Steve Cook

Freelance writer and product review specialist Steve Cook is a musician with decades of experience in the music world as a worldwide touring and session musician, songwriter, and producer. His love for bass guitar fuels his creative fire, with a good Telecaster being a close second. He attended University of Southern Mississippi, and his former band, King Konga was the most successful unsuccessful band in the ’90s—they landed a spot at Woodstock ’99, but couldn't land a record deal. Steve also produces and shoots video from demos to full-length music videos, and is a ghostwriter of memoirs. Steve maintains balance in writing and song creation with lots of single origin coffee. Connect with him at www.stevecookwrites.com.

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Steve Cook

On Bass: Know Your Worth

Pay scales in the music business are often treated like CIA secrets. But knowing the numbers—from bar gigs to legacy tours—is the first step to standing up for yourself.

EarthQuaker Scrolls Bass Odyssey Review

Smart, flexible EQ, a drive section, effects loop, and multiple outputs add up to a serious, seriously fun, and potentially essential stage and studio tool.

On Bass: Are You Playing With Your Ears or Your Eyes?

Why the gear that looks the part doesn’t always sound it—and how to stop letting a logo do your listening for you.

Fender Vintera III Early ’60s Bass VI Review

Fullerton’s middle-way mystery machine lives on and opens up possibilities.

Gibson Thunderbird Review

The newest version of the Firebird’s bass cousin is more balanced—and more beastly.

Has Gibson Finally Perfected the Thunderbird?

More potent humbuckers and a more substantial bridge help make Gibson's still-radical bass heavier than ever.

On Bass: Need It or Want It?

Steve Cook offers some advice: before you click “buy,” ask yourself why.

This Fender Is the Ultimate Secret Weapon

Fender's elegant and functional bridge between the worlds of guitar and bass lives on in authentically early-1960s style.

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Steve Cook

Pay scales in the music business are often treated like CIA secrets. But knowing the numbers—from bar gigs to legacy tours—is the first step to standing up for yourself.

Smart, flexible EQ, a drive section, effects loop, and multiple outputs add up to a serious, seriously fun, and potentially essential stage and studio tool.

Why the gear that looks the part doesn’t always sound it—and how to stop letting a logo do your listening for you.

Fullerton’s middle-way mystery machine lives on and opens up possibilities.

The newest version of the Firebird’s bass cousin is more balanced—and more beastly.

More potent humbuckers and a more substantial bridge help make Gibson's still-radical bass heavier than ever.

Steve Cook offers some advice: before you click “buy,” ask yourself why.

Fender's elegant and functional bridge between the worlds of guitar and bass lives on in authentically early-1960s style.