Bass Player US - August 2020

In this issue

Modern Vintage MVP4 $1,499
Assisted by ace luthier Rob Elrick, the new Modern Vintage brand brings us its MVP. Is it a ‘most valued product’, asks Stuart Clayton.

Pass Notes: Michael McKeegan
In our new Pass Notes series, a prominent bass player gives you the tips you’ll need to get to the top and stay there. This month, it’s Therapy?’s Michael McKeegan on aging gracefully and giving the best performance you can.

LOW LIFE

You’ve got to make it at local level before you hit the big leagues, advises Tax The Heat bassist and BIMM UK Live Performance tutor Antonio Angotti...

3 mins

BASS OF TOMORROW

Bass case warlock Jonny Coffin of Coffin Cases has been making sarcophagi to die for over the past 25 years. We sit down for a grave chat with him

2 mins

PASSING THE TORCH

Felix Pastorius is an extraordinary bass player, as you might expect given the legacy of his late father Jaco—and he finds himself in an equally extraordinary position for the same reason. We ask Felix about his plans for the future, his perceptions of the past and his advice for those ‘expecting to see a Pastorius’ when they come to his shows...

10+ mins

“IF YOU WANT TO BE A WORKING MUSICIAN—PLAY BASS!”

You read it here first... We visited Fender’s Custom Shop in Corona, California for a peek behind the scenes and some pearls of wisdom

5 mins

PASS NOTES: MICHAEL McKEEGAN

Welcome to Pass Notes, our new advice page where we ask a renowned bass player for tips about building a career. This month: Michael McKeegan, Therapy?

5 mins

These Boots...

...were made for walking bass-lines, says Slyboots bassist Margaret LaBombard

3 mins

TRIVIUM PURSUIT

Modern metal is alive and well in the hands of Florida headbangers Trivium, reports their bassist Paolo Gregoletto. “Years of experimenting have made me realize what I want and what I need to get there,” he muses

4 mins

FENDER: Vintera 60s Jazz

A Fender Jazz in Firemist Gold isn’t a common sight, but does this J offer anything other than a pretty finish? Mike Brooks finds out

3 mins

BACCHUS: Woodline Jazz DX5AC-WBDP

A Japanese Super-Jazz? Mike Brooks heads to the land of the rising sun

3 mins

DB BASS: Elbee 10 Series II, Embee 12, Embee 1210 Series II Cabinets

Why compromise on cabs, say UK-based DB Bass. Mike Brooks gets the lowdown on the low end

3 mins

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Bass Player US Magazine Description:

Bobby Vega
Ever since his first recording session with Sly Stone at the age of 17, Bay Area bass badass Bobby Vega has set the bar for funktastic pick playing. In this month's cover story, he goes deep on his plectrum technique and artistic approach. Plus: interviews with Cheap Trick's Tom Petersson, Dream Theater's John Myung, and Jerry "J Blakk" Henderson of Big Sam's Funky Nation; reviews of the Blackstar Fly Bass mini-amp, Mesa-Boogie D-800 head and Ultra Lite cabinets, and new pickups from Lindy Fralin; Jazz and R&B lessons you can use; a full-song bass transcription of Deep Purple's "Gettin' Tighter;" and more!