Bass of the Week: Sugi Guitars NB5 Dream Catcher 33 Bass
When you look at this bass, you might suspect it was built in the Southwest due to its design and turquoise coloring. However, the NB5 Dream Catcher 33 is a custom bass made by Japan’s Sugi Guitars.
Late-Era Grateful Dead Songs Compiled for “Ready or Not”
The Grateful Dead began working on a new studio album in 1992 that never came to fruition. They broke up after the death of Jerry Garcia in 1995, ending any new studio albums from the group. Now a live album, “Ready or Not,” imagines what could have been.
Janek Gwizdala Publishes “Bass Player’s Guide to Looping”
Looping has become a staple for many bass players. From practice to performance, bassists have been gotten more and more creative with the craft. Now Janek Gwizdala is sharing his deep knowledge of looping with a new book, “Bass Player’s Guide to Looping.”
Ohio Players: “Skin Tight” on TopPop
This is one of those funk songs that is just so fun to play. “Skin Tight” was a hit in 1974 and it holds up thanks to the bass line by Marshall “Rock” Jones. Here’s a clip taken from the Dutch TV show TopPop.
Xotic Announces Bass RC Booster V2 Pedal
Xotic has updated part of their pedal lineup with the Bass RC Booster V2. The unit is described as “a super transparent boost pedal designed to add clarity and definition to your bass tone.”
CITES Ends Rosewood Restrictions for Musical Instruments
Two years after setting restrictions on the international trade of rosewood, the Conference on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (aka CITES) has set exemptions for finished musical instruments, parts, and accessories.
The Doobie Brothers Announce 50th Anniversary Tour
The Doobie Brothers are setting out for a tour in 2020 to celebrate their 50th anniversary. Spanning 53 cities in North America, the tour will welcome five-time Grammy winner Michael McDonald back into the fold.
JHS Pedals Introduces Colour Box V2 Preamp Pedal
JHS Pedals has revamped one of their preamp pedals with the Colour Box V2. The unit is designed to replicate the “direct-in” sound of recording into a Neve studio console. Building on the original pedal, version two has some upgrades.
Sinasoid Unveils Norm Stockton Signature Cable
Sinasoid has released a new signature cable with bassist Norm Stockton. The 12-foot boutique instrument cable’s profits will be used to help Stockton finish his latest project, Sushi & Grooves.
Mai Leisz To Join David Crosby on Spring Tour
Folk-rock legend David Crosby may be 74, but he’s showing no signs of slowing down. He’s just announced a five-week-long tour for spring 2020 that will take him from coast to coast. Bassist Mai Leisz will once again join him on the tour.
Ryan Madora Publishes “Bass Players To Know” Book
Ryan Madora’s “Bass Players To Know” column on No Treble has been such a hit. So much so, Ryan decided to publish a book. “Bass Players To Know: Learning From The Greats” features 35 bassists that have helped the instrument’s evolution.
In Memoriam: Doug Lubahn
Doug Lubahn, who played bass on three albums by the Doors, has passed away. He was 71 years old. The band shared the news on their social media accounts.











