The Peavey Headliner is a 600-watt max bass amplifier head that puts an incredible range of features at players’ fingertips. The amp features a seven-band graphic EQ spaced at optimized frequencies, with each slider providing 15 dB of cut and boost, to provide comprehensive tone shaping at precise frequency bands. Players can use the graphic EQ in conjunction with the low and high shelving-type tone controls, or bypass the graphic EQ entirely.

A built-in optical Compressor with level control and bypass allows players to add the right amount of compression to the mix, while the Crunch feature adds a vintage tube effect that distorts only the high frequencies, preserving the all-important fat low end. The amp also features Bright and Contour switches, effects loop, master volume and headphone out. The Compressor and Crunch features are footswitch selectable.

The Headliner features a built-in XLR direct interface that routes the signal to a house sound system or recording device, and an active/passive pickup switch that compensates for hot inputs. Peavey’s exclusive DDT™ speaker protection circuitry senses the onset of clipping and responds with slight compression that allows the amp to retain the tone, headroom and dynamics (bypass included).

Designed to match the Headliner amplifier, the new Peavey Headliner 410, Headliner 210, and Headliner 115 bass enclosures are made with premium loudspeakers and components for superior tone and reliability.

The Peavey Headliner bass amplifier and enclosures are available now from authorized Peavey retailers. Please visit www.peavey.com/dealerlocator to find the dealer nearest you.

600 watts maximum lightweight class D power
Seven-band graphic EQ
High and low EQ controls
Pre-shape contour switch
Bright switch
Active/passive pickup switch
Footswitchable optical compressor
Footswitchable crunch
Effects loop
Master volume
Headphone output
Exclusive DDT™ speaker protection
XLR direct interface
Combination twist-lock and ¼” external speaker jack
1 ½ rack spaces
10 lbs.
U.S. MSRP $499.99
Features, specifications and pricing are subject to change without notice.

“Peavey’s AmpKit LiNK electric guitar adapter provides users with a powerful way to play, practice and record high-quality tones anytime, anywhere,” wrote Music Inc.’s editorial staff in the December 2011 issue.

AmpKit LiNK connects an electric guitar or bass directly into the headphone jack of an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.Together, AmpKit LiNK and AmpKit—the guitar amps, effects and recording app for iOS devices developed by Agile Partners—provide guitar and bass players with a powerful and convenient way to jam wherever they go.

“AmpKit and the AmpKit LiNK set a high standard for realism and fidelity on the iOS platform,” said Hartley Peavey, founder and CEO of Peavey Electronics Corporation. “We’re excited that our retailers have found so much success with AmpKit LiNK, and we’re honored to be among Music Inc.’s Best of 2011.”

Peavey and Agile Partners recently celebrated the release of AmpKit Version 1.2, which includes major tone advancements that enhance the iOS guitar-playing experience for Peavey AmpKit LiNK guitar interface users. Next-generation tone advancements such as dual-stage amp simulation, convolution-based cabinet simulation, adaptive input compensation, a significantly upgraded noise gate, and solo and mix output shaping deliver by far the best-sounding, most realistic guitar tone on the iOS platform.

Adaptive Input Compensation technology, new in AmpKit 1.2, automatically identifies frequency variations among the headset interfaces of iOS devices, and compensates for the differences by adding slightly attenuated bass frequencies to the output. The results are an amazing increase in the fidelity of the incoming guitar signal and much richer amplified guitar tone regardless of the chosen virtual amp or playing style.

With its new dual-stage amp simulations, AmpKit 1.2 also doubles the simulation fidelity of all Peavey amps in AmpKit when running on newer iOS devices, including iPhone 4, iPad 1 and 2, and the fourth-generation iPod touch. The combination of dual-stage amp simulation and convolution-based cabinet simulation in AmpKit 1.2 delivers an unparalleled level of realism.

AmpKit is available in two versions—AmpKit, a free app, and AmpKit+, $19.99 U.S.—on the iTunes App Store. AmpKit’s in-app Gear Store offers the largest gear selection of any amps and effects app, including 19 amps with 35 separate amp channels, 22 effects pedals, 20 cabinets, 8 mics and more gear on the way. The Peavey amps in AmpKit include the Peavey 3120, Peavey 6505 Plus, Peavey 6534 Plus, Peavey Classic 30, and Peavey ValveKing.

The AmpKit LiNK (U.S. MSRP $39.99) is available now from authorized Peavey retailers, and AmpKit 1.2 is available now for download on the iTunes App Store. Please visit www.peavey.com/dealerlocator to find the Peavey dealer nearest you.

Tal Wilkenfeld has been widely hailed as “the rising star of the bass guitar”. She achieved international acclaim as the bassist for Jeff Beck. She has also accompanied Herbie Hancock and toured with Chick Corea at the age of 21. Jeff Beck has described her as “an astonishing talent”.

Abe has chosen the Kala Mahogany acoustic-electric while Tal favors the California Series USA made solid body natural finish 4-string. The U-Bass is Kala’s revolutionary line of 21 inch scale bass instruments that include the California, S-U-B, and acoustic-electric series.

For further information please contact Rick Carlson at rick@kalaukulele.com

Being a small business, like so many in America, we are struggling this year because the economy is dictating what we can and cannot do to continue our growth, so that being said we want you our readers to know how very appreciated you are. This has been a labor of love for a long time now and we are still hoping that the floodgates are going to open for us eventually and we will see fruit from our labor. When I get emails from our readers that state how much they love the magazine it always makes me smile and gives me that little extra boost to carry on one more month. Never discount the importance of sending a kind note no matter how small it is always appreciated here at Bass Frontiers. I always enjoy reflecting on the year behind us around this time of year to remind myself of all the wonderful blessings we have. Even though life can be a struggle it is always worth it.

I have a lot of projects I am working on for 2012 and hope to catch you guys very soon on the road or possibly at The Canadian Rockies Bass Bash in May 2012. I plan on being there! It is a great event and I would encourage you to attend if at all possible. Until next month, be blessed! And if you make it to Nashville, TN give a holler and let’s meet up!

Bless you all!

Dave Fowler
Editor-in-Chief
Bass Frontiers

Early Fender guitars and basses use a “cross screw” nut for truss rod adjustment, which has two slots arranged in a cross pattern. Cross screw fasteners achieved popularity during the early 20th century because a second slot was provided if the first became damaged. Early Fender designers may have seen this as beneficial, especially since modern hex drive nuts weren’t yet available. In addition to older instruments, many vintage reproduction guitars and basses make use of cross screw nuts.

Adjustment of cross screw nuts presents several problems. Nuts are made of unhardened steel with very narrow slots, so standard screwdrivers don’t fit properly. An 1/8” (3mm) wide blade might have the only tip thin enough to fit into the slot, yet slots are 3/8” (9mm) wide. Thus, only a portion of the slot is contacted with damage likely after several uses.

Since only half of the nut is typically exposed, proper adjustment requires neck removal. Achieving correct neck relief (curvature) may take several attempts, resulting in a tedious process. Musicians are therefore tempted to adjust without removing the neck. Truss rod tension is relatively high, so the amount of resistance during adjustment may be considerable. These high torque demands combined with poor slot contact on unhardened steel can easily chew up nuts, which is clearly evident on many vintage instruments.

Recognizing these problems, CruzTOOLS developed two new screwdrivers for adjustment of vintage- style truss rod nuts. Both employ a special tip profile that allows firm fit into cross screw nut slots. Oversized handles provide a confident grip, and long shafts ensure easy access to the nut. Tips are manufactured to precision tolerances using heat-treated chrome vanadium alloy for high strength.

Despite the extra effort, necks with cross screw nuts should generally be removed for adjustment. The GrooveTechTM Standard Truss Rod Driver has a 9mm wide tip that will contact the entire nut slot for quick and damage-free adjustment. The Standard Driver should be a tool box staple for any technician or musician with cross screw equipped instruments.

For those who prefer making minor adjustments without neck removal, CruzTOOLS developed the GrooveTechTM Cheater DriverTM. Its 4mm wide tip is designed for a secure fit into the slot, and operation is aided by a large handle with extra-long shaft. Successful adjustment requires a nut in good working condition and following recommendations provided by CruzTOOLS.

Suggested retail for each screwdriver is $14.95.

CruzTOOLS provides highly functional tools and tool kits to the motorcycle and music product industries, which are sold through dealers and distributors internationally. For more information, please contact CruzTOOLS at PO Box 250, Standard, CA 95373 U.S.A.; toll-free 888-909-8665; fax 209-536- 0463; or visit their web site at www.cruztools.com.

Thierry is happy to make the sky the limit with his basses, as they are available in bolt-on, set neck, and neck through configurations, as well as active and passive options.

One word…WOW! Norm opened up the clinic with some very impressive playing. Cool grooves, awesome slap/tap technique, chording, and all while keeping the most important aspect in play…the GROOVE! Norm is currently recording and touring with Lincoln Brewster. Norm speaks of our God given talents and our responsibilities to bring them out and make the most of them, woodshedding in order to become a better player, and gives great advice on how to keep it fun and interesting.

The clinic covers the groove, rhythm, time, changing the feel on a song with note duration, technique, and the modes. If Norm is having a clinic in your area, it is well worth your effort and time to go to the clinic no matter how long you have been playing. If you can’t make the clinic, Norm has 4 DVD’s and book of transcriptions for the DVD appropriately titled Grooving for Heaven – the charts. The book is written in both notation and tab, and includes drum transcriptions.

Check out http://www.normstockton.com for CDs, DVDs, charts, events, and some REALLY cool T-shirts.

Ty Campbell started playing bass at age 13 in the high school jazz band and local bands in and around Columbus, Ohio. He attended Capital University majoring in Jazz Performance for 2 years. He attended the Recording Workshop in 1994 and was in the top ten for his class. Ty and his lovely wife Susan have lived in Nashville since 1997. Ty has done extensive touring with various groups throughout the US. When he is not rocking out with ‘Shareen and the Kings’ or running sound at the Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree, you can catch him sitting in at the Nashville Palace with the Larry Hamilton Group or subbing with other groups in and around Nashville.

Never fear change, welcome it. This is a good thing to try to keep in mind especially in the economy we are currently experiencing in the United States, and a number of other places in the world. While we all HATE losing jobs that give us security, sometimes it is meant that we get out of our comfort zones (which is sometimes what it takes for us to get motivated) and find things to sustain our well being. Or better yet, create things to make money for our families. Trust me, this is how millionaires are built. Trial and error coupled with getting knocked down are teachers of the best kind. Getting up, dusting yourself off, and facing adversity time and again until you find something that can fill a much needed void in society is what will set you apart from the rest.

The key is when you get knocked down, DO NOT STAY DOWN, FOR THAT IS THE KISS OF DEATH! Do not give up and take a stand that you will not quit until you find success. I have found that the people who win in the music business are the ones who simply outlast the others…so today I would encourage you to please dig deep and keep at your craft until you “find success”, and believe me you will, eventually. You gotta always keep the goal in mind and keep your hand to the plow and NEVER look back! That is the key my friends.

In my last Editors notes I recognized some team members who have gone the extra mile for us and left out a very important “KEY” guy. His name is Jarad Clement, from New Orleans. Jarad is our on staff videographer. He does an amazing job for us here at Bass Frontiers handling all our video needs and assisting with the social networking. We appreciate what Jarad does for us and certainly want to recognize him for all he does at Bass Frontiers.

Please keep in mind to stay focused on your goals remember that with the fall comes Thanksgiving and as for myself I sure have a LOT to be thankful for…what about you?

An Evening With Bryan Beller will be held on October 26 at 7:00pm at MusicDojo Nashville. Tickets are $15, available only in advance.

Click here for more information, as well as to purchase tickets.

I was in Washington, D.C. when the earthquake hit the East Coast a few weeks ago. We enjoyed a few days of visiting many awesome places. I would encourage any American citizens, as well as any international visitors, to plan a trip to Washington, D.C. (however if you do so make sure you have lots of days to devote to hardcore tourism) or any place you may be near that has helped shape our great country into what we love and enjoy so much today.

There are many places with so much to offer. I, for one, love my home, the United States, so much I get emotional about her very easily.

I am so appreciative of the public servants who tirelessly serve. I found it very interesting that none of the Army personnel I met ever complained about the job they do. Some of them had multiple surgeries and are struggling to walk and in some cases struggling to even speak. One young man has endured 190 surgeries due to a land mine that had almost destroyed his legs.

Please take the time to visit a national monument or take a special trip to any of the beautiful landscapes of the United States to rekindle your love for our country. I am hopeful that we NEVER forget the terrible events of 9/11 because if we forget the past we are indeed doomed to repeat it. Bless you all till next month!