Weekly Top 10: The Best in Bass for October 12-18, 2024
It’s time for your weekly roundup of the buzz from the bass world. This week’s reader-favorite list includes some new gear, plus Paul Thompson’s “The Bassists of Harlem, 1958,” part one of our interview with Billy Sheehan, Reader Spotlight, our top 10 videos, and more.
1. Fender Launches the American Ultra II Series Basses
Fender has announced the American Ultra II lineup, which they call the most advanced series in the company’s history. Built in their California factory, the instruments are crafted with a blend of CNC technology and hand-craftsmanship.
2. Bass of the Week: CUTEbass 432
We’ve shared a couple of Atticus Lazenby’s incredible creations in the past, and they just keep getting better. The luthier shared his latest build, the CUTEbass 432, which he says is for himself.
3. Jeff Beck Band: A Day in the Life
Filmed during the 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009, here’s Beck and his band, which included Tal Wilkenfeld performing The Beatles song, “A Day in the Life.”
4. Vola Guitars Unveils the ZVA 5 Bass
Japan’s Vola Guitars has announced the ZVA 5 Bass. The handmade five-string bass is crafted with an alder body, maple neck, and either a rosewood or maple fingerboard for a classic vibe.
5. Reader Spotlight: Craig Bannerman
Meet Craig Bannerman, a long-time bassist who made the switch from guitar many years ago. He has some super interesting gear!
6. Is There a More Bassist Photo Than This? Here’s the Story Behind the “Harlem, 1958” Pic You (Probably) Don’t Know About
Is there a more “bassist photo” than this? Paul Thompson tells the story behind Art Kane’s "Harlem, 1958" pic you (probably) don't know about, and the four bassists in it.
7. Billy Sheehan Explains Why Using a Pick Can Be a Good Thing, Recalls Getting Online Critique for His Playing
In the world of bass and beyond, Billy Sheehan is one of the synonyms for virtuosity. As Mr. Big has called it a day, playing their final show in September 2024, we took a moment to chat with Billy.
8. Joni Mitchell “Archives, Vol. 4” Features Previously Unheard Jaco Pastorius, Stanley Clarke, and More
Joni Mitchell’s archival releases have continued with Archives – Vol. 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980), which sheds light on the singer-songwriter’s jazzier phase of the last ’70s. The lineup includes bassists Jaco Pastorius, Charles Mingus, Rob Stoner, Max Bennett, Stanley Clarke, and Eddie Gomez.
9. Dunlop Announces Behemoth Custom Bass Strings
Dunlop has teamed up with Polish extreme metal band Behemoth to create a signature line of guitar and bass strings. The band, anchored by Tomasz “Orion” Wróblewski, now has artist series four and five-string bass sets.
10. Top 10: The Most Watched Bass Videos (September 2024)
It's time to celebrate some great bass with the monthly top 10 reader-favorite bass videos. Two videos with Tony Levin (spanning many years between) are kicking things off this month.
Corey Brown is the founder of No Treble and serves in an advisory role. He’s also Head of Editorial at Muse Group. Learn more about Corey on his website and LinkedIn.
