fbpx

Building a shovel bass

In all honesty, this is not a build we recommend doing for one simple reason that can be summed up in one word: Unstable. While it’s genuinely appreciated that someone went through the time and effort to show how to make an electric bass out of a shovel (see video below), it is known to … Read more

MXR Sub Octave Bass Fuzz

Fresh from the NAMM show, MXR showed off the Sub Octave Bass Fuzz pedal. This fuzz pedal features two circuits, meaning it’s not the typical “one trick pony” type of fuzz. It also features separate bass and treble EQ controls, an octave control (of course), dry volume control (totally necessary for bass), has mid-frequency boost, … Read more

Cool dad of the moment

We get a good amount of dads emailing and/or calling us up for assistance with father-son or father-daughter bass build projects. Many of these dads are musicians themselves that help their kids out when learning their instruments, and if there’s one thing these dads possess more than anything else, it’s patience and lots of it. … Read more

[Bass of the week] Yanofsky Guitars and Basses B1 Fretless

See Steven’s business listing here The feature bass this week concentrates on ergonomics to make for a great bass to play sitting or standing. Bass builder Steven Yanofsky writes: This is my first fretless build, the body is based on a previous build I made, with some modifications, the shape was design considering ergonomics, trying … Read more

Noel Redding’s bass tone was pretty darned good

While playing in The Jimi Hendrix experience, Noel Redding typically did turn up his bass extra-loud just to be heard better… …and we’re glad he did, because he had an amazing bass tone. While watching the video below, you will hear his “blare” loud-and-proud, even while playing slowly. You’ll also notice he favored playing up … Read more

Converting a 9V system to 18V system

Some preamp systems allow for the use of either 9 volts or 18 volts for power. Check the specifications for your preamp to make sure that it is recommended. Some known systems that DO allow for 9 or 18V are: Aguilar OBP2, OBP3; Bartolini NTBT 918, NTMB918, Delano (all); John East (all); ACG (all); Nordstrand … Read more

Understanding the meaning of “Active Bass”

Generally speaking, the term means that there is a battery in the bass. Most commonly, the battery is being used to power a preamp. The preamp uses a battery and thus the instrument is powered (active). Occasionally, the pickups are active; a bass with active pickups would, of course, also be considered active. Most pickups … Read more

Want a New Set of Pickups?
Enter for a chance to win: