Buzz
Ibanez Unveils Gerald Veasley Signature GVB36 Bass Guitar
In 2010, Ibanez unveiled the Gerald Veasley Signature GVB1006 Bass. Built by the company’s master luthiers in Japan, it comes with a price point that not everyone can reach. For 2012, Ibanez has introduced the GVB36, which shares many of the same attributes while making it more affordable. Similar to the 1006, the GVB36 is a 6-string with a string...
Dealing with Multiple EQ’s
Q: I’m an amateur bassist, and my current setup consists of an active bass, multi-effects pedal and a combo amp. All of these have equalizers built in, and I’m really unsure how to use them all to the best of their potential. The multi-effects pedal has the most versatility, having separate modules for high and low equalizers with an option...
Eyal Amir: Latin Dream
You know when you stumble upon a random video, and you were really glad you did? This is one of those videos. The tune is “Latin Dream”, which bridges so many styles and rhythms at once it makes it hard to classify it as anything other than awesome. Bassist Jonathan Levy switches effortlessly between unison lines and holding down the...
Big Sir Releases “Before Gardens After Gardens” and Announces Tour Dates
Big Sir has released their fourth album, Before Gardens After Gardens. Part electronica and part indie rock, the band is a collaboration between Mars Volta bassist Juan Alderete and vocalist Lisa Papineau who provide the foundation for the music. Before Gardens After Gardens deals with life and death, as the both Alderete and Papineau were diagnosed with serious illnesses around...
Reader Spotlight: Jessica Karjanis
Meet Jessica Karjanis, a bassist from Stamford, Connecticut who is about as versatile as they come. Jessica plays electric, upright (and cello), in bands ranging from original hard rock to bluegrass to metal. Jessica is our player in the spotlight for the week of February 21, 2012. Bio: I’m a 27-year-old teacher who spends the nights and weekends playing bass....
Genz Benz Introduces Focus LT Series Bass Cabinets
Genz Benz expanded their cabinet offerings with the introduction of the Focus LT series at NAMM this year. The lineup includes a 1×12, a 2×10, a 1×15, and a 4×10. Designed to be compact and high-powered, the Focus LT series have a smaller stage footprint to save space during performances. Each of the cabinets carries speakers with ceramic/ferrite magnet structures,...
Earth, Wind and Fire: “That’s the Way of the World”, Live (1981)
Of all the great EWF songs out there, “That’s the Way of the World” might be my favorite. Here’s the band performing that tune live at a 1981 concert in Oakland, and they are in top shape. Of course, the legendary Verdine White is helping to lay down the “almighty groove.” As one commenter reacted, “Verdine on bass. It just...
Metallica Presents the Orion Music + More Festival
Metallica has announced the Orion Music + More Festival, a two-day event full of music, entertainment and culture named in part as a tribute to bass legend Cliff Burton. (“Orion” was the instrumental hit penned by Burton featured on the group’s Master of Puppets album.) The band itself will be headlining each night’s festivities with performances of their classic albums...
Boulder Creek Introduces JB and RB Series Electric Basses
Boulder Creek launched two new lines of electric basses at NAMM this year with the JB and RD series. The two models are aimed at jazz and rock styles, respectively. This new line of solid body basses is a first for Boulder Creek, who is known for their acoustic basses. Available in 4-string, 5-string and fretless configurations, the JB series...
TonalEnergy: A Look at the Tuning App (and More) for iOS
While there is no shortage of good tuners out there in the App Store, there are few that are quite as informative (and pretty) as TonalEnergy. This app is specifically designed for individuals or large ensembles in an attempt to help musicians improve their intonation and tone. Most functions of TonalEnergy’s tuner are designed to visually reward the user for...
Damian Erskine, Federico Malaman and Dane Alderson NAMM Jam
Once again, we have proof that all you really need is bass. (Well, maybe with a little help from Andrew Fisenden, who is doing some nifty percussion work.) Here’s Damian Erskine, Federico Malaman and Dane Alderson performing at the TecAmp booth at NAMM last month. As we like to say, “the only thing better than one bass is three…” (or...
Top 10: The Felix Pastorius Interview, More Bass Gear from NAMM, Plus the Top Bass Videos and More
The top 10 most read features on No Treble last week included plenty of new bass gear, plus our exclusive interview with Felix Pastorius, Ryan Madora’s latest entry in her “I Wish I Knew That” column, our bass of the week, and a bunch of top bass videos. Our NAMM coverage is still coming, and will be coming for a...