Buzz
Markbass Introduces the EVO 1 Bass Amp
After introducing the prototype last year, Markbass has unveiled the final version of the EVO 1 bass amp. The innovative head unit offers six amp tones over two channels: one clean and one distorted. “Bass players have always been inspired by the possibility to mix two amplifiers tones and to blend clean and distorted sounds as Jaco Pastorius did back...
Sons of Africa: An Interview with Cheikh Ndoye
Cheikh Ndoye has just released his latest album as a leader, entitled . The eight-song collection is an incredible blend of the Senegal-born bassist’s African roots and his love of jazz. Deep grooves and soulful melodies abound in seven original songs along with a fresh take on the Jaco Pastorius classic “Continuum.” We caught up with Ndoye to get the...
EchoTest: The Plight
We were excited for EchoTest to release their new album, from two balconies, and this clip is a reason why. Bassists Julie Slick and Marco Machera rip into the tune “The Plight” in a video shot over four venues.
Robert Trujillo’s 12-Year-Old Son to Tour with Korn
They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and that seems to be the case in the Trujillo family. Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo’s twelve-year-old son Tye Trujillo will be hitting the road with Korn this month. The news was posted to Korn’s Facebook page, which stated that full-time bassist Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu will have to sit out the...
Drinking on the Gig?
Q: I know that my question is very sensitive because this affects us in different ways and it might raise ideas to others I would like to ask: How does alcohol affect your playing? I do not want to hear that it is not suitable at all to play and drink (or drive) but rather what are the effects on...
Anthony Vitti & Oscar Stagnaro: Forgotten Groove Yard #35
Time for a new episode of Anthony Vitti’s exciting “Forgotten Groove Yard” series. In this video, Anthony is joined by Oscar Stagnaro. “Oscar is from Peru. He has won four Grammy awards to date and is one of the top Latin bass players in the world. He plays with Paquito D’Rivera and has recorded with Dave Valentin, Dave Samules, Diane...
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...