Bass of the Week: Hofner 500/1 Vintage 1963 Violin Bass
In 1955, Walter Hofner came up with the idea to make a short scale bass guitar with a violin-shaped hollow body. The idea came to life the next year at the Frankfurt trade show and made its rounds, eventually landing in the hands of Beatles member Paul McCartney, who had to switch from guitar to bass following the departure of...
Stories Behind the Songs: Joe Osborn
Where many bassists strive to have that one hit song, Joe Osborn has more chart-topping records than he can even keep track of. His signature tone – achieved with flatwound strings and a pick – underpins an overwhelming number of pop, rock, and country hits from the ’60s through the ’80s, and his resume reads like a who’s who of...
Craig Butterfield: Bass Quartet Arrangement of Frank Zappa’s “Peaches En Regalia”
We’re big fans of Frank Zappa here at No Treble HQ. So when Craig Butterfield sent in his all bass version of “Peaches En Regalia,” we were stoked. As is par for his videos, Butterfield nails all the parts with unbelievable accuracy. All of the percussion, bass lines, melodies and solos are perfectly in place, and in a fashion that...
“Jack Bruce & His Big Blues Band: Live 2012” Now Available
Earlier this year, Jack Bruce took his Big Blues Band on the road in the UK to tear through new arrangements of classic Cream tunes as well as his solo work. Luckily for us, the March 19th performance at The Stables in Milton Keynes was recorded. The resulting Jack Bruce & His Big Blues Band: Live 2012 album is now...
Hartke Introduces Limited Edition David Ellefson Signature Combo A70 Bass Amp
Hartke is releasing their newest combo amp, the David Ellefson Signature Combo A70 bass amp. The limited edition combo features Ellefson’s signature badge and a custom chrome grill in addition to all the features of the pre-existing A70. Built with a 12-inch aluminum bass driver, the combo is rated at 70 watts and is designed for small venues or home...
Luminlay Introduces Vintage Series Fluorescent Position Markers
Luminlay has introduced the Vintage Series of their luminescent position markers. Designed for on top of the fingerboard, the new inlays have a subtler color tone similar to maple and blend in better with vintage-style fingerboards, rather than most fluorescent materials that have a greenish tint. The inlays take place of your existing markers, and when activated, the dots shine...
Geezer Butler Signs With Hartke
Geezer Butler has signed with Hartke, according to a press release from the bass amplifier company. The Black Sabbath bassist will be utilizing the brand’s new Kilo amps, with which he played through for Metal Masters 3 and the 2012 Download Festival on June 10th. “It’s a true honor to welcome Geezer to the Hartke family,” states Director of Marketing...
Brian Bromberg Releases Hendrix and Jobim Tribute Albums in U.S.
Hot on the heels of his new album Compared to That, bassist Brian Bromberg is paying homage to two of his musical heroes with Bromberg Plays Hendrix and In the Spirit of Jobim. The albums were originally recorded for Japan’s King Records, but are now available in the U.S. via Artistry Music. “Even though people know me as a jazz...
In Memoriam: Bob Babbitt
Another bass legend has left us with the passing of Funk Brother Bob Babbitt, as the iconic bassist succumbed to complications from a brain tumor which was discovered last year. He was 74. Along with fellow low-ender James Jamerson, Babbitt was the foundation for the Motown Sound and played on over 200 Billboard Hot 100 Top 40 hits. His undeniable...
Darryl Anders and AgapéSoul: “Believe In Love”
Darryl Anders is bringing the old school to the new school with his new band AgapéSoul. With a deep pocket of groove, the bassist set out to make real music, not show off his skills. “It is not about us, as people or as musicians. It’s about the songs,” says Anders. “I’ve been blessed with an opportunity to share my...
Schroeder Cabinets Introduces Pyramid Line of Bass Cabinets
Schroeder Cabinets has introduced a new line of bass cabs called the Pyramid series. Developed for bassists that have trouble hearing themselves on small stages, the long throw design helps the artist hear what they’re playing while projecting just as well to the audience. The new line includes an 800-watt 2×12, a 400-watt 1×12, and a 600-watt 1×15, all of...
Steel Pulse Announce Tour Dates, Working on New Album
Reggae icons Steel Pulse will be hitting the road for a U.S. tour kicking off July 20th in Boston, Massachusetts and wrapping up September 9th at the Doheny Days Festival in California. The trek will be partly in support of a new album due out later this year, though details are sparse. Formed in 1975, the band has gone through...