Issue 27

ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO SLAP BASS
As part of BGM’s ‘Essential Guide’ series, Stuart Clayton and Adrian Ashton offer pro-tips and advice on
improving slap technique for beginners and advanced players alike.

KILLER SLAPS 
We have a selection of advanced exercises taken from Stuart Clayton’s book, Ultimate Slap Bass, written
in the style of some of the most popular slap bassists of all time.

INTERVIEWS:
 
STU HAMM & BILL GOULD
Stuart Clayton and Joel McIver speak to two kings of the slap world; Stu Hamm and Faith No More’s 
Billy Gould.

RUSSELL LEETCH - THE EDITORS
Flying high in the charts while creating a legion of fans, Editors bass player, Russell Leetch tells 
Petra Jones his bass secrets.

MATT RUBANO - TAKING BACK SUNDAY 
With their fiery brand of melodic hardcore rock, Taking Back Sunday return with Louder Now, an album
that certainly lives up to its name. Petra Jones puts the questions and discovers what it takes to produce
a really big rock record. 

PHIL MULFORD  
BGM speaks to veteran of the UK bass scene, Phil Mulford,  and asks the secret to his longevity.

RHONDA SMITH  - PRINCE 
Long-time guardian of Prince’s low-end, Steve Harvey asks Rhonda Smith about her new album RS2.

ED POOLE 
Following the release of his critically acclaimed new album,  ED III,  Steve Harvey speaks to one of
the UK’s best kept bass secrets.

GEAR TESTS:   

OVATION ELECTRO - ACOUSTIC NIKKI SIXX SIGNATURE
Mike Brooks takes a close look at Nikki Sixx’s Signature Ovation electro-acoustic. At over £2,500, it’s not
cheap, but it’s certainly striking.

WASHBURN FORCE 4
Washburn have become known for producing reliable, value-for-money basses. The new Force range 
looks to build upon that reputation. Mike Brooks checks out the 4-string version.

MUSIC MAN 30TH ANNIVERSARY STINGRAY
Over the last 30 years, the Leo Fender designed Music Man basses have earned themselves the title of
‘Industry Standard’. Mike Brooks casts an eye over the 30th Anniversary model.

MXR M-181 BASS BLOW TORCH PEDAL
Need a little more ‘bite’ to your sound? Andrew McKinney checks out the new distortion pedal from MXR;
the Blow Torch. Hot stuff or a lot of hot air?

LINE 6 COMBO
Famed for their digital wizardry, Line 6 have launched a new range of digital combos. Stuart Clayton plugs
in to the Low Down 175.

GIBSON LES PAUL DOUBLE CUT & STANDARD BASSES
In the world of the electric guitar, the Les Paul body shape is nothing short of iconic. Stuart Clayton rocks
out with the 4-string bass versions.

HUGHES & KETTNER
With an impressive list of endorsees from the world of electric guitar, Hughes & Kettner
now have their sights set firmly on building their profile and reputation within the world
of Bass. Mike Brooks investigates this combo and extension cab set up.

COLUMNS:

DAVE MARKS
Style File continues with Dave Marks donning his red, green and gold sweatbands; it’s time for some reggae.

STEVE LAWSON
More Chord Progressions tutorials with Steve Lawson. Grab your bass, plug in, and start to experiment!

STUART CLAYTON
Stuart Clayton’s Advanced Techniques column continues with the soloing and jazz improvisation theme.

Tutorials - Exercises - Advice

and more...

Books, DVDs and CDs