Top 10: Popular Bass Gear from NAMM, a New Take on “The Chicken”, The Yellowjackets Bass Switch and More
We’ve been back from NAMM for about two weeks now, and we’re still working on the new gear stories. Good thing too… they keep dominating each week’s top 10 lists, and last week was no exception. From our exclusive video of Ned Steinberger showing off his all-new headless bass to the new amps from Markbass and Ampeg to the new basses from Parker Guitars and ESP, NAMM gear news made up half of the top 10.
In videos, Doug Alexis’s version of “The Chicken” has to be the most unique rendition we’ve ever heard, and readers seem to agree. Viaceslav Svedov showed a more laid back side with his all-bass version of “No Woman No, Cry”, and Bryan Beller and company kicked it into high gear in the The Aristocrats’ live performance of “Erotic Cakes”, which included a “Smartphone Jam”.
We broke the news about Felix Pastorius joining the Yellowjackets – taking over (temporarily) for Jimmy Haslip. Felix gave us the scoop.
Last, but not least, is Damian Erskine’s column on matching speakers and power amps, with some great reader insights shared as well.
Here are the top 10 most read features on No Treble for the week of January 29 – February 4, 2012. Thanks as always for reading and commenting.
1. Felix Pastorius Joining the Yellowjackets
About an hour ago, bassist Felix Pastorius posted an announcement on Facebook that he’s going to join The Yellowjackets, replacing bassist Jimmy Haslip. “I guess its official, I’m a yellowjacket!,” Pastorius said. “Thnx to jimmy for his blessing and the rest of the guys for this great opportunity. Time to practice.” Updated: 5:45pm EST The…
2. NS Design Unveils NS Bass Guitar at NAMM 2012
Ned Steinberger and company introduced the latest addition to the NS Design bass line with a new headless bass guitar design. The NS Bass Guitar features a new “patented self-clamping tuning system” that allows for using regular single-ball type strings. As you tighten the tuner, it clamps onto the string; loosening the tuner detunes the…
Facebook friend Art Araya shared this remarkable and unique video of bassist Doug Alexis performing his own take on “The Chicken”. The tune, written by Pee Wee Ellis, was made popular of course by Jaco Pastorius. This has to be the most creative version we’ve heard yet. Have a video to share? Send it to…
4. Markbass Unveils New Bass Amps at NAMM
Markbass rolled out four new amps at the NAMM Show this year: the Big Bang, the TTE 800, and the MoMark Black 500 and 800. Markbass The Big Bang The Big Bang is the newest model in Markbass’s Little Mark series. The compact head features a solid state preamp and digital power amp that pumps…
5. Parker Guitars Introduces New Maxx Fly Bass
Parker Guitars announced their newest bass, the Maxx Fly Bass at the NAMM show earlier this month, one the company says is the “culmination of Parker Guitars’ finest work in a bass.” The new Maxx Fly sports a swamp ash body with Parker’s trademark carbon glass epoxy wrap. Electronics include an EMG P-style split-neck pickup…
6. Viaceslav Svedov: “No Woman No, Cry” All Bass Cover
Viaceslav Svedov typically offers super high energy takes on a variety of all-bass cover tunes. Here, he shows a more laid back style with one terrific cover of Bob Marley’s beautiful “No Woman No, Cry”. Is there anything Viaceslav can’t do?
7. ESP Introduces Frank Bello Signature and LTD FB-4 Basses
ESP has unveiled a pair of new Frank Bello Signature basses at NAMM this year. The new ESP Frank Bello Bass and ESP LTD FB-4 models are based on the company’s Vintage-4, but customized to the Anthrax bassist’s liking. Both versions share the same specifications, though they are built in different factories and carry different…
8. The Aristocrats: Erotic Cakes (Plus Smartphone Jam) – Live
Recorded live at Musicians Institute just five days ago, here’s The Aristocrats tearing it up during a private concert for students. Bryan Beller lays down the low end for the group, with Guthrie Govan on guitar and Marco Minnemann on drums. Now that’s a power trio! Be sure to stick around for the 2:13 mark,…
9. Speakers and Power Amps: Don’t Blow That Cabinet
Q: I’ve been thinking about getting a new amp head, and I want to make sure that it will work properly with my current cabinets. How do I make sure that the head I’m getting won’t blow a speaker or ruin my shiny new head? A: While I’m not a super “techy” guy, I have…
10. Ampeg Releases Micro-CL Stack
Ampeg has unveiled the Micro-CL Stack, a “micro-sized SVT” rated at 100-watts. The solid state head and 2×10 cabinet resemble the company’s iconic SVT-CL at a fraction of the size. Available only as a set, the “mini fridge” have many of the same features as their larger counterparts, including a dedicated FX Loop, a stereo…
