Category Archives: Bass

Frankfurt Musikmesse 2011: Ampeg’s Portaflex Series Offers Heavyweight History in a Lightweight Design

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Powerful, portable and affordable flip-tops for the modern bassist.

Ampeg today announces a series of new bass cabs and heads that deliver the innovative form-factor of Ampeg’s legendary flip-tops in designs that are powerful, compact and extremely portable — Ampeg Portaflex Series.

“The flip-top design and Portaflex name are nothing short of iconic,” remarks Ampeg product manager, Zane Williams. “The new Portaflex Series is for every bassist who obsesses over the classic B-15, but demands the features, portability and power that modern heads offer.”

The ultra-compact PF-350 and PF-500 heads are Class-D designs with modern features like onboard compression/limiting, balanced direct outs and switching power supplies. Both heads match perfectly with the vintage-styled PF-115HE and PF-210HE cabinets. The flip-top design allows bassists to store the head, cables, etc. right inside the enclosure for ultimate portability. Covered in sleek diamond black tolex and featuring premium Eminence® speakers, the genuine Ampeg look and tone are unmistakable.

The Ampeg Portaflex Series will be fully available in April, 2011 and internationally in May, 2011. All Portaflex Series heads are available now worldwide. The heads and cabinets are sold separately: PF-350 (€349 inc. tax & £289 inc. VAT), PF-500 (€449 inc. tax & £375 inc. VAT), PF-115HE (€449 inc. tax & £375 inc. VAT) and PF-210HE (€449 inc. tax & £375 inc. VAT). Visit Ampeg during Musikmesse from April 6-9, 2011 in Frankfurt, Germany in Halle 4.1, Stand E31.  For more detailed product information, please visit www.ampeg.com.

Posted in Amplification, Bass, Frankfurt Musikmesse

Win over £2000 Ampeg Gear and be an Ampeg Product demonstrator At The London Bass Guitar Show 2011

Posted on February 10, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Do you have what it takes to be a demonstrator for one of the world’s leading bass amplification brands? Ampeg is offering one lucky winner the chance to win not only this opportunity but also the prospect of walking away with Ampeg gear worth in excess of £2000.

As a demonstrator the winner will be at the forefront of the low end scene, demonstrating the hottest Ampeg gear live at the new London Bass Guitar Show 2011. Then the winner gets to take home with the Ampeg SVT7Pro Head, SVT410HLF Cab and SVT15E Cab with a total RRP of £2103 inc. VAT.

If you think you have what it takes to demonstrate these amazing products go to youtube@bassguitarmagazine.com and upload a video of yourself showing how you can display your bass playing abilities. Your performance, exhibiting all things low end, will be judged by the editor of Bass Guitar Magazine and a senior member of the Loud Technologies Inc. / Ampeg team.

The successful budding Ampeg demonstrator will be notified the week before the show giving them plenty of time to rehearse before making their debut at the UK’s premier bass event, The London Bass Guitar Show 2011.  The competition is only open to UK residents.

And as if that wasn’t enough, during the show you will be presented with the wonderful Ampeg bass gear you get to take home.

To find out more about the London Bass Guitar Show visit www.londonbassguitarshow.com and the competition visit www.bassguitarmagazine.com

For more information about LOUD Technologies and Ampeg visit www.ampeg.com

Good Luck!

Posted in Amplification, Bass, Special Offers

Rotosound Endorsee Trevor Bolder Records New Uriah Heep Album

Posted on February 3, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Rotosound endorsee Trevor Bolder has been working on new Uriah Heep (UH) album, which will be released mid April. After which they have a 7 week European tour followed by some large festivals and further dates in Asia and Australia.

English rock bassist Trevor Bolder is best known for his long association with Uriah Heep, although he has played alongside a variety of musicians since the early 1970s. He recorded many of the classic David Bowie albums including Hunky Dory, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, Aladdin Sane and Pin Ups.

Trevor lists his career highlights as: playing Carnegie Hall with David Bowie, UH’s first gig in Russia (1987) followed by their 6 week tour of Russia in 1989/90 where they played all over Siberia and were only the second band to tour Russia and then the Chicago festival on the lake with Wishbone Ash where he got to see Muddy Waters play. Since joining UH in 1976, Trevor has recorded over 20 albums with the band, with album sales of over thirty million worldwide.

Trevor has used the Roto swingbass 66 guitar strings since the early 1970’s to record all these great albums. When asked why, he said ‘Roto’s hold their brightness which means I don’t have to change strings so often’. These are the most popular Roundwound bass string ever, they are produced by using unique steels and a highly secretive manufacturing process in all popular gauges and scale lengths.

To find out more about the Roto swingbass 66 and all the other Rotosound Strings visit www.rotosound.com.

Posted in Bass, Guitar, News, Strings

Jamiroquai rhythm section with guest vocalist to host Institute masterclass

Posted on January 21, 2011 by Planet-Musician

The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance is proud to present Derrick McKenzie (drums), Rob Harris (guitar) and Paul Turner (bass) from Jamiroquai for a masterclass with guest singer and percussionist Dan Pearce on Wednesday, 9th February at Dingwalls, Camden Lock, London.

Derrick, Rob and Paul are fresh off a promotional tour for the new Jamiroquai album ‘Rock Dust Light Star’ and have just announced UK and European tour dates for 2011.  Dan  was the featured vocalist on Dizzee Rascal’s no. 1 single ‘Dirtee Disco’ and is also a member of his touring band.

The four-piece, called “Shuffler”, will host a performance-based masterclass and will focus on their approach to different styles of music.  Tickets are available to public for £5 which you can purchase in advance at www.wegottickets.com and will be available at the door on the evening.

For more information events and masterclasses at the Institute, contact us directly:

Posted in Bass, Drums & Percussion, Education, Events

Winter NAMM 2011: Ampeg’s Portaflex® Series Offers Heavyweight History in a Lightweight Design

Posted on January 13, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Ampeg today announces a series of new bass combos, cabs and heads that deliver the innovative form-factor of Ampeg’s legendary flip-tops in designs that are powerful, compact and extremely portable — Ampeg Portaflex Series.

“The flip-top design and Portaflex name are nothing short of iconic,” remarks Ampeg product manager, Zane Williams. “The new Portaflex Series is for every bassist who obsesses over the classic B-15, but demands the features, portability and power that modern heads offer.”

The ultra-compact PF-350 and PF-500 heads are Class-D designs with modern features like onboard compression/limiting, balanced direct outs and switching power supplies. Both heads match perfectly with the vintage-styled PF-115HLF and PF-210HLF cabinets. The flip-top design allows bassists to store the head, cables, etc. right inside the enclosure for ultimate portability. Covered in sleek diamond black tolex and featuring premium Eminence® speakers, the genuine Ampeg look and tone are unmistakable.

The Ampeg Portaflex Series will be available domestically in February, 2011 and internationally late March, 2011. There are two packaged combos, the PF350-115 (U.S. MSRP $779.99) and PF500-210 (U.S. MSRP $779.99). The heads and cabinets are also available separately: PF-350 (U.S. MSRP $389.99), PF-500 (U.S. MSRP $519.99), PF-115HLF (U.S. MSRP $519.99) and PF-210HLF (U.S. MSRP $519.99). Visit Ampeg during NAMM in the massive new showroom upstairs in Demo Room 209A/B from January 13-16, 2011 in Anaheim, CA.

Visit www.ampeg.com to learn more about the new Portaflex Series.

Posted in Amplification, Bass, NAMM Show

Winter NAMM 2011: Ampeg Launches Two New BA Series Combo Practice Amps

Posted on January 13, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Classic Ampeg tone in portable, affordable designs.

Ampeg proudly announces the ultra-compact, incredibly affordable new BA-108 and BA-110. Ideal for virtually any practice environment, these latest additions to the highly successful BA Series combos are the first-ever genuine Ampeg amps designed specifically for entry-level bassists.

“Classic tone, lightweight and rugged design, practice-friendly features…,” remarks Ampeg Product Manager, Zane Williams. “The new BA Series combo amps are the very definition of a portable practice amp.”

The 25-watt BA-108 and 35-watt BA-110 are perfect for beginning bassists, offering tools like 3-band EQ, MP3 input and a headphone out for silent practice. The high-output, custom-designed 8˝ (BA-108) and 10˝ (BA-110) speakers are specifically matched to the powerful amplifiers for optimal performance. The impact resistant, tilt-back cabinet design features durable black tolex, white piping and Ampeg’s classic logo badge. The designs are lightweight and portable (both under 32 lbs / 14.5 kg), each with an integrated carrying handle.

The new Ampeg BA Series combo amps will be available Q1, 2011. The BA-108 will have a U.S. MSRP of $139.99 and the BA-110 will have a U.S. MSRP of $251.99 Visit Ampeg during NAMM in the massive new showroom upstairs in Demo Room 209A/B from January 13-16, 2011 in Anaheim, CA.

For more detailed product information, please visit www.ampeg.com.

Posted in Amplification, Bass, NAMM Show

Institute Unveils 2011 Music Scholarships Worth Over £36,000

Posted on November 26, 2010 by Planet-Musician

The Institute is delighted to announce, in conjunction with its leading partners, the launch of over £36,000 worth of scholarships for deserving students to study Institute’s renowned one-year Higher Diploma course. The scholarship categories are as follows:

  • GUITAR: Supported by Yamaha Guitar and Total Guitar Magazine
  • BASS: Supported by Musicman Bass and  Bass Guitar Magazine
  • DRUMS: Supported by Mapex/Paiste and Drummer Magazine
  • VOCALS: Supported by Shure and R & R World

Each category includes one full scholarship (worth over £5,000 to the winner) and one partial scholarship (worth £2,500 each). The Higher Diploma is a specialist one-year full-time course, developed by the Institute to train and develop students of guitar, bass, drums and vocals for a career in the music industry. It was the first full-time course of its kind ever developed in the UK and achieving a place on the course continues to be an aspirational goal for young musicians. The Institute, widely recognised as one of Europe’s leading schools of modern music, counts on an unrivalled teaching and visiting faculty, many of whom regularly work and tour with some of the music industry’s greatest artists.

Previous Institute students can be found throughout today’s music industry, working with high profile artists such as Radiohead, The Noisettes, Kylie Minogue, Eric Clapton and Paolo Nutini.  Previous scholarship winners can be seen performing with successful artists across the world including Estelle, N-Dubz and Lauren Hill.

Closing date for entries is 17th February 2011 and there is always a great demand. The scholarships are open to anyone from the UK or internationally and the application form is available to download from www.icmp.co.uk.

Posted in Bass, Drums & Percussion, Education, Guitar, Music

Mansons Guitar Show 2010 Update: Zon, Manring, Bershadsky and Avid competition confirmed

Posted on September 14, 2010 by Planet-Musician

Joe Zon of Zon basses will be at the Manson’s Guitar Show 2010, both days. With him will be virtuoso American bassist Michael Manring and bassist phenomena Alex Bershadsky. Plus visitors to Manson’s Guitar Show will be able to enter a competition to win an Avid Eleven Rack, the Pro Tools Recording Systems Designed Specifically for Guitar Players.

Joe Zon has been building basses with high tech components combined with traditional woodworking and lots of elbow grease in California since 1981. He has worked with many of the world’s top bassists and he is bringing some of them to the Manson’s Guitar Show 2010.

Michael Manring, a member of the super group DeMania with guitarist Alex de Grassi and percussionist Christopher Garcia since 2005, plays a custom bass built by Zon Guitars. The so called Zon Hyperbass is a very flexible instrument developed by Manring and Zon. The playing of the DeMania trio has been described as “masterful delivery with confident improvisations that float in an environment as energetic as it is spacious”.

Alex Bershadsky is the Latvian born, Israeli fretless bass jazz fusion phenomenon. He is sure to secure himself a slot in the minds of bass lovers / players everywhere. A Zon endorsee, he has appeared on the most prestigious stages of the international jazz scene. Alex is known to be an accomplished player, lyrical soloist and sure footed technician.

The Avid competition, exclusive to visitors at the Manson’s Guitar Show, is for the Eleven Rack, worth almost £800. This is a revolutionary new guitar recording and effects processing system designed to eliminate the challenges guitarists face in the studio and on stage. Whether you’re tracking in the studio or playing on stage, Eleven Rack delivers fresh, mind-blowing, hyper-realistic guitar amp and effects tones that will inspire your best performances.

The Manson’s Guitar Show 2010 is on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th October, and more artists and competitions are close to being confirmed – Please check www.mansons.co.uk further updates about this autumn’s most exciting music show and to purchase tickets.

Posted in Bass, Events, Guitar

Manson’s Launch John Paul Jones Signature Bass

Posted on July 21, 2010 by Planet-Musician

Whether looking forward as the bassist in Them Crooked Vultures laying down a groove with Dave Grohl and Joshua Homme, or to the past as the iconic legend, riff-master and songwriter in Led Zeppelin, John Paul Jones has a bass pedigree second to none. John has been performing with a vast collection of Manson Guitars creations for the past three decades both in the studio and for live work, including the historic Led Zeppelin reunion and also conquering the world all over again with Them Crooked Vultures. Now, after many years of refining, researching and testing, the legendary performer has placed his name to the main four-string Manson bass guitar that has been regularly seen in action across John’s projects for the past 16 years.

The Manson John Paul Jones E-Bass model is a replica of the bass that Hugh Manson made in the early 90s and has become John’s first call four-string ever since. Featuring a maple through-neck construction, figured maple top, Aged Cherry Sunburst high gloss lacquer, ebony fingerboard, EMG pickups and active circuit, Hipshot D-Tuner, Schaller machineheads and Badass bridge, the specs reflect exactly the current upgraded hardware of the bass John is currently using on tour with Them Crooked Vultures.

Priced at a competitive £2099 (including high quality gig bag), the bass is currently available exclusively from Mansons Guitar Shop.

Mansons Guitar Shop 01392 496379

www.mansons.co.uk

About Manson’s

Manson’s Guitar shop has been making custom guitars and accessories for over 30 years and is known for its reputation for innovation and quality. They have a number of the high profile clients which include Led Zeppelin, Muse ,Oasis, Jethro Tull, Yes, Hank Marvin, Stereophonics, Gary Moore and Peter Green.

Posted in Bass

Rotosound Takes to the Road with its Strings

Posted on July 20, 2010 by Planet-Musician

Rotosound is taking its revolutionary strings on tour. Over the next few months Rotosound will be out on the road giving you the opportunity to see their products at the following events:-

  • Bristol Guitar Show, Bristol, 19th Sept
  • London Music Show, London, 8th & 10th Oct
  • Bass Day UK, Manchester, 10th Oct
  • Bass Player Live, Los Angeles, 23rd & 24th Oct
  • Manson’s Guitar Show, Exeter, 23rd & 24th Oct
  • Guitar Nation, London, 13th & 14th Nov

September 19th 2009 sees the start of the tour of the inaugural Bristol Guitar Show, which will have a straightforward ‘table-top’ approach, designed to let you get close to the Rotosound gear.

Next stop is the London Music Show, where Rotosound will be sponsoring the live appearance of Billy Sheehan as well as exhibiting in the Guitar Zone.

Then the tour moves further north to Bass Day UK in Manchester where once again Rotosound, originators of the round wound bass string will be sponsoring the live appearance of Billy Sheehan.

Later that month you can meet the team as they cross the Atlantic to Bass Player Live, Los Angeles, and also put in an appearance at Manson’s Guitar Show in Exeter. Rotosound have a treat for all you guitarists out there, as they have Walter Trout on their stand at the Manson’s Guitar Show ( 3pm, Sunday 24th Only )

Completing the tour Rotosound will be at the Guitar Nation weekend, London Olympia, giving you another opportunity to see their world renowned strings once again.

So if you are looking for a specific sound from your strings, be you guitarist or bass player, go and meet the Rotosound team this year and find out what is the string for you.

Posted in Bass, Events, Guitar, Strings