Weekly Top 10: August 12-18, 2023
This week’s top 10 articles on No Treble include some new bass gear, albums, a cool “From the Bottom” column, a lesson on arpeggios, and more.
Here’s your weekly roundup of the reader favorites!
Thanks for being here.
1. Fender Custom Shop Unveils California Streetwoods Collection Basses
The Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilders are tasked with creating a special set of instruments each year that focus on a central theme. This year, they’ve unveiled the California Streetwood Collection, utilizing wood acquired by Street Tree Revival.
2. Nina DiGregorio and Brody Dolyniuk: Limelight
Nina DiGregorio is best known for pioneering the electric rock violin, but she’s also an accomplished bassist. DiGregorio teamed up with multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Brody Dolyniuk for this killer cover of Rush’s “Limelight.”
3. Solar Guitars Adds Two New Type AB Basses
Solar Guitars has added a pair of new basses to its lineup with the AB1.4ROP and the AB1.5BOP. The new models are described as the top tier of the Type AB Bass range.
4. Bass of the Week: LeCompte Electric Bass SHR-4 Short Scale Bass
Bud LeCompte of LeCompte Electric Bass just shared his latest creation, and it stopped me in my tracks. This SHR-4 has an offset body and neck design for a retro feel while having a fresh style.
5. Learning Arpeggios On The Bass: G Major 2-5-1 Exercise For Major and Minor Triads On Bass
In this “Keep It Groovy” lesson, Ryan Madora guides us through practicing arpeggio shapes by playing through a very common chord progression. It’s the perfect warm-up exercise to play with a metronome and can even be shifted to other keys.
6. Moto Fukushima Releases Jaw-Dropping Solo Album, “Songs Belong To The Night”
House of Waters bassist Moto Fukushima has just returned with his second solo album. “Songs Belong to the Night” showcases his prowess and musicality on the six-string bass by making it the focus. In fact, it’s the only thing on the album.
7. Linus Klausenitzer Announces Solo Debut Album
After years as a member of bands like Obsidious, Obscura, and Alkaloid, Linus Klausenitzer has announced his debut solo album. "Tulpa" is a musical odyssey through time inspired by the 1873 German book "Die Sphinx" by Emil Besetzny.
8. Breaking Down “Summer Madness” by Kool & the Gang
In this episode of “From The Bottom,” Paul Thompson breaks down Kool & the Gang’s iconic “Summer Madness” groove from 1974, including Robert “Kool” Bell’s “magic” bass note, and what exactly is going on during those solos!
9. The Hives Return with “The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons”
The Hives have just released “The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons,” marking their first studio album in 11 years. The album features Johan Gustafsson on bass for the first time.
10. Nate Navarro Publishes Instructional Book for 5-String Bass
After releasing a four-string book in 2021, Nate Navarro has expanded his educational books to include “BASS: 5-String Etudes, Riffs, Songs & Exercises.”
