Latest Issue of Bass Player

[GM60466]

The new Bass Player Magazine arrived today. Very disappointing editorial content and so much more of the same 'ol same 'ol.
With everything that is happening in the world of bass music and instruments, we need to be better served by this publication.

G

[KJung]

I continue to be a big fan of Bass Player magazine, and like any magazine, whether it be Bass Player, Atlantic Monthly, National Geographic, or whatever, some issues are interesting to me and others aren't. It's very difficult to keep everyone happy when you are trying to cover rock, grunge, punk, funk, pop, jazz, and even symphonic bassists and gear reviews. So, when every once in a while an issue falls flat to me due to them emphasizing players who don't interest me, I cut 'em a break.

That being said, our own Tom Bowlus, along with a few others, is launching a new magazine (Bass Gear Magazine) that is totally (or virtually totally) targeted to in-depth gear reviews. I like this approach of 'doing one thing and doing it well', and from what I've seen on the website, it looks like it's going to do what it does very nicely.. with very detailed gear reviews, true bench tests, and interviews focused on gear manufacturers and luthiers versus players.

I plan to continue my Bass Player subscription, and have already subsribed to the Bass Gear Magazine, and look forward to the first issue in April (I think).

IMO!

[Vincent P]

I agree KJung, not every issue is packed with all the stuff I want to read about; but it still has some hidden tid bits that are an intresting read.

[peterbright]

"That being said, our own Tom Bowlus, along with a few others, is launching a new magazine (Bass Gear Magazine) that is totally (or virtually totally) targeted to in-depth gear reviews."

This is what I want.

[Oreomeister365]

Man, I love gear, I'll be all on that mag.

[KJung]

Here is the link to the homepage that has subscription info (note: I'm not involved in this publication at all... I just think it will be cool!)

http://bassgearmag.com/web/

[matrok]

I really like BP. Not always, but I have found if I force myself to read about players I normally would not give the time of day to, I can find something of value in approach, attitude or technique. Been a steady reader since about 1993.

[Rickett Customs]

Originally Posted by matrok

I really like BP. Not always, but I have found if I force myself to read about players I normally would not give the time of day to, I can find something of value in approach, attitude or technique. Been a steady reader since about 1993.

+1, I have issues dating from the first year (1988) on down (don't have every single issue though), I do have a rather large collection, which I can usually "go back" if I don't happen to like a newer issue so much, It always feels good to go back and absorb the same thing and always get something different from it.

[bassbully]

I agree some issues are good some are duds the last a stinker...to much DB for me two articles is to much. I also think some of the articles are two short. The article on JPJ was a good one.

[tombowlus]

Originally Posted by KJung

Here is the link to the homepage that has subscription info (note: I'm not involved in this publication at all... I just think it will be cool!)

http://bassgearmag.com/web/

Thanks for mentioning us, Ken. Our first issue is, indeed, due out around the first of April. We'll have @ 15-16 full gear reviews, plus NAMM coverage.

Tom.

[DeanT]

I subscribed, sight unseen, to BassGear. I'm expecting great things from them and am sure I won't be disappointed.

As to Bass Player, I think their problem is they tend to stick to a small group of bass players and write about them issue after issue. Victor Wooten, Marcus Miller, etc. In previous years they used to do a lot of coverage of female bass players, but now, you hardly see any, unless its Rhonda Smith (who I suspect they only cover because her photos are easy on the eyes) and M'Shelle.

[Barkless Dog]

Bass Player has gone down hill, both in size & content, but I will still buy it.

The British Mag Guitar & Bass is the best mag out there in my opinion.

It has months worth of reading. Best bang for the buck. Also more unbiased reviews unlike bass player's ass kissing it's sponsors or artists

Funny how the world can support like ten guitar rags, but only one or two bass mags?

[ezstep]

Originally Posted by tombowlus

Thanks for mentioning us, Ken. Our first issue is, indeed, due out around the first of April. We'll have @ 15-16 full gear reviews, plus NAMM coverage.

Tom.

Do all bassists one huge favor. Do NOT give glowing reviews to the worst piece of crap that you have ever seen. I can read a review of a really good boutique bass, then read another review of a $99 special bass, and the two read the same. If some piece of gear doesn't live up to its hype, just tell us.

Honesty. It is often overlooked nowadays.

[Shovelbone]

Originally Posted by KJung

Here is the link to the homepage that has subscription info (note: I'm not involved in this publication at all... I just think it will be cool!)

http://bassgearmag.com/web/

Hey KJung,

Thanks for the info. I am definitely jumping on this. It looks like this is right up my alley!

Thanks again!

[Barkless Dog]

Another thing is give the weight of the bass tested.

I subscribed to the hard copy.

[whoneedstherapy]

i cant even find the latest edition!!

[rustynuts]

Originally Posted by tombowlus

Thanks for mentioning us, Ken. Our first issue is, indeed, due out around the first of April. We'll have @ 15-16 full gear reviews, plus NAMM coverage.

Tom.

Can't wait to get it in the mailbox.....I'm one of those that would prefer to kick back and read a "real" magazine rather than park myself in front of the computer to read it. Thanks for offering both versions.

[sublime0bass]

BASS PLAYER HAD BEEN AROUND SINCE 1983?!?!

man, thats a lot of backissues to read

12x25= 300! and i only have 2.....

[Juniorkimbrough]

Originally Posted by DeanT

As to Bass Player, I think their problem is they tend to stick to a small group of bass players and write about them issue after issue. Victor Wooten, Marcus Miller, etc. In previous years they used to do a lot of coverage of female bass players, but now, you hardly see any, unless its Rhonda Smith (who I suspect they only cover because her photos are easy on the eyes) and M'Shelle.

ding, ding, ding!!!! we have a winner!

I like all those players but it eventually turns into an endless circle jerk and I really get bored reading about the same players every issue.

[matrok]

Originally Posted by sublime0bass

BASS PLAYER HAD BEEN AROUND SINCE 1983?!?!

man, thats a lot of backissues to read

12x25= 300! and i only have 2.....

I thought the first issue was around 1990, and it was not a monthly at first.