Weekly Top 10: Gear Care Discussion, Advice from Bass Pros, Learning Tunes on the Spot, the Top Videos and More
It is Sunday. You know what that means… time for another list of the best from the world of bass this week.
Thanks for reading, watching, commenting and sharing.
1. Can Hanging a Bass on the Wall Damage the Neck?
This week’s “Ask” question focuses on gear care – specifically, if hanging basses on walls or stands can cause damage. Damian shares his thoughts and experience and checked in with luthier Pete Skjold. Check out what they have to say and add your thoughts too…
2. Abraham Laboriel: Case of the Blues
Every time I watch Abraham Laboriel, it’s like a masterclass in “how it’s done.” His playing exudes musicality that lets his personality shine through, giving us all something to strive toward. Here’s a great clip of the master improvising a blues…
3. Alessandro Calabrese: 10 Amazing Bass Lines in Rap History
Alessandro Calabrese sent me this video tribute to his favorite rap tunes. Not only does he handle the bass, he also shows off his guitar skills. How many of them do you recognize?
4. BassTheWorld: 21 Bassists in 1 Video
BassTheWorld.com has followed up their “Got Bass Chops?” video with a second episode. This time, 21 bassists from around the world lay out the nastiest licks, funkiest grooves, and smoothest lines to show the scope of our beloved instrument…
5. MonoNeon on Preparing for Prince
MonoNeon pushes the boundaries with a manifesto that includes wearing clothing with polychromatic color schemes and jaw dropping bass playing. He’s working with another outspoken musician: Prince. We asked him what it takes to play prepare for that, and he gave us some great pointers…
6. Learning a Tune “On the Spot”
Dr. D received a question about how to memorize a tune fast. In this new “Lowdown” column, he offers up his advice for how to get there…
7. From Pros to Newbies: 10 Bassists Share Advice for Up and Coming Musicians
Sometimes we hit ruts in our growth that will wear us down in our musical journey. That’s why we’ve compiled advice for up-and-comers from ten of the world’s foremost bassists across a variety of styles. Check this out…
8. The Interludes, Featuring Ryan Madora: The Lizard
Earlier this year, bassist and No Treble contributor Ryan Madora released the self-titled debut with her group, The Interludes – inspired by the great rhythm sections of Stax, Motown and Muscle Shoals. Here they are grooving on “The Lizard”, complete with a tasty bass solo…
9. Zander Zon & Miki Santamaria: Eleanor Rigby
Just yesterday, I was thinking it has been a while since we’ve seen a video by Zander Zon. This morning I opened my email and saw a note from Zander. Not only is there a new video, it features another of our favorite bassists here, Miki Santamaria. The duo take on The Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby”…
10. Bass of the Week: Spalt Instruments Terminator 1
When we first started this column, our goal was to present instruments that range from beautiful to bizarre. This week we’re featuring a bass that falls somewhere in between. The Spalt Instruments Terminator bass is part musical instrument and part modern art, thanks to luthier Michael Spalt’s creative background…
