Buzz
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...
Jackson Announces New X-Series Dave Ellefson Signature Basses
Jackson unveiled two new Dave Ellefson signature basses at the NAMM show last month. The basses are part of Jackson’s X-Series and are offered in two models: the David Ellefson CB-X 4-string and the David Ellefson CB-XV 5-string. The CB-X is a four-string with dual humbucking EMG pickups with an alder Concert Bass body. The bass sports a choice of...
Hipshot Products Unveils FreeRange Xtender for Upright Bass
Hardware manufacturer Hipshot unveiled an interesting product aimed at double bassists called the FreeRange Xtender at NAMM this year. The new gadget allows you to quickly change the tuning of an upright bass string at the switch of a lever, and lets you drop down as far as a low A. Using several together can be handing for changing the...
Or Lubianiker: Interactive Bass Licks Video Lesson
Or Lubianiker (aka “Rule of Thump”) is on to something cool in the world of bass lessons. He’s posted his first experiment with interactive bass lessons on YouTube in which he plays simple licks in E minor and you choose how to mix and match them to create your own licks. Or provides links to each little lick and breaks...
In Memoriam: MC5 Bassist Michael Davis
Michael Davis, the bassist best known for his work with the band MC5, has died of liver failure, his wife announced yesterday. The bassist died at Enloe Medical Center in Chico, California on Friday, following a month of treatment for liver disease. He was 68. MC5, whose name was short for “Motor City Five” was formed in 1964 in Lincoln...
Opeth and Mastodon to Co-Headline Heritage Hunter Tour
Opeth and Mastodon will be teaming up to bring metal to the masses on a North American trek scheduled from April to May. Rooted by bassists Martín Méndez and Troy Sanders, the “Heritage Hunter” Tour kicks off April 4th in Portland, Maine and works its way between the U.S. and Canada until the closing show on May 12th at the...