Buzz
Meshell Ndegeocello: Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood
Today is Meshell Ndegeocello’s birthday, so we wanted to celebrate with another video by the talented bassist/vocalist. In this clip, Meshell performs a cover of “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”. The song was written for Nina Simone, who recorded it in 1964. A year later, The Animals released their hit version. Meshell makes it groove.
Michael Manring’s First Solo Album Remastered, Reissued
Jazz fusion/experimental bass virtuoso Michael Manring’s first solo album, Unusual Weather, is now available in a remastered and repackaged CD edition. Adventure Music is behind the reissue of Manring’s 1986 solo debut, which first appeared on Windham Hill Records, where he acted as house bassist. A student of the late, great Jaco Pastorius, Manring is also well-known for his collaborations...
Eastwood Guitars Aims to Revive 1968 Saturn IV Bass
Eastwood Guitars is bringing back another blast from the past with their own version of the Saturn IV Bass. The hollowbody model was originally introduced by Vox in 1968 and was only in production for one year, making it a rare instrument to come across. The bass will be constructed with a bound laminated maple body, a maple top featuring...
Jonathan Scales Fourchestra: Specifically
Jonathan Scales reached out to me on Facebook to share this new video with us of his “Fourchestra” performing “Specifically”. The tune appeared on their 2013 self-titled release. I know No Treble readers dig the Fourchestra, and the bass work by Cody Wright as much as we do. If you haven’t heard these guys yet (and even if you have),...
Motörhead Returns with Some “Bad Magic”
Well, now that Lemmy has switched from Jack and Coke to vodka and orange for his health, the bassist in shape to support his stalwart metal band Motörhead’s latest, Bad Magic. Motörhead, celebrating its 40th anniversary, retains its signature driving sound on Bad Magic (its 22nd studio album), which is being promoted as the group’s strongest record in two decades....
Fodera Unveils Lacewood Emperor 5 Deluxe Select
Fodera has announced the latest in their Select Series of instruments with the Lacewood Emperor 5 Deluxe Select. Similar to their Standard Series, the Select Series instruments are built in small batches of custom shop instruments with limited options to reduce on wait time and cost. As its name implies, the Lacewood Emperor 5 Deluxe Select will be a five-string...
Seven-String Metal: An Interview with Danny Hauser
As the bass guitar has evolved, players have become more and more adept at making technically difficult passages sound musical. That goes especially for proponents of extended range basses, and Veil of Maya’s Danny Hauser is one of those players. Hailing from Northern Virginia, Hauser lays down the low (and high) end on a seven-string bass for a broader range...
Michael Manring: “The Enormous Room” (Sligo Jazz 2011)
We recently reshared Jesús Rico Pérez’s incredible cover of the Michael Manring tune, “The Enormous Room”. Listening to Jesús’ version took my down a path to listen to more of Manring’s music once again, and I stumbled upon this video of the man himself performing the tune live at the Sligo Jazz Project’s All Star Concert in 2011. This is...
Rotosound Launches New Instrument Care Products
Rotosound has expanded their lineup of guitar and bass care products with a new guitar polish, a string lube, and a lemon oil. Each product can be used on both guitar and bass. The guitar polish is formulated to clean instruments of fingerprints, streaking, dust and grime. Rotosound says the polish continues to work after application and preventing dust build...
Gizmotron Revived with Version 2.0
A piece of the ’70s is being revived with the Gizmotron 2.0. Originally designed in 1973, the Gizmotron is an electro-mechanic device that attaches near the bridge of your bass or guitar and creates a sustained, bowed sound similar to a cello. It contains spinning wheels for each string that are engaged by pressing keys. “The Gizmotron 2.0 allows the...
Dealing with Dead Spots on the Fretboard
Q: I’ve played a Fender ’61 Anniversary Precision the last year or so. It sounds great and is very comfortable to play, but I have drama with the G note on the E string being noticeably “plonky” sounding. A slight truss rod adjustment clockwise moves this down a semi tone. I’m fearing a dead spot… I’ve had a few guys...
Vulfpeck: Back Pocket
Vulfpeck fans, we have good news. The band has announced their debut full-length album, due to release on October 9th. Here’s the first single release from the record, “Back Pocket”. Once more, they’re bringing some old school goodness to their new tunes. Anchored by bassist Joe Dart, this tune also includes Jack Stratton on drums, Theo Katzman on vocals and...