Weekly Top 10: June 17-23, 2023
Happy Sunday! Time to look back at the week of top 10 stories on No Treble, which includes gear, lessons, news, and “The Funkiest Bass Line From Outer Space.”
Thanks for being here!
1. Benson Amps Announces B700 Bass Amp
Benson Amps has launched a new bass amp called the B700. Designed with bassist Joe Lally of Fugazi and The Messthetics, the high-voltage head features a tube preamp matched to a 700-watt class D output section.
2. Dynamo Amplification Unveils GT Bass All-Tube Head
Dynamo Amplification has made a name for itself by building high-power and high-gain guitar amplifiers. Now they’re getting into the low end with the first model in a new line of bass amplifiers.
3. Bass of the Week: Stradi Rock Bass
David Sutkin posted the latest bass in his arsenal on the Facebook group Bass Upfront, and it’s clear he’s ready to rock. Literally.
4. Learn How To Play Pull-Offs: Essential Funk Bass Technique – Part 1
This lesson explores the pull-off technique, an essential element of bass playing. While it’s typically used in funk, this can be applied across all genres of music.
5. Les Claypool’s Flying Frog Brigade Adds Fall Tour Dates
Les Claypool reunited with his Fearless Flying Frog Brigade this year for a summer tour, marking the band’s first outing in 20 years. They must be having fun because they’ve just announced a new set of fall dates.
6. Fender Unveils Bass-Inspired Silver Coin Set
Fender has released a new collectible that celebrates one of their iconic pairings. The Fender Dynamic Duo Silver Coin Set features two pieces shaped like a Precision Bass and a Bassman amp.
7. Meshell Ndegeocello: Clear Water
Meshell Ndegeocello’s “The Omnichord Real Book” marks her first album in five years. While she doesn’t play bass on “Clear Water” (Chris Bruce handles that), it is great to hear new music from a prolific artist.
8. Life On Mars: The Funkiest Bass Line From Outer Space
In this episode of “From The Bottom,” Paul Thompson digs into a classic funk track by Dexter Wansel. He gets into why the bass line to “Life On Mars” is one of the most unique you’ll ever hear.
9. Jerry Jemmott Publishes Autobiography, “Make It Happen!”
There’s a new must-read book for bass players on the market as Jerry Jemmott has published his autobiography. Make It Happen!: The Life and Times of “The Groovemaster,” Bassist Jerry Jemmott features forewords by Chuck Rainey, Ron Carter, and Robert Trujillo, who all sing his praises. Jemmott’s bass playing has been on the radio for over five decades. He played...
