Bass Videos
Gear News: Fender Launches ACB 50 Bass Amp w/ U2 Founding Member Adam Clayton
The ACB 50 Bass Amp…
Perfect for Both Gigging and Recording Bassists, the Adam Clayton ACB 50 Bass Amp Offers Warm, Harmonically Rich Tube Tones in a Portable, Classic Fender Package.
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC/Fender) announced today the launch of the Adam Clayton ACB 50 Bass Amp, the brand’s first signature all-tube bass combo for over 40 years, inspired by U2 founding member, Adam Clayton. Over the last four and a half decades, Clayton’s melodic playing has laid the foundation for some of the most seminal albums and popular tracks of all time, inspiring countless bassists in the process. Offering both warm, rich tube tones and pure Fender® tube-driven thump in a compact combo with classic Fender® aesthetics, the Adam Clayton ACB 50 Bass Amp is a tribute to these achievements, as well as to Clayton’s instantly recognizable sound and harmonic style.
Clayton first picked up the bass guitar at the age of 14, whilst at Mount Temple School in Dublin, Ireland. It was at school where Adam met Bono, The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr. and in 1978, U2 was formed. Throughout the following decades and the myriad different genres and styles that U2 have played and experimented with in that time, Clayton’s bass playing has remained a steady, driving force for the band, helping them to achieve, amongst other things, 22 Grammys and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
“I’ve worked very hard with Fender on the Adam Clayton ACB 50 Bass Amp and I’m immensely proud of our creation,” said Adam Clayton. “I always found when I was starting out that it was very hard to find an amp that offered the mid-range distorted sound that I liked. This amp offers it in spades. It’s also very versatile, and if you’re moving around a lot or if you don’t have much space where you practice, then this is the amp for you.”
Featuring two distinctly different channels – a classic Fender® sound and a more modern hi-fi, flat EQ tone, the Adam Clayton ACB 50 Bass Amp achieves all the sounds needed in any musical situation and is the perfect companion for any bassist, whether they’re playing in a studio, a club or on an arena stage. Classic Fender® cosmetics: black textured vinyl, chrome panel, chicken head knobs and an aged silver grille cloth give the Adam Clayton ACB 50 Bass Amp a look that players around the world have come to love. The Adam Clayton ACB 50 Bass Amp includes a lightweight Eminence Neo 15” speaker that helps accentuate its fat, powerful sound and features an XLR line out to send that great tone to your home recording rig or front-of-house.
“Adam Clayton is a true icon and working with him on the Adam Clayton ACB 50 Bass Amp has been an absolute privilege,” said Justin Norvell, Executive Vice President of Products at FMIC. “This is the first signature bass amp we’ve ever done and the first all-tube bass combo Fender has produced for over 40 years. We are extremely excited by the project and we’ve worked tirelessly to make it extra special. Designed for the pros, by the pros, the amp has a unique combination of that classic Fender® look with contemporary style and features like the dual channels and the lightweight Eminence speaker that we’re sure are going to make it incredibly popular with bassists.”
In true tradition, the Fender® Artist Signature Series honors iconic musicians through product progression and storytelling, creating instruments inspired by the unique specifications of the world’s greatest guitarists and bassists.
Oteil Burbridge & Lamar Williams Jr. Champion Love Over Hate in New Single “Hush” | New Album ‘The Offering’ Out May 1.
Bassist Oteil Burbridge and vocalist Lamar Williams Jr. continue the rollout of their forthcoming collaborative album The Offering, with the release of its second single, “Hush”. A slow-burning Southern soul meditation rooted in love, peace, and emotional clarity, the track is a centerpiece on the album with a potent, thematic statement, in Williams’ words to “block out all of that nonsense” and “remember that there is more love in the world than hate.” The full-length album arrives May 1 via Flóki Studios, recorded on Iceland’s northern coast and produced by drummer, engineer, and Soulive co-founder Alan Evans.
While much of The Offering grew out of Burbridge’s banjo-based writing, “Hush” emerged from he and Williams’ shaping a deliberate sonic vision. Burbridge says they were “trying to capture a more old school Memphis, Macon, Muscle Shoals vibe,” leaning into a Southern soul feel that fits Williams’s phrasing. The end result is a song that is unhurried with a deep pocket that allows the groove and the song’s message breathe and stand at the forefront.
The album features an all-star lineup of drummer John Morgan Kimock, percussionist Weedie Braimah, organist Melvin Seals of the Jerry Garcia Band, pianist and violinist Jason Crosby, guitarists Tom Guarna and Jaden Lehman — musicians whose overlapping histories connect the Allman Brothers Band, Dead & Company, the Jerry Garcia Band, Soulive, and West African percussion traditions.
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When I heard that American Vanity, formerly known as Burn the Jukebox, was gearing up to release a new album this summer, it felt like the perfect moment to catch up with bassist and vocalist Virginia Franks.
With a fresh name unveiled just this past January and a clear shift in musical direction, the band is entering an exciting new chapter, one defined by both sonic evolution and a deeper, more focused message.
In this conversation, Virginia opens up about the inspiration behind the upcoming record, how she crafts her distinctive bass tone, what fans can expect from their upcoming tour, and where she sees both herself and the band heading next.
Join me as we dive into it all.
Here is Virginia Franks.
Photo, Devin Kasparian
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For decades, we’ve had the privilege of following the remarkable career of Nathan East, listening closely to his albums, tracking his milestones with Yamaha Instruments, and watching his evolving partnership with Laney Amplification with great interest. Along the way, we’ve talked gear, tone, and technique, while hearing his unmistakable musical “voice” woven into the work of more iconic artists than we could possibly list.
Today, we’re thrilled to reconnect with this true giant of the bass world following the release of a very special new album, Father Son, produced by Nathan alongside his son, Noah East. It’s a deeply personal project that showcases not only extraordinary musicianship but also a powerful family bond.
Join us as we dive into the making of this outstanding record, explore the new Laney Nathan East Signature Bass Preamp, and look ahead to what the future holds for one of music’s most respected and influential bassists.
Here is the one and only… Mr. Nathan East.
Photos, John Abbott @johnabbottphoto
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Disclaimer: This bass strap was kindly provided by Italia Leather Straps 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.
I’ve spent years searching for the perfect wide bass strap, something that delivers both comfort and durability without compromising on style. That search ended nearly two decades ago when I discovered Italia Leather Straps.
Handcrafted in the USA from premium Italian leather, Italia Straps offers an impressive range of straps for both bass and guitar players. What immediately stood out to me was the exceptional craftsmanship; every detail, from stitching to material selection, reflects a commitment to quality. These aren’t just accessories… they’re long-term investments for serious musicians.
After more than 19 years of consistent use with my original strap, I can confidently speak to its longevity and comfort. Even under the demands of extended performances, the support provided by a 4” wide strap makes a noticeable difference.
In this review, I’m taking a closer look at the 4” Elite Series Leather Backed Bass Strap, now available in a sleek new Slate Black finish. It’s a refined addition to an already outstanding lineup, combining aesthetic appeal with the same trusted performance.
For more information, visit www.italiastraps.com.
Since 2012, Tom Doyle has been holding down the low end for UK alt-rock heavyweights Don Broco, helping to shape the band’s groove-driven, genre-blurring sound into one of the most distinctive in modern British rock. With thunderous tone, razor-sharp precision, and an instinct for hooks that hit just as hard as the riffs, Doyle has become a crucial force behind the band’s ever-evolving sonic identity.
As Don Broco gear up to unleash their highly anticipated new album, Nightmare Tripping, this feels like the perfect moment to dive into the mind of the man anchoring the chaos. From his musical roots and influences to the gear and techniques that craft his signature sound, Doyle opens up about the journey so far and what lies ahead.
Join me as we explore Tom’s evolution as a musician, the creative process behind Nightmare Tripping, and his vision for the future in a band that refuses to stand still.
Here is Tom Doyle.
Photos by Ton Pullen
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Gear News: Fender Unveils Highly Anticipated Vintera III Series
New Music: Oteil Burbridge & Lamar Williams Jr. New Single, Hush
Interview With Bassist Virginia Franks
Nathan East, Echoes of a Lineage – April/May 2026 Issue
Gear Review: Italia Leather Straps
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