If you want a really small amp, and I mean REALLY small, then there’s a new kid on the block: The Boss Micro Cube Bass RX. The cube family has been around for as long as I can remember, but this new bass-version really has taken it to another level. Roland has posted a video that goes through the product details, but I’ll give you a run down on their new bass amp here:
Stereo amplifiers, with and four 4-inch (10cm) speakers.
Eight COSM® amps, six Boss digital effects.
Rhythm Guide function for practical rhythm training.
Stereo AUX input for CD/MP3 player, Phones/Recording out.
Battery driven (6 x AA, up to 13-hour continuous use).
Built-in carrying strap.
You’ll not be playing stadium gigs with this guy, but as a portable practice amp it ticks lots of boxes. It looks the part too.
Looping devices used to be huge, expensive mechanical things, involving spools of audio tape, motors, magnets and generally were a technical nightmare. However, in the age of micro-electronics and flash memory chips, for the price of a few sets of strings you can get yourself a looping pedal. I have a DigiTech JamMan that I use for practice, I know others using the Line 6 DL 4, the Boss RC-20XL, and at the very high end there is the looperlative box. Somewhat ironically, there are now effects out there that aim to reproduce the sounds of the old taped-based loopers. If you have your bass plugged into your PC, you might want to try out the Mobius Looper (for Windows or Mac), which recreates the interface of the old loopers and is good fun! [More…]
Wal is Back – Thanks to no treble for the heads up. The UK Bass manufacturer, known for a very distinctive range of basses, had been working just on back log, but they are now taking new orders again for the first time in a few years. From Wal’s site:
After much activity we are thrilled to announce that Wal is now back in action, with the original specifications and fanatical attention to detail as before. Electric Wood, led by Paul Herman, who worked with Wal and Pete for over 18 years, brings you the quality, the playability, the exotic woods, and the sheer excitement of these beautiful instruments once again.
I have to say, to Markbass‘ credit, the sound and tone of Michael’s playing was absolutely amazing. I first heard Michael play live almost a decade ago when I was over in California. I drove up to Oakland to catch an evening gig – quite an interesting adventure for a British Tourist! I remember the sound, and the Markbass set up seems to have taken it to a new level. One of the privileges of living in London is that I get to go to Steve Lawson gigs reasonably often – and take friends along too! But both players, in one place? That last happened 5 years ago, and thousands of miles away, so this time…
It hasn’t happend for 5 years, but on Wednesday evening, solo bassists Steve Lawson and Michael Manring will be playing. Last time they got together was in Santa Cruz, California, this time Round Midnight Jazz and Blues Bar is the venue, in London England. This is what it sounded like when they played together last:
