Weekly Top 10: Michael Manring Podcast, New Basses, Top Videos, New School Playing, Thumb Exercises and More

We tend to agree with the reader favorites each week, and this week is no exception. From the Snarky Puppy video to the new Groove podcast conversation with Michael Manring – and all the rest, here is one terrific top 10 list.

Snarky Puppy & Metropole Orkest: The Curtain

1. Snarky Puppy & Metropole Orkest: The Curtain

I’m not sure there’s a more exciting band out there today than Snarky Puppy. The band has just released their new album, Sylva, along with Metropole Orkest. Here they are performing “The Curtain” from that album, with bassist and band leader Michael League playing both electric bass and Moog keybass on the tune…

Warwick Announces Adam Clayton Streamer CV Signature Bass

2. Warwick Announces Adam Clayton Streamer CV Signature Bass

Five years after his first signature bass with the company, Adam Clayton has once again teamed up with Warwick to collaborate on a new version of their Streamer CV bass. The Warwick Adam Clayton Streamer CV Signature bass is built in the Warwick Custom Shop in Markneukirchen, Germany…

Dean Zelinsky Introduces the Mule Bass

3. Dean Zelinsky Introduces the Mule Bass

Guitar and bass maker Dean Zelinsky has unveiled the Mule bass. Available in four- and five-string versions, the model is Zelinsky’s first to feature his patented Z-Glide Reduced Friction Neck…

CG Lutherie Unveils UbiQ Bass Guitar

4. CG Lutherie Unveils UbiQ Bass Guitar

French company CG Lutherie has introduced the UbiQ, a new model that blurs the lines between bass and guitar. The six-string singlecut bass features a multi-scale design and is tuned EADGBE. The bass’s scale ranges from 30.9 inches to 32 inches while its maple fingerboard has a compound radius from 20 inches to 23 inches…

Adding Some New School Playing to an Old School Bassist

5. Adding Some New School Playing to an Old School Bassist

In this week’s “Ask” column, a reader asks Damian about adding some “new school” playing into the mix with an “old school” bassist. Check out what Damian had to say… which had more to do with pursuing the music than anything else

Jansen, Barbieri, Karn & Wilson: Bestial Cluster

6. Jansen, Barbieri, Karn & Wilson: Bestial Cluster

Mick Karn was the master of creating bass lines that were somehow simple, angular, and melodic all at the same time. Check out this clip of Karn with Steve Jansen, Richard Barbieri, and Steve Wilson performing “Bestial Cluster” for 2 Meter Session on Dutch television…

Three Exercises for Releasing and Relaxing the Left Hand Thumb

7. Three Exercises for Releasing and Relaxing the Left Hand Thumb

Keeping the thumb of our left hand flexible is a key component in achieving an agile fingering hand. Ideally, any pressure exerted by the thumb against the neck should be minimal. Here are a few exercises that should help you keep your thumb relaxed and your left hand injury free…

The Bassist’s Guide to Injury Management Now Available as eBook

8. The Bassist’s Guide to Injury Management Now Available as eBook

Dr. Randy Kertz has reissued his seminal work, The Bassist’s Guide to Injury Management, as a downloadable eBook. The book covers a wide range of common and uncommon physical issues that bass players may face. Dr. Kertz explains injuries and conditions that may occur as well as prevention and treatment options for each…

Groove – Episode #6: Michael Manring

9. Groove – Episode #6: Michael Manring

In this sixth episode of Groove – The No Treble Podcast, we talk with Michael Manring – a bassist who is just a bass player of the highest order, he is someone who approaches music with all of his senses and sensibilities. Enjoy the conversation…

Dominic “Forest” Lapointe: Teramobil’s “Temporaly Recompressed Pulse” Playthrough

10. Dominic “Forest” Lapointe: Teramobil’s “Temporaly Recompressed Pulse” Playthrough

Here’s another jaw-dropping playthrough by Dominic “Forest” Lapointe. The bassist burns it up on Teramobil’s “Temporaly Recompressed Pulse” with lightning fast riffs and creative two-handed tapping…

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