Music Man on Rockstar: CBS Reality Show Bassist Plays Music Man Stingray!

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (August 29, 2006) To say that bassist Sasha Krivtsov has an impressive resume is an understatement. Truth is, he's played - and is still playing - with some of the best talent in music history, and he's had his Music Man Stingray and Stingray 5 with him all along the way.

"I've been using Music Man basses for the past 15 years, and I think they are the best instruments on the market," says Krivtsov, whose most recent role is bassist in the house band on the wildly popular, celebrity-studded CBS reality show "Rock Star: Supernova."

The show, created by producer Mark Burnett (the mind behind "Survivor" and "The Apprentice") puts wannabe rock stars in the running for lead vocalist in the group Supernova, which nearly stands alone on a tripod of talent composed of Tommy Lee (Mötley Crue) on drums, Jason Newsted (Metallica) on bass and Gilby Clarke (Guns N' Roses) on guitar.

"This is my second season on the show, and it's hard work - but the boys from the house band make it easier," adds Krivtsov. "Over the course of the season we have to learn 150 to 200 songs - and we have to be prepared to play them in any key! That's where my Music Man basses come in. They cover the full spectrum of sound, so you can play any style of music and it will sound great."

Since moving to the U.S. from the Soviet Union (where he played with the number one Soviet rock band Zemlyane) in 1991, Krivtsov has played bass for a number of stand-out performers, including singer and songwriter Vanessa Carlton, R&B artist Ricky Fante, punk rocker Billy Idol, and the multi-platinum pop group The New Radicals. Additionally, he has recorded with Badly Drawn Boy and Vivian Campbell and even played producer with Eric Eldenius for the "Washed Away" album from the group Alan Smithee. Currently, Krivtsov can also be heard as the bassist on the debut international hit album by James Blunt, which includes the worldwide number one song "You're Beautiful."

"I think anyone who has an interest in playing bass should give Music Man instruments a try," says the accomplished musician. "Once you do, there's no turning back!"

Ernie Ball was the first to offer rock strings with the creation of Slinkys, and further revolutionized the market by offering guitarists Custom-Gauge single strings. The Ernie Ball Company also produces Music Man guitars and basses, volume pedals, and other accessories. The company's strings and accessories are available in more than 6,000 music stores throughout the U.S. The company also exports to 82 countries. For more information, contact the Ernie Ball company at (800) 543-2255, or visit their website at www.ernieball.com.

These products are Ernie Ball trademarks registered in the USA and many foreign countries:

ERNIE BALL®     CUSTOM GAUGE®     SLINKY®     EARTHWOOD®
MUSICMAN®
STINGRAY®     SILHOUETTE®     AXIS®
STERLING®     4+2®     3+1®

Trademark ownership is indicated by the symbol ®, however, for the sake of brevity it is omitted during the story.

Contact:
Derek Brooks
Ernie Ball, Inc.
(800) 543-2255

Media Contact:
Keith Negrin
MORSEKODE
(952) 853-9555