Weekly Top 10: April 29 – May 5, 2023
This was a big week at No Treble, including getting into the work of two bass legends: James Jamerson and Jaco Pastorius. We also shared some popular bass gear, chatted with Guy Pratt in our latest podcast, and more.
In other news, we’re now on Google News! If that’s your thing, we invite you to follow us.
Here are the top 10 reader-favorite stories for the week. Enjoy.
1. James Jamerson: The Untold Story of Motown’s Bass Hero
Jaz Moss sent us his latest video, which is an incredibly well-done, detailed look at the work of James Jamerson. Jaz said it took three months of research to produce this retrospective on the Motown legend.
2. Bass Transcription: Jaco Pastorius’s “Amelia”
Alex Lofoco returns with a new look at one of Jaco Pastorius’s earliest tunes: “Amelia,” which Jaco performed with Wayne Cochran & The CC Riders. Check out the story and transcription.
3. Bass Gear Roundup: The Top Gear Stories in April 2023
The NAMM Show happened in April this year, which means an uptick in bass gear news. Here are the top 10 reader favorite gear stories on No Treble for the month of April.
4. Bass of the Week: RIM Custom Guitars Marseer Swallowtail 5
This week we’re checking out a custom bass built by Robbie McDade of RIM Custom Guitars. This Marseer Swallowtail 5 was crafted with neck-through construction, complete with an ash and wenge neck with sycamore body wings.
5. Origin Effects Unveils the DCX Bass Tone Shaper and Drive Pedal
Origin Effects has unveiled a new pedal inspired by the iconic UA 610 recording preamp. The DCX Bass is a tone shaper and drive pedal that offers vintage analog tones with precision EQ.
6. Thundercat Teams Up With Tame Impala For New Music
Bass virtuoso Thundercat has released a new collaboration with Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker. “No More Lies” is the bassist’s first official single since his 2020 album, It Is What It Is, and may be the start of something bigger.
7. Von Frankenstein Monster Gear Launches Alan Robert Signature Bass Strings
Von Frankenstein Monster Gear has unveiled two new sets of signature bass strings with Life of Agony’s Alan Robert. Robert’s Agonizers and Ten Tone Terror are stainless steel strings that are handcrafted one string at a time.
8. Groove – Episode #101: Guy Pratt
Guy Pratt, a legendary bass player and skilled musician, has captivated audiences and inspired fellow bass players for decades. He’s our guest for Episode #101 of Groove.
9. Michael Anthony Speaks on Unreleased Van Halen Archive Material
Eddie Trunk’s full interview with former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony has been posted, and it seems fans may be hearing more from the VH archives soon.
10. Pyramid Strings Unveil New Short Scale String Sets
Germany’s Pyramid Strings is showing some love for short-scale basses with two new sets of strings: the Vintage 63 and the Rooftop 69. Both types take their cues from vintage styles of the ’60s.
