Archive for 2015 - Page 13

Acoustic Amplification has introduced a new series of Class-D/Neo bass amplifiers including heads, cabinets, and combo amps. The new models are approximately 40 percent lighter than the company’s previous models. New head units include the B300HD, B600HD, and the B1000HD. Common controls on each head are a blendable overdrive circuit, an Acousti-Comp compression, a Notch filter with frequency control, an...

Rush hit the road this year for their “R40” tour – celebrating 40 years as a band. Each concert was a major production too: elaborate sets and the band starting with their newest work – Clockwork Angels – and moving back in time through their catalog. As they worked back, sets and equipment changed to match the time. Now they’ve...

Much of the work of late bebop pioneer Oscar Pettiford is now available in one package: The Classic Albums 1953-1960. The five disc set includes recordings made after the jazz double bassist began using the cello in earnest as his secondary instrument following an arm injury. The late Pettiford, who was a composer and bandleader as well, is known for...

SolidGoldFX’s Apollo phaser has been updated to The Apollo II. The stompbox combines an all-analog, four-stage phaser circuit with the company’s tap tempo microprocessor. The Apollo II now has an 11-position detent knob that controls a variety of distinct waveforms. Combined with its three different rhythmic patterns, SolidGoldFX says the pedal offers a vast array of unique phasing options from...

To start things off in this new series, we’re going to be working on our left hand dexterity with the “Permutation Exercise”. Each finger is assigned a number: 1 for index 2 for middle 3 for ring and 4 for our pinky By practicing each variation or permutation of the numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4, we can build finger...

Project RnL and bassist Or Lubianiker shared this video earlier this week, and it is another solid performance by one of our favorite bands. “We’ve been working recently on an ‘electronic’ live setup, and here’s our first attempt at it,” they shared. The song is “Expiration Date,” originally written by Pomplamoose.

British heavy metal band Saxon has released its 21st studio album, Battering Ram. The record features bassist Nibbs Carter, who has been with the band since 1988. Known as one of the leading bands of the 1970’s New Wave of British Heavy Metal, Saxon evokes some of its early 80’s sound on the album. If you love classic metal, check...

Stuart Hamm is hitting the road again in support of his latest album, The Book of Lies. The winter tour will include four solo dates before bringing on the bassists’s band consisting of guitarist Alex Skolnick and drummer Joel Taylor. Hamm’s outing focuses on the West Coast and Midwest. The solo dates start November 27th in Spanish Fork, Utah and...

Q: I have a question in regards to the best way to accompany “light sounding” instruments such as a ukulele, mandolin, banjo, or even just auxiliary percussion. I find that whenever I’m playing with these types of instruments I have to limit my style to playing more open, simple lines so as to not drown out the other instrument. The...

Nathan Navarro is back with another great solo bass arrangement. This time he explores the classical world with Mozart’s “Lacrimosa”. Navarro brings lots emotion to the performance, adding drama with dynamics changes and beautiful phrasing. A digital download of the song as well as tablature and sheet music are available on his website.

The Colin Trusedell Trio, led by bassist Colin Trusedell, has released It’s All About the Hustle, Trusedell’s third album as a bandleader. The record from Trusedell – who is adjunct Professor of Bass at Colorado State University – Pueblo and the Musical Director for the United States Air Force Academy Band’s Top 40 ensemble, Blue Steel – features all-original work...

Meet Alex Browne, a bassist studying music and gigging in August, Texas – and someone who has a great “how I started” story. Alex is the No Treble reader in the spotlight for the week of November 16, 2015. Here’s his story… Bio: I stated playing the bass by accident. I asked my parents for a bass for Christmas when...