. Sometimes the woods decision is left to me and I just try to think of something I either have yet to work with or I think just look great.
How about pickups? What pickups did you use in the past? What electronics do you use right now?
This, and pretty much every option I offer, is up to the client. I don’t have a standard pickup or preamp, but I have used EMG, Bartolini, Aguilar, Nordstrand, Seymour Duncan, Instrumental Pickups, etc.
Who were some of the first well-known musicians who started playing your basses?
Evan Brewer (Entheos, Former Faceless, Solo), Sean Martinez (Decapitated, Solo), Andrew Grevey (Wretched)
How do you develop a signature or custom bass for an artist?
I listen to everything my client has to say. It’s their instrument and I want it to be a perfect extension of themselves. My options are wide open as well as my mind when it comes to building.
What are a few things that you are proud about your instruments and that you would consider unique in your instruments?
I’m proud of the fact I can do what I do. This is a great skill and not an easy one to master. I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel with each of my builds. Leo Fender set the standards years ago and they still hold true today. All that I am doing is putting my personal spin on the basses I build.
Which one of the basses that you build is your favorite one?
Every one! I suffer from, “I really don’t want to ship this out because it’s such a great instrument” with every build.
Can you give us a word of advice to young Luthiers who are just starting out?
Open your mind and network yourself. Make friends, both in real life and online. Finding luthiers on Facebook is a great resource. Don’t set any boundaries and keep your mind open.
What advice would you give a young musician trying to find his perfect bass?
I would say just demo as many different models as you can to see what fits you the best.
What is biggest success for you and for your company?
I recently built, and donated, a bass for Victor Wooten’s Bass Camp. I made zero dollars on the bass, but I was paid with an amazing experience and memories. Just knowing I had a great opportunity to give back was terrific.
What are your future plans?
Just keep on building and to keep learning. It’s been a fun ride so far.
Visit online:
www.beardlycustoms.com
www.facebook.com/beardlycustoms
Instagram @beardlycustoms
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
