Weekly Top 10: The Best in Bass for September 21-27, 2024

This week’s top 10 reader-favorite list is once again heavy on the gear, which is never surprising. But we had more bass goodness to share, including Ryan Madora’s latest “Keep it Groovy” lesson on “Fire” by Ohio Players, Brittany Frompovich’s look at Danielle Nicole for “Wonder Women,” Vulfpeck’s complete Jazz à Vienne concert this summer, and more.

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1. Pachyderm Instruments Launches the Whamola

After teasing the instrument back in June, Les Claypool and Pachyderm Instruments unleashed a production version of the Whamola on September 19th. They promptly sold out within the day, but a new batch will be on the way.

2. Neural DSP Launches the Nano Cortex Pedal

Neural DSP has added a new pedal to its arsenal called the Nano Cortex, a more compact take on the Quad Cortex released in 2020. The new unit, designed for both bass and guitar, packs a digital amplifier, cabinet simulator, and effects processor all in one.

3. Primus, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer Return for “Sessanta V2.0” Tour

Earlier this year, vocalist Maynard James Keenan threw a 60th birthday bash that evolved into a sold-out month-long tour featuring Puscifer, A Perfect Circle, and Primus. The party returns in 2025 with Sessanta 2.0, which will see the three bands embark on another U.S. tour.

4. Bass of the Week: Drake Bass Custom Fretless 4-String

It’s always hard to part ways with a bass that you know may never come back. Bassist Andy Oliver went through that ordeal, but he found a creative solution to get the magic back. His Drake Bass Custom Fretless 4-String is our Bass of the Week.

5. Vulfpeck: Jazz à Vienne (2024)

On July 16th, Vulfpeck performed at the 43rd edition of Jazz à Vienne on the Théâtre Antique stage. Joe Dart and the band got the crowd going with a nearly 2-hour performance, which you can see in its entirety here.

6. Don’t Just Use Tabs: This Bass Beginner Guide to “Fire” By Ohio Players Teaches You a Lot More

In your endless, tiring Google searches for the best bass songs for beginners, you’ve most likely encountered “Fire” by Ohio Players. This 1974 funk classic, featuring Marshall “Rock” Jones on the bass guitar, is a great choice for beginners.

7. Richter Straps Announces the Mike Dirnt Signature Bass Strap

Richter Straps has teamed up with Green Day’s Mike Dirnt to create a new signature bass strap. The handmade straps are crafted with genuine Nappa leather from Italy, which they describe as smooth and breathable.

8. Deftones Announce 2025 Tour with The Mars Volta and Fleshwater

Deftones has announced a new U.S. Tour for 2025 that will mark their first headlining trek since 2022. The band will be joined on the road by The Mars Volta and Fleshwater

9. Wonder Women: Danielle Nicole

Danielle Nicole has built a name as a soulful blues vocalist, an exceptional bassist, and as a bandleader for the Danielle Nicole Band. Danielle is the focus of this month’s “Wonder Women.”

10. Cort Unveils the GB-Fusion Bass Series

Cort has announced the GB-Fusion Bass series, which they say builds upon their GB-Modern series to be innovative yet affordably priced. The J-style bass comes in four- and five-string models and features a new pickup design.