NAMM 2009: Ampeg Micro-VR

Oh my god, this new Ampeg Micro-VR amp is as cute as a kitten. And it probably won't need to be let in and out thirty times a night. At this price, you could use two of these, one set for clean and one for distortion, and have a mad stereo Billy Sheehan rig.

Here's the press release:

Ampeg introduces a miniature solid-state version of the legendary SVT amplifier, known as the Micro-VR Head ($299.99 MSRP), in a size ideally suited for smaller venues and recording studios where the original SVT rig would be both too large and too loud.

Donning classic Ampeg looks—including the silver face, black tolex, chrome corners and silver-blue grille cloth—the Micro-VR Head is no mere plaything. Despite its diminutive size (5.5" H x 12" W x 10" D), the head boasts a true Ampeg preamp, delivering up to 200 watts of pure Ampeg tone.

As a companion, Ampeg also introduces the SVT-210AV ($299.99 MSRP) loudspeaker enclosure, the portable alternative to a full-sized SVT cabinet. Featuring the classic Ampeg style and sound, the SVT-210AV houses two 10-inch Eminence speakers in a compact sealed cabinet that is only two feet tall. Weighing in at approximately 30 pounds, the new cabinet is a decidedly more portable than its refrigerator-sized, 165-pound big brother, the SVT-810AV.

"We're the first to admit that the new Micro-VR rig is cute, but it shouldn't be lost that this is a real Ampeg and a truly professional amplifier," said Zane Williams, amplifier products manager for Ampeg. "It's the result of input from our artists and Ampeg customers who've been asking for a modular, portable and usable live/recording system that fits into a lot spaces, is easy to move around and delivers our signature tone."

The Micro-VR and SVT-210AV is now shipping to retailers. See them at NAMM 2009 in Booth 5676.

For more information, visit their web site at www.ampeg.com.

NAMM 2009: Fernandes Tony Campos signature

Tony Campos of Static-X will unveil his new Fernandes signature bass guitar this Friday, January 16 at the NAMM showat the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.

Campos will appear at the Fernandes booth (#5960) at 1:30pm.

Check out that photo. This dude should form a band with Slayer's Kerry King. They could be like a metal ZZ Top.

NEWS: New Billy Sheehan signature Yamaha bass

This is kinda old news, but this is a new blog so here it is: Check out the new Yamaha Billy Sheehan signature model bass. Billy's Attitude series has been around for years, but this new model is based on the BB series basses he used when he was a member of David Lee Roth's band.

Here's the press release:

Yamaha Introduces New Billy Sheehan Signature Model

Based on the classic BB414 body style, the new four-string model features a unique woofer pickup that Sheehan designed with Yamaha's master guitar builder, John Gaudesi. Aesthetic details include gorgeous black nickel hardware and a black metallic finish.

"The new Sheehan model puts a unique and exciting spin on the classic tried and true BB series, with killer new features and the classic Yamaha punch," said Armando Vega, product manager, Yamaha Guitars.

Known as one of the most dynamic bassists to ever pick up a four-string, Sheehan made his name with Mr. Big and David Lee Roth and has had an active solo career. Over the next few years, he plans to continue recording, go on tour and make special clinic appearances.

Sheehan's current Signature model, the ATT LTD II, will also remain in Yamaha's product lineup and will be available in new colors, including Black and Lava Red.

"This is an exciting time in Yamaha's relationship with Billy," said Dennis Webster, marketing manager, Yamaha Guitars. "The collaboration to customize the classic BB bass has resulted in a unique new signature model. At the same time, Yamaha is releasing two new exciting colors in the historic ATT LTD II signature bass."

The BB714BS (MSRP: $US1,099) is shipping now.

For more information, visit www.yamaha.com.

NEWS: Fender's Roadworn series

Fender has unveiled its new Roadworn series, which brings Custom Shop-style relic finishing to players who can't afford to spend thousands on a carefully bashed-up instrument, but still want the look, feel and vibe.

Two bass models will be available, based on the 1950s Precision Bass and the 1960s Jazz Bass.

The line will be officially launched at NAMM.

Here are the specs:

'50s P Bass
Distressed body, neck and hardware creating an aged and worn appearance,
Vintage styling
Gold anodized aluminum pickguard,
Synthetic bone nut
Alder body
2-color sunburst, Fiesta Red (nitro finish)
maple neck, 7.25" radius
1.750" nut
20 vintage style frets
1 Precision Bass split single-coil pickup (Mid)
nickel/chrome hardware
American vintage Precision/Jazz bass bridge
Vintage style reverse tuning machines

'60s J Bass
Distressed body, neck and hardware creating an aged and Worn appearance,
Vintage styling
Gold anodized aluminum pickguard,
Synthetic bone nut
Alder body
3-color sunburst, Fiesta Red (nitro finish)
rosewood neck, 7.25" radius
1.50" nut
20 vintage style frets
2 Standard vintage alnico magnet Jazz Bass single coil pickups
nickel/chrome hardware
American vintage Precision/Jazz bass bridge
Vintage style reverse tuning machines

For more info: fender.com/roadworn

You can read about the guitar versions on my other blog, I Heart Guitar.

CLICK HERE to buy the Fender Rock Box watch and accessory gift set from Musician's Friend

CLICK HERE to buy the book 'Pink Floyd The Black Strat: A History Of David Gilmore's Black Fender Stratocaster' from Musician's Friend

New blog coming soon!

Soon I'll be launching the I Heart Bass blog at this address. There will be bass guitar related interviews, news, reviews, videos and lessons.

Lesson topics will include bass chords, using effects, tapping, playing changing lines against static guitar parts, and the secrets to bass distortion. 

I'll also be scouring the net for interesting custom and production basses.

My main instrument is guitar, which I've been playing since I was 8 years old, but I've been playing bass since I was 14 and now I'm 3o. For a while I taught bass at World Of Music in Brighton East, Melbourne, and while my guitar style is influenced by guys like Vai, Satriani, Van Halen, Bettencourt and co, my bass playing is influenced by John Paul Jones, Tony Visconti, Geezer Butler and Mike Inez. I'm also partial to the playing of Billy Sheehan and Bryan Beller, though I don't play like them. And Rohan Drew, the bass player in my band, is a freaking amazing player who is very inspiring to work with.

If you'd like to see your favourite players here, let me know and I'll do my best to include them.

In the meantime, check out my other blog, I Heart Guitar.