Latest
This Practice Amp Had Me Playing More Bass in 2022 (Without Infuriating the Neighbors)
Confession time… Traditionally, I have never been the biggest fan of bass practice amps.
To me, there is nothing like plugging in and letting that 800-watt head push air around the room. That said, I do live in an urban neighborhood where there are houses all around me and I am not going to be that terrible person that keeps everyone up at night. I really needed to find a great alternative that would satisfy my need for sound, while keeping me in check with the neighbors – lol!
Back in June, you may remember how impressed I was with Spark MINI when I reviewed it. This mighty little piece of tech wizardry has so much potential that I have barely been able to begin exploring all the possibilities it has to offer. But it did EXACTLY what I needed it to do… now I can practice late into the night and not bother anyone. Better yet, I connect my headphones and I get amazing sound quality that almost makes me feel like I am in a studio or on the stage. And with the amount of settings and options, every time I plugin there is something new to discover, giving me that, ‘No way, I didn’t know this amp and smart app could _________!’
Recently, I acquired an entry-level bass that has good bones and a solid sound if you dial it in and leave it there.
When I plug this beauty into MINI, I have so many ways to alter my sound that this basic bass now has no limits. MINI gives countless sonic choices without needing additional pre-amps or pedals. This feature is perfect for those beginners who can’t afford more advanced gear so they can avoid getting discouraged by the limitations of the equipment they have at hand. In addition to the quality sound, the app offers so many learning tools that facilitate the process and motivates you to want to play more.
I have a nephew who is getting his first bass soon and I think this amp would be a perfect way to get started. As he digs technology, when he pairs the MINI with the smart app, he will have access to models of classic bass amps that he can tweak to his heart’s content; I know that he will be impressed with the range of possibilities, allowing for his musical expression.
The app also provides access to Positive Grid’s online ToneCloud® community, so he will always have the opportunity to check out tons of bass tones made by other users.
One important consideration is that I have plans to travel next year.
You might remember that I recently got a Kapsule duo to protect my two favorite basses. You know that Spark MINI will be in the car so I won’t miss a beat while I am on the road. It hardly takes up any space and is so lightweight that traveling with it will be a breeze. I can play in my hotel room without getting tossed out for disturbing everybody there.
An added bonus… because I get hours on a charge with this battery-powered amp, I won’t even need to be near an outlet.
Check out one of my favorite on-the-road videos with bassist @aprilkae of MINI in action…
I am very impressed with all the features MINI has to offer and I just saw that they now have really cool custom grilles to make each amp even more personalized and fit in with anyone’s particular space and aesthetic.
You can design them on Positive Grid’s Spark x You platform using a selection of colors and patterns, or you can upload your own artwork or photos.
…and this fun video was just released on personalizing your Spark!
This amp really has so much to offer and I am most excited about exploring more of these features in-depth in the coming years… Spark MINI is exactly the type of amp that grows with you.
For more information on Spark MINI,
visit online at positivegrid.com/products/spark-mini
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