Each month, the IIB gives its viewers the opportunity to participate in various monthly giveaways. To become eligible to win products including basses, amplifiers, speaker cabinets, combo amps, effects, strings, instrument cables, pickups, gig bags, straps, gift certificates, DVD's, CD's, books, lessons, t-shirts, and more, simply: ENTER TO WIN TODAY!

Below, you will find a list of the current giveaway items available. Special thanks to all of our giveaway sponsors. Please visit their respective web sites to check out all of the great products and services that they offer.

J. D'Addario & Company, Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets complete lines of strings for fretted and bowed musical instruments, drumheads, drum practice pads, and guitar and woodwind accessories under the proprietary brand names D'Addario, Evans Drumheads, Planet Waves, Rico, and HQ Percussion. The company also runs the popular Gbase.com online gear source. J. D'Addario products are marketed in approximately 120 countries. ... Read More.

The new sound of steel! ProSteels are D'Addario's brightest and most magnetic bass strings. A specialized alloy delivers harmonically rich, brilliant high-end coupled with deep, tight lows that work in tandem to create the coveted "piano-like" tone steel players crave.

Suggested Retail Price - $32.99

Gold-Plated 1/4" Angled - Straight Instrument Cable. 8 banana-like compression springs in the shank of the plug compress, making excellent contact while providing additional mechanical holding force. Near-perfect frequency response, double-insulated/double-shield coverage, and the lowest triboelectric (handling noise) of any cables on the market. The plug is soldered, covered with an internal copper shield tube, and then over-molded, first with a rigid PVC to encapsulate the solder joints and then with a flexible polymer for unprecedented strain relief.

Suggested Retail Price - $47.99

Tired of those shoulder and back aches after a long session with your heavy guitar or bass? The Planet Waves Padded Comfort Strap helps relieve the discomfort of playing a heavy instrument by distributing the instrument's weight across a wider area. This 3" wide, heavy-duty tubular strap is equipped with an internal pad that is designed for weightier instruments.

Suggested Retail Price - $26.99

This unique pick-sized tuner uses Planet Wave's revolutionary strobe-on-string technology. Barely bigger than a guitar pick, the S.O.S. bass tuner emits 2 out-of-phase LED light beams directly onto the vibrating string. When the string is out of tune, the two lights will visually dance on the string being tuned. As you approach in-tune status, the movement slows down and eventually stops when you are perfectly in tune. A thumbwheel selects the right LED output for each string of a 4, 5, or 6-string bass guitar. Since it relies strictly on visuals, this tuning system enables precision tuning in dim or noisy environments without the need for audible sound or sensing of any kind.

Suggested Retail Price - $19.99

Over ten years ago, Christopher Willcox, LightWave Systems founder and CEO, began research and development on an alternative to conventional string instrument technology. The result of his efforts is the LightWave optical pickup system. Willcox, a professional luthier, used his extensive experience in design and construction of advanced electric guitars to conclude that the conventional magnetic pickup was limiting the performance potential of stringed instruments. Willcox's goal was to design and build stringed instruments with unmatched sustain and tone. Frustrated with the magnetic pickup's inability to accurately represent string and instrument acoustic properties, he began development of an optical pickup that would liberate the string's true voice, while eliminating the magnetic influence on the strings and the inherent noise of conventional pickups. ... Read More.

Designed and developed from the ground up by LightWave, the Saber SL is a high performance, professional bass featuring the exclusive, patented LightWave optical pickup system. The LightWave pickup's transparent response delivers harmonically rich, deep, and powerful sound, spanning a wide range of tones from pure, natural string sound to super aggressive and cutting edge with the use of EQ or signal processing. Extremely low noise characteristics eliminate the annoying background hum and buzz typical of conventional pickups, and with no magnetic field pulling on the strings, sustain is long and natural, like a grand piano. Highly sensitive to even the most subtle nuances, the LightWave pickup delivers the true sound of the strings, the instrument, and your playing. The Saber's high performance design makes it perfect for heavy road work, the sonic demands of digital recording, or long hours of playing and practicing. Since the LightWave pickup does not rely on body mass for its extended bass response and long sustain, the Saber is exceptionally light in weight and designed with a natural, familiar feel for outstanding performance in all styles of music, from hard rock and heavy metal to pop and jazz.

Saber SL Specifications
- Solid alder body
- Ultrablack, infrared or xenon blue finish
- Rosewood fingerboard
- 3-piece hard maple neck
- LightWave optical pickup system
- Custom GraphTech monolithic bridges
- iceTone saddles
- Switchcraft output jack
- Noble potentiometers
- Master volume
- Bass boost and cut
- Mids boost and cut / mids sweep
- iceTone blend
- Warm / cool toggle switch
- NiMH rechargeable battery pack
- Rapid-charge system (1 hour recharge)
- 16 hours playing time per charge
- Hear the true sound of the string
- Transparent response
- No magnetic field = long, natural sustain
- Extremely low noise
- Extended bass response
- Lightweight, comfortable design
- 34" scale length
- 4 and 5-string, fretted and fretless
- 2-octave fingerboard
- ProTec gig bag

Street Price - $1095.00

Ibanez is recognized as one of the world's top-selling bass companies. Ibanez first drew attention in the 1970's and 80's with its neck-thru basses that featured active electronics. The Ibanez Soundgear bass was introduced in the 1980's, and since that time, the role of the electric bass has changed considerably. From jazz to funk to aggressive hard rock, bassists still rely on Ibanez basses to lay down the groove even though many new trends have come and gone. Today, Ibanez offers the most diverse bass line of 4, 5, and 6 basses available for every playing style in every price range. ... Read More.

The latest generation of BTB basses takes the traditional BTB formula that combined a massive body with a substantial neck and moved it forward. BTB's continue to have the right mixture of select woods and high-tech appointments which supply the huge tones and sustain that BTB players have come to love. The new BTB's feature neck-thru construction and deeper cutaways that enhance playability and make upper fret navigation effortless. With its 5-piece maple/bubinga thru-neck and figured maple top, it's an electric bass that will stand out in any situation on aesthetics alone. Soundwise, the mahogany body produces plenty of smooth tones and depth which is enhanced by the dual Bartolini MK2-5 pickups. The 35-inch scale length provides superior articulation and is perfect for 5-string basses where "flopping" can occur on the low B-string with standard neck scales. The Bartolini MK2 pickups deliver fat sound and precise response while the Bartolini 3-band EQ offers detailed tone control.

BTB575FM Specifications
Body: Mahogany body with figured maple top
Neck: 5-piece BTB5 maple/bubinga thru-neck
Fingerboard: Rosewood with abalone dot inlay
Scale: 35"
Frets: 24 medium
Pickups: Bartolini MK2-5 neck pickup/MK2-5 bridge pickup
Electronics: Bartolini MK2 3-band EQ
Bridge: Mono-Rail II bridge
Hardware: Cosmo black

Suggested Retail Price - $1,066.65

When Marco De Virgiliis began to develop the Markbass concept several years ago, he had one objective in mind - to produce a top-quality bass amp that would meet the needs of professional bass players everywhere. Today, Markbass utilizes all the modern technology available to ensure the best possible quality in sound reinforcement for bass. Around the world, Markbass amplifiers have been earning high praise for their sound. In 2008, the Markbass Little Mark II was voted the "Best Bass Head" and "All-Around Best New Product" by the readers of Bass Player magazine. Whether testing the gear in a music store or showing it off on a concert stage, great sounds can be dialed up with the turn of a knob. The VLE (vintage loudspeaker emulator) and VPF (variable preshape filter) filters found on all Markbass heads help bass players create their own personal sound by giving them quick and easy access to a wide variety of tonal options. The Markbass product line is designed specifically to not color the sound of the bass. Instead, Markbass gear faithfully reproduces the unique tonal character of whatever instrument is being played and lets the world hear your bass as it was meant to be played. The latest generation of Markbass amplifiers is truly innovative and represents a new stage in the evolution of bass amplification. Their custom-designed digital power supply circuitry allows for impeccable bass frequency reproduction, and their incredible digital power amps take advantage of cutting-edge technology. All Markbass heads provide you with a wide variety of sounds, unsurpassed tone, and unparalleled performance in an extremely lightweight package. ... Read More.

The Markbass Little Mark 250 is a stunning bass amplifier that combines great sound, compact size, and light weight. Featuring a solid-state preamp and an analog power amp, the Little Mark 250 is the little brother of Markbass' top-selling Little Mark II. It is a smart and inexpensive choice for those who don't need the full power of a 500-watt head. It delivers 250 watts of power into a 4 ohm cabinet or 150 watts into an 8 ohm cabinet. Its small size makes the Little Mark 250 easy to transport, yet with a 4-band EQ, VLE (vintage loudspeaker emulator) and VPF (variable preshape filter), its tone is nothing short of professional. The front panel includes an input that can handle both passive and active basses along with an extra XLR balanced input for acoustic bass pickup systems or a microphone. On the rear panel, you'll find a neutrik speakon combo jack output that accepts both speakon and 1/4" speaker cable as well as a second 1/4" speaker out jack. You'll also discover a balanced XLR out, unbalanced tuner out so you can tune as you play without passing your signal through pedals and an effects loop which saves you from losing your signal if one of your pedals dies or a cable in the chain gives out.

Little Mark 250 Specifications
Input: Impedance 500 Kohm, max. voltage 15 Vpp
Balanced Input (XLR): Impedance 22 Khom, max. voltage 25 Vpp
Effect Return: Impedance 22 Kohm, max. voltage 25 Vpp
Gain: –80 dB to +23 dB range
Master Volume
Ground Lift: Switch on rear panel
Low EQ: Center frequency: 40 Hz; level: ±16 dB
Low Mid EQ: Center frequency: 360 Hz, level: ±16 dB
High Mid EQ: Center frequency: 800 Hz, level: ±16 dB
High EQ: 10 kHz shelf, level: ±16 dB
VPF (Variable Pre-shape Filter): Center frequency 380 Hz (cut)
VLE (Vintage Loudspeaker Emulator): Frequency range 250 Hz–20 kHz (cut)
Line Out: Balanced XLR, max. voltage 10 Vpp
Effects Send: Unbalanced, max. voltage 20 Vpp (pre-EQ)
Tuner Out: Unbalanced, max. voltage 25 Vpp
Speaker Out: Speakon, 1/4"
Weight: 5.73 lbs
Dimensions: 10.87"(W) x 2.8"(H) x 10.1"(D)
Output Power: 150W RMS @ 8 ohm, 250W RMS @ 4 ohm

Street Price With Included Markbass Small Amp Bag - $499.98

The innovative Italian bass amp manufacturer Markbass, after shaking up the industry with their popular Little Mark II amplifier and a varied product line of high-quality and lightweight amps, cabinets, and combos, are reconfirming their reputation for lateral thinking and cutting-edge technology by introducing a dynamic recording plugin called the Mark Studio 1. The plugin, one of very few on the market that accurately models bass amps and speaker cabinets, is based on three Markbass amp heads and six Markbass cabinets. It also incorporates six different microphone choices plus control over compression, mic position, tweeter level, room ambience, and more. The amps featured are the all-tube Classic 300, the tube-preamp R 500, and the solid state (with tube compressor) TA 501. The cabinets modeled in the plugin are the Standard 151HR (rear-ported 1x15"), Standard 152HR (rear-ported 2x15"), Standard 104HR (rear-ported 4x10"), Standard 104HF (front-ported 4x10"), Standard 106HF (front-ported 6x10"), and Classic 108 (sealed 8x10"). Users can combine and adjust any combination of heads, cabinets, and microphones and store their settings in one of 64 user presets. They can also browse through 64 factory presets which have been designed by project engineers as well as top Markbass artists. The plugin can be applied to a bass track either during or after recording, and a "standalone" version, which operates on its own without recording software, is also included. Both Mac and PC versions are offered. The plugin gives users a wide array of sound choices for bass, providing a convenient, high-quality alternative to recording with bass amps and cabinets, while accessing more exciting, realistic sounds than are generally achieved by simply recording direct. The plugin is useful to not only bassists but also producers, engineers, songwriters, and anyone who uses hard disk recording software to create music.

Street Price - $199.99

Line 6 is a music products company dedicated to integrating technology with music products to develop innovative solutions for musicians. As such, we are always on the lookout for dynamic, resourceful, results-driven people driven to define the next generation of music products. As one of the leading companies in the industry, Line 6 employs some of the most creative minds around. ... Read More.

Plug into complete platinum bass tone with the Bass PODxt Pro. Whether you're laying down tracks in a high-dollar studio or taking your songs on the road, Bass PODxt Pro gives you everything you need for professional-grade bass tone. All the studio-standards are built right in. You get models of 28 classic and modern bass amps, 22 essential speaker cabs, and over 50 stompbox, studio, and synth effects. With all these options, creating your own signature bass tone has never been easier. Bass PODxt Pro also comes equipped with all the elaborate pro connections that you need for a truly professional studio or stage experience. In addition, Bass PODxt Pro features A.I.R. II cabinet/microphone modeling, which allows you to choose from 4 mic models, along with the ability to adjust the amount of room you hear. The ability to mix and match speaker cabs and mics will help you find the exact vibe you're looking for.

Bass PODxt Pro Specifications
- 28 modern and classing amp models
- 22 cab models
- 50 stompbox/synth/studio effects
- Compressor
- 6-band semi-parametric EQ
- 4 mic models
- A.I.R. cab/speaker/mic emulation
- MIDI I/O/Thru
- Chromatic tuner
- 64 channel memories
- USB digital I/O
- 1/4" and XLR stereo outputs
- AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital I/O
- Effects loop
- Analog re-amping in and out
- Biamp mode with selectable crossover
- Ability to mix direct signal with modeled signal
- Headphone out
- Foot controller connector

Suggested Retail Price - $979.99

Since 1992, the Epifani design team has consulted with many of the world's leading bassists on the development of their speakers and electronics. Together, they have discovered elegant solutions to the problems bassists encounter on a daily basis. Issues like portability, tone, accuracy, and weight matter greatly. Epifani focuses on real-world needs and strives to deliver practical products that embody superior form and peerless function. During the design process, Epifani evaluates every aspect of the project including size, wood type, construction techniques, cabinet tuning, speaker quality, electronic components, weight, and versatility, but the most important element is the musicality of the finished product. By evolving their products through the application of innovative technologies and designs, Epifani hopes to inspire musicians to new levels of creativity. The products need to "sing," and the defining moment for Epifani is when their customers experience music without thinking or worrying about their gear. They just play. ... Read More.

Epifani spends a lot of time in clubs talking with and listening to players of all skill levels and musical styles. Epifani will always explore emerging technologies, innovating and evolving their existing product lines, but it became apparent that they needed to design a line of amplifiers and cabinets capable of delivering the Epifani sound at a price that just about anyone could afford. If they were to put their name on these products, they were going to have to meet the Epifani standards of reliability, natural sound, and no gimmicks. Epifani's products have to perform anywhere, not just in a bedroom but also on a stage with other musicians in front of an audience and always knowing that your reputation is on the line. With real sound for the real world in mind, Epifani has released the Epifunky Series.

Epifunky 410 Specifications
- 4 x 10" 100 watt proprietary drivers
- 400 watts @ 4 ohms, (900 watts peak)
- 1" compression tweeter
- Off-flat-hi tweeter level control
- Frequency Response: 39 Hz - 16 kHz
- Sensitivity: 102 dB (1 W @ 1m)
- 2 x 1/4" output connector
- Dado joint construction void-free plywood cabinet
- Covered in tough "elephant skin" tolex
- High-impact metal corners
- Recessed handles
- 18 gauge steel grill
- Dimensions: 26.5" H x 23" W x 18" D
- Weight: 59 lbs.

Street Price - $499.00

Evidence Audio was founded in 1997 to offer the finest musical instrument and studio cables available. Their technology is based on 20 years of research in preserving the quality of sound as it passes through electronics. Cables are an area in the production and reproduction realm that can deliver serious improvement (or degradation) for the least amount of money. A void was recognized in the music industry for cable products based on merit rather than marketing hype. Hence the formation of Evidence Audio to bring performance-based cables at reasonable prices to those of us "laying it down." ... Read More.

Guitar Player Magazine's 2004 Readers' Choice Awards - Best Accessory. The best cable Evidence Audio produces. The Lyric HG is a line-level cable especially well-suited for high gain amplifiers or passive pickups where microphonics can be a challenge. The Lyric HG is an intelligent blend of materials and design which results in a new level of sonic transparency.

Street Price - $91.00

In order to overcome the distortion found in most other cables of lesser quality, Evidence Audio's Lyric is a directional instrument cable which utilizes high-grade IGL copper conductors, solid core conductors, a balanced design, foamed polypropylene insulating material, a high-density pure copper braid for shielding to keep out interference, Wonder Solder from TRT, and Neutrik plugs. Many inferior cables will degrade audio signal through poor conducting material, insulation material, plugs, solder, strand design, and geometry, but the Lyric really excels in every area. Although the solid core conductors prevent the Lyric from possessing the flexibility of a stranded cable, the solid core conductors more than make up for that tradeoff with enhanced signal quality. These are heavy-duty cables. With the foamed polypropylene insulation, the amount of air around the conductors is maximized which in turn preserves the detail in resolution. In addition to the high-density pure copper braid, the conductors are also wrapped with graphite tape to further reduce extraneous noise. The Lyric can be utilized in long lengths without the fear of losing high frequencies because the Lyric was designed with that obstacle in mind.

Street Price - $71.20

The Melody signal cable has been designed for use with instruments, as well as for studio, pedal-board, and rack wiring. The Melody is built by designer Tony Farinella to be what he calls a "coax cable done right." Based on years of research in cable theory and design and most importantly time spent listening, the Melody incorporates fundamental features pioneered by Evidence Audio that allow signal transmission with minimal degradation. It is designed to pass audio with as little change as possible for an honest presentation of associated equipment and playing styles.

Street Price - $61.00

The Siren II is the next generation Siren speaker cable.

Street Price - $92.00

Carey Nordstrand began building pickups out of necessity for his custom basses when he couldn't find what he wanted from the normal suppliers. His first pickups were dual coils, and he made them with some very rudimentary tools. After some sonic successes in designing pickups for his basses, he decided to offer them to other builders and even to dealers. He started selling a set here and a set there. Those humble beginnings have evolved, through the acquisition of some keys tools and a lot of work, into a fledgling pickup company with a very strong desire to improve the sonic landscape for amplified guitars and basses. ... Read More.

The NJ4 is a vintage single coil J-style pickup made with '60's-era correct heavy formvar wire and alnico V magnets. In winding these pickups, Nordstrand uses a simulated hand wound pattern that lowers the resonant peak of the pickup resulting in a pleasing yet present high end. These pickups have a very even and full sound with that snap and grind associated with the classic basses of that time. The NJ4 includes black covers with exposed pole pieces.

Suggested Retail Price - $189.00

Originally established as a repair and custom guitar shop in a retail music store called the Buffalo Guitar Outlet, Zon Guitars was founded by Joe Zon in his hometown of Buffalo, New York, in 1981. As a repair technician, Zon had earned a reputation for years of high-quality repairs and building customized instruments. In order to address all the problematic issues encountered with instruments while a repairman, Zon designed his first production-model instruments in 1982, the Standard and Signature model basses. After years of continued growth, Zon relocated his shop to Redwood City, California, in 1987, which continues to facilitate as Zon's base of operations today. ... Read More.

The Zon Pro Series Gig Bag is a premium quality gig bag that is constructed from heavy-duty, waterproof codura fabric and fits all bass guitars. It features thick padding, plush lining, zipper, adjustable dual-padded shoulder straps, and three storage pockets.

Street Price - $99.00

Comfort Strapp is the maker of the world's most comfortable shoulder strap for bass guitar. The Pro Series bass straps provide unmatched comfort and performance. Comfort Strapp's composite design has the soft cushion of neoprene, configured to eliminate any bungee effect. Comfort Strapp will outperform any strap you've ever used, and it is the only patented neoprene strap offering limited stretch. Made in the USA and available worldwide. ... Read More.

The Pro Bass Series consists of a wider design through the shoulder area, providing added support for the typically heavier bass instrument. Neoprene pad tapers to 3" from 3.5" and is available in three lengths:
Pro Bass Short 33" - 37"
Pro Bass Long 38" - 45"
Pro Bass Extra Long 42" - 54"

Street Price - $40.00

Since 1998, it has been the continuing goal of BassBooks.com to be your ultimate online resource of educational material for the bass guitar.

BassBooks.com $25 gift certificates can be utilized for purchasing any item from their huge inventory of merchandise. ... Read More.

Street Price - $25.00

Expanding upon the concepts firmly established by his former instructor, the late bass icon Jaco Pastorius, in the 1970's, solo bassist Michael Manring has pioneered a non-traditional approach to unaccompanied electric bass performance that incorporates unconventional tunings, astoundingly virtuoso technical innovations, and ground-breaking methodologies. By seamlessly merging all of the modern bass techniques including traditional fingerstyle playing, slapping, plucking, chord strumming, and contrapuntal two-handed tapping techniques on fretted and fretless instruments with his amazing and unparalleled work with the EBow, explorations with harmonics, and his extensive use of altered tunings, Manring has completely redefined the role of the electric bass as a legitimate solo instrument and opened the ears of bassists worldwide to all the previously undiscovered textural possibilities accessible on electric bass. ... Read More.

Soliloquy is a collection of technically-unparalleled, richly-textured, and refreshingly-innovative arrangements from Michael Manring's repertoire that reveal his unyielding passion for creating music comprised of the astonishing variety of tonalities attainable on bass. Disregard the fact that the music featured on this project was recorded by a solo bassist using only electric and acoustic bass guitars. Forget about the virtuoso technical facility required to perform at this level. As Manring explores the enormously expansive palette of sonorities and dynamic textural possibilities available on unaccompanied bass guitar, he has redefined the role of the electric bass as a legitimate solo instrument in contemporary music and proves it to be profoundly communicative and capable of conveying the entire gamut of human emotion.

Street Price - $15.00

Canadian bassist Alain Caron began playing professionally at the age of 11. In the early 1970's, he moved to Montreal and started doing extensive studio work and played in every jazz club around town. The self-taught musician took correspondence courses and also attended Berklee College of Music. While in Boston, he was quickly introduced to some outstanding young musicians, co-students, and well-established professional jazzman including David Kikovsky, Tom Harrell, Sal Nestico, Frank Tiberi, Jerry Bergonzi, and Bob Moses with whom he began performing alongside nightly in the Boston area. ... Read More.

5 Live on DVD features the Alain Caron Band in a live concert at the Cabaret de Montreal. With Alain Caron on fretless and fretted basses, Jean St-Jacques on keyboards and malletkat, David Bellemare on saxophone, Simon Langlois on drums, Francois Blouin on keyboards, tracks include "Ocean Of Trees," "Double Agent," "Signal," "Ink Illusion," "Show Of Hands," "No Left Turn On Tuesday," "Slam The Clown," "Turkey Loose On The Kit," "Baby Step," "Solitude," "Black Paws," and "D-Code."

Street Price - $23.00

As both bassist and clinician, Norm Stockton travels extensively throughout North America and Europe for MTD Basses, Gallien-Krueger, and Maranatha! Music. Norm's acclaimed bass instructional video series, Grooving For Heaven, has been distributed extensively in the United States and abroad. His debut solo project, Pondering The Sushi, continues to garner positive feedback from print and on-line media. Norm has extensive experience in a wide array of musical settings. His recording and/or performance credits include jazz guitarist Steve Laury, keyboardist Rob Mullins, bassist Dominique Di Piazza, keyboardist Scott Wilkie, guitarist Lincoln Brewster, Fernando Ortega, bluesman Darrell Mansfield, heavy rock group Luna Halo, and singer/songwriter Bill Batstone. Norm has served as the bass columnist for Christian Musician magazine as well as adjunct faculty at Concordia University, Hope International University, and Biola University in Los Angeles, California. ... Read More.

Pondering Bass Technique emerges as the first Grooving for Heaven volume dedicated to the advanced techniques employed in the modern bass vocabulary. As opposed to presenting a "glossary of riffs", Norm demystifies these techniques to allow the committed bassist to assimilate them for the broadest possible range of artistic expression. Features performances ("A Tender NAMM Moment", "Pondering the Sushi", "The Star Spangled Banner", and more) from his critically-acclaimed solo debut, Pondering the Sushi. Topics include: Slapping (Intermediate to Advanced, including Double-Thumbing), Tapping (Arpeggios, Single-String, Variations), Chording, Chimes, Thuds & Swells (A Spectrum of Tones), Combining Techniques, Effects to Enhance, Introduction to Solo Bass Arranging. Running Time: 2 Hours 11 Minutes.

Street Price - $40.00

The Art of Groove is an in-depth and engaging exploration into the relationship between the bass and drums in a contemporary ensemble. Together with much insightful input and consummate grooving by drummer David Owens (Thomas Dolby), Norm demonstrates and clarifies a multitude of concepts, exercises, and groove considerations as he takes you to the next level. An indispensable resource for bassists and drummers pursuing maximum rhythm section effectiveness. Topics include: Essential Ear-Training (Rhythmic & Harmonic), Groove 101 (Concept/Approach, Bass Parts, Context & More), Musical Genres & Groove Vocabulary: A Bass & Drum Focus, The Critical Subtleties (Tempo vs. Feel, Conveying Emotion Musically, Fills, Groovicidal Tendencies), Bass & Drum Dialogues: Developing the Synergy. Running Time: 1 Hour 54 Minutes.

Street Price - $40.00

From the technical, to musical, to conceptual, to spiritual...Grooving for Heaven Vol. 2 is an engaging, one-on-one clinic that explores the next level of progression for the contemporary worship bassist desiring to build upon their solid understanding of the fundamentals. The committed bass player will emerge with a fresh perspective on what to play, what not to play, and how effectiveness is frequently dictated by the subtleties. Topics include: Fingerboard Familiarity Part II: Modes & Intervals, Bassic Communication (How to Say What You Mean), Bass Idioms Analyzed: "What Makes the Funk....Funky?", The Slap Style, Taste ("Is It All In Your Mouth?"), Fretless Bass: Expanding the Pallette, The Grace-case's Perspective on Ministry. Running Time: 92 Minutes.

Street Price - $40.00

Grooving for Heaven - Vol. 1 is a one-on-one clinic especially for the bass player seeking to establish that elusive solid foundation for their playing, with a focus upon the unique factors and considerations (musical and otherwise) encountered in contemporary worship. However, bassists at every level of experience will find their effectiveness enhanced through Norm's casual yet intensive look at a multitude of topics including: Warm-Ups for the Impatient, Proper Hand & Bass Positioning, Fingerboard Familiarity Part I, Pre-Groove Studies (Rhythmic & Harmonic Pre-Groove Primer), A Fresh Approach: Diverse Styles, What's Your Concept?, Practice...for Groove's Sake, Effects, The Heart & Ministry. Running Time: 76 Minutes.

Street Price - $40.00

Todd Johnson is recognized as a pioneer of the six-string bass. With his signature model Zon TJ6 six-string bass, Johnson uses an innovative technique where he plays chord changes and bass lines simultaneously, giving him an uniquely rich and fuller sound that proves extremely useful in both solo and small combo work. As an integral member of the critically acclaimed jazz trio of guitarist Ron Escheté, Johnson excels as both a supporting musician and a seasoned soloist. He is consistently cited for his contributions of skill, originality, and versatility, as well as his ability to sound as if he is simultaneously playing bass and rhythm guitar. In 2004, Johnson joined forces with acclaimed bassist and singer Kristin Korb to form The Kristin Korb/Todd Johnson Trio. Get Happy, their debut CD produced by Johnson, features Korb on vocals and upright bass, Kendall Kay on drums, and Johnson providing the chordal structure and solos on his 6-string electric bass. ... Read More.

In Technique Builders, Johnson demonstrates right and left hand ergonomics, right hand muting, supportive fingering, string skipping, floating thumb technique, shifting, hammer-ons and pull-offs, as well as how to play ghost notes on electric bass. This DVD is ideal for beginners who want to learn things right the first time and also for the self-taught bassist hoping to fix bad habits that have been unintentionally picked up over the years.

Street Price - $40.00

In his The Walking Bass Line Module System, Todd Johnson takes the "mystery" out of learning to play walking bass lines by breaking techniques down into small, bite-size pieces that anyone can easily digest. In Volume 1, The Triad Module System, Johnson outlines the strong beat/weak beat theory, ear training (playing what you hear), blues changes, "Autumn Leaves" changes, major and minor triads, chromatic approaches from above and below, and helps you put together a solid, organized practice plan.

Street Price - $40.00

Cliff Engel is an electric bassist and the founder of the International Institute of Bassists (InstituteOfBass.com). He has been playing electric bass in all styles of music for more than 20 years with a primary emphasis on solo electric bass guitar, fusion, and jazz. Cliff is a former long-time student of world-renowned jazz improvisation instructor Charlie Banacos (New England Conservatory of Music). He also studied bass performance under the direction of Anthony Vitti at Berklee College of Music before earning a bachelor of arts degree from Fort Hays State University. As a solo bassist, Cliff has been arranging and performing contemporary music for unaccompanied electric bass guitar for many years by combining fingerstyle, slapping, tapping, and chordal techniques with altered tunings. Cliff has also been featured in a number of ensembles including regional jazz duos, trios, quartets and quintets, fusion bands, rock bands, funk bands, big bands, R&B bands, country bands, musicals, and orchestras. With over 15 years of teaching experience, Cliff has instructed hundreds of bass guitar students located around the world through his online bass lessons by correspondence program. He is currently working on a series of instructional books and a DVD demonstrating his techniques and concepts. ... Read More.

Cliff has been teaching bass guitar lessons in the correspondence format since 2000, and over the past several years, he has instructed hundreds of students located around the world. Cliff's primary objective is to offer the highest quality bass lessons available anywhere at an extremely affordable rate. Through a systematic, planned approach, Cliff will guide you through a course of directed study that will be conducive to your goals. His course is aimed towards any aspiring bassist who needs assistance and is unable to find a competent bass instructor in his/her immediate area. For those of you who live in a rather remote area and are unable to attend one-on-one lessons with a private instructor on a regular basis or maintain a difficult schedule due to work, family, etc., lessons by correspondence is the next best alternative. These lessons are all personally tailored to the needs of each individual in the sense that even though all bassists need to have a thorough understanding of certain techniques and concepts, the order and manner in which they should be presented with this material sometimes differs from one bassist to the next. Through Cliff's lessons by correspondence, you can learn at your own pace, on your own time, in the privacy of your own studio, and at a cost that is MUCH cheaper than the price of most one-on-one private bass lessons.

Street Price - $16.00

Hanes Beefy-T 100% Pre-Shrunk Cotton
Front: IIB Logo
Back: The International Institute Of Bassists
Sizes: Large & X-Large
Colors: White

Street Price - $15.00



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