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Fret Tester: A Look at the Fretboard Trainer App for iOS
I am often asked how one can better learn the fretboard and how one can improve their reading. I generally talk about certain things I’ve spent time studying and how to practice with intention and focus, the importance of repetition (to make information stick) and suggest a few books, and so on. I now will have one more thing to...
Jaco Pastorius: Solo / Chromatic Fantasy / Blackbird – Live in Italy (1986)
Ingrid Pastorius shared this video of Jaco Pastorius performing solo in front of an audience in Italy in 1986. This performance includes “Chromatic Fantasy” and “Blackbird”, which appears on Jaco’s Word of Mouth album. Always great to see new footage of Jaco!
Rewind: RIP Jess Oliver, Music Memorization, Health & Fitness, Funky Bass Videos, New Bass Gear and Old School Gear
Here are the most read, most popular stories and features on No Treble for the week of July 3-9, 2011. 1. Stevie Wonder with Nate Watts: Sir Duke and I Wish, Live Nate Watts really lays down the groove on this live performance with Stevie Wonder. Not sure of the exact details of this video, other than it was shot...
Le Fay Introduces the Herr Schwarz Grant Stinnett D-Tuner Bass
Le Fay Basses has unveiled the Herr Schwarz Grant Stinnett D-Tuner Model, a 34” scale bass with a D-Tuner on each string. This allows for alternate tunings on the fly. The bass is handmade at the Le Fay shop in Germany and features an Ash body, 5-piece Maple neck and Rosewood fingerboard. The hardware and electronics are also made by...
Fred Horn’s “Steady Fready” with Rocco Prestia: Southwick
Rocco Prestia shows his usual funky self in this live performance with Fred Horn’s Steady Fready band. The group is performing the Maceo Parker tune “Southwick”. Thanks to Facebook friend Per Ivar Øye who shared this video with us.
Overt?n Announces Flyweight 200 Compact Bass Amp
Overt?n Amps will be debuting their latest offering in the sub-compact bass head world at Summer NAMM this year with the Flyweight 200. The new Class D amp pumps out 200 watts while weighing in at a mere 2.1 pounds. In the way of tonal control, the Flyweight 200 has an auto compressor, a 3-band EQ and Overt?n’s signature Sculpt...
Marcelo Giaccardi: Blackbird
Marcelo Giaccardi recorded this version of the Beatles’ classic “Blackbird” on his modified ‘74 Fender Precision. He also recorded the rest of the instrumentation. “For the other instruments I used the Elektrik Piano from Native Instruments and the Jazz EZX drums collection from Toontrack, all within Steinberg Cubase 4 platform.” “I hope you enjoy it,” he wrote. “Beatles Forever.”
Former AC/DC Bassist Mark Evans Autobiography Coming Soon
Former AC/DC bassist Mark Evans has written an autobiography including stories about his days in the band. Dirty Deeds: My Life Inside/Outside of AC/DC, set for an October release, will be the first book written by an insider about the band’s classic years with singer Bon Scott. Evans uses the opportunity to recount stories of the people around him at...
Old School: 1967 Rickenbacker 4005 FG
This week, Tom Harper shares the story behind his 1967 Rickenbacker 4005 FG, a bass he bought new in 1967, and one he describes as “a little worn, but still sweet!” The Rickenbacker 4005 was introduced in 1965, and featured a new-style, 360 body in a hollow-body bass. “FG” stands for “Fireglo”, a sunburst finish with a dark red color...
Seasick Steve with John Paul Jones: Write Me a Few of Your Lines
Here’s a great clip of the eclectic Seasick Steve from the iTunes Festival earlier this month. The three-stringed wonder is joined Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones, Jack White, and Allison Mosshart for an awesome and raw rendition of the tune “Write Me a Few of Your Lines.” Check out JPJ’s bass lines, reminiscent of some the old Led Zeppelin...
Bootsy Collins: Legendary Licks
If you’re looking to brush up on your Bootsy Collins licks, Hal Leonard has just made life a little easier. Bootsy Collins Legendary Licks is a new sheet music book covering twelve classic Bootsy tunes in standard notation and tab. The note-for-note transcriptions cover all the licks, fills and solos by the legendary funkster, along with a recorded demonstrations to...
Thin Lizzy Reissues Bad Reputation, Black Rose and Chinatown
Universal Music has continued to reissue Thin Lizzy’s catalog with the release of deluxe editions of 1977’s Bad Reputation, 1979’s Black Rose and 1980’s Chinatown. The new packages, which account for the band’s 8th, 9th and 10th studio albums, include digitally remastered versions of the original music as well as bonus discs with rare tracks and interviews. Extensive sleeve notes...