No Treble’s Weekly Top 10: Steve Swallow, Flea, Lakland and More

We’re back again with the ten most-read articles on No Treble for the week. At the top of the heap is part two of our interview with Steve Swallow, in which the jazz bass icon explained his lifelong quest for tone. We get into his Citron bass, his unique strings, and his journey to recapture the earthiness of his upright.

Flea took his solo band to NPR Music for a special Tiny Desk Concert. The Red Hot Chili Pepper played electric bass and trumpet with Anna Butterss supporting on both electric and double bass. Be sure to check out Jody’s favorite moment on “Morning Cry,” where the two bassists create a massive layered sound.

Our bass of the week is a Lakland 44-51 with a jaw-dropping Buckey Burl top in a Buckey Burst high gloss finish. The rich textures are complemented by a roasted birdseye maple fingerboard with ebony block inlays.

Other highlights include BOSS’s first electric bass gig bag, a killer string raking lesson from Ryan Madora, and more grooves than you can shake a stick at.

1. Steve Swallow on the Lifelong Search for His Electric Bass Tone

Steve Swallow discusses his evolving pick technique, tenth custom Citron bass, unusual strings, and lifelong pursuit of a warmer electric bass tone.

2. Flea and Anna Butterss Turn Tiny Desk Into a Two-Bass Showcase

Flea and Anna Butterss share the low end at Tiny Desk, moving between two electric basses, upright bass and trumpet across three songs from the album Honora.

3. This Buckeye Burl Lakland 44-51 Is an Absolute Showstopper

This chambered Lakland USA Series 44-51 features a Buckeye Burl top, roasted birdseye maple fingerboard, and Neo Punch split-coil pickup.

4. BOSS Introduces Its First Electric Bass Gig Bag, the CB-EB15

BOSS has introduced the CB-EB15, its first electric bass gig bag, featuring thick padding, an adjustable end guard, and detachable neck supports.

5. How to Use String Raking for Faster, Smoother Bass Lines

Learn how to use string raking to improve your bass right-hand technique, create smoother lines, and move efficiently across the strings.

6. Victor Wooten and The Wooten Brothers Bring the Family Groove to Montreal

Victor Wooten and The Wooten Brothers bring their unmistakable chemistry and deep family groove to the Montreal International Jazz Festival in this live clip.

7. CARRTOONS Locks In With Kiefer and Nate Smith in FATHERS’ Full Wonderland Park Set

FATHERS dress to the nines for a retro Wonderland Park set featuring CARRTOONS on Fender Precision Bass with Kiefer and Nate Smith and plenty of pocket.

8. Kevin Scott Unleashes a Filthy Bass Tone on Forq’s Live at Moods Set

Watch Kevin Scott drive Forq’s newly released 2019 performance at Moods in Zurich with a Moollon P Bass, heavy effects, deep grooves, and huge low end.

9. L7 Bassist Jennifer Finch Reveals Aggressive Brain Cancer Diagnosis

L7 bassist Jennifer Finch has been diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and will miss the band's farewell tour as a GoFundMe helps support her care.

10. Linda May Han Oh Turns Bud Powell’s “Hallucinations” Into an Upright Bass Showcase

Linda May Han Oh handles pulse, harmony, counterpoint, and melody on upright bass in this stripped-down duo performance of Bud Powell’s “Hallucinations.”