Weekly Top 10: Fender Dimension Reviewed, Federico Malaman Signature Bass, Expert Advice, and the Top Videos

The word of the week on No Treble was gear. No Treble readers enjoyed stories on the new Federico Malaman Signature Bass by Laurus, the updated Vox amPlug G2 Bass Headphone Amp, Kevin’s review of Fender’s American Standard Dimension Bass IV HH, and the Bass of the Week.

Dr. D and Damian Erskine shared their expert advice in their columns, both making the top 10, and we had a handful of videos which really tipped the scales.

Here are the top 10 No Treble reader favorites for the week of October 18 – 24, 2014. Thanks for reading, watching, commenting and sharing.

Note: Our “week” ends on Friday, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention the news of Jack Bruce’s passing yesterday.
Laurus Introduces Federico Malaman Signature Quasar Bass

1. Laurus Introduces Federico Malaman Signature Quasar Bass

Federico Malaman has been impressing us with his playing for years. Now he’s teamed up with Laurus to create the new Federico Malaman Signature Quasar Bass. Based on the company’s Quasar, the instrument is a 5-string fretless with its tuning machines at the bridge…

Cainã Cavalcante and Michael Pipoquinha: Rei Arthur

2. Cainã Cavalcante and Michael Pipoquinha: Rei Arthur

Four years ago, we posted a video of a 13-year old Brazilian bassist named Pipoquinha performing his original song, “Rei Arthur.” His playing blew everyone away, to say the least. We’re once again featuring Michael Pipoquinha, who is now 17, performing the same song but this time accompanied by guitarist Cainã Cavalcante…

Vox Unveils amPlug G2 Bass Headphone Amplifier

3. Vox Unveils amPlug G2 Bass Headphone Amplifier

Vox has upgraded their amPlug line of headphone amplifiers including a bass-specific version. The amPlug G2 Bass plugs into your bass’s output jack and allows you to plug in headphones for silent practicing…

DaBeat & Miki Santamaria: Man in the Mirror

4. DaBeat & Miki Santamaria: Man in the Mirror

We’ve seen some great grooves and solo bass from Miki Santamaria before. In this video, his incredible playing is in support of vocalist DaBeat, in this duo’s take of Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror”…

A Few Tips from a Traveling Bassist

5. A Few Tips from a Traveling Bassist

Performing on the road as an upright bassist can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. Here are a few tips Dr. D learned along the way to help things go smoothly…

Bass of the Week: Assi Guitars Sciatt Bass

6. Bass of the Week: Assi Guitars Sciatt Bass

This week we check out the Sciatt bass by the new Italian company Assi Guitars. Bringing together modern and retro vibes, the bass is built with an Akatio body finished in a catching green that’s accented with a black pickguard…

Bass Review: Fender American Standard Dimension Bass IV HH

7. Bass Review: Fender American Standard Dimension Bass IV HH

Fender took a leap last year by introducing a new model apart from their genre-defining Precision and Jazz basses. The Dimension Bass started as a model in their Modern Player Series before branching into their Deluxe and American Deluxe series. Check out Kevin’s review…

Snarky Puppy: “What About Me” Live at Berklee Beantown Jazz Fest

8. Snarky Puppy: “What About Me” Live at Berklee Beantown Jazz Fest

One of the stops on Snarky Puppy’s current world tour was the Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival in Boston, on September 27th. Luckily, cameras were rolling. Here’s the band performing “What About Me”…

Connecting Written Rhythms to Your Bass Playing

9. Connecting Written Rhythms to Your Bass Playing

A No Treble reader is struggling with playing the rhythms written on the page, so he reached out to Damian for advice. Check out what Damian has to say in this new column…

Narcissus: Criss Cross

10. Narcissus: Criss Cross

We’ve featured the solo work of bassist Huw Foster before, to rave reviews. He shared another video with us – this time in a band setting. The band is Narcissus, and this video was recorded at their EFG London Jazz Festival performance last November…

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