Bass Amps

Choosing the Right Cable Length for Your Setup

June 26, 2019

Using instrument cables of the proper length can both help your sound and make your stage setup look neater. They can also help you perform better too, as having to stand close to your amp or pedalboard because you didn’t bring long enough cables can really put a damper on your show. There are a few simple guidelines to follow, whether you’re putting together your first gig rig or re-evaluating your current setup.

Seven Habits That Will Make You a Better Musician, Part 3

May 30, 2019

Practice the Art of Being a Team Player

In the same way that learning the other players' parts will help you to fit in well, so too will learning to become a team player. Any guitarist can tell you that your amp sounds great when it's shaking the rafters. But if you crank up indiscriminately, it makes it hard for the other musicians to play at their best. Remember, they need to be able to hear as well. So, when they tell you they need you to adjust your volume, try to accommodate them to the extent possible. A good stage mix allows the whole band to hear not only themselves, but all the other parts as well. It does not require the ultimate guitar tone; that is essential out front, but it isn't always the top priority on stage.

Seven Habits That Will Make You a Better Musician, Part 2

May 24, 2019

In this article, you will learn how to focus your efforts on the areas you need to improve the most, and we will see how important it can be to see the 'big picture' when playing in a band. Last time, we learned some effective practice strategies, but how do you know which areas in which to invest your time? How can you improve your ability to "see" where you are taking your music?

Seven Habits That Will Make You a Better Musician, Part 1

May 22, 2019

If you are really serious about becoming the best musician that you can be, it makes good sense to cultivate habits that will help you achieve your goal, rather than hinder you. In this series, we will learn seven habits that will help you become a better musician. There is a lot to learn when mastering a musical instrument, but these basic principles will help you achieve success more easily, and they apply no matter which instrument you play.

WG5 Wireless Guitar System Video Review by The Tone King

May 17, 2019

The TONE KING reviews the Carvin Amps WG5 Wireless Guitar and Bass System. The WG5 Wireless Guitar/Bass System is designed to give you the wireless freedom you have been looking for and the simplicity to make your life as a working musician easier. Compact design coupled with an intuitive, easy set up makes going wireless an enjoyable process. The WG5 works with both active and passive instruments.

WG5 Wireless Guitar/Bass System Demo Video

April 08, 2019

WG5 Wireless Guitar/Bass System Demo Video

The WG5 Wireless Guitar/Bass System is designed to give you the wireless freedom you have been looking for and the simplicity to make your life as a working musician easier. Compact design coupled with an intuitive, easy set up makes going wireless an enjoyable process. The WG5 works with both active and passive instruments.

Guitar Setups for Players - Pulling It All Together, Part 2

December 21, 2018

In this article, we will continue our guide to Guitar Setups for Players. Be sure to check out our previous article for valuable information.

What to Do When You're "Stuck in a Rut," Part 1

December 05, 2018

One of the most common frustrations most musicians experience is the dreaded "Stuck in a Rut Syndrome" (I just made that up, but you get the idea). Because of the incomprehensible amount of time one must invest to master a musical instrument, it is easy to work your way into practice habits that can interfere with your advancement. You worked so long at getting it right, that it became a habit. But even though you have mastered it, you continue drilling the exercise. Worse yet, this can even happen with exercises that you haven't yet mastered, locking you into endlessly practicing badly. You know you need something fresh, but it can be hard to know what to change. So, the next time you find yourself stuck in a rut, look to one of these easy techniques to help you get back on track fast.

FDR60 Direct Box Demo Video

October 10, 2018

Why You Need a Good DI Box

October 10, 2018

When the sound tech needs to connect an instrument-level source (such as a bass guitar or keyboard) to the PA system, they will typically reach for a direct injection box (DI box). At first thought, this might seem counter-intuitive, since most mixers have 1/4" inputs and enough gain to match a wide range of signal levels. So, what are DI boxes, and why do you need one?

Music Theory You Need, Especially if You Don't Read: Bonus Skills

October 05, 2018

As we have explored some essential music theory for non-reading musicians in these past few articles, you may have wondered at some point, "What does this have to do with playing by ear in a band?" We did see how a little theory makes it easier to invent new chords, and we learned how each key signature represents a family of notes and chords that naturally fit together. We also discovered that knowing how to subdivide the bar and the ability to read rhythm notation can be essential regardless of whether you're playing by ear or reading a chart. In the process of learning these basic skills, you have also acquired some new skills that you never had before. Your investment in learning some theory now puts some incredibly useful musical tools at your disposal.

Five Tips for Downsizing Your Guitar Rig

March 16, 2018

If you’ve been a musician for some time, it’s likely that you’ve had to downsize your guitar or bass rig for one reason or another. It could be that your band’s tour van was tight on space, or you decided to start using public transportation to get to the gig, or you simply didn’t want to lift a heavy amp anymore. Whatever the reason, switching from a big rig to a smaller one isn’t always easy. While some musicians may revel in their quicker, easier load-ins and saving on chiropractic bills, others may find themselves reluctant to ditch their big rigs. And it’s completely understandable - if you’re going from a head and cabinet setup to a practice amp, for instance, you will notice a difference in sound, just by virtue of having less speakers behind you onstage. But with proper planning, downsizing your rig just may end up working out for the better.

« Previous 1 2 3 4 … 8 Next »