db Instrument Amp Releases 4E Dual Axis Expression Pedal
db Instrument Amp has announced the 4E Dual Axis Expression pedal, a pedal with four expression control mega-potentiometers to control up to four individual expression enabled effects at once. The pedal has a two axis design and moves up and down as well as left to right, allowing for simultaneously and independently adjusting separate effects on the fly. The 4E...
Joshua Young: Dominatus Fugue in C Minor
This is one of the most spectacular Bach-inspired pieces for bass guitar I’ve ever seen. Joshua Young wrote this extremely intricate and beautiful solo bass fugue in the style of the 18th century composer, complete with melody, counterpoint and bass line. If you weren’t looking, you’d think “Dominatus” was being performed by three different people. Young takes his craft seriously...
In Memoriam: John Gustafson
Bassist John Gustafson, who spent time in the Ian Gillan Band and Roxy Music, has passed away of undisclosed causes. He was 72. Gustafson was born in Liverpool and started his early career in the late ’50s and early ’60s. His first group was one of the UK’s first rock trios called The Big Three, which he joined in July...
Bass of the Week: Black Beard Guitars Fahrenheit 4:51 II
This week we check out a stunning bass by Italian company Black Beard Guitars called the Fahrenheit 4:51 II. Inspired by the Fender ’51 Precision bass, Black Beard calls this “the first electric bass… revisited.” Its pine body is finished in a roasted semi-gloss and adorned with a an aluminum pickguard that etched with floral patterns. The maple neck has...
Mumpbeak: Oak
Ever since Mumpbeak released their debut album, it has stayed in my listening rotation. The group’s dark, progressive and experimental sound is one that gets into your subconscious and stays there. Here’s a clip of the band’s core – featuring keyboardist Roy Powell, drummer Pat Mastelotto, and bassist Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz – performing the song “Oak.” Blumenkranz locks in with...
Neon Trees Reschedule Tour After Bassist’s Surgery
Just two weeks after announcing their “First Things First” tour, Neon Trees have decided to reschedule several dates due to Branden Campbell’s health. A statement on the band’s website says the bassist recently underwent open-heart surgery for a valve replacement and was advised to take it easy. “The intense touring schedule has been exhaustive and doctors have advised him to...
100 Bass Riffs: A Brief History of Groove on Bass and Drums
I love checking out these groove compilations, and the guys at Chicago Music Exchange hit it out of the park on this one. Bassist Marc Najjar teamed with drummer Nate Bauman to put together 100 of the most iconic bass riffs starting with 1955’s “Ain’t That A Shame” by Fats Domino and winding up the 2013 track “My God is...
Chiodos Announces New Bassist and Drummer
Chiodos has filled out their lineup after announcing that drummer Derrick Frost and founding bassist Matt Goddard left the band to pursue personal interests. The group, who are on tour in support of their latest album DEVIL, have added drummer Thomas Pridgen (Mars Volta, Suicidal Tendencies) and bassist Joe Troy (RX Bandits) to the fold. “Derrick Frost and Matt Goddard...
New Slipknot Bassist Revealed?
Ever since Paul Gray’s death in 2010, Slipknot fans have been wondering how the band would replace such an integral member. Their subsequent tours have included former guitarist Donnie Steele on bass, but with a new album and tour coming up the band is rumored to have stopped working with him. Although Slipknot has been secretive about their new bassist...
Abraham Laboriel Sr. and Sons: Quiet Space
Bassist and No Treble reader Stuart Fortune sent in this most excellent clip of Abraham Laboriel, Sr. getting into the music at the 2014 Alumni Reunion Concert at Berklee College of Music. The group includes Laboriel’s sons Abraham Laboriel Jr. on drums and Mateo Laboriel on guitar, as well as Jetro Da Silva on piano. “[It is a] great track...
Snarky Puppy Embarks on World Tour
Snarky Puppy is hitting the road for a massive world tour that will cover North America, Asia, Australia, and Europe through the end of the year. The band, anchored by bassist Michael League, will be performing in support of their latest album, We Like it Here, which came out in February. The tour will thoroughly cover the East Coast and...
Dingwall Now Shipping Adam “Nolly” Getgood Signature NG-2 Bass
After introducing the Adam “Nolly” Getgood signature bass at NAMM this year, Dingwall Guitars has announced the NG-2 has been refined and is now shipping in Laguna Seca Blue and Ferrari Yellow colors. Black, red, and green models will follow in about four weeks. Created with the Periphery bassist, the NG-2 is built around a five-piece maple neck and a...