Bass Videos
New Gear: Fender Limited Edition Mikey Way Jazz Bass
Fender Limited Edition Mikey Way Jazz Bass
Mikey Way Jazz Bass… My Chemical Romance’s Bassist’s Signature Model is Outfitted With Striking 70s Glam Rock Details Including Block Inlays, Black Binding With A Matching Headstock, and Impossible-To-Ignore Silver Sparkle Finish
Today, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) announces the Limited Edition Mikey Way Jazz Bass®, marking the bassist’s second collaboration with the iconic musical instruments brand. This signature Jazz Bass® guitar commemorates over 20 years of Way’s influence on the music industry and also pays tribute to the 1970s, the musical era that Way credits to launching his career. Designed with bassists in mind, the Mikey Way Signature Jazz Bass® gives fans the opportunity to get their hands on the same axe Way used during his 2022-2023 worldwide reunion tour with My Chemical Romance.
Mikey Way’s first memory of the bass guitar was at three years old when he heard “Another One Bites The Dust” by Queen.
His passion for rock music was ignited, and he took inspiration from legends like David Bowie and Queen to develop a sound that was uniquely his own. After dedicating himself to mastering the bass, he joined My Chemical Romance where his contribution to the band’s success was unparalleled. In fact, it was Way who came up with the band’s name after reading the book Ecstasy: Three Tales of Chemical Romance. With nine songs charting on the Billboard Hot 100, the multi-platinum Grammy-nominated rock band became one of the most influential artists of the 2000s. Today, Way’s distinct approach to bass playing has solidified his place as an iconic figure in the music industry.
The Limited Edition Mikey Way Jazz Bass® is impossible to ignore with a silver sparkle finish, the same finish option Way used in his signature Squier® Mustang® Bass, and an alder body that creates a balanced sound with equal doses of lows, mids, and highs. For a true vintage-style playing feel, the 70s C-shaped neck profile is sculpted thinner at the first fret and thicker at the twelfth and features ‘70s J Bass® pickups for that full, growling, punchy tone that made Fender famous. Featuring 20 medium jumbo frets and 9.5” radius bound fingerboard provides modern playability. Combining form and function perfectly, the 4-saddle bridge features modern slotted saddles for enhanced tuning stability and punchy attack. The black block inlays, binding and black painted head cap finish off the iconic Mikey Way approved look. “It’s as if the bass jumped straight from my dreams into reality. It’s my most favorite instrument I’ve ever played,” added Mikey Way.
“For over two decades, Mikey Way has been a legendary influence in modern music and a part of the Fender family. We’re honored to work with him for the second time and bring his vision for this Signature Jazz Bass® to life,” said Justin Norvell, Executive Vice President of Products at FMIC. “The 70s-inspired Jazz Bass® pickups and stamped tuning machines deliver a balanced sound and punchy tones, making it an excellent choice for any musician performing in the studio, club, or arena. To make it even more special, we’re including a fun surprise for fans – signed pickguards by Mikey himself hidden in eight gig bags. We hope those who purchase the select few enjoy these one-of-a-kind additions!”
The collectible pickguards have been autographed by Mikey Way himself, making them a priceless addition to any music lover’s collection. Eight individuals who discover these hidden gems will own a cutting-edge instrument and own a one-of-a-kind pickguard that carries the signature of their musical idols. Four pickguards will be hidden in gig bags for Mikey Way’s Signature Jazz Bass sold by Fender’s trusted global dealer base as well as four on Fender.com.
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.
The Limited Edition Mikey Way Jazz Bass® will be available in the US, EMEA and UK.
For technical specs, additional information on new Fender® products and to find a retail partner near you, visit www.fender.com. Join the conversation on social media by following @Fender.
Limited Edition Mikey Way Jazz Bass® ($1,499 USD, £1,399.00GBP, €1,599.00 EUR)
Bass Videos
Tour Touch Base (Bass) with Ian Allison
Ian Allison Bassist extreme…
Most recently Ian has spent the last seven years touring nationally as part of Eric Hutchinson and The Believers, sharing stages with acts like Kelly Clarkson, Pentatonix, Rachel Platten, Matt Nathanson, Phillip Phillips, and Cory Wong playing venues such as Radio City Music Hall, The Staples Center and The Xcel Center in St. Paul, MN.
I had a chance to meet up with him at the Sellersville Theater in Eastern Pennsylvania to catch up on everything bass. Visit online at ianmartinallison.com/
Bass Videos
New Gear: Spector Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II
Spector Launches Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II…
Spector Musical Instruments expands their celebrated Woodstock Custom Collection with the Volume II series – a breathtaking series of 12 handcrafted, one-of-a-kind bass guitars, each one masterfully designed by members of the Spector team. Crafted in the Spector USA Custom Shop in Woodstock, New York, these works of art go beyond musical instruments and expand the boundaries of Spector Bass design.
Spector’s iconic design lays the foundation for the Volume II collection. Each bass showcases a unique vision, including the selection of tonewoods, electronics, captivating finishes, and intricate design details. The collection highlights Spector’s commitment to craftsmanship and artistry and the individual people and stories that make up the team.
“The Woodstock Custom Collection was such a huge success, and we had so much fun with it that we couldn’t wait to do it again,” said John Stippell, Director – Korg Bass Division. “With Volume II, we’re expanding on everything we learned from the first collection, as well as pushing our design and Custom Shop team even further. These basses are a testament to the inspiring talent, creativity, and skill of every person on the Spector team. I’m excited for all of these basses and love how they tell the unique stories of all involved.”
Visit online at spectorbass.com/
Bass Videos
New Gear: The Dingwall John Taylor Signature Model
Dingwall John Taylor Signature Model…
After playing a limited edition Dingwall live with Duran Duran, John Taylor has launched his
Dingwall Guitars production model, loaded with a Rupert Neve Designs preamp and
Rio-inspired graphics.
Dingwall’s major launch for 2023 was the limited edition Rio Dream Bass, featuring an
innovative Rupert Neve Designs onboard preamp. A year later, the range has been bolstered
with the Canadian company now offering unlimited access to its continued collaboration with
John Taylor of Duran Duran.
Dingwall CEO Sheldon Dingwall says the basses are a response to Taylor’s upfront bass style.
“John’s bass playing with Duran Duran really imprinted on me how a bass should fit into a band mix. The combination of tastefully busy syncopation, his punchy tone, and tight performance immediately drew my ear. His basslines have always had a special combination of energy and elegance.”
The John Taylor Signature model follows the formula of the limited edition Rio Dream Bass,
combining a lightweight Nyatoh body with three neodymium pickups to produce what Dingwall deems “wonderful playability and tones that display a rare clarity and refinement.” The JT Signature model also updates the Rio Dream Bass with a range of new colors; Metallic Black, Primrose, Cranberry and Seafoam Green, as well as a new 5-string variant.
Other specs include a bolt-on Maple neck, a Pau Ferro multi-scale fingerboard with the ‘Rio Eye’ inlaid at the 12th fret, and Dingwall’s new ‘Minimalist’ bridge. The headstock sports lightweight tuners and a Rio-inspired graphic that complements the body stripes, designed by longtime Duran Duran collaborator, Patty Palazzo.
Finally, an onboard preamp designed and configured in collaboration with Rupert Neve Designs, whose studio consoles have long represented the pinnacle of high-end audio engineering, promises a clear voice that balances punch and sustain. “Duran’s breakthrough single, the title track from 1982’s Rio, was originally recorded on a Neve console, so the history was already there,” says Sheldon. “But the team at Rupert Neve Designs absolutely nailed the tone.”
Like the Rio Dream Bass, the JT Signature has also been configured to Taylor’s own personal
specifications. “It all started when I was in Toronto about six years ago,” says Taylor. “A friend
showed me a Dingwall bass on his phone. I loved how it looked and immediately said to my
tech, ‘You’ve got to reach out to these guys!’”
For further information on the range options, head to dingwallguitars.com
Bass Videos
Interview With Bassist Edmond Gilmore
Interview With Bassist Edmond Gilmore…
I am always impressed by the few members of our bass family who are equally proficient on upright as well as electric bass… Edmond Gilmore is one of those special individuals.
While he compartmentalizes his upright playing for mostly classical music and his electric for all the rest, Edmond has a diverse musical background and life experiences that have given him a unique perspective.
Join me as we hear about Edmond’s musical journey, how he gets his sound and his plans for the future.
Photo, Sandrice Lee
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Bass Videos
Have Fret Sprout? Sharp Fret Management… a How-To Video
Products courtesy of Music Nomad Equipment Care and Zymol
Have Fret Sprout? Check out this sharp fret management how-to video…
Have you found a bass you like but noticed the frets feel sharp? Have you ordered a bass online and discovered that the frets are sharp on your hands when it arrives? Have you picked up one of your favorite basses and noticed that the frets seem unusually sharper than they used to? You might be experiencing fret sprout!
Join me as I fix those pesky frets on one of my basses so you learn how to fix yours too.
www.musicnomadcare.com
www.zymol.com
Tour Touch Base (Bass) with Ian Allison
New Gear: Spector Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II
New Gear: The Dingwall John Taylor Signature Model
Interview With Bassist Edmond Gilmore
Have Fret Sprout? Sharp Fret Management… a How-To Video
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Tour Touch Base (Bass) with Ian Allison
Interview With Audic Empire Bassist James Tobias
New Album: Avery Sharpe, I Am My Neighbors Keeper
