Buzz
Ampeg Releases Micro-CL Stack
Ampeg has unveiled the Micro-CL Stack, a “micro-sized SVT” rated at 100-watts. The solid state head and 2×10 cabinet resemble the company’s iconic SVT-CL at a fraction of the size. Available only as a set, the “mini fridge” have many of the same features as their larger counterparts, including a dedicated FX Loop, a stereo input, a headphone output, a...
I Wish I Knew That: The Size of the Crowd Doesn’t Matter
Greetings, bass players! Although I’ve enjoyed writing about the blues for the past few months, a new year calls for a new subject, and I’ve decided to shift gears a bit. Thanks to you guys, No Treble readers, and to the nifty technological advancements that allow us to communicate in new ways, I’ve been impressed by the ongoing dialogue that...
Marco Ignacio Toba: Milonga for Two Basses
Bassist Marco Ignacio Toba sent us a note and a few awesome videos he’s done. Marco is from Argentina and plays in a prog metal band by the name of Thabu. In this video, Marco plays “Milonga” for two basses, arranged by Bucky Arcella. You know what we say, two basses are better than one! Nice playing, Marco. Have a...
Top 10: The Best of No Treble in January 2012
Starting this month, we’re going to highlight the best of the best from the world of bass. Here are the most popular features on No Treble in January, 2012. As always, our top 10 lists are based on readership. Thanks for reading! 1. Fender Custom Shop Introduces 2012 Bass Models Fender’s Custom Shop has announced two new bass models for...
Jackson Ampworks Introduces The Behemoth Bass Amp
Jackson Ampworks unveiled four new amps at NAMM this year including The Behemoth, a 120-watt all-tube bass amp. Sporting dual channels, the company describes the new amp as a marriage of a B-15N and an SVT, with Channel 1 designated as the Vintage Channel while Channel 2 is the Modern Channel. As such, Channel 1 is based on the 8-pin...
Bass of the Week: Brown’s Guitar Factory Fretted/Less Bass
Fretted, fretless, or both? Based out of Minnesota, Brown’s Guitar Factory has a unique take on electric bass with their Fretted/Less models. The design allows for half of the fingerboard to be fretted while the second half has a raised fretless section, which is elevated to the height of the fretted section to keep its proper scale. While BGF says...
Alberto Rigoni: The Net
Here’s a cool video for the mesmerizing track “The Net” from Alberto Rigoni’s 2011 album, Rebirth. The song is built entirely of harmonics, which gives it a floating kind of feeling.
Metallica’s “Beyond Magnetic” EP Released on CD
Metallica is following up to their digital-only release of the band’s new EP, Beyond Magnetic with the CD edition. The four-track EP includes songs recording during the band’s Death Magnetic sessions, but didn’t make the record. The band issued a statement with the digital release, saying “During the Death Magnetic album sessions in 2007 and 2008, we originally recorded 14...
ESP Introduces Frank Bello Signature and LTD FB-4 Basses
ESP has unveiled a pair of new Frank Bello Signature basses at NAMM this year. The new ESP Frank Bello Bass and ESP LTD FB-4 models are based on the company’s Vintage-4, but customized to the Anthrax bassist’s liking. Both versions share the same specifications, though they are built in different factories and carry different price points. The new Bello...
Speakers and Power Amps: Don’t Blow That Cabinet
Q: I’ve been thinking about getting a new amp head, and I want to make sure that it will work properly with my current cabinets. How do I make sure that the head I’m getting won’t blow a speaker or ruin my shiny new head? A: While I’m not a super “techy” guy, I have learned about some of this...
Doug Alexis: The Chicken
Facebook friend Art Araya shared this remarkable and unique video of bassist Doug Alexis performing his own take on “The Chicken”. The tune, written by Pee Wee Ellis, was made popular of course by Jaco Pastorius. This has to be the most creative version we’ve heard yet.
Chick Corea, Eddie Gomez and Paul Motian Release “Further Explorations”
In a fitting tribute to Bill Evans, Chick Corea teamed up with bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Paul Motian – both alumni of Evans’ trios – to record a new album. Further Explorations is a double CD set featuring the trio’s takes on tunes from Evans book as well as a few new originals, recorded over a two week set...