Buzz
Reader Spotlight: Bill Bodily
Meet Bill Bodily, a bassist and software developer who manages to balance both to allow him to tour. For 26 years, Bill has been pursuing the bass – starting with a reluctant teacher before venturing out on his own. Bill is this week’s No Treble reader in the spotlight. Here’s his story… Bio: Bill Bodily is a Central New York...
Hartke Unveils the Bass Attack 2 Preamp Pedal
Hartke has announced the Bass Attack 2 preamp and direct box. The pedal unit combines their classic preamp with an overdrive section and plenty of connectivity. The pedal has three footswitches: one for on/off, one for the Shape circuit, and one for the overdrive. The EQ section has bass and treble knobs with a contour switch while the Shape circuit...
YYNOT: What You’re Doing
Time for some more goodness from our favorite Rush cover band. In this video, the quartet goes old school with “What You’re Doing,” from Rush’s debut album. As always, the gritty tone of Tim Starace and his Ric is on display.
In Memoriam: Banner Thomas
Former Molly Hatchet bassist Banner Thomas has passed away from a heart attack. The news was shared by the band on their Facebook page. “Molly Hatchet bassist, Banner Thomas passed away this morning,” they wrote. “From 1978 – 1983, Banner played on the first four MH albums, including the hit Flirtin’ With Disaster. He left the band and was replaced...
Bass of the Week: Alpher Instruments Mako Elite Thinline 5-String
This week we’re checking out another gorgeous bass from Alpher Instruments. This Mako Elite Thinline 5-String immediately caught my attention on Facebook for its incredible purple “crazy burl” top and slick shape. The 34-inch scale bass is built with a book matched, flamed maple body matched to an Indian rosewood neck and African blackwood fingerboard. For electronics, Alpher fitted it...
Talking Technique: “Mordents” for Finger Strength
Today we have another multi-layered workout for you to build up your finger strength. This lesson will help you practice a scale up and down one string while improving coordination and strengthening your fingers. It’s not a beginner’s workout, but wherever you are on your journey, give it a good try. You’ll need to be ready to play hammer-ons and...
The Marcus King Band: Rita is Gone
I’ve been listening to a lot of The Marcus King Band lately and stumbled on this video of them performing live for Jam in the Van. Bassist Stephen Campbell lays down some sweet P-bass goodness on the soulful “Rita is Gone,” which appears on the band’s last year.
Rainger FX Introduces Dr. Freakenstein Dwarf Bass Distortion
London’s Rainger FX has introduced the Dr. Freakenstein Dwarf Bass Distortion, a compact pedal with some cool features. Its distortion is controlled with a large overtone knob to dial in different tones, but it can also be affected by the Igor pressure pad controller for real-time expression. The bottom of the pedal has an LFO button that modulates the overtone...
Yes with Geddy Lee: Roundabout, Live
There were rumors flying for the past month that Rush bassist Geddy Lee would be filling in for the late Chris Squire at Yes’s induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Luckily, the rumors were true. Though this fan-shot clip is a little muddy, it captures the historic moment and its excitement. Lee told the press that learning...
Pro Tone Pedals Now Shipping David Ellefson Signature Dawn Patrol Chorus Pedal
Pro Tone Pedals has teamed up with Megadeth’s David Ellefson to launch the Dawn Patrol Chorus pedal. Debuted at the London Bass Guitar Show, the stompbox is described as a tool to help recreate the bassist’s tone from the seminal album Rust In Peace. “When Pro Tone approached me with the idea of making some signature pedals, as a bass...
Bobaflex: Hey You
No Treble reader Jymmy Tolland sent us this video of his band Bobaflex covering Pink Floyd’s “Hey You.” “I wrote and rewrote for days trying to do both Water’s and Gilmour’s bass parts justice on our version without being a total style biter,” he shared. “Give it a look and let me know what you think!” We love it. How...
Kiesel Guitars Introduces Aries Bass Series
Kiesel Guitars has expanded their bass lineup with the Aries series, which comes in four-, five-, and six-string versions. The made-in-the-USA model is based on their Aries guitar and carries similar aesthetics in a bigger package. As with the rest of Kiesel’s custom shop instruments, the Aries bass is available with a wide range of woods for the body, neck,...