Connect with us

Bass Videos

New Gear: Fender Limited Edition Mikey Way Jazz Bass

Published

on

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

Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank

Published

on

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

Visit Online:

www.derekfrank.com
www.instagram.com/derekfrankbass
www.youtube.com/derekfrankbass
www.facebook.com/derekfrankbass

Continue Reading

Bass Videos

String Instrument Humidifiers

Published

on

String Instrument Humidifiers

String Instrument Humidifiers

After living in some very humid parts of the country for decades, we moved to a dryer, much sunnier location. As a result, I started noticing some fret sprout on my string instruments and recently did a video on fret sprout correction.

It occurred to me that I should take a more preventative approach to string instrument humidification. Of course, I turned to my instrument maintenance experts, Music Nomad Equipment Care, for a solution and they suggested their Humitar series. (Note: They sent two press samples and I purchased the remainder online.)

Join me as I look at these useful tools for keeping my string instruments in tip-top condition.

The Humitar series is available online at Music Nomad Equipment Care, as well as Amazon.com

Continue Reading

Bass Videos

Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush

Published

on

Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush

Bassist Graham Stanush…

Return to Dust is keeping Grunge alive and well! They have a new self-titled album that went out on May 3rd, 2024 and will be super busy promoting this project in the near future.

Graham Stanush is the bass powerhouse driving their sound and adding vocals to the mix. Join me as we hear all about Graham’s musical journey, details about the new album, how he gets his sound and their plans for the future.

Visit Online:

linktr.ee/returntodust
instagram.com/returntodustband/
twitter.com/Returntodustbnd
youtube.com/@returntodustband
tiktok.com/@returntodustband

Continue Reading

Bass Videos

Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks

Published

on

Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks

CrystalBright Rombo Picks

PR Sample

Playing bass with a pick is still a touchy subject in our community. I believe you should be able to use whatever you need to get your sound. Even though I mostly play with my fingers, I like to check out innovative new picks that might have something new to offer, sonically speaking.

Judith and Carlos from Rombo recently contacted me about a new material called CrystalBright that they have been researching for the last 12 months and offered to send some prototype picks. After trying them out, I put together this video with my findings.

For more info check out @rombopicks

Continue Reading

Bass Player Health

Preparing for Performance with Dr. Randy Kertz

Published

on

Dr Randal Kertz - Bass Player Health - Oct 2022

Preparing for Performance…

This month we discuss how to prepare for a performance and easy strategies that go a long way.

Dr. Randall Kertz is the author of The Bassist’s Complete Guide to Injury Management, Prevention and Better Health. Click here to get your copy today!

The Bassist’s Complete Guide to Injury Management, Prevention & Better Health

View More Bass Health Articles

Continue Reading