Buzz
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,...
Vulfpeck: Cory Wong
What better way to end a week than with some funky goodness from Vulfpeck? Joe Dart gets down on this one. And “Woody smiles. A common reaction to a great bass fill.”
The Lightbulb Moment: Turn Signals
Today’s column is brought to you by the Tennessee Department of Transportation. My usual route to and from downtown involves quite a bit of highway driving and every few days; the TDOT message boards provide a less-than-clever quote to inspire better driving habits. Apparently, plenty of drivers have been neglecting their turn signal, and the government has decided to do...
Rocket Surgeon Labs Unveils Seratone: Mood Altering Fuzz
Rocket Surgeon Labs has announced their first effects pedal called the Seratone: Mood Altering Fuzz. The company is a division of Nordstrand Pickups with the pedal being the brainchild of John “Dr. Vatone” Contreras. “In development for about 2 years, this bass fuzz is a no compromise kick in the head effect,” the Nordstrand website states. “There is no clean...