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If you have ever considered becoming a subscriber of the IIB but just never got around to signing up, now is the time to join. For a limited time, you can become a lifetime subscriber of the IIB for only $50! That is 1/2 off the regular subscription rate. The lifetime subscription is a simple one-time fee that will allow you to receive all the benefits of the IIB Subscriber's Area including the IIB Monthly Giveaways, the IIB MP3 Bass Samplers, and an extensive collection of exclusive lesson material featuring over 90 individual lessons which cover a broad range of subjects. Plus, by becoming a lifetime subscriber, you will help keep this resource online for you and others to enjoy in the future.

To become a lifetime subscriber, just click on the "Lifetime Subscription" graphic located below, and you'll be redirected to PayPal where you can complete the subscription. If you'd prefer to become a lifetime subscriber of the IIB by using a personal check or money order, please review the instructions outlined below. Your contribution is greatly appreciated!

The IIB Giveaways - Each month, the IIB gives its viewers the opportunity to participate in various monthly giveaways. As a lifetime subscriber, you will be automatically entered in every monthly giveaway and have the ability 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! Special thanks to all of our giveaway sponsors including D'Addario, Planet Waves, LightWave Systems, Ibanez, Markbass, Line 6, Epifani Custom Sound, Evidence Audio, Nordstrand Pickups, Zon Guitars, Comfort Strapp, and BassBooks.com. ... Read More!

The IIB MP3 Bass Samplers Volumes 1 & 2 - You'll receive access to the IIB MP3 Bass Samplers Volumes I & II which feature 22 selected tracks that have been recorded by many of today's premier bass artists including Michael Manring, Marcus Miller, Stuart Hamm, Gary Willis, Ray Riendeau, Adam Nitti, Norm Stockton, Todd Johnson, Jeff Schmidt, Yves Carbonne, Tom Kennedy, Gerald Veasley, Chris Tarry, Chuck Bianchi, David Hughes, and many more. 2 HOURS OF MUSIC! Plus, as a lifetime subscriber, you will also be able to download all future IIB MP3 Bass Samplers as they are added to the Subscriber's Area. ... Read More!

Bass Tips Of The Week - You will have access to a huge database of lesson material that has been written on topics such as Classical & Jazz Music Theory, Sight Reading, Ear Training, Bass Line Construction, Right & Left Hand Technique, Soloing, Jazz Improvisation, Slapping, Tapping, Chordal Techniques, Harmonics, Fingerstyle Funk, Altered Tunings, and Concepts For Solo Bass Playing. All of the lessons are available as downloadable PDF files.

There are over 90 individual lessons and over 100 MP3 play-alongs currently available for download within the IIB Subscriber's Area, and this collection of lesson material continues to expand every month. Click the graphic below to download a sample lesson.

Check/Money Order - In addition to utilizing PayPal, you can use a check or money order to become a lifetime subscriber of the IIB. Please make your subscription of $50 payable to "The IIB" in United States dollars, and submit it to the address below. Be sure to include your e-mail address along with your desired username and password so that we may setup your account.

If you have any questions regarding your subscription, e-mail: InstituteOfBass@Yahoo.com.

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, ENTER TO WIN TODAY!

Special thanks to all of our giveaway sponsors including D'Addario, Planet Waves, LightWave Systems, Ibanez, Markbass, Line 6, Epifani Custom Sound, Evidence Audio, Nordstrand Pickups, Zon Guitars, Comfort Strapp, and BassBooks.com. ... Read More!

If you purchase a 6-month advertising package, not only will you receive 2 months of web site advertising for FREE, but your banner will also appear in each monthly newsletter during that 6-month period for FREE! That is a savings of $150 off the regular 6-month newsletter advertising rate! In September, 1999, the IIB delivered its first monthly newsletter to less than 100 subscribers. Today, the IIB's newsletter reaches over 15,000 bass enthusiasts each month! The International Institute of Bassists is a bass-centric web site aimed specifically toward the art of contemporary bass playing and the study of the bass tradition. Since its founding in 1997, the IIB has established a long-time presence on the internet and grown into one of the largest and most popular interactive bass-related web sites found online. As a viewer of the IIB, you can read exclusive interviews with bass virtuosos including Michael Manring, Stuart Hamm, Jeff Berlin, Gary Willis, Alain Caron, Matt Garrison, Keith Horne, and Brian Bromberg to name just a few. Viewers of the IIB also have access to free, downloadable lessons which are published by a staff of highly-respected instructors such as Michael Manring, Todd Johnson, Ray Riendeau, and Berklee College of Music professor Jim Stinnett. In addition to these lessons and interviews with the bass greats, viewers have access to interviews with the founders of manufacturing companies, bass shops, and bass events along with the latest bass-related news, reviews, and streaming media. Plus, viewers can also watch selected instructional, concert performance videos, and live bass clinics on IIBtv as well as communicate with other bassists around the world through the IIB chat room. ... Read More!

As the year comes to a close, it is time to reflect on a collection of the best bass products to come through our doors in 2008. Every year, we value the opportunity to review some of the finest basses, amps, recordings, DVD's, books, and software in production. There is nothing like an innovative piece of gear or an inspiring instructional video to get you fired up and excited about playing the bass, and this year didn't disappoint. Here is a compilation of some of the top bass products of 2008. Artists and manufacturers are listed in alphabetical order. ... Read More!

With the assistance of Berklee College of Music professor Jim Stinnett, Todd Johnson has produced Fishin' For Grips - Melodic Harmonization For Bass Guitar. This IS the definitive approach to learning how to play chord-melody on bass guitar. Over the course of this 84-minute DVD, Johnson presents his teachings through a clear and concise methodology. A book featuring standard notation and tablature accompanies the DVD to further illustrate the concepts outlined on the DVD.

Bass Guitar Basics is the essential quick start method and music primer for electric bass guitar by Stuart Hamm. From tuning up for the first time to nailing your first audition, this DVD establishes a solid foundation for beginning bassists through a step-by-step approach to every aspect of the instrument. Hamm demonstrates useful left and right hand techniques to build strength and endurance. He shares with you the language of music that will make quick work of communicating your ideas with other musicians. Hamm discusses the essential theory required to take your playing in any direction you choose and presents valuable insight into a multitude of styles, covering everything from country to classical. He also provides tips on tone settings for both the bass and amplifier and how to use them to get the sound you want.

This newly revised edition of Jazz Bowing Techniques For The Improvising Bassist by John Goldsby is the complete approach to improvising arco jazz with step-by-step instructions, exercises, diagrams, and a CD of play-along tracks. Featured transcriptions consist of performances by Slam Stewart, Jimmy Blanton, Paul Chambers, Eddie Gomez, and John Goldsby.

Written and recorded in Havana, Cuba by the master of Timba bass, Feliciano Arango, Cuban Timba - A Contemporary Bass Technique provides a systematic study of the evolution of Cuban Timba bass styles and beyond. Through a practical and comprehensive approach, the book features transcriptions and explanations of the key concepts included on the accompanying 75-track audio CD.

Secret Chambers is a comparative analysis of Paul Chambers' influential style by the world's foremost authority on Paul Chambers and Berklee College of Music associate professor Jim Stinnett. Chambers was a master of the bebop style, and he is often referred to as "the Bird of the bass." Chambers was an integral part of many classic jazz recordings released during the 1950's and '60's. This book features 75 transcribed solos as performed by Chambers. 68 of these solos have been compiled from several previously released publications from Stinnett Music including The Music Of Paul Chambers, Arcology, and PC3. This analysis provides insight to Chambers' phrasing and tendencies as a soloist.

12 Keys To Success contains 78 etudes for the bassist who desires to develop his technical command of the instrument. These etudes have been organized by key centers and represent three studies in each major and minor key. Accompanying this book is a CD which features performances of select etudes to provide inspiration and demonstrate a musical framework for study.

The John Entwistle Bass Book from Bassline Publishing spotlights the classic bass lines recorded by Entwistle throughout his career as a member of The Who. It contains 19 complete transcriptions in both standard notation and tablature along with chord symbols and performance notes. This book also features a detailed profile of Entwistle's career, an analysis of his unique playing techniques, and information on the equipment he used. The transcriptions include "Won't Get Fooled Again," "Baba O'Riley," "Behind Blue Eyes," "Call Me Lightning," "5:15," "Happy Jack," "My Generation," "Pinball Wizard," "The Real Me" (2 Versions), "The Seeker," "Sparks," "Substitute," "Boris The Spider," "Heaven & Hell," "My Wife," "Success Story," "Dreaming From The Waist," and "Who Are You?"

The Best Of Marcus Miller features 23 transcriptions from the Grammy-winning bassist and session player extraordinare. Written in standard notation and tablature, this 256-page book includes the tracks "Big Time," "Blast," "Boomerang," "Bruce Lee," "Could It Be You," "Ethiopia," "Forevermore," "Funny," "La Villette," "Lonnie's Lament," "Maputo," "Mountain Dance," "Nikki's Groove," "Panther," "Power," "Rampage," "Rio Funk," "Run For Cover," "Scoop," "Strum," "3 Deuces," "Tutu," and "What Is Hip."

Stylistically categorized as contemporary jazz, One Good-Looking Guy? is the first recorded collaboration released by bassists Todd Johnson and Jim Stinnett. Between Johnson's pioneering chordal vocabulary on 6-string bass guitar and Stinnett's acoustic upright prowess, the balance of virtuosity and musicality demonstrated by these two bassists on their debut project is unprecedented. Complimenting Johnson and Stinnett in this innovative group format are saxophonist Dino Govoni and drummer Joe Hunt. With each bassist contributing four original compositions to this recording, a complete track listing of this collection includes "Chipper's Dream," "Pine," "Goin' Home," "My Beloved," "When Sleep Won't Come," "Minorology," "Whisper," and "Blues For Hellen."

On his self-titled solo bass debut, Bruno Tauzin has put forth a compilation of tracks that were recorded using a single bass with no overdubs or effects. This selection of compositions includes "Bonheur en vrac," "A reculons," "Quand tout s'accelere," "Une note imperturbable," "Gladiateur," "D'un commun accord," "Eclipse," "L'indolence," "Brume," and "La reveuse."

Regarded as one of the top bassists in Germany, Ralf Gauck has released A Hard Day's Night. Recorded with just a fretless bass guitar, this tribute to the Beatles presents the classic music of Lennon and McCartney in a completely new dimension and features instrumental versions of "And I Love Her," "Come Together," "Imagine," "Let It Be," "Things We Said Today," "A Hard Day's Night," "Yesterday," "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away," "A Day In The Life," "Eleanor Rigby," and "Cello Suite 1/Prelude" (bonus track).

Alongside an eclectic cast of notable musicians, CinemaSonics features the infectious grooves of bassist Doug Wimbish. In addition to his bass playing and arranging skills being on full display, Wimbish provides vocal, guitar, and keyboard work. Titles include "Revolution," "Trance (Make My Own Reality)," "Scary Man," "Homeless," "Danger," "Rockin' Shoes," "Silent Footsteps/Minor "D"eparture," "Swirl," "Broadcasting," "I Wanna Know," "Special Request," "No Release, No Surrender," and "Easy Philosophy."

From one of the most prominent voices in contemporary jazz, bass great Brian Bromberg has issued Hands. With only an acoustic bass, this Japanese import contains "Stella By Starlight," "Cute," "Solar," "Beatles Medley: Day Tripper/Yesterday/Eleanor Rigby," "Mahna Do Carnival," "In A Sentimental Mood," "King Of Pain," "Teen Town," "Susumu's Blues," "Use Me," "Black Dog," "What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life," and "Yeah".

Featuring the contributions of two brilliant collaborators, pianist Hiromi Uehara and drummer Lenny White, Jazz In The Garden is the first acoustic jazz trio released by legendary bassist Stanley Clarke. On one of the most refreshing recordings ever produced by Clarke, a complete listing of compositions includes "Paradigm Shift (Election Day 2008)," "Sakura Sakura," "Sicilian Blue," "Take The Coltrane," "3 Wrong Notes," "Someday My Prince Will Come," "Isotope," "Bass Folk Song No. 5 & 6," "Global Tweak," "Solar," "Brain Training," and "Under The Bridge."

Merging elements of funk, blues, rock, jazz, and fusion into an exciting compilation of contemporary instrumental tracks, Adam Nitti's fourth release as a leader, Liminal, consists of performances by Shane Theriot (guitar), Mike Whittaker (keyboards), Marcus Finnie (drums), Jeff Coffin (tenor sax), Marco Sfogli (guitar), Alex Argento (keyboards), Marco Minnemann (drums), Doug Belote (drums), Steve Cunningham (lap steel), Phil Keaggy (guitar), Johnny Neel (hammond B-3), and Tom Quayle (guitar). This collection includes "The Renaissance Man/Rebirth," "Distraction," "Liminal," "Redemption Street," "The Seven Year Swing," "The Last Walk Home," "Not Forsaken," "The Good Foot," "Il Cuore Del Campione," and "Vivere l'Aperitivo."

New York, NY - 06/16/2009

Aguilar Amplification, maker of high-quality bass amplifiers, speaker cabinets and accessories for bassists is pleased to announce a special installment of their Artist Series Master Classes on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 with endorsing artists, Steve Jenkins and Matt Rubano.

Steve Jenkins is a popular figure in the modern Jazz and jam/funk scenes. He has toured extensively with guitar heroes Vernon Reid and David Fiuczynski and still maintains a rigorous teaching schedule. Matt Rubano manages to juggle a multitude of NY sessions, VJ-ing on the Fuse Network, and being a member of Taking Back Sunday, who have recently released New Again on Warner Bros. Records.

Close friends and fellow Berklee College of Music grads, Matt and Steve will be discussing different aspects of making a living as a New York session musician as well as demonstrating some of the great bass lines they have written for artists such as Taking Back Sunday, Lauryn Hill, Vernon Reid, The Screaming Headless Torsos, and Steve's own great solo album, Mad Science.

RSVP to info@aguilaramp.com by July 13th, 2009. Space is limited!

Steve Jenkins/Matt Rubano Clinic and Aguilar Factory Tour
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
599 Broadway 7th Floor
New York City, NY 10012
Doors Open At 6:30 PM
Clinic At 7 pm – Free!

Aguilar Amplification is a manufacturer of high quality bass amplifiers, speaker cabinets and accessories located in NYC. Our goal is to make products that sound great and have features that are essential to the most discerning of bassists.

Many of the world's greatest musicians have chosen to use Aguilar. Our list of endorsers includes jazz greats such as Nathan East (Herbie Hancock) and John Patitucci, rock and roll heroes like Willie Weeks (Eric Clapton), Matt Rubano (Taking Back Sunday) and Jeph Howard (The Used) and the busiest of session bassists like Eric Smith (Rihanna) and Ethan Farmer (New Kids On The Block).

For more information on Aguilar Amplification, please visit: AguilarAmp.com.

San Giovanni Teatino, Italy - 06/04/2009

Markbass is announcing a contest which invites Markbass users to enter YouTube videos of their band in performance for a chance to win a MoMark amplifier of their choice.

Entrants are asked to upload a video of them or their band in a live performance, using Markbass gear. Entries will be judged on the quality of the musical performance, the quality of the picture and sound of the video, the energy of the audience, and the visibility of the rig. All videos entered must be at least 3 minutes long, and must include the words "Markbass Contest" in the video tags. Markbass endorsers, staff, distributors and retailers (or their employees) are not eligible to win.

The contest is now on, and the deadline for submissions is October 1, 2009. On October 2, 2009, Markbass will check the top 10 YouTube search results for "Markbass Contest", in both view count and viewer rating. Out of those top "finalists", the winner will be selected in a vote by Markbass staff and top artists. The winner will be announced on October 3, 2009, and will be notified by email to his or her YouTube account, to make sure the video is in fact theirs. The winner will reply with their address and choice of MoMark frame and modules, and on October 31, 2009, they will be sent their amp! Markbass will feature a photo of the winner and their prize, as well as a link to the video, on its websites and in the next Markbass Magazine. A press release will also announce the winner.

MoMark is a revolutionary new modular bass amp system created by Marco De Virgiliis. It went into production in April in the Markbass factory in San Giovanni Teatino, Italy, and is now shipping worldwide.

Powered by state-of-the-art technology, MoMark gives bassists the freedom to choose the specs and features they want and need in their bass amp. First, customers choose a power amp (250W analog, 500W analog, 600W digital or 800W digital), which comes housed in a light, compact, black ABS chassis. Then, they choose between various options of preamp, EQ and master modules. The three modules slide into the front of the frame and are simply screwed in.

The options and combinations are limited only by the imagination: possibilities range from bare-bones designs (with only gain and master controls, for example) to a wide range of elaborate features, and virtually unlimited tone control. Options will include tube, solid state and hybrid preamps, mute switches, line out level control, semi-parametric, graphic or digital EQ, EQ filters, two-channel designs, gold connectors and much more. The line-up of available modules will increase steadily and respond to customer demand.

Best of all, if and when the user's needs change, they don't need to buy a whole new amp---they simply buy a new module. Select Markbass dealers worldwide will feature a MoMark Testing Tower that will allow customers to compare all the available MoMark options, as well as Markbass cabinets and other heads. Markbass Tester Towers are already in stores in Europe and the U.K., and are being met with a very enthusiastic response.

Since its founding in 2001, Markbass has rapidly become the industry leader in bass amplification by using state-of-the-art technology to give bassists natural-sounding, lightweight and reliable amps, combos and cabinets. Founder and General Manager Marco De Virgiliis pioneered the use of neodymium speakers in bass enclosures, and Markbass set a new benchmark for bass amplification with the popular and critically acclaimed Little Mark II amp head. The MoMark promises to once again take bass amplification to a new level.

San Giovanni Teatino, Italy - 05/19/2009

Markbass is proud and excited to announce the launch of the official MoMark website: www.momark.it.

The most bold and innovative creation to date from Marco De Virgiliis, MoMark is a new modular system that allows bassists to design their own bass amp. It's the ultimate expression of the Markbass philosophy of giving bass players what they want and need!

The MoMark system begins with a powered amp frame and is completed with the selection of Preamp, EQ and Master modules, which simply slide into the frame. Customers choose the power and features of their amplifier, and later have the freedom to modify or upgrade their frame and module selections at any time.

MoMark is in production NOW and shipping worldwide. Select dealers will have a MoMark Tester that will allow customers to compare available Amp Frames and Modules, try them out with different Markbass cabinets, and compare them to other Markbass amps.

The interactive MoMark site guides customers through the process, helping them choose the right Amp Frame and modules to suit their needs. At the end, they come away with a printable PDF of their creation, which they can then keep for reference and take with them to their local Markbass dealer.

Visit www.momark.it today and design YOUR dream amp!

New York, NY - 03/25/2009

Aguilar Amplification, manufacturer of high-quality bass amplifiers, speaker cabinets and accessories for bassists is pleased to announce the release of the DB 751 bass amplifier. Aguilar President Dave Boonshoft notes that, "This amp is a logical evolution from the DB 750. The DB 751 gives you access to a myriad of great bass tones thanks to its powerful and flexible EQ."

The DB 751 features an all-new hybrid preamp that combines the legendary tube-driven tone of the DB 750 with active boost and cut for greater EQ control. A perfect combination of raw power and excellent tone, the DB 751 continues the legacy set by the world-famous DB 750. Delivering 975 Watts at 2 ohms and 750 Watts at 4 ohms this amp has the headroom you need to play any size venue.

- Power Output: 975 watts @ 2 ohms, 750 watts @ 4 ohms
- Preamp Section: Three 12AX7s
- EQ Section: hybrid active/passive tone stack: bass: +12 / -12 @ 40Hz; midrange: +12 / -12 @ 750Hz; treb: +12 / -7 @ 4kHz
- Jensen XLR balanced output
- High quality whisper fans with speed control
- Rack Size: Three Spaces
- Weight: 42 lbs
- Includes detachable rack ears

The DB 751 will carry a MSRP of $2695 and will be available at Aguilar dealers worldwide at the beginning of May 2009.

Aguilar Amplification is a manufacturer of high quality bass amplifiers, speaker cabinets and accessories located in NYC. Our goal is to make products that sound great and have features that are essential to the most discerning of bassists.

Many of the world's greatest musicians have chosen to use Aguilar. Our list of endorsers includes jazz greats such as Nathan East (Herbie Hancock) and John Patitucci, rock and roll heroes like Willie Weeks (Eric Clapton), Matt Rubano (Taking Back Sunday) and Jeph Howard (The Used) and the busiest of session bassists like Eric Smith (Rihanna) and Ethan Farmer (New Kids on the Block).

For more information on Aguilar Amplification, please visit: AguilarAmp.com.

The Bass Workout is a wonderfully positive environment for learning. Created by Jim Stinnett, the Bass Workout is all about playing, playing, and more playing. "Over the past 20 years at Berklee College of Music, I have developed materials and a style of teaching that has proven highly effective."

In a lab style classroom, all students at the Bass Workout are participating all of the time. Topics include: technique, walking lines, slap, tap, reading, practice techniques, and transcription. All books and materials used at the Workout are given to the students. "My goal is for each student to go away with the knowledge of how and what to practice to reach his or her goals."

Because of the Workout's intimate setting, each student has the opportunity to rehearse and perform with professional players. The Bass Workout faculty includes: Rob Gourlay (bass), Jim Stinnett (bass), Everett Pendleton (guitar), and Tom Arey (drums).

In 2009, Stinnett Music will present 4 Bass Workout sessions:
January 30, 31, February 1: Bass Workout
March 13-15: Recording Workout
June 24-27: New Hampshire Bass Fest
October 9-11: TJ Workout

For more information and registration, visit: BassWorkout.com.