Weekly Top 10: December 9-15, 2023

Time to wrap up the week with a look back. This week’s top 10 reader favorites on No Treble include some gear news, our interview with Will “Mustang” McGee, some new bass instructional books, Paul Thompon’s “From the Bottom” episode on valuable three-note exercises, and more.

Thanks for being here!

1. Allman Betts Family Revival 2023 with Tal Wilkenfeld: Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More

Tal Wilkenfeld is currently on tour with the Allman Betts Family Revival, and now we get to see them in action. Youtuber John Richardson captured this footage of the band performing “Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More,” with Tal handling the lead vocals.

2. Dusty Hill’s 1953 Precision Becomes Second Highest Selling Bass in History

Julien’s Auctions has released the results of the “The Collection of Dusty Hill of ZZ Top” auction, and the figures are staggering.

3. Flea and Red Hot Chili Peppers Extend “Unlimited Love” Tour Into 2024

Flea and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are keeping the love going next year by extending their “Unlimited Love” tour into 2024.

4. Phil Jones Announces the Bass Engine BE-17 Bass Combo

Phil Jones Bass has announced a new bass combo amp dubbed the Bass Engine, aka the BE-17. Fitted with a custom proprietary 7-inch speaker, the new model features a linear analog preamp matched to a class D amplifier that dishes out 70 watts.

5. Bass of the Week: BL Design Caracal 5

BL Design shared one of their recent builds and it stopped me in my tracks. This Caracal 5 is a five-string bass with a 35-inch scale and an incredible crotch walnut top.

6. Cosmic Country: An Interview with Will “Mustang” McGee

As part of Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Will “Mustang” McGee has been all around the U.S. to share the group’s awesome blend of country rock jams. We caught up with McGee in this new interview.

7. Dominique Di Piazza Publishes “The Ultimate Right Hand Technique Book”

Dominique Di Piazza has many incredible aspects to his playing, but specifically his right hand technique is astounding. Now the secrets of his style have been revealed in a new instructional book called “The Ultimate Right Hand Technique Book.”

8. “Bass Gym 101 – Chords & Harmonic Accompaniments” Instructional Book Available Now

Start stretching because it’s time to hit the gym again. Marek Bero has added a new book to his “Bass Gym 101” series to strengthen your knowledge of chords and harmonic accompaniments.

9. Joshua Crumbly Announces New EP, “P.S.”

Following his full-length solo albums “Rise” and “ForEver,” bassist and composer Joshua Crumbly announced a new EP called “P.S.” Here’s a preview.

10. The Three-Note “Hack” To Better Bass Lines (and Solos)

In this episode of “From the Bottom,” Paul Thompson dives into the magical world of triads – our musical building blocks. Be sure to grab the included exercises and follow along.