Bass of the Week: Phantom Guitars XTC
This week we check out the XTC by Phantom Guitars. Handmade in Cologne, Germany, the XTC brings together elements of several classic basses with a single-coil and humbucker pickup configuration that the company says gives it modern sounds for rock, funk, jazz and pop. The XTC comes in 4-, 5-, and 6-string versions with a choice of body woods. Its...
Ibanez Unveils Limited Edition Buckeye Burl SR Premium Bass
Ibanez has unveiled a new limited edition version of their SR Premium bass. Built in their Premium facility, the SR Premium LTD SR5BBLTD is set from its apart with a Buckeye Burl top with a matching headstock and pickup covers. The SR5BBLTD’s ash body is matched with an Atlas-5 five piece wenge and bubinga neck that is reinforced with KTS...
The Nth Power: Only Love
No Treble reader Bryan Thomas sent us a note telling us to check out The Nth Power, featuring bassist Nate Edgar. We’re glad he did. Here’s a great clip of the band performing “Only Love” last year at Schubas in Chicago, Illinois. Edgar’s buttery tone ties the group together and works them into a frenzy as the song builds up.
In Memoriam: Larry Sims
Bassist/vocalist Larry Sims, who was an original member of Loggins & Messina, has passed away of undisclosed causes. Bandleader Jim Messina broke the news on his Facebook page. “I was awakened this morning with a phone call that Larry Sims has passed away. As most of you know Larry was the original bass player and singer in Loggins and Messina.Larry...
D’Angelo Debuts Long-Awaited Album, Featuring Pino Palladino
2014 has been a good year for sneak albums, but R&B master D’Angelo may have taken the cake by releasing over the course of a weekend. The album, which is his first in fourteen years, is a tremendous return that pushes his art forward while keeping true to his voice. D’Angelo took a more serious approach for Black Messiah with...
Olivier Babaz Trio: Bim Maloya
Olivier Babaz is working on an album focusing on his specialty of mixing bass and kalimba. He sent us this video for the song “Bim Maloya,” in which he plays both instruments while employing 12/8 & 9/8 rhythms from Réunion Island.
ZÜE Engineering Introduces the On Timer Pedalboard Clock
Time management on the bandstand can be crucial, and ZÜE Engineering is addressed that issue with the On Timer Pedalboard Clock, a pedal designed to help musicians manage their performance time. The device features two LED displays to keep track of your sets. The top is a 12-hour clock to display the current time, while the second is a timer...
Christian McBride Trio: Sophisticated Lady
Christian McBride is one bad dude. Here’s a jaw-dropping video of his trio performing the Ellington standard “Sophisticated Lady” live at the Festival de Jazz San Javier in 2009. The bassist kicks things off with an extended solo take on the song’s melody before bringing in the rest of the band. McBride pulls out all the stops with colorful flourishes...
Alissia Benveniste: Get Down
One of our favorite musical discoveries this year was Alissia Benveniste, a bassist and bandleader who is reviving the classic funk style with catchy hooks, uplifting lyrics, and awesome bass lines. She just sent us her latest video, and it’s got the same great recipe. “Get Down” is bursting with energy with an even larger ensemble than her previous songs....
Bass of the Week: R.Hyde Guitars Soul Machine
This week we check out the R.Hyde Guitars Soul Machine, an instrument Ryan Hyde calls a blend of traditional and modern values. Hyde honed his skills in Ken Smith’s shop before starting his own in Philadelphia. “The Soul Machine is meant to be a work horse instrument of the highest caliber,” he states. “It exudes the classic vibe of yesteryear,...
Megatar Relaunches with Redesigned 12-string Extended Range Bass
Megatar Touchstyle Basses has been reborn with a change in ownership and the launch of redesigned instruments, including the Megatar 12-string extended-range bass. Optimized for two-handing tapping, the Megatar’s strings are divided into two sets with space in between to eliminate crosstalk. The first half is strung like a six-string bass tuned BEADGC, while the second half is tuned closer...
Freekbass & The Bump Assembly: Never Enough
Freekbass has released the second video from his latest album, Everybody’s Feelin’ Real, for the song “Never Enough.” The track is full of gritty tone and envelope filter goodness. “Lots of groovy bass tones on this one, and a cameo from Jennifer Hartswick (Trey Anastasio Band) who sings on the track,” the bassist shares.