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Bass Musician Magazine’s Year of the Luthier – Chris Kohlman, Kohlman Bassworks
How did you get your start in music?
My mom’s parents and three brothers were all musicians and they would have jam sessions at the many cookouts we had at my grandparent’s house when I was a kid. They all played a variety of instruments but at some point I realized there was never a bass guitar in the ensemble. At the same time, I was beginning to learn more about the role of a bassist in contemporary music. All of that really set the wheels in motion.
Jose Tinajero – NeoJazz 6 Deluxe
Are you still an active player?
Yes. I play in an acoustic rock trio called Unleaded that includes two of my closest friends, both of who are accomplished musicians. We have played together in one form or another for decades so playing out with them is like putting on your most comfortable pair of shoes. The three of us are also teaming up with another longtime friend to form a rock band called 4Warning. Hopefully that will take off in the next few months here in the 757 area code.
Keith Horne in a recording session – NeoJazz 4 Deluxe
Link to a video created by Keith Horne that showcases his NeoJazz 4:
Keith Horne also featured the NeoJazz 4 in the music video of Bill Leverty’s song “Strong”:
How did you get started as a Luthier? When did you build your first bass?
I had been working on basses for years. I was self-taught out of necessity because I was extremely picky about how my instruments played and I couldn’t afford to keep paying for someone else to do all of my setups. So I read a lot, experimented a lot, and became fairly good at repairs and setups. About five years ago I decided that I could probably build my own basses and began thinking through the various stages of bass building. I have a degree in architecture, so the creative side was there. And since I grew up with an engineer father and woodworking grandfather, I figured I had at least enough of a background to give it a go. My first build was a parts bass and it progressed from there. The first all original creation was completed about four years ago and the business took off from there.
Diego Gomes (Brian Grilli) – RetroMod 5 Standard (Peavey endorser)
How did you learn the art of woodworking/Luthier? Who would you consider a Mentor?
One of my band members in the nineties was a wonderful Englishman named Stuart Douglas who performed most of the guitar and bass repairs for the local music stores in our area. I shadowed him constantly because I was simply amazed at his depth of knowledge and the high level of craftsmanship of his work. He was always willing to teach and I was always willing to listen. He was my mentor and will always be a longtime friend. He has since moved back to England and on occasion I find myself wishing he were around to help me get out of some of the sticky situations that crop up during difficult repairs or builds.
How do you select the woods you choose to build with?
I try to buy from a local supplier and because of this, my selection is limited. At some point I will begin using some of the vendors I have met at the NAMM shows over the last few years. But for now, I like to use local sources. This provides me with a supply of woods such as Ash, Walnut, Mahogany, Hard Maple, and a few other exotics that have nice colors and grain patterns.
Jim Cahoon NeoClassic P4
How about pickups? What pickups did you use in the past? What electronics do you use right now?
I used active EMG systems for many years so it stands to reason that I gravitated in that direction once I started building. But I knew I needed to branch out some and subsequently started using Bartolini, Mojotone, and Nordstrand components. Mike Pope was also gracious enough to provide me with a preamp for a NAMM build last year and I will probably contact him at some point soon to begin using the Flex Core preamps from time to time for higher end builds. But right now I use Nordstrand and Mojotone probably more than any other vendors. My friend and bass guru Keith Horne also introduced me to Lindy Fralin about two years ago when I was building Keith’s NeoJazz four string and I fell in love the Fralin jazz and P bass pickups as well. There are just so many options available now and they all have their unique sounds. I think that’s great for the low-end world.
Who were some of the first well-known musicians who started playing your basses?
I have been very fortunate in that the business began to grow fairly quickly in this area thanks to the great musicians we have here in Tidewater. But it wasn’t until Keith Horne and I teamed up to build his four string NeoJazz that the interest shifted into high gear. I have to thank Keith for that, hands down. He has played with artists like Tanya Tucker, Trisha Yearwood, Peter Frampton, Luke Bryan, Waylon…the list goes on and on. And because of his success and the people he knows, I have seen a considerable increase in inquiries about my basses and it has manifested into increased sales. I have built him a four string and a six string, and am working on a five string right now. I have also built basses for Diego Gomes (Brian Grilli), Betty Mullins (The Mullins Sisters), Andrew McNeely (Sea of Souls), Jim Cahoon (Rockstar Parking), and a variety of other local musicians. I also have a four-string custom NeoJazz I am currently building for Steve Cook, bassist for country artist Phil Vassar.
Andrew McNeely (Sea of Souls) – NeoClassic P4 Standard
How do you develop a signature or custom bass for an artist?
I haven’t gone down the “signature bass” path as of yet. But for custom builds, I try to embrace my penchant for design and make the build special for the player. Up to this point, no two custom builds are the same. Each is unique to the individual and born out of concepts that just seem to come to mind. I also build “stock” basses that are sold through Russell’s Music World here in Norfolk, VA, and they are unique as well. But at some point I would imagine the stock units would become duplicative out of necessity.
Mike Tobias checking out a RetroMod 4 Standard at Summer NAMM 2015 (he liked it!)
What are a few things that you are proud about your instruments and that you would consider unique in your instruments?
First and foremost, I endeavor to build basses that satisfy my own needs as a bassist. I am picky when it comes to playability. And I figure if I don’t want to play it, no one else will either. Elements such as ergonomic contours, high quality fretwork, low action, and proper balance are a must have for me and I do my best to incorporate these elements into my builds. One of the unique traits of my basses is the incorporation of morphed body inlays I have started to design into my custom basses. I have had a tremendous amount of positive feedback from people who have seen pictures of my customs and I am extremely thankful for that. I would also imagine that my neck profile is somewhat unique. It seems to be a happy medium between a rounded C shape and Fender D shape. I have not played another bass with this profile but it comfortable to me and appear to be successful.
Which one of the basses that you build is your favorite one?
The one I just finished…every time LOL! No kidding! Every time I finish a stock build, I think, “Maybe I’ll keep THIS one”. But, alas, they end up on the wall at the music store. But as far as designs, I think I like my RetroMod body shape in the five-string version the best. The design was inspired by both the Fender Jaguar and the cheap Japanese piece of crap I had when I was a kid. Mike Tobias was gracious enough to give me a thumbs up for the design at the 2015 Summer NAMM show. I figured, if HE liked it then I must be doing something right (smile).
Kohlman with early NeoJazz 3+1
Can you give us a word of advice to young Luthiers who are just starting out?
Don’t be afraid to seek out your mentors and ask questions. Also, we have the Internet: everything you ever wanted to know about bass building is out there on a server somewhere. Do some research, then break down the steps needed to craft a bass from scratch. Think about cutting out the body shape, routing pickup cavities, crafting the neck etc. Then go for it. Just remember…safety is always paramount. I constantly remind myself in my shop that there is no “undo” button if you slip up with power tools. And email me if you have a question. I will be happy to share what I know about the art of crafting custom basses.
What advice would you give a young musician trying to find his perfect bass?
Call me LOL! Seriously, go play as many basses as you can get your hands on. If you go to a music store and the sales associate is less than thrilled that you want to test-drive a multitude of basses without committing to anything, find another store. They do not have your best interest in mind. It is paramount to purchase a bass that you WANT to play and is of a quality high enough that it can be set up to suit the individual. Nothing will deter the interest of a budding musician faster than an instrument that is difficult or simply undesirable to play. And once you find an instrument to suit, be careful about “settling” on something that’s almost as nice but cheaper. Be true to yourself when you critique an instrument and try not to let price be the guiding factor if at all possible.
Betty Mullins (The Mullins Sisters) – pair of RetroMod 5 Standards on stage, Gloucester VA
What is biggest success for you and for your company?
For me, success is not the financial bottom line, but instead getting positive feedback from those who play my basses. And as I have alluded to before, I am thankful to have a music community that has provided me a lot of positive feedback concerning my basses. More and more lately, I am beginning to meet people who already know who I am and what I do, and have nice things to say about all of it. THAT is success to me. And it is exciting at the same time. Participating in the 2015 Summer NAMM show was also a company milestone and I look forward to having booths at subsequent shows. Oh yeah, and Keith Horne. He has been a great “shot in the arm” to the business as well. So there’s that LOL!
Are you preparing something new, some new model or new design? Or maybe some new gear amps, etc.
I am working on the design for a chambered bass (based on two of my current models), as well as a design made fully out of an uber lightweight wood called Paulownia. I have had several players come to me with physical limitations and Paulownia is an excellent wood for cases like these. I just haven’t yet refined the design enough yet to satisfy me. It’s a work in progress.
Pair of STOCK NeoClassic
What are your future plans?
Kohlman Bassworks is my “part time” job, although my wife might disagree. I have a career in civil service right now and my goal is to develop KBW into something I can step into full time after I retire (although with two kids not far from setting off for college, retirement could be a LONG way away). When I retire I want to build basses fulltime, instead of immediately jumping back into the world of architecture and planning like so many of my peers before me have done.
Is there anything else you would like to share that we have not included?
The Kohlman Bassworks website in under development right now but should be live in a few months. The url will be www.kohlmanbassworks.com
I also have two Facebook pages, one personal and one business.
Personal: www.facebook.com/chris.kohlman.5
Business: www.facebook.com/Kohlman-Bassworks-456427384435438/
Tim Orton – Marlo 5 Deluxe
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
Check out our top 10 favorite basses on Instagram this week…
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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
