Buzz
Reader Spotlight: Zack Cramp
When Zack Cramp submitted his story to us, it didn’t take me long to decide to share it. I mean, any one who loves bass and vinyl as much as he does is solid in my books. Zack lives and works in both categories (and enjoys a few of my other favorite things). Here’s his story… Bio: I’m a 26...
Dunlop Introduces Flatwound Bass Strings
Dunlop went old school at NAMM this year by introducing a new set of flatwound strings. The Dunlop Flatwound Strings are designed to give the tone of classic rock, funk, and R&B recordings while providing a more modern feel. Designed for lower tension, the strings are described as providing a solid fundamental with rich articulation on top. “Rolling off your...
Behind These Eyes: Love Me If You Can
Here’s trombonist Hal Crook and his band Behind These Eyes performing “Love Me If You Can”. The tune was written and arranged by Crook. Bassist Wesley Wirth lays down a funky line behind this performance, which also lots of horn goodness.
Snarky Puppy Releases “Family Dinner, Vol. 2”
Snarky Puppy joined with a host of vocalists and musicians in February 2015 in New Orleans to record an album in front of a live studio audience. Now, that album, and an accompanying video, documenting the performance is available to hear and watch as Family Dinner, Vol. 2. The project from Snarky Puppy, led by bassist/composer Michael League, aims to...
Bass of the Week: Roks Instruments Futura
This week we’re taking a look at the Futura from Roks Instruments out of The Netherlands. Luthier Axel Roks, who created the bass as part of Dutch Design Week, uses the human body as a large influence on his creations. “This design originated out of the idea that a bass guitar could be an object in itself,” he writes on...
Talking Technique: One Finger Per Fret In The Lower Register
The lower frets on the bass are arguably the ones we use the most, but they’re also the largest frets. That makes it difficult for us to apply our “one finger per fret” rule in the lower register. So how can we overcome this physical obstacle? We’ll go over some exercises to get your fingers in shape for the low...
Drew De Four with Miki Santamaria: Allied
Miki Santamaria joined the band Drew De Four in studio to record their album, . “Pretty excited about this one, you guys,” Miki shared. “I was in Michigan for a week in March 2015 recording bass for my friend’s Drew De Four newest album… This was such a fun project to be a part of – recording live band straight...
Moppa Elliot Releases Solo Effort
Mostly Other People Do the Killing’s leader, bassist and composer Matthew “Moppa” Elliott has released his solo bass album, Still, Up in the Air. The jazz album was recorded live in one day — Feb. 15, 2015 — at St. Stephen’s Pro Cathedral in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Elliott favors a non-linear approach to his work, using authors David Foster Wallace and...
Weekly Top 10: More News from NAMM, Gigging without a Car, Top Bass Videos and More
Time for your weekly dose of bass greatness – aka the No Treble top 10 reader favorites. This week has a bonus – a top 10 list inside the top 10 list. Thanks for reading, watching, commenting and sharing. 1. Bass of the Week: Gibson SG Standard Bass Today we’re checking out another iconic bass with the Gibson SG Standard....
Dunlop Introduces Mini Bass Wah and Volume Pedals
If you’ve been skeptical to add a wah or volume pedal to your pedalboard because of the space it takes up, Dunlop may have you covered. They unveiled a pair of new Mini pedals at the NAMM Show this year including the CBM105Q Cry Baby Mini Bass Wah and the Volume X Mini. The new CBM105Q Cry Baby Mini Bass...
Evan Brewer: “Cause For Concern” Bass Playthrough
Evan Brewer has released a bass playthrough for his song “Cause for Concern”, and it’s something you should be sitting down for. The track, which is featured on his album Your Itinerary, utilizes extended techniques to create a swirling sonic atmosphere. “This song has some of the harsher, heavier elements that are on the record,” Brewer told us in a...
The London Suede’s Latest Explores Anxious “Night Thoughts”
The British band Suede, known as The London Suede in the United States, has released its 7th studio album, Night Thoughts. The Night Thoughts CD package features not only music, but also a feature film by photographer/video director Roger Sargent, which reflects the album’s themes related to familial anxiety — birth, decay, death, youth and parenthood, according to frontman Brett...