Weekly Top Ten: New Bass Gear, “Havona” Transcription, 12 Year Old Bassist, Top Bass Videos and How To’s
Here are the most read stories and most watched videos on No Treble for the week of September 2-8, 2012.
Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing!
1. Vox Introduces Apache Series Bass Guitars
Vox has expanded their bass lineup with the Apache series of basses, which pick up where their predecessors from the ’60s left off. The new travel instruments are separated by body shape, as the Apache 1 Bass features Vox’s classic Teardrop shape while the Apache 2 Bass features their Phantom body style…
2. Simone Masina Solo Bass: Prelude from Cello Suite No.1 in G Major
This one seemed perfect to share on a Sunday afternoon. Bassist Simone Masina sent us this video of him performing J.S. Bach’s Prelude – the first movement of Cello Suite No.1 in G Major. Simone plays a beautiful Ritter for the recording, but what also caught our attention is where Simone recorded this video…
3. Rhythm Calculator: A Look at the Rhythm Helper App for iOS
I just discovered JET Powered Apps’s Rhythm Calculator app, a gem of an app I guarantee will live on my phone for quite some time, and I suspect that’ll be true for you other iOS device-carrying folks as well. Rhythm Calculator is exactly what the name suggests: an interface that allows you to enter rhythms…
4. Creating Bass Lines: Getting Your Mind Right
Q: I’m struggling with the thought process behind coming up with bass lines. What advice would you give for ways to approach and think about constructing lines? A: This is another question that is ripe for comments, as everyone probably has something unique to them going through their minds when developing a bass line…
5. Player Spotlight: Lucy Kiefert
It is always a thrill to share the story of one of the next generation’s great up-and-coming bassists. Meet Lucy Kiefert, who at the young age of 12 is already on the path to something special. Plus, her grandmother plays bass too. Now that’s our kind of family…
6. Victor Wooten: Music as a Language
Besides being and incredible bassist, Victor Wooten is an equally talented educator. Check out this TED-Ed video of Wooten offering words of wisdom while he plays his rendition of “Amazing Grace”…
7. Vox Introduces Two New Multi-Effects Bass Pedals
Vox has announced the StompLab series of multi-effects pedals, including the StompLab IB and IIB pedals for bass. The respective stompboxes offer 60 and 61 types of modeling including amp, cabinet, and effects with 100 preset programs. All the effects were created from Vox’s VT+ series of modeling amps as well as the Tonelab series…
8. Xotic Introduces 4-String Version of XP-1T Bass
Xotic has released a 4-string of the XP-1T model, which thus far had only been available as a 5-string. The P-style bass offers vintage and modern tones by including a toggle for passive or active electronics…
9. Le Fay Introduces 32? Fretless Singer 4 Bass
Le Fay has introduced a new fretless version of their Singer model with a 32-inch scale and 19mm string spacing. Among the new features is the inclusion of the company’s new single-coil pickups, which have angular thumb rests and a three-point screw arrangement to prevent wobbling…
10. Transcription: Evan Marien’s Arrangement of Jaco Pastorius’ “Havona”
Evan Marien‘s fantastic take on the Jaco Pastorius-penned classic “Havona” was high on my list of pieces to transcribe for this monthly feature. Evan’s breathtaking melodic soloing on the chord changes simultaneously calls to mind the spirit of the original, while showcasing his own unique melodic voice…
