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Best of 2016

For the last week of year, we’re sharing the best of No Treble for 2016, based on readership. Be sure to check back each day until January 1st for the most popular features, lessons, videos, bassists and more.

2016 Reader Favorites – #1: Victor Bailey

2016 Reader Favorites – #1: Victor Bailey

On November 11th, 2016, the bass world was stunned by the news of the passing of Victor Bailey. Our tribute to him was one of the most read stories of the year, with bassists and fans offering up their own thoughts on the legendary bassist. Throughout the year, we featured some videos which showcase just why we’re all such big...

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2016 Reader Favorites – #2: Marcus Miller

2016 Reader Favorites – #2: Marcus Miller

News of Marcus Miller joining the super group Mega Nova with Carlos Santana, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock and Cindy Blackman Santana was one of the top stories on No Treble this year. Marcus was also in the news with the release of the new Sire Marcus Miller M7 Series of basses. Add to that some sweet videos featuring Marcus, and...

2016 Reader Favorites – #3: Victor Wooten

2016 Reader Favorites – #3: Victor Wooten

No Reader Favorites list would be complete without Victor Wooten. Vic ignited the bass playing world this year with his appearance on progressive metal band Octavision’s tune “Three Lives.” Fodera announced the Victor Wooten Yin Yang Deluxe Series III Bass in October, followed by Vic’s announcement of a 2017 tour. 1. Victor Wooten Joins Progressive Metal Band Here’s something you...

2016 Reader Favorites – #4: Tim Lefebvre

2016 Reader Favorites – #4: Tim Lefebvre

Tim Lefebvre is prominently featured on David Bowie’s final album, Blackstar, which released in early January. Later, Tim became a full-time member of the Tedeschi Trucks Band, who also released an album in January. If that’s not enough, 3Leaf Audio also introduced the Octabvre Mini Octave Pedal in March. Tim’s excellent bass playing was on display in a handful of...

2016 Reader Favorites – #5: Leland Sklar

2016 Reader Favorites – #5: Leland Sklar

What can you say about Leland Sklar that hasn’t already been said? The man just brings it in everything he does. We featured some killer videos this year of Mr. Sklar from throughout his career, and once again, our “Stories Behind the Songs” and Groove episode from the archives continued to be huge hits. 1. James Taylor with Leland Sklar:...

2016 Reader Favorites – #6: Michael League

2016 Reader Favorites – #6: Michael League

Michael League brought the bass goodness in 2016, as he always does. Snarky Puppy released “Family Dinner, Vol. 2” in February, followed by their 11th album, Culcha Vulcha on April 29th. Later, Michael joined the legendary David Crosby for his new album and tour. 1. Snarky Puppy, Featuring Susana Baca and Charlie Hunter: Molino Molero Snarky Puppy recorded their upcoming...

2016 Reader Favorites – #7: Tal Wilkenfeld

2016 Reader Favorites – #7: Tal Wilkenfeld

Tal Wilkenfeld is no stranger to the annual Reader Favorites list. In 2016, Tal shared some of the music she’s working on for her new album, plus opened for The Who on their tour. This brought new attention to some of the Tal features in our archive too, which all added up to placing her at #7 on the 2016...

2016 Reader Favorites – #8: Federico Malaman

2016 Reader Favorites – #8: Federico Malaman

We’ve said it before – we’re not sure Federico Malaman is from this planet. But despite his incredible musicianship, Federico is one of the nicest (and most humble) people we’ve met. Thanks to some killer videos – and our own interview with him – Federico makes this year’s No Treble reader favorites list. 1. Federico Malaman: I Love You, Giant...

2016 Reader Favorites – #9: Joe Dart

2016 Reader Favorites – #9: Joe Dart

Joe Dart continued to impress us all in 2016. Vulfpeck released The Beautiful Game in October, and the band followed that with some impressive videos – including a big hit in “Dean Town.” No surprise Joe once again landed on the annual top 10 reader favorites list. 1. Vulfpeck: Dean Town It is always a good day at No Treble...

2016 Reader Favorites – #10: Esperanza Spalding

2016 Reader Favorites – #10: Esperanza Spalding

2016 was a big year for Esperanza Spalding, who released her fifth album, Emily’s D+Evolution. “I knew it was loud, and I knew it was electric. I knew when it wasn’t done, and I knew when it was. Beyond that, there wasn’t much of a plan,” Spalding told NPR about the new record. “I sought out those musicians, and talked...

Best of 2016: Top 10 Bass of the Week Features

Best of 2016: Top 10 Bass of the Week Features

Every Monday, Kevin shares his pick for bass of the week – a column featuring low-end instruments ranging from beautiful to bizarre. Of the 52 we shared this year, here are the 10 reader favorites. 1. Fender Aerodyne Jazz Bass Fender set the standard with the Precision Bass in 1951, following it up the Jazz Bass in 1960. This week...

Best of 2016: Top 10 Reader Favorite Bass Amps

Best of 2016: Top 10 Reader Favorite Bass Amps

Our coverage of bass amps got a lot of views this year, particularly after the 2016 Winter NAMM Show in January. Here are the top 10 reader favorite bass amp stories for the year. 1. Hartke TX600 Lightweight Bass Amp Hartke turned some heads when they unveiled the TX600 at the 2016 Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, California. The 600-watt...