Weekly Top 10: The Best in Bass for October 26 – November 1, 2024
We’re wrapping up another week with the top 10 stories on No Treble.
This week’s list includes an old-school video with Bobby Vega and the Paul Butterfield Band, the next installment in our Billy Sheehan interview series, Brittany Frompovich’s look at Toody Cole’s work, bass gear, and more.
1. Bass of the Week: Roger Blake Neo Classic Short-Scale
Bass builder Roger Blake sent us the details of his latest instrument, the Neo Classic Short-Scale bass. The bass features a short 30-inch scale and some incredible mojo.
2. Boss Introduces the GX-10 Effects Processor
Boss has introduced the GX-10 Effects Processor, which combines the sound engine and color touch display from the GX-100 into a smaller unit. Designed for bass and guitar, the GX-10 has amp modelers and 170 effects to choose from.
3. Paul Butterfield Band: Live at Rockpalast, 1978 (with Bobby Vega)
Rockpalast has been going strong since 1976, and it's always a treat when they release vintage shows on YouTube. A few weeks ago, they dropped this gem of Paul Butterfield and his band in 1978, which marked the blues legend's first solo band performance in Europe.
4. Aguilar Revamps Tone Hammer Preamp Pedal, Launches amPlug3 Tone Hammer
Aguilar Amplification’s Tone Hammer lineup has two new additions for 2024: the amPlug3 Tone Hammer and a reimagined version of the Tone Hammer Preamp pedal.
5. Billy Sheehan Names “Wrong Approach” to Using Bass Gear, Explains How He Really Practices
According to Billy Sheehan, no piece of gear can replace proper technical skills. During our interview, Sheehan discussed his stripped-down approach to practicing and why it really works for him.
6. Tim “Herb” Alexander Leaves Primus
Primus was just announced as a performer on Tool’s monumental “Live in the Sand” festival for 2025, but they’ve also been hit with a curveball. The band has announced that drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander has quit the band.
7. BEAT Tour to Be Livestreamed on November 10th
Adrian Belew, Tony Levin, Steve Vai, and Danny Carey have been tearing it up across North America on their Beat Tour, which sees the quartet performing music from King Crimson’s 80s era. They've just announced a livestream event from the tour.
8. Tool Announces “Live in the Sand” Festival with Primus, Mastodon, and More
Tool has announced a new festival in the Dominican Republic called Live in the Sand, and to say it looks promising is an understatement. The fest will feature two nights of Tool and performances by Primus, Mastodon, Coheed and Cambria, Eagles of Death Metal, King’s X, Fishbone, Wheel, CKY, and Moon Walker.
9. Wonder Women: Toody Cole
Toody Cole is the bassist for Dead Moon, a punk/garage band described by the New Zealand Herald as “the most important band you’ve never heard of.” She's the focus of this month's edition of Wonder Women: Stories From The Women Who Play Bass.
10. Duff McKagan Releases Three New Songs Ahead of Fall Tour
Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan has been focusing on his solo career over the past few years. He’s geared up for the next round of his “Lighthouse” Tour, which kicks off on November 4th, by releasing three new singles.
