Michael Manring Playing Two Basses at Once
I’m convinced that Michael Manring’s brain works differently than everyone else’s. His ideas are always so unique and his execution of them are jaw-dropping. Back in 1991, Manring was featured on the Spanish television program Musica NA to talk about his playing and compositions. This clip starts out with the bassist explaining his thought process on playing two basses at...
Thundercat Debuts New Song
If you’ve been fiending for some new Thundercat, you’re in luck. The bass virtuoso has just dropped a new single called “Bus in These Streets”, and it’s got all the quirky-yet-catchy aspects he’s known for. The song’s bouncy bass line holds the groove while chimes give the song a happy-go-lucky vibe. Thundercat’s lyrics, however, are a commentary on the effect...
Descendents: Testosterone
Punk icons The Descendents recently released their seventh studio album, Hypercaffium Spazzinate, and it’s got all the fervor they’re known for. That includes the blistering bass work of Karl Alvarez. Watch the band get down on their latest live video for “Testosterone”. The song is short but sweet with a killer bass run at the 28-second mark.
Warwick Introduces Rex Brown Signature Basses
Rex Brown has teamed up with Warwick for a new signature bass that will be available in the company’s top shelf custom shop line as well as the more affordable Rockbass Artist line. Both versions are based off the Reverso neck-through model, which features a distinct offset body with an extended upper horn. The Rockbass Artist Line Rex Brown 4...
Chris DeAngelis: Bass Arrangement of Radiohead’s “Sit Down. Stand Up. (Snakes & Ladders)”
Chris DeAngelis is the super talented bassist for Kung Fu and The Breakfast, but he also makes time to create insanely good solo covers (which he calls the HoodRat Sessions) in his spare time. Case in point: this clip of his take on Radiohead’s “Sit Down. Stand Up. (Snakes and Ladders)”. “HoodRat Sessions continues with a tribute to the best...
Bass of the Week: Meridian Guitars Jazz Evolution Carbon
Since its introduction in 1960, there have been many bass models inspired by the Fender Jazz. This week we’re checking out an exceptional Italian riff on the classic with the Meridian Guitars Jazz Evolution Carbon. The bass features an ash body with a charcoal burst color and polyurethane satin finish. Its neck is made from maple that was harvested 30...
Troy Hughes: Rush’s “The Big Money” Playthrough
Troy Hughes has a knack for nailing Geddy Lee’s lines. So much so that he’s featured on the Rush website. However, he couldn’t quite get the tone perfect for songs from the Power Windows album until an incredible trip to get the bass he’d always wanted. Hughes procured a Wal bass from former Puddle of Mudd bassist and founding member...
Chowny Introduces NT-J and NT-B Basses
Chowny Basses have expanded their lineup with the NT-J and NT-B models. The neck-through basses each feature a maple and rosewood neck matched to a chambered Red Cedar body with a Rosewood top. The models are set apart by their pickup configuration, with the NT-J sporting a pair of soapbar jazz pickups and the NT-B with a pair of soapbar...
Mitchell Electric Guitars Launches Bass Lineup
Mitchell Electric Guitars has debuted a new line of electric guitars and basses, including four bass models over three series: the FB Series, the TB Series, and the MB Series. The company calls the FB line their flagship model while the TB and MB basses are configured more traditionally. The FB700 is available in four-, five-, and six-string versions, each...
Maddie Jay & the pH Collective Release Debut Album
If you’ve been following No Treble for the past year, you’ve seen the rise of Maddie Jay & the pH Collective. Starting with their first original, “Throw Away Your Hate,” the bassist-led band has been wowing readers with deep grooves and lush arrangements. Now the band has released their first EP, entitled Meanwhile… The 8-song collection showcases Jay’s slick bass...
Rex Brown Announces Solo Album
After years of holding down the low end for the world’s biggest metal bands, Rex Brown has announced that he’s working on his debut solo album. The former Pantera and Down bassist revealed the news to Metal Hammer, saying it has inspired him to play again after burning out from touring. “I went to Nashville last summer, and I have...
Fender Introduces 800-Watt Bassman Head
Fender’s Bassman series of bass amplifiers has gotten bigger with the introduction of the Bassman 800 Head. The 800-watt, dual channel amp features a hybrid design with a tube preamp matched to a Class D power section. It weighs 17 pounds. Its two-channel tube preamp has Vintage and Overdrive voicings. The Vintage channel provides a vintage tone with a passive...