Bassweek #1: Strymon reverb, BeastMode strings and Motörhead release

February 22, 2023

The week is gone, and we are ready to please you with a fresh bass news compilation. Today we will talk about the new device of the guys from Strymon, the story that Dave Mustaine got into, and about plugin sources for your musical creativity.

Strymon has unveiled a new device called Cloudburst Ambient Reverb. Cloudburst is a full featured reverb in a compact package. This reverb is distinguished by the presence of a stereo input and output, as well as control over a midi channel. On board is a standard set of adult reverb settings. The sound is up to par too. The device will suit both fans of stringed instruments and modular synthesizers. The pedal’s advertised price is $279. We are waiting it in retail.

An interesting historical note was published on reverb.com. Do you know what was the first multi-string bass guitar and who made it? Meet the ‘66 CBS era Fender Bass V. Unlike conventional five-string basses, this bass had only 15 frets, although it was three inches longer than the then-produced Precision. The tune was also different from the usual. Instead of a low B string, the musicians got a high C. Bass was produced until 1971. About two hundred instruments were sold in total. They still sometimes appear at auctions, although their cost starts at $ 5,000 - a collector’s model, after all.

The guitarworld.com site recalled that Dave Mustaine, the leader and founder of Megadeth, once said that the bass isn’t a difficult instrument to play, and in general, it did not go far from the kazoo (It is such a pipe). These words were said back in 2008 on Good Morning America when Dave laughed Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee. Mike played bass guitar very badly during his election campaign. Guitarworld took this old junk out of the closet just to spread the word about Friedman joining Megadeth and to announce their upcoming show. We’re not like that, and we remember that the disparaging attitude towards bassists can be traced throughout Dave’s career. We remember everything. Source…

Attractions of unprecedented generosity have swept the Internet. Many software processor and plugin developers give away their products for free. AmpliTube 5 Custom Shop processor and MODO BASS 2 CS cool bass synthesizer from IK multimedia can be downloaded for free. Native Instruments is also giving away its Guitar rig 6 processor and KOMPLETE START sample library. Audiolatry Funkbass, Focusrite Novation B-Station and Kee Bass should also be mentioned. Links to all mentioned programs and their brief descriptions can be found in the digest on our website.

Neural networks have reached the world of guitar effects. The young company Audiosingularity is developing a guitar processor based on artificial intelligence technologyThe project is called neurontube: debut. If you are interested in learning how artificial intelligence hears, understands and copies sound, then by all means try Debut, especially since you can download it absolutely free. You can support the project and give feedback to the developers on the project website.

Von Frankenstein Monster Gear have announced, produced and are already selling a new nickel-plated bass strings called BeastMode. The strings designed for the heaviest styles and aggressive playing. According to the manufacturer, even at maximum load, the strings will always be perfectly controlled, produce the desired sound and definitely will not break. BeastMode strings are available in four gauges and are designed exclusively for long scale basses. The website lists the price as $29.

Heavy metal monsters Motörhead decide to re-release their latest album with the previously unreleased track “Greedy Bastards”. The song and animated video are already availabl. The album will be released as a limited edition box set on vinyl and CD. Pre-order is already possible.

That’s all the news for today. Subscribe to our channel, like this video and hit the bell. Links to the mentioned resources, as well as the full text of the digest, are available on BassLife.org in the news section. See you next week!