Ibanez has announced the return of the big-bodied, big-necked ATK bass to the Ibanez line. Two main versions will be offered.

The upper-end version, the ATK700, features a light ash body, quilted maple top and a 5pc maple/walnut neck and will be available in two finishes, Blue Moon and Natural. The list price will be $933.32.

The basic version, the ATK300, features a light ash body and a 3pc maple neck with maple fretboard. The four-string version of the ATK300 will be available in three finishes: Black, Natural and Tri-Fade Burst. The list price will be $666,65. The five-string version, the ATK305 will be available in Tri-Fade Burst finish and will list for $706.65

The ATK’s signature feature is a 3-coil pickup, which is accessed by a special character switch that allows rapid changes of tone, all in humbucking mode. The most noticeable feature is the bridge, which has been placed, as are the pickups, to facilitate slapping and popping techniques. The ATK bridge also allows through-body stringing for more low-end and sustain, or through-bridge stringing for more high-end and attack.

Remarked Paul Specht of Ibanez Communications: “The ATK was released in 1995, when grunge was still in force, to be our ‘anti-Soundgear’ bass. Where our Soundgear is sleek, sexy, and narrow necked, the more aggressive ATK was designed for players who wanted a big-bodied, big-necked bass with the resulting huge tones you can only get from the combination.”

Various ATK’s were made in Japan, Korea and the United States from 1995 to 1999, when the bass was discontinued due to changing music trends and rising interest in other Ibanez models like the Soundgear and the BTB.

For more information, visit their web site at www.ibanez.com.

Source: Harmony Central

“Musicians suffering back or neck problems listen up! We know your pain. We may have the answer to your suffering.

Planet Waves is pleased to announce the immediate availability of the new Dare Strap. Its an ingenious strap from inventor, Troy Dare. The Dare Strap spells relief for those who’ve misaligned their spine or otherwise suffered back problems from their heavy instruments. Instead of creating disproportionate stress by hanging an instrument off one shoulder, the patented Dare Strap spreads weight over both shoulders.

With the advent of heavier guitars and portable keyboards, some musicians are experiencing new work-related trauma, principally in the mid-back to neck regions. The Dare Strap evenly distributes weight equally over both shoulders, simultaneously lightening burdens and providing instant relief. Players also have the option of using the Dare Strap as a conventional single shoulder strap. Modestly priced at $24.99, the new strap is bound to catch on immediately.

The value of this new product is two-fold, adds Brian Vance, Senior Brand Manager for DAddario Strings. Its a perfect strap for heavy instruments and it just may provide relief to many musicians. Its a versatile, natural solution addressing musicians needs.” - Planet Waves Press Release

The Dare Strap will be available February 2007.

For more information on Planet Waves products, visit www.planetwaves.com

TM Stevens will be performing with the Jazz Funk Fusion band The Headhunters in Europe in February and March. The UK dates include:

23-02-2007 - Leeds UK The Hi-Fi Club
24-02-2007 - Dublin IR The Sugar Club
26-02-2007 - London UK Jazz Cafe
27-02-2007 - Brighton UK Komedia
16-03-2007 - Edinburgh UK The Liquid Room

Visit TM Stevens website here.