Bass Videos
Zach Fowler, Not Just Laying Down the Low End – October 2023
Zach Fowler, Not Just Laying Down the Low End – October 2023
I have been hearing about Zach Fowler’s bass playing since he was in New Mexico. Now, based out of Nashville, Zach is very busy laying down the low end, acting as musical director, writing songs and producing music. He has been very active doing studio work as well as touring with LoCash.
Join me as we hear about Zach’s journey, how he gets his sound, all the details about his new Lakland bass and his plans for the future.
Here is Zach Fowler!
Photos Credits – Cover, Allee Visuals / In Video – Matthew Allen, Max Muehlhausen
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Typical, run-of-the-mill, slap happy bass solo taken during LOCASH’s performance at the Suwannee River Jam in Live Oak, Florida on May 4, 2018. Video was shot by David Lehr.
This was part of a series of acoustic performances filmed at the famous Blackbird Studios in Nashville.
LOCASH performs a song from “The Fighters” album called “Shipwrecked.” This was filmed not long after I joined LOCASH, and I’m using a Carvin PB5 plugged straight into the board via a Countryman DI.
LOCASH performs “One Big Country Song” at the Grand Ole Opry in May 2022.
We performed the song along with Opry House Band, and the performance was in conjunction with The Beach Boys’ first performance at the Opry (which explains why we’re wearing leis around our necks). I used one of my two PRS Grainger 5-strings plugged directly into the Opry’s house rig, which is made by Aguilar.
One of only two times that I’ve recorded myself playing bass.
I arranged John Legend’s “Ordinary People” for solo bass, and used my PRS Gary Grainger 5-string plugged into a Gallien-Krueger PLEX preamp. I added a little reverb in Logic to give it a little ambience. I recorded this right after the COVID shutdown happened. I’m not too big on recording myself playing bass, so this was somewhat of a rarity, but considering my job had shut down, it felt like a good outlet to keep my name on the radar. There’s a little gratuitous slapping in there, but mostly because I didn’t have an arrangement for the bridge section that I liked, so I just let loose.
During my time in Albuquerque, I was blessed to perform on two albums by a progressive rock trio by the name of Illustrated Man.
This song is off of their second album, “Zebra Hotel,” and is coincidentally called “Zebra.” I recorded this song using a Fender 5-string Precision Bass plugged into an Avalon U5 direct box.
I was with a band called The James Douglas Show for eleven years.
We put out four studio albums, and this track is off the final album we put out called “9.” The track, called “Can’t Stop,” was written by our guitar player, Jesse Martinez, and produced by Mike Cee. As is typical with a lot of R&B tracks, I overdubbed a bass track over an already-existing synth bass line. I used a Carvin JB5 run into an Avalon U5 direct box.
“Kissing a Girl” is a track off of LOCASH’s album, “Brothers.”
We recorded a live version of the song at a venue in Minnesota during soundcheck. The video was shot by David Lehr, and the sound was edited and mixed by our production manager at the time, Evan (“Turbo”) Owen. It was negative 12 degrees outside in February, which explains why most of the people in the band are wearing beanies on their heads. I used my main road bass on this track, my white PRS Gary Grainger 5-string, plugged into my Gallien-Krueger PLEX preamp, then into a Radial FireFly direct box. I used a little bit of compression from my Origin Effects Cali76 compressor pedal, as well as a little bit of added chorus effect from an EBS UniChorus pedal to give it a little bit of a fretless sound.
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www.zachfowlerbass.com
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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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www.NathanEast.com
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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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Originally from Panama, bassist Alex Blake arrived in the United States at a young age and, under the guidance of his father, found his lifelong voice in the bass. What began as an early immersion in Latin music grew into a career that has now spanned more than 45 years of exploration, evolution, and excellence.
As opportunities expanded, so did Blake’s musical reach. His journey has taken him across countless genres, collaborating with a remarkable list of world-class musicians, far too many to name here. Today, he stands as a formidable presence in the fusion scene, known for both his unmistakable sound and deep musicality.
Join us as Alex Blake shares the story of his musical journey, breaks down how he crafts his signature tone, and looks ahead to what the future holds.
Here is Alex Blake.
Photos, Willie Bruno & William Thomas
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Fifty years ago, a bold vision to “make a better bass” gave birth to what would become one of the most influential instruments in modern music history: the Music Man StingRay.
“It’s so much more than an instrument,” reflects Sterling Ball. “I was there when that baby was born. And when you see that 50 years later — it’s still as important, as vibrant, as valid — that’s insane.”
Originally developed under the guidance of legendary instrument pioneer Leo Fender at Music Man, the StingRay wasn’t just another bass guitar. It was the first mass production bass to feature active electronics — a revolutionary move at the time.
“The vision was to make a better bass. The vision was to use active electronics because there hadn’t been any production basses that had active electronics.”
What followed was both innovation and serendipity.
For five decades, the StingRay has set the benchmark for bold, forward-leaning bass tone. The Ernie Ball Music Man 50th Anniversary StingRay Special honors that legacy with two limited-edition finishes. Liquid Gold is hand-numbered and limited to 50 instruments worldwide, featuring a striking golden reflective pickguard for a truly exclusive presentation. Molten Gold, limited to 300 instruments, showcases a metallic gold finish on the body and headstock—each with its own unique character. Both versions are paired with an ebony fretboard with gold face dot inlays and glow-in-the-dark side markers for effortless navigation on any stage. A roasted flame maple neck and poplar body deliver a fast, comfortable, and perfectly balanced feel, while gold hardware throughout, including a 50th Anniversary-stamped bridge, completes the look. Finished with a commemorative 50th Anniversary silkscreen on the back of the headstock, each bass ships in a deluxe hardshell case with a certificate of authenticity.
50th Anniversary StingRay 4 Features:
- Roasted figured maple neck
- Gold face dot Inlays with glow-in-the-dark side dots
- 50th Anniversary stamped bridge
- Certificate of authenticity
- Deluxe hardshell case
The 50th Anniversary StingRay 4 Special in Molten Gold will be available at all Ernie Ball Music Man retailers, and the Liquid Gold colorway will be available exclusively in the Ernie Ball Music Man Vault.
Visit them online at www.ernieball.com and www.music-man.com
Nathan East, Echoes of a Lineage – April/May 2026 Issue
Gear Review: Italia Leather Straps
New Album: Oteil Burbridge & Lamar Williams, The Offering
Interview With Bassist Tom Doyle
Interview With Bassist Alex Blake
Feb 16 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Feb 23 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Mar 2 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Mar 9 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram