Weekly Top 10: The Best in Bass for September 28 – October 4, 2024
The last article of the week is a look back at what was popular on No Treble.
There was plenty of gear once again, plus Marcus Miller’s workshop at Montreux, a look into Joe Dart’s bass lines, part 3 of our interview with Tony Levin, a bonus top 10 bass gear list, and more.
1. Bass of the Week: Ritter Instruments “Sound of the Deep” R8-Singlecut Concept
Jens Ritter just wrapped up exhibiting at Guitar Summit 2024 in Mannheim, Germany, where he showed off some spectacular instruments. One bass that caught our eye is an R8-Singlecut Concept model dubbed the “Sound of the Deep.”
2. Harley Benton Introduces Affordable HB-50 Semi-Hollow Bass
Harley Benton has introduced the HB-50, a bass they describe as a “semi-acoustic body meets an archtop.” Inspired by designs of the 60s, the instrument comes in Cherry Red and Vintage Orange finishes.
3. Epiphone Reissues The Grabber Bass
Originally introduced in 1973, the Gibson Grabber was a staple of the decade thanks to its use by KISS bassist Gene Simmons. It would find a new life in the ’90s as players like Krist Novoselic and Mike Dirnt put it to use. Now it’s reborn in a new version from Epiphone.
4. Aerosmith’s Tom Hamilton Announces First Gig with New Band
After Aerosmith’s big farewell tour was canceled, bassist Tom Hamilton opened up about the situation and even mentioned he had been playing with another group. Now, Hamilton has announced his first show with the band.
5. Vulfpeck’s “Daddy, He Got a Tesla” Combines Old-School and Modern Bass-Writing Practices: Here’s What Makes It Great
All the time, we hear stories of how music today is nowhere near as good as in the “good old days.” If we pick an example of the best artist that proves this wrong, it would be either Vulfpeck or The Fearless Flyers. And if there’s a bassist who proves it wrong, then it’s the almighty Joe Dart.
6. Solar Guitars Introduces Ron Broder Signature Bass
Coroner bassist and vocalist Ron Broder has a new signature instrument from Solar Guitars called the A1.4 Coroner. The news comes as the Swiss metal mainstays are working on their first album in over 30 years.
7. Marcus Miller: Montreux Jazz Fest Workshop
Marcus Miller is a masterful clinician, and he and his band shared some time and wisdom at Montreux Jazz Fest in Switzerland.
8. Bass Gear Roundup: The Top Gear Stories in September 2024
We love new gear, and based on how popular bass gear stories are here, we know you do, too. Here’s the top 10 reader favorite bass gear list for September 2024.
9. Tony Levin Reflects on “Very Special” Bass He Revisited on New Album, Answers If He’ll Ever Do a Prog Rock Solo Record
In Part 3 of our interview with Tony Levin, he reflects on one of Ned Steinberger’s first fretless basses as well as discusses whether he'll do a solo prog rock record in the future.
10. Forq’s Bass Heavy “Big Party” Available Now
Forq’s new album, “Big Party,” is perfectly named. The funky set of songs not only evoke good vibes, they’re created by a huge cast of musicians. At the center of the party is Forq leader Henry Hey.
Corey Brown is the founder of No Treble and serves in an advisory role. He’s also Head of Editorial at Muse Group. Learn more about Corey on his website and LinkedIn.
