The first episode of the Bass Freq’s Podcast is live. Hosted by experienced recording and touring bass player Josh Paul (Suicidal Tendencies, Infectious Grooves, Daughtry), each episode features in-depth discussions with some of the top bassists working today. Get the direct lowdown on how they got their start, how they approach their role as the driving force of a song, what gear they use, and what it takes to perform at the highest level.

Bassist Doug Wimbish, Josh’s first guest, credits his growth and continued development as an artist to an having an open mind and a love for learning from any musician and playing any type of music, regardless of genre. For proof of Doug’s open-minded approach to music, all you need to do is scan his impressive resume. From his early days holding down the bottom end for seminal hip-hop label Sugarhill Records and artists such as Grandmaster Flash to his work with Tackhead, Living Colour, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Annie Lennox, and various others, Doug has embraced a wide range of creative possibilities throughout his career.

Listen to Doug Wimbish on the Bass Freq’s Podcast now, wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe to stay up to date with a new episode and a new guest every week.

Photo: Chad Jenkins.

For a long time, short and medium scale bass guitars have been dismissed as instruments for newbies or players on a budget. In recent years, however, a growing number of experienced players have turned to them for the unique playing experience they offer when compared to the standard long-scale bass guitars that dominate the field. What is it, specifically, that these players are drawn to, and what can short-and medium-scale basses do for your playing experience? 

Let’s face it: for logistical reasons—or, sometimes, “creative” reasons (you know who you are, guitar players)—you don’t always have access to a dedicated bass player. You could just get yourself a bass and play that, but then you’d have to invest in and learn your way around a whole new instrument. Why not just get that groovy low end from a guitar you already know and love?

Here’s how.

Effects pedals may be designed with a particular instrument in mind, but we’ve always felt that a quality effect in the hands of a discerning tone crafter will sound great on any instrument, whether guitar, bass, didgeridoo, or even vocals. Bass players had to learn this lesson many years ago when pedals specifically designed for their instrument’s frequency range were a scarcity. Today, bass players have just as wide a range of amazing stompboxes available to them as guitar players do, and many of them sound incredible with guitar. We put a list together of bass pedals that every guitar player should seriously consider adding to their arsenal. 

Choosing the right set of strings is crucial for pulling off a satisfying and productive playing experience. The character of your sound and the fluidity of your technique both depend on the gauges you use to string up your guitar. Our Performance + line of electric guitar strings offers a full range of sets—which one is for you? Each set has been assembled for the perfect balance between comfortable tension and flexibility and a full tonal range that allows you to express yourself down to the finest detail. Each set achieves that balance in its own way. Don’t be intimidated by the number of sets available—we’re here to equip you with the knowledge you need to find the best set for your real-world needs as a player.