Buzz
Talking Technique: Bach for Two
Ever play a bass duet? It is actually super fun to do and of course great for your technique! In this episode, we have some Bach for you, but don’t worry; we are taking it easy for starters. We have a variety of charts (including TAB) and easy instructions on what to do with all these markings – phrasing and...
Miki Santamaria: Tears (Live)
Miki Santamaria always impresses with a combination of remarkable musicianship, technique, and feel. All three are on full display in this live clip of Miki performing at the Yamaha BB launch in Milan a few days ago.
Bass Gear Roundup: The Top Gear Stories in June 2017
We all love the new gear stories. For the ones we published in June, 2017, here are the top 10 reader favorites. Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing. 1. Fender CB-60SCE Acoustic Bass Guitar Fender has introduced the Classic Design series that they say is aimed at the company’s acoustic tone and aesthetic at an affordable price. The lineup includes...
TC Electronic Announces the Sub ‘N’ Up Mini Octaver
After introducing the Sub ‘N’ Up octaver last year, TC Electronic has announced a new mini version of the pedal. The Sub ‘N’ Up Mini retains the same tonal characteristics of its big brother while stripping it down to the bone for a small footprint. The pedal has Dry mix, Sub octave, and Up octave knobs. It is also Toneprint-enabled,...
Death: The Philosopher, Live 1998
Death was one of the biggest metal bands in the world for a reason, and here’s one of them. This clip of “The Philosopher” was taken from a 1998 performance at the Dynamo Open Air festival. It was the first performance of the band’s “Sound Of Perseverance” lineup, including Scott Clendenin on bass. The song is filled with killer riffs...
F-Pedals Announces the PunQmonk Envelope Filter
F-Pedals has introduced the PunQmonk, a classic dynamic envelope filter they say is inspired by and dedicated to Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea. The compact stompbox is pared down to a switch to toggle between two frequency range modes (OM and HUM) and a potentiometer for setting the filter response. It also has a jack for plugging in their...
Grand Funk Railroad: I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home)
We recently launched a Facebook group to connect even more bass players. It’s been incredible to see the conversations and ideas presented. No Treble columnist Ariane Cap posed the question “What tunes are – or were at some point – difficult for you technically?” Roy Eraca responded with Grand Funk Railroad’s “I’m Your Captain,” which led me to check it...
Justin Chancellor: New Tool Album 90 Percent Done
It’s been 11 years of waiting for a new album, but Tool’s Justin Chancellor says that the band is most of the way done with their next release. “We’re about 90 percent there,” he told the MetalSucks podcast. “We’ve just been really picky over what we want to put on this new album and really want to come up with...
Boss Introduces the GT-1B Bass Effects Processor
Boss has expanded their line of multi-effects units with the GT-1B Bass Effects Processor. Utilizing the company’s Multi-Dimensional Processing (MDP), the GT-1B features 90 unique effects, 13 preamp types, and a dedicated looper. The unit has a streamlined interface with Easy Select and Easy Edit functions for quickly adjusting the parameters of your effects. It’s fitted with an onboard control...
Or Lubianiker and Eyal Amir: Mirror Mirror
Eyal Amir shared this video on Facebook. After watching it, I reached out to Or Lubianiker to ask him if we could feature it here (and on our Youtube channel). Or sent the video my way. “My favorite power metal band, Blind Guardian are playing tonight in Tel Aviv, so Or Lubianiker and I got inspired and jammed around the...
John McCarthy Releases Learn Bass, Master Edition
John McCarthy has released a new 152-page instructional book for bassists called Learn Bass, Master Edition. Starting at the beginning with how to hold the instrument, the book covers everything from theory and scales to rhythm and how to play with a drummer. McCarthy also covers plucking techniques, slap and pop, and pick technique. Once you register your book, you’ll...
Bass Tracks: An Interview with Derek Frank
When you take a look at a list of his current gigs, it’s a wonder that Derek Frank gets any sleep at all. The L.A. bassist and musical director has been busy laying down the low end for Shania Twain, Air Supply, Mindi Abair and the Boneshakers, and The Dirty Diamond, to name a few. That’s not to mention his...