Buzz
Squier Introduces Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass V Special
Squier’s Vintage Modified series has gotten a little bigger with the introduction of the Jaguar Bass V Special. The new model takes all the features of the Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass and adds a low B string. Similar to its predecessor, the bass features a Jaguar-style body fitted with a Fender-Designed P/J pickup configuration. Controls include an active bass-boost circuit,...
Funk Machine, The Novel
Yesterday was a sad day in the world of bass and music in general. On August 2, 1983, James Jamerson – the man responsible for so much of the Motown sound for many years – passed away at the age of 47. As bassists gather today in Detroit to honor the late bassist, another bassist is paying tribute with his...
Miguel Ramirez and Four Basses: “Waves Under the Sand”
Miguel Ramirez’s “Waves Under the Sand” is an incredible showcase of writing and performance by the bassist. The tune includes four different bass tracks performed by Miguel and offers up a full range of sounds and styles. Remarkable!
It’s All in the Hands: Time to Dust Off the Old Axe
I’m sure than we’ve all heard the saying “it’s all in the hands.” Many of us, myself included, are willing to support this statement. But is that really all there is? Is our musical voice the same regardless of what we play or what we play through? After all, we’re the one picking up the instrument, and our years of...
Song Exclusive: Vulfpeck’s “The Birdwatcher” from Upcoming Album
Vulpeck is releasing My First Car next week, and we have an exclusive first track from the upcoming album. My First Car is the third album by the group of studio musicians-turned-band. The band of course is anchored by bassist Joe Dart, who served as inspiration for the album’s name. Band leader Jack Stratton shared the story with us: “Dart...
Michael Manring and de Mania: Paint It Black
In 2006, Michael Manring tookt the stage with de Mania at the XXII Festival de México in Mexico City. The trio’s name is a combo of its members names: guitarist Alex de Grassi, Manring and percussionist Christopher Garcia. Here’s the group performing their take on the Rolling Stones tune, “Paint It Black”.
Bass of the Week: C. Eller UT2
This week we check out an innovative design out of Germany by C. Eller Design. The UT2’s striking body shape was ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in both standing and sitting position, while the lower cutaway allows for access all the way up to the bass’s 24th fret. The UT2 is built around a single piece of European Walnut that...
Living the Dream: An Interview with Bryan Beller
The last time we got to chat with Bryan Beller, it was several months before his freakishly good power trio The Aristocrats released their debut album. With just under two years since the band’s inception, the group has gone from an incredible lineup to a perfect storm of musical minds. Beller and cohorts drummer Marco Minneman and guitarist Guthrie Govan...
Fernando Lamadrid: Mollete Express
I’d never heard bassist Fernando Lamadrid until Flemming shared a video of the The Mencial Project last month. It knocked me out, and so did this one. Here’s Fernando with drummer Rick Arencibia doing their thing in the studio. The tune is “Mollete Express.” [Editor’s note: after the huge response we received from this video, Stuart Clayton decided to share...
CAD Audio Now Shipping GXL Wireless Systems
CAD Audio is now shipping their new GXL Wireless Systems, available in VHF and UHF versions. Each of the sets feature two discrete channels with separate RF and AF indicator lights to indicated connectivity. They offer three output options with 1/4-inch and XLR connectors as discrete outputs as well as an XLR mix output. The GXL-V VHF and GXL-U UHF...
Bass Gear Roundup: The Top Gear Stories in July
July saw some extra gear coverage, thanks to Summer NAMM. Here are the 10 most popular gear stories on No Treble, based on readership. Plus a bonus. Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing! 1. Bastard Basses Announces Little Bastard Bass Bastard Basses has launched with an innovative prototype called the Little Bastard. Born out of a final exam project for...
Finding Your Musical Path and Overcoming Musical Ruts
Q: I’m a sophomore in high school, and I’m the lead bass player in the jazz band. I feel I hit a brick wall, and I don’t really know what else to practice. I can play almost all of the music that’s given to me, and the pieces I don’t get right away I usually learn within the next few...