This Week’s Top Stories: From Nikki Sixx’s Stage-Played Basses to a 62-Fret Microtonal Beast

Things got pretty interesting this week on No Treble. Our top stories included everything from Motley Crue to Michael Manring, baroque warmups to modern microtonal basses, and even a punk rock/jazz fusion banger.

The most-read (and certainly most talked-about) article was on Nikki Sixx, who has announced he’ll be selling his stage-played basses from Motley Crue’s upcoming Las Vegas Residency. “All of my basses include a meet & greet with me, photo op, and the basses are personalized however the collector wants, making it what I hope is a truly special experience,” he states.

Next up, Matt Pollock shared his microtonal six-string bass with us, which he concocted from an ESP LTD body and a custom neck made from David Powell of Tonedevil guitars. It has a whopping 62 frets, so click through to find out why.

Marek Bero’s latest Bass Gym lesson focused on a killer warmup inspired by Bach. The four-note pattern is played on every note of the G major scale and will get your left hand squared away in no time.

Read all that and more in our top ten articles for the week:

Nikki Sixx Selling Motley Crue Vegas Residency Stage-Played Basses with VIP Experience

1. Nikki Sixx Selling Motley Crue Vegas Residency Stage-Played Basses with VIP Experience

Nikki Sixx is selling stage-played basses from Mötley Crüe’s Vegas residency, each bundled with a VIP meet & greet and photo op after the show.
This Microtonal 6-String Bass Has 62 Frets: Matt Pollock Explains Why

2. This Microtonal 6-String Bass Has 62 Frets: Matt Pollock Explains Why

Matt Pollock’s 62-fret bass uses a 31-tone tuning system to explore new harmonic territory with remarkable clarity.
Build Left-Hand Stamina with This Bach-Inspired Neoclassical Bass Warm-Up

3. Build Left-Hand Stamina with This Bach-Inspired Neoclassical Bass Warm-Up

This Bach-inspired neoclassical warm-up in G major is designed to build left-hand stamina, precision, and tone for bass players.
Dead and Company Celebrate Jerry’s Birthday as Oteil Burbridge Unveils Dire Wolf Bass

4. Dead and Company Celebrate Jerry’s Birthday as Oteil Burbridge Unveils Dire Wolf Bass

Dead & Company marked Jerry Garcia’s birthday weekend with a standout show featuring Oteil Burbridge and his new Dire Wolf bass.
NOFX’s “Barcelona”: How the Unlikely Combination of Fat Mike and David Pastorius Created a Genre-Bending Bass Gem

5. NOFX’s “Barcelona”: How the Unlikely Combination of Fat Mike and David Pastorius Created a Genre-Bending Bass Gem

David Pastorius breaks down his collaboration with Fat Mike on NOFX’s “Barcelona” and shares a video on how to play his standout bass parts.
Watch: Bassist Pops Magellan and Sput Team Up for a Soul-Soaked Jazz-Fusion Session

6. Watch: Bassist Pops Magellan and Sput Team Up for a Soul-Soaked Jazz-Fusion Session

Pops Magellan leads a cosmic live session with Sput, blending soul, jazz fusion, and Brazilian groove on her Fender Mustang Bass.
Hear the Magic of Michael Manring’s “Blue Orleans” on Solo Bass

7. Hear the Magic of Michael Manring’s “Blue Orleans” on Solo Bass

In this newly released video, Michael Manring performs “Blue Orleans,” blending melody and texture on his custom Zon Hyperbass.
Glockenklang Changes Hands After 50 Years: New Owner Promises to Continue Bass Amp Tradition

8. Glockenklang Changes Hands After 50 Years: New Owner Promises to Continue Bass Amp Tradition

Gawan Linnemann becomes Glockenklang’s new owner and outlines his vision for the next chapter in the bass amp maker’s 50-year history.
Watch: Tim Lefebvre Anchors “Feelin’ Alright” with Tedeschi Trucks Band & Leon Russell

9. Watch: Tim Lefebvre Anchors “Feelin’ Alright” with Tedeschi Trucks Band & Leon Russell

Tedeschi Trucks Band’s LOCKN’ 2015 set with Leon Russell and Tim Lefebvre on bass delivers a heavy, soulful take on “Feelin’ Alright.”
Watch: Tim Lefebvre Anchors “Feelin’ Alright” with Tedeschi Trucks Band & Leon Russell

10. Watch: Tim Lefebvre Anchors “Feelin’ Alright” with Tedeschi Trucks Band & Leon Russell

Tedeschi Trucks Band’s LOCKN’ 2015 set with Leon Russell and Tim Lefebvre on bass delivers a heavy, soulful take on “Feelin’ Alright.”

In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.

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