Nordstrand Audio Unveils the NordyMute
Nordstrand Audio has expanded their bass offerings with the NordyMute, a bass mute featuring a foam body and wood cover. Available in four or five string versions, the device imparts a darker tone for an old school vibe. “The essence of the NordyMute’s effect is akin to upright-like inhibition of resonance, a kind of execution of sustain—its body subject to...
François Moutin and Kavita Shah Team Up for “Interplay”
The duo of a double bass and voice is one of the most powerful musical configurations. That’s clear on the new album, Interplay, by François Moutin and Kavita Shah. Sometimes intimate and sometimes exuberant, the 11-song collection ranges from jazz classics like “La Vie en Rose” to modern instrumental tunes like Dafnis Prieto’s “Blah Blah”. “There’s a nakedness to playing...
Ibanez Unveils the BTB845V Bass
Back in 2015, Ibanez introduced a five-string bass to their Bass Workshop Series they called the Volo. The bass featured a shorter 33-inch scale and was tuned E to C for a higher range. Now Ibanez has brought the model back as the BTB845V. The spirit of Volo lives on through the new bass has a few differences in materials....
Sons of Apollo Release “Alive/Tengo Vida” EP
Sons of Apollo are gearing up for their world tour with a special EP release of their single, “Alive.” The album contains six versions of the song including the original track, a radio edit, an acoustic rendition, plus each of those versions in Spanish, which retitles the track to “Tengo Vida.” “It was discussed we should do a Spanish language...
Dmitry Lisenko Releases “Percussive Acoustic Bass” Video Course
Dmitry Lisenko has been wowing No Treble readers for the past few years with his impressive acoustic bass guitar playing. Now he’s sharing his technique in a new video course called Percussive Fingerstyle on Acoustic Bass. The bassist’s unique style of playing incorporates lots of percussion on the body of the bass to fill out the song. “By understanding the...
ESP Introduces Flamed Maple LTD B-204 and LTD B-205 Basses
ESP updated their LTD line this year with upgraded versions of their most popular basses. The LTD B-204FM and LTD B-205FM take the flagship models and add a flamed maple top in translucent See Thru Red and See Thru Blue finishes. Other new features include an improved control layout and a new fingerboard wood: roasted jatoba. Each model is built...
Smashing Pumpkins Tour to Feature Jack Bates
After announcing that D’Arcy Wretzky would not be joining the upcoming “Shiny and Oh So Bright” reunion tour, the Smashing Pumpkins have announced the bass player for the outing. Original members Billy Corgan, Jeff Iha, and Jimmy Chamberlin, as well as Jeff Schroeder, will be joined by bassist Jack Bates. Fans will know Bates as the son of Joy Division/New...
Johnny Cox Releases New Instructional Book, “Improve Your Groove”
Johnny Cox has released a new instructional book called Improve Your Groove: The Essential Guide to Mastering Time and Feel on Bass Guitar. The new book focuses on playing in the pocket with topics including cracking the code of rhythm and groove, building your internal clock, Konnakol vocal counting, and more. The book has five complete songs to practice with...
Bass of the Week: Veillette Guitars Acoustic Bass Guitar
This week we’re checking out builder Joe Veillette’s Acoustic bass guitar model. Available in a variety of woods, the Acoustic was designed to bring the same depth of tone from their acoustic guitars to the bass. “With a 17″ wide and 5.5″ deep body, the Acoustic Bass has the airspace to deliver a true fundamental with depth and authority. A...
Jimmy Johnson Featured on New Steve Gadd Band Album
Drummer Steve Gadd has rounded up his band once again for a new album. The new self-titled Steve Gadd Band recording brings together a cast of killer musicians to lock in on the groove-oriented tracks. “All the guys in the band are good friends of mine, people I like being around—not just musically but in general,” he says. “It’s great...
Markbass Unveils Marcus Miller Signature Amplification
Last year, Markbass announced they would be teaming up with jazz legend Marcus Miller for a series of amps. This year they unveiled the lineup at the Winter NAMM Show, which will include four head units, three combos, and two cabinets. “Marcus has closely partnered with [Markbass founder Marco De Virgillis] to develop his amazing signature amps that not only...
The Moody Blues Release “Days Of Future Passed Live” DVD
It’s been a couple of big years for The Moody Blues. Last year, they celebrated the 50th anniversary of their groundbreaking album Days Of Future Passed with a tour. This year they’ll be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. While we have to wait a few weeks for the induction ceremony, the band has just released a...