Lefty BassDay

On Saturday, 19th Sep 2009, we will be able to witness history in the making in the three-country-triangle of Belgium/The Netherlands and Germany.
There will be a BassDay for Lefties on that date, probalby for the first time ever.
The idea for such an event grew on a meeting between Jürgen and Stephanie Weidner (Owner of “CMS Music Equipment”) and Arni (Lefthand Bassplayer Community) at a meeting on the European Bass Day in Viersen.
Stephanie Weidner and Arni (Volkmar Arnecke) are amongst the very few numbers of bassplayers, that play the bass mirrored to others. As the numbers of lefthand-bassplayers are so few, one can not expect of the music-shops to supply an equal wide range of lefthand- as well as righthand-bass-models.
The planned BassDay should now open the opportunity, with the help and support of the visitors, to see and test numberous Lefthand-Bassguitars.


Meet and Greet in Duisburg
There is a planned Get-together of Lefthand-Bassplayers in the rooms of “CMS”, for which every bassist is kindly asked, to bring their own instrument. This will give the Lefties the one in a lifetime opportunity to hold and judge all kinds of different Bassguitars for Lefthand-Players. These exotic instruments could be tried using amplifiers supplied by “CMS”, if anybody wishes to do so.

Eventhough “CMS” has a wide range of Lefthand-Bassguitar the organisers of the meeting would like to ask all visitor, to bring their own instruments to open the unusuall opportunity to inspect and play a big number of Lefthand-Basses.
“CMS Music Equipment” and Arni are looking forward to this “Meet-and-Greet-Event” and are hoping for numberous visitors.

Ideas and suggestions of any kind are welcome.
The Entrance to this Event is obiously free.
You can find further details and development to this Event on:
CMS Music Equipment
Arnis Lefthand Bassplayer Community

Ratko Zjaca - Continental Talk

Ratko Zjaca (g)
John Patitucci (b)
Steve Gadd (dr)
Stanislav Mitrovic
Rabdy Brecker (tr)



Surpassing boundaries, building bridges, bringing people together. It is clear from the biography and discography of the brilliant Croatian guitarist, Ratko Zjaca, that he is very much driven by these concepts. Earlier CDs are called Crossing The Border and The Bag Is Packed and, meanwhile, flights between Zagreb and New York have become a comfortable routine and English the predominant language. Ratko Zjaca stands as a symbol of the ongoing evolution of American classic jazz as it increasingly becomes a country-uniting form of communication.

No wonder, then, that Ratko has named his début album for In+Out Records Continental Talk. The dialogue between the new and old world is functioning much better. With him as moderator, far fewer conflicts arise than is the case on political platforms. A bilateral exchange without pre-conditions and prejudices, in which the string sorcerer is on the same level as accomplished artists such as trumpet player, Randy Brecker, bassist John Patitucci and drummer Steve Gadd creates a new æsthetic of improvisation. "Two years ago, when I recorded Crossing The Border with John, and shortly afterwards started to play live with Randy and Steve, I knew instantly that I wanted to do my next recording with them," said Ratko. The decision to realise this project came about when he was on a plane with his friend and saxophone player, Stanislav Mitrovic. “It was a case of small talk above the clouds, between America and Europe. Which is the reason the CD is called Continental Talk.”

Quite early in Ratko Zjaca's career, there were vivid indications of his extreme global yearning. After completing his classic studies at the University of Zagreb, the highly talented guitarist attended the conservatory of Rotterdam, where he plunged himself head on into the world of modern music. He attended master classes as well as individual lessons given by Joe Pass, Jim Hall, Pat Metheny, Mick Goodrick, Mike Stern, Bob Brookmeyer and John Abercrombie, at the same time dedicating himself to the study of composition. After Rotterdam he attended the New York University School of Music. Soon the young Croatian had gained the status of being something of a secret weapon on strings and he won the recognition of famous colleagues, not only in the USA but also in Europe. He worked with such great artists as Benny Bailey, Gary Peacock, Reggie Workman, Al Foster, Miroslav Vitous, Ron Carter, Jimmy Cobb, Alvin Queen and Adam Nussbaum.

For his dream ensemble, the heroes of his youth, Zjaca wanted to write music that was perfectly fitting. He says: "This was extremely simple, considering the line-up. An almost natural process, an organic symbiosis". This symbiosis continued during the session. Zjaca, Brecker, Patitucci, Mitrovic and Gadd merely had to look at each other, giving a short nod, and the creative energy poured forth like a lava stream. Only one take was required for each one of the twelve titles. Every band member was receptive to the impulses of the others and was immensely communicative. "I never wanted an album for my ego," said Ratko Zjaca. "My intentions were, first and foremost, to achieve an exchange at the highest level. And this actually worked! I cannot possibly describe how much we enjoyed this moment. But it can be heard, it sounds so obvious and pure. I have never felt better during a recording session." And he was never better than on Continental Talk.

More info

Out now: Goldhammer

Check out the first solo cd of Marius Goldhammer
myspace

KSM FOUNDATION™ Bridge

The Revolutionary KSM FOUNDATION™ Bridge

The KSM FOUNDATION™ Bridge was designed to achieve the benefits of a single solid piece, but also to be fully adjustable for each individual player. KSM has utilized a patented ramp system that allows for precise adjustments and maximizes the transfer of string-to-body vibrations. This improved string-to-body contact gives the instrument exceptional brightness and clarity.




The KSM FOUNDATION™ Bridge is perfect for independent bass builders looking to set themselves apart and for bass bridge upgrades. An instrument that is retrofitted with the KSM FOUNDATION™ Bass Bridge will have enhanced characteristics; such as if the instrument tends to sound low and punchy, those characteristic tones will sound clearer and more refine.


All moving components lock into position with a clamping system after final adjustments are made to prevent any part from vibrating loose after extended use. Because the entire bridge is made of high-grade aircraft aluminum, the light, durable and very resonant material resists all corrosion and rust, while continually maintaining tonal integrity.


This bridge is far superior to other comparably priced bridges. The revolutionary design is completely unique and can not be compared to other bridges on the market.

More info:www.bass-lounge.eu

Windmill Custom Shop JBass made in the USA.

Windmill Guitars is presenting a new Custom Shop Bass Guitar range made in the USA.






Authentic Fender '60 Basses which are licensed by Fender, we use the original 1961 measurements, with handselected very old wood (Alder), Ultra Thin Nitro Finish, handmade (USA) Single Coil Pickups and USA Hardware.
With producing this serie, we do not look at time or money, these Basses are made to be the best you can get!!!

Prices are around 2.900,- Euro (Also available with relic finish: 3.300,- Euro)

Specs:
- Windmill JBass 4-String USA Custom Shop
- Wood: Handselected very old Alder (Also av. Swamp Ash)
- Finish: Ultra Thin Nitro High Gloss
- Neck: Handselected very old Maple
- Fingerboard: Handselected Rosewood (Also av. Maple)
- Pickups: Windmill JBass Single Coil USA Vintage
- Electronic: Passive
- Bridge: Badass
- Tuner: Hipshot

Info: www.windmill-guitars.com

Jerzy Drozd's Bass Contest!

This Brand New Bass Can Be Yours!








Hi, Jerzy Drozd here.

We have finally released the new bass that I have been involved with for some time now. This is our new single cut model.

Before I give you more information about this amazing instrument let me introduce myself.

If you are new to my basses and you do not know yet who I am, just let me say that I´m a Pro bass luthier designing and building bass guitars for mostly 25 years (yeah! it will be next year).

I have designed and have built basses for bass Artists like:
- Carles Benavent ( Paco de Lucia, Chick Corea, Miles Davis)
- Yves Carbonne (Solo Artist, Bass Trio with Michael Manring, Dominique Di Piazza, many other Artists)
- Juan D.C.R. (Maná)
- Alain Pérez (Paco de Lucia, Enrique Morente, Diego "El Cigala", Niño Jósele)
...and many others.

I have built basses from 4 strings to 12 strings, single and double necks, solid and hollow basses etc... I am widely know for my Barcelona™, Legend™, Prodigy L.E.™ basses and Extended Range Basses like Legend X™ and Legend™ XII.

If you want to know more about my work, just take a tour here on my website and discover all the bass guitar models I offer, visit our Forum and read my blog.

Why I tell you all this?

Well, I do not want to sound conceited here but I do want you to be aware that the bass I am giving away is not an ordinary instrument, instead it is a serious piece of art and very fine quality bass guitar.
While giving away a bass free sounds like giving cheap, I want to give you a unique chance to win this unique bass valued in more than $3400!!!

Sounds Good?

OK, now you are aware of what we are talking about I want to introduce you to my very newest baby:

Here are some basic specifications:

- 33" Scale
- Set-in Neck
- Flat (no radius) maple bird´s eye Fretboard
- Cedar Wood Body
- Flamed/spalted maple top
- New innovative Wood Bridge
- 2 split coil JeDXS pickups

all this packed inside of a great bass with many fine details that I am known for, drawn from my knowledge about bass building.

... I have applied to this bass some of my latest discoveries in bass building science. If you want to know more about those secrets, stay connected reading my Newsletter and Blog.

In upcoming months I will reveal some of them.

Actually even if you do not win this bass or even if you do not buy any bass from me whatsoever, you will be able to apply these secrets for a better selection of your next bass purchase, based on the sound you want to achieve.

This bass is so new that you will not find any info about it except within in my Blog. There isn't even a web page for this instrument yet; it's that new!

I had an idea from the first moment to give away one bass from this new single cut series. It is supposed to be a rather basic version, nothing fancy yet it is still a great bass of mine.

However, finally I decided to give away THIS very first bass!

It is the first generation of this new bass design, in time I probably will redesign an actual body/neck setin joint to make it even better.

But I think there is something very special about this bass, the very first one from our new series. It has beautiful wood, gold hardware and it comes with a Certificate of Authenticity with my own signature.

if you know my work for quite time you would know that I never given any of my basses for free, even my endorsers have to pay for it and God knows I have never done this before.

But here it is ...
 
Welcome to Jerzy Drozd's First-Ever Bass Contest!
 
What do you have to do in order to possibly win this bass? It's very simple, you must go to our website

Thanks for participating and good luck!

Reggie Washington "2 HEADS" @ European BassDay 2009

Reggie Washington:  Woody bass
Patrick Dorcean: drums & laptop



Reggie Washington is an influential electric & acoustic bassist in the Jazz, Funk and World scene. Reggie started as a leader 4 years ago and has toured through Europe & the USA with his bands. 

For the European Bass Day, he will play in duo with drummer Patrick Dorcean (Manou Gallo, Mark King, Daniel Romeo, Zap Mama).
"A new twist" to drum & bass with splashes of melody, angular solos & groove,  samples of bass with neo-soul drums.
Reggie's compositions and some re-arrangements of compositions by Opus Akoben, Notorious B.I.G, Marcus Miller & Michael Jackson will bring you to the desired destination... BASS!

Raised in New York, Reggie was a first call bassist during the 80 's & 90's ( Chico Hamilton, Steve Coleman, Steps Ahead, Cassandra Wilson, Branford Marsalis & Buckshot Lefonque).
In the new millenium, he's continued to find his bass voice touring & recording with Roy Hargrove & RH Factor, Me'shell Ndegéocello, Ute Lemper, Mark Ledford, Jacques Schwarz-Bart, Oliver Lake, Adam Falcon & Poogie Bell. 

His first CD entitled; “A Lot Of Love, LIVE!’’ was released in October 2006 (Jammin’ colorS).
The CD is comprised of two live concert performances, one of the stellar trio line ups is with saxophonist Ravi Coltrane (Roy Haynes, Alice Coltrane, Saxophone Summit) & Gene Lake on drums. (Marcus Miller, Henry Threadgill, David Sanborn). The other is made up of 2 excellent Belgian musicians; saxophonist Erwin Vann (Venus, Joe Lovano, Paolo Fresu) & Stéphane Galland on drums. (Aka Moon, Joe Zawinul, Axelle Red).
The CD has received excellent reviews from Bass Player Magazine (USA), Jazz Times (USA), The Music Report (Canada), Bass Guitar (UK), Jazz Magazine (France), All About Jazz (Italy), Mr Jam Magazine (Spain), Jazzman (France), De Bassist (Netherlands), "Le Soir" (Belgium), Jazz Hot (Belgium), Karga Magazine (Turkey), ...

Reggie has given several workshops teaching the "Eternal Internal" & "Anatomy of My Groove" in USA & Europe (California, New York, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, France, Germany, Austria, Canada, ...) and private instruction for the last 15 years.

“My music represents the cutting edge of New Jazz today.  It’s a healthy musical mix paying homage to our forefathers & exploring our craft by journeying down new roads to help pave the way for the future. I am a purist at heart; hungry with new & fresh ideas.  For me; our music must evolve & I feel I’m among the select group of musicians/artists/stylists capable & dedicated to keeping jazz music alive & strong!! “ - Reggie Washington

European BassDay 2009

TC Electronic announces that its Classic450 bass amp is now shipping

TC Electronic’s Classic450 is a brand new bass amp that gives bass players exactly what they need: pure tone and power. After showing the world its bass amp credentials with the award-winning RH450, TC Electronic is going back to bass basics with Classic450 – an amp that offers players easy access to a wide range of classic tones, all via the versatile vintage tone control section. This is backed with TC Electronic’s Tubetone™ and multiband SpectraComp™ technology. TubeTone™ emulates every characteristic of a tube pre-amp and power-amp to deliver the full tube sound. SpectraComp™ virtually allows ‘per string’ compression that evens out the compression across all strings, delivering the quality, punchy sound that compressors are all about.

Classic450 delivers 450W output power via Class D amplifier technology in combination with TC Electronic’s Active Power Management™. This ensures maximum power impact and that Classic450 behaves like a tube amp at full blast. Classic450’s input section caters for both active and passive basses, while its fully transformer-balanced linedriver output, featuring a pre/post tone control switch, delivers a perfect reproduction of Classic450’s tone for both recording and live use, so it’s an ideal amp both on the road and in the studio.

Classic450 is fully compatible with all TC Electronic RS cabinets and it will drive any triple combination of the existing models (RS210, RS212, and RS410). And with its auto-sensing power supply operating from 90 to 240 volts, switching to whatever the local rating is, it is ideal for the gigging musician on tour.

Classic450 is what bass players have been missing: classic sounds, ease of use and raw power all in a compact and sturdy box that can be taken anywhere. For review units please contact AMP – see details below.


Classic450 – Tech Specs:
Power: 450 Watt (800+W peak)
Weight: 4 kg / 8.8 pounds
Dimensions: 275 x 290 x 66mm
Outputs: Galvanic isolated transformer-balanced linedriver output (pre/post pre-amp); tuner out, Speakon speaker output
Tone controls: Four vintage tone controls
Compression: SpectraComp™ multi-band compression
Drive: TubeTone™ full amp simulation
Other features: Output and linedriver Mute, Tuner out, Effects Loop, Auto-sensing PSU

Price:
€780 EU list excl. VAT

More information, pictures and videos
Click here for more info on Classic450