ROCKABILLY HEROES RETURN

The Stray Cats unleash new, basspacked live album

The moment when three bass legends first shared a stage...

A historic moment in bass world—recalled by those who were there to see it

BP 400: UP TO 11

So what’s your favorite bass amp? Freddy Villano recalls 400 issues’ worth of the big boxes

THE WRITE STUFF

Our writers have had a busy 30 years, chronicling the history of the low notes in these pages for future generations to pore over. We asked BP staff past and present to recall their bass-related high points from our first 400 issues...

I SPY… SOMETHING CHROMATIC

Chromatic movement means that we'll be moving in half-steps or fret by-fret on our instrument

BP 400: IN FULL EFFECT

Hey, what’s that weird noise? Steve Lawson revisits the highs and lows of 30 years’ worth of bass effects

BP 400: MAKING BASS HISTORY

How many cool bass guitars have we encountered since BP’s first issue came out? Mike Brooks takes a look back at a few of the very finest...

Beginners' Lesson

Ensure a smooth playing experience with these tips from Steve Lawson

400 ISSUES OF WISDOM

We’re celebrating 400 issues of Bass Player in this issue, but that doesn’t mean we’re just congratulating ourselves on how great we are—we want you to benefit from the distilled wisdom we’ve learned along the way. Apply these nuggets of knowledge from the world’s greatest bass players to your playing, and you’ll be well on the way to bass nirvana...

Pass Notes

Welcome to our new advice page, where a bassist of note gives us the tips we need to get to the top. This month: John Campbell, Lamb Of God

MOMENTARY DECISIONS

The great Michael Manring returns with a new album, Small Moments, and explains the far-reaching philosophy beneath the music

THE WOODSHED

Intonation basics explored and explained by ace luthier Rob Elrick. Let’s get toned!

Wrap Music

Olivia Anna Livki offers essential advice for all budding bassists

LOW LIFE

Tax The Heat bassist and BIMM Live Performance Tutor Antonio Angotti addresses the fine art of singing for your supper

Intermediate Lesson

Ready to take the next step in your bass journey? Phil Mann is here to guide you along the way, but be prepared for a dose of fingertip abrasion...

GOOD TIMES

Who would dare fill the shoes of the great, departed Bernard Edwards? Only a bassist with years of experience and a bass philosophy all of his own... Say hello to the mighty Jerry Barnes

DEEP THOUGHT

Deep Purple are the last hard-rock band of their generation still on the road, pandemics permitting—and they’ve still got some miles to cover, says Roger Glover. Listen up as he reveals how Purple came up with their excellent new album, the bass gear that makes the big noises—and the secret of staying motivated after five decades and counting.

Exigency

Jessica Elalouf of Exigent on the key wisdom that all bassists should have

Beginners' Lesson

Looping without a looper... is such a thing even possible? Steve Lawson says it is, so listen up

Beginners' Lesson

Step away from theory for a minute, says beginners’ guru Steve Lawson. This month, we’re learning how to learn... with a looper

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

These Boots...

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

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?

“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

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

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...

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...

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

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

BACCHUS: Woodline Jazz DX5AC-WBDP

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