Rewind: Christian McBride on Fretless, Solo Funk Slap Bass, New Bass Gear and More
Here are the most read, most popular stories and features on No Treble for the week of May 29 – June 4, 2011
1. Bartek Krolik: Fiku Miku – Solo Funk Slap Bass
Inspired by Victor Wooten, bassist Bartek Krolik, composed this tune, “Fiku Miku”, back in 2000. The tune was later recorded for the album, No Bass No Fun. Here, Bartek performs the tune once again on his ’76 Musicman Sting Ray. Funky!
2. Dean Releases USA Hillsboro 1000 Bass Guitar
Dean Guitars has unveiled the USA Thousand Series, a new line of U.S.-made instruments. While focused primarily on guitars, Dean is issuing a 1000 version of their new Hillsboro bass with several options to suit, including 4 and 5-string models. The USA Hillsboro 1000 is a double cutaway design featuring an alder top and body…
3. Musical Explorations: 12 Tones, 12 Beats and Franc O’Shea
Damian answers this reader question: “Is there anything outside of the norm that you are working on or thinking about with your musical explorations?”
4. Christian McBride: Live Fretless Solo
Christian McBride on fretless! Here, McBride takes a solo on the Pat Metheny tune “James”, with Metheny’s trio.
5. Dr. Betotte: A Look at the Metronome/Beat-Box App for iOS Devices
I have tried every metronome on the market (app store market that is) and, while “Metronome Plus” is my favorite when all I need is a quick, clean way to keep time, Dr. Betotte is hands down the best metronome for odd meters, trickier functions and as a practice tool. I believe that this is…
6. New Hampshire Bass Fest 2011
The fifth annual New Hampshire Bass Festival has been announced for June 15th through the 18th. The four day event, which takes place in Manchester, New Hampshire, is a mixture of school and festival as 16 clinicians from around the globe present classes from 9am to 6pm each day. The NHBF is directed by Berklee…
7. Groove 101
Sylvan Bolduc has released Groove 101, an instructional book and audio DVD containing 260 grooves and exercises to teach just about every musical style. Written in musical notation and tabs, the 90-page book aims to also improve your overall groove and “inner clock.” Included with the audio examples are detailed listings of each bass used,…
8. Player Spotlight: Cameron Holley
Meet Cameron Holley, a bassist from Wichita Falls, TX, and our player in the spotlight for May 31, 2011. Bio: I grew up in a really musical home and got my first bass for Christmas when I was 10 years old. Nine years later, I play all the time, anywhere I can. Even if I…
9. Höfner Violin “Beatle” Bass Book – 2011 Edition
This year marks the 55th anniversary of Walter Höfner’s 500/1 Höfner Violin Bass, made famous by Paul McCartney and dubbed by many as the “Beatle bass”. Author Joe Dunn has updated his guide to the bass, with the 2011 edition of Höfner Violin “Beatle” Bass, the only one dedicated to the instrument. The updated edition…
10. Judas Priest Announces North American Tour Dates for Final World Tour
Legendary British metal group Judas Priest has announced the U.S. tour dates on their Epitaph tour, which they say will be their final world tour. The 20-date excursion includes four shows in Canada, with most dates spread across the U.S. Though most of the concerts are planned for the West Coast, more dates are expected…
