Bass Videos
Premiere: The Roamers’ Single, Playboy… Led by Bass Player Matt Rice
Bass Musician is proud to premiere the LA-based country band, The Roamers, and their new single, “Playboy” which releases on 9/6. With enough rough edges to call it rock n roll and enough dusty twang to call it country, The Roamers embrace every genre of American music they can put their ears on!
Photo, Joe Curet
Matt Rice is the frontman and bassist for the band and shares more about the single and how he gets his sound…
“I wrote this song over 10 years ago. It didn’t fit the band I was playing in at the time so it just sat there on the back burner for a while. I always liked it and it never left my mind. Over the years, I’ve played in different bands that I liked, but I knew we wouldn’t get there with this song for one reason or another. Finally, it got the treatment that I always thought it deserved with this recording.
I love how nasty the rhythm guitars are. And Brian’s lead guitar is what I always heard in my head but couldn’t play myself. I had always imagined guitar parts for this song as some blend of Mick Taylor, Keith Richards, Mike Campbell and Johnny Thunders. I never explained that to Brian. Didn’t have to. He heard my demo and just knew exactly what was needed. Luke’s drumming has such a nice pocket. Drummers that have a great sense of song are hard to find and Luke is one of the best. He thinks like a writer/ arranger/producer in addition to being a drummer. And I dig how grooving and free my bass playing is on this track. It was fun to record.”
My Gear:
“90% of the bass playing on the album is my trusty Fender Precision Bass, which I’ve had since I was a kid. I ran that through an early ’70s Ampeg V2 head and a new Aguilar 1×12 cabinet. That’s a stripped-down version of what I often use live. It sounded great in the studio so we ran with it. We mic’d the cabinet and we split the signal direct into the board so we could have a little further bottom end and EQ control of the clean signal. What’s on the album is about a 50-50 split between a direct-to-board sound and the mic’d amp+cabinet.
I’ve got new gear too. But I’m a sucker for old stuff, whether it be guitars, amps, cars, houses or clothes. When something is mass-produced like most products, it may be great but it’s a little bit unspecial. But then once it gets to lead its life for a while, it becomes one of a kind. And I dig that.
For live shows, we rarely play venues larger than bars and clubs so I’ll often use the rig we used in the studio but with the addition of an Aguilar Tone Hammer Preamp/DI. It helps make everything sound great and allows you to control the tone if it’s also running direct to the house system. For bigger rooms, I’ll add another speaker cabinet. For a really small room, I’ll use my Ampeg Micro SVT. But always with the Tone Hammer Preamp. I also have an early 70s Acoustic 150B amp, a newer Fender Mustang Bass, an old Jerry Jones Danelectro-style Shorthorn bass with “lipstick” pickups, and a mid-’60s Kay Truetone semi-hollow body bass with a single “speedbump” pick up on it. They all get used for one thing or another. I do my songwriting most often on an acoustic guitar.”
— Matt Rice, The Roamers
Album Credits:
Brian Whelan-Guitars, Piano, Organ, Accordion, BV | Luke Adams-Drums, Percussion, BV | Matt Rice-Bass Guitar, Upright Bass,Lead Vocals, BV | Matt Pynn-Lap Steel Guitar | All Songs Written by Matt Rice | Recorded at Sharktank Recording Los Angeles, CA | Produced by Brian Whelan, Luke Adams, and Matt Rice | Engineered by Luke Adams | Mastered by James Driscoll for Hot Tonic Mastering
Visit online at theroamers.net/
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