Buzz
King Crimson: Heroes
In 2016, King Crimson performed at the Admiralspalast in Berlin. They included a cover of David Bowie’s “Heroes” in the set. Robert Fripp had this to say about the performance: “King Crimson performed Heroes at the Admiralspalast in Berlin as a celebration, a remembrancing and an homage. The concert was thirty nine years and one month after the original sessions...
Reader Spotlight: Stefan Sandman
Meet Stefan Sandman, a musician who started on guitar before switching to bass to be like his dad. Stefan is this week’s No Treble reader in the spotlight (you can be next). Here’s his story… Bio: I’m a musician who enjoys wearing the hats of performer, teacher, and session player. The bass has been my main instrument for about ten...
Seymour Duncan Unveils Alex Webster Signature Pickups
Cannibal Corpse bassist Alex Webster has teamed up with the Seymour Duncan Custom Shop to introduce a new signature set of bass pickups. The Alex Webster Hammer Smashed Bass pickups are based on the company’s active Blackout soapbars but have been voiced to match Webster’s “aggressive attack and expressive tone”. “As a founding member of Cannibal Corpse, Alex Webster’s monstrous...
You Bred Raptors?: Lux Aeterna
You Bred Raptors? recently wrapped up a tour in support of their new album, . While out on the road, they made this killer cover of “Lux Aeterna”, which many will recognize as the theme song to Requiem for a Dream. The trio tackles the haunting song with bassist Peat Rains laying down several parts of the song, building it...
Pure Ampeg Tone. Rugged Pedal Designs
There’s nothing like playing through your favorite Ampeg amp, be it the thunderous SVT or the rich B-15. But, there may be gigs where an 8×10 isn’t right. You might be touring and can’t get the Ampeg rig you requested. I know, right? Now, with three different Ampeg pedals available, each delivering something unique, you can always trust you will...
Bass of the Week: Lairat Basses Stega Gold
This week we’re checking out a bass fit for Goldfinger himself. French luthier Paul Lairat went all out on the Stega Gold, which is part of his “Outstanding Basses” range and limited to 10 pieces. The bass is a decadent version of his Stega model that is built with maple and fully covered in gold leaf. The Paul Lairat Stega...
Talking Technique: Sting Groove Workshop
Inspired by a Sting bass line, I’m bringing you a groove creation workout today. We’ll cover how to create your own bass line using a simple formula that will have you coming up with ideas for workable grooves every time. We also shine a light on the correct use of pentatonic scales and top it all off by learning Sting’s...
Ben Harper: Steal My Kisses (Live on Austin City Limits)
Ben Harper’s “Steal My Kisses” is one of those great tunes, thanks in large part to bassist Juan Nelson. Here’s Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals performing the song on Austin City Limits. Dig Juan’s solo around the 3:13 mark.
Verellen Amps Unveils the Meatflip Flip-Top Bass Combo Amp
Ben Verellen of Verellen Amps has shared his latest creation called the Meatflip. Designed as a custom build for a customer, the 100-watt amp puts the company’s flagship Meatsmoke preamp into a flip top bass combo. Now Verellen will offer the design in a small production run. The Meatflip preamp will have foot switchable clean and overdrive channels. Controls include...
Forq: Fenix
Forq has a new single from their latest album, Thr?q. The band offers up a new sound on this one, which as always features Michael League on bass. Thr?q is .
Electro-Harmonix Reissues the Green Russian Big Muff Distortion Pedal
It’s back, but smaller than ever. Electro-Harmonix has announced they’re reviving the classic Green Russian Big Muff distortion pedal. A faithful reissue of the mid-90s model, the pedal now has a more compact and pedalboard-friendly footprint. The pedal has Tone, Sustain, and volume controls for dialing in what the company calls “devastating low-end and unique sludge and sizzle.” Other features...
Consider The Source: Many Words of Disapproval
Consider the Source have just released a dramatic new music video for their song “Many Words of Disapproval,” and it’s killer. The song features a rolling, tapped bass line from John Ferrara in 5/8. The song comes from their album, World War Trio, Part II + III.