Buzz
Wampler Pedals Introduces the Fuzztration Pedal
The new Wampler Pedals Fuzztration combines a fuzz pedal with an octaver and three-band EQ. Although there are plenty of controls for dialing in your sound, Wampler says the effect is not for the faint of heart. “The Fuzzstration isn’t a pedal designed to really play ‘nice,'” they write. “It’s brash, raspy, doomy, in-your-face fuzz from top to bottom. This...
Cande Buasso and Paulo Carrizo: Barro Tal Vez
By random chance, I stumbled upon this beautiful video today. I hadn’t heard of Cande Buasso before, but her bass and vocals on this tribute to Luis Alberto Spinetta really caught my attention. This was recorded at the Bicentennial Theater in San Juan, Argentina.
Federico Malaman Releases New Solo Album
Italian bass guru Federico Malaman has released a new solo album, entitled Life. The recording, which marks 14 years since his first solo effort, is a snapshot of the bassist’s life. “The full album title should actually be ‘Life is not in 4/4’”, he states. “4/4 is the simplest, straightforward meter. Real life is not like that: there are ups...
Kleissonic Announces The Howl Phase-Shifting Pedal
Berlin’s Kleissonic Boutique Pedals has announced a new two-notch phase-shifting pedal called the Howl. The unit has volume, Gain, and Sweep controls, but no Rate control commonly found in phasers. “The Howl is not another common phaser, it has no built-in LFO and it is ideal for any instrument. It’s also extremely useful for audio engineers and DJ’s both for...
The Lightbulb Moment: In Sync
Nothing tears up my heart more than the moment I realize an obvious flaw or inconsistency in my playing. I mean, what have these ten-thousand-plus hours amounted to anyway? If you’re the kind of person who strives for precision—clean playing, the perfect execution of a favorite bass line, or the ability to effortlessly play a musical idea—then you probably spend...
Shaun Munday: Bold As Love
Shaun Munday has a knack for putting together some stellar bass and vocal covers of epic tunes. (Check out his cover of Bill Wither’s “Use Me.”) In celebration of Jimi Hendrix’s birthday on November 27th, Shaun posted this video of him performing “Bold As Love.”
Peter Baltes Leaves Accept
Founding Accept bassist Peter Baltes revealed that he will be leaving the band’s ranks. The German heavy metal band has been rocking off and on ever since 1976 with Baltes along for every lineup. “To all Accept fans: I hereby like to announce my departure as Bassplayer from ACCEPT,” Baltes wrote on the Accept Facebook page. “I have been with...
Am I Too Old To Start a Career as a Session Bassist?
Q: I’m 58 and a semi-pro bassist (I have a day job but have gigged for the past 30+ years and consider myself a very good player). I wanted to ask your thoughts on me trying to focus on becoming a session musician. I’m semi-retired and have a lot more time on my hands but have less interest in trying...
Tedeschi Trucks Band: Shame
Tim Lefebvre shared this fan-shot video on Facebook recently, saying “Cool jam I co-wrote with these fine folks…” The jam took place at the Beacon Theatre on October 6th.
Dream Theater Announces New Album, Tour Dates
Dream Theater fans rejoice! The progressive metal band has announced their 14th studio album, Distance Over Time, will be released on February 22nd, 2019. The new record, which is their first in three years, is described as “showcasing a newfound creativity… while maintaining the elements that have garnered them devoted fans around the globe.” The whole band, including six-string bass...
Reader Spotlight: Lucas Fernandes
Meet Lucas Fernandes, a bassist from Brazil who first picked up the bass in school and said it was “love at the first low note.” Lucas is this week’s No Treble reader in the spotlight. Here’s his story… Bio: I have studied bass with some great names of the local scene, like Oswaldo Amorim, Hamilton Pinheiro, and Alexandre Macarrão. I...
Dwarfcraft Devices Releases the HAX2 Pedal
Dwarfcraft Devices has released a new take on one of their earliest effects. The HAX2 is described as “light years beyond” the original and adds the option of a square or sine wave ring modulation. Each of the waveforms has a broad frequency range, which Dwarfcraft says ranges from subsonic tremolo to laser blaster highs to a warm chorus-like effect....