Notreble Editors

04/11/2021

28/09/2018

Old School: 1972 Peavey VTA-800

From the “Old School” archives, here is one of the rarest of rare pieces of old school gear we’ve ever featured. Derrick Cook tells the story of his one of a kind Peavey VTA-800 - handmade by Hartley Peavey as a prototype only in 1972. Check this one out - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2017/09/28/old-school-1972-peavey-vta-800/

Derrick Cook emailed us with a story about an astonishing piece of gear: “I have a one of a kind Peavey VTA-800 that was handmade by Hartley Peavey as a prototype only in 1972 – 400-watt tube head 8×6550. It’s the only one ever made,” he shared. We asked him for more on this rarest...

28/09/2018

Electro-Harmonix Issues the Triangle Big M**f Pi Pedal

Electro-Harmonix’s flagship Big M**f pedal line is getting a new addition – or rather an old one. The original Version 1 Big M**f, aka the Triangle Big M**f, has been reissued in a new and more pedalboard-friendly version. The stompbox’s circuit board is faithful to the original 1969 effect. Check it out - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2018/09/19/electro-harmonix-issues-the-triangle-big-muff-pi-pedal/

Electro-Harmonix’s flagship Big M**f pedal line is getting a new addition – or rather an old one. The original Version 1 Big M**f, aka the Triangle Big M**f, has been reissued in a new and more pedalboard-friendly version. The stompbox’s circuit board is faithful to the original 1969 effect. ....

28/09/2018

Jaco Pastorius & Weather Report: Birdland Live (1978)

WATCH: Originally shared 7 years ago today, here’s a previously unreleased video of Jaco Pastorius and Weather Report performing “Birdland” live in 1978. Holy smokes! - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2011/09/27/jaco-pastorius-weather-report-birdland-live-1978/

More previously unreleased Jaco Pastorius gold: a live performance of “Birdland”, performed by Weather Report in Pennsylvania in 1978. Drummer Peter Erskine’s father Dr. Fred Erskine filmed the concerts in both Reading and Washington, Pennsylvania. Peter shared with Rick Suchow, “The sound c...

27/09/2018

Beauty and Desolation: An Interview with Steve Lawson

Steve Lawson’s new album, “Beauty and Desolation,” teeters between delicate melodies and ominous soundscapes that seem to be a perfect picture of our times. We caught up with Steve to talk about the album, symbolism in music, his improvisational method, and his incredible gear setup - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2018/09/20/beauty-and-desolation-an-interview-with-steve-lawson/

Steve Lawson’s new album, Beauty and Desolation, could not have a better title. The completely improvised album teeters between delicate melodies and ominous soundscapes that seem to be a perfect picture of our times. He takes us on this sonic journey with just his bass – and a boatload of gear....

27/09/2018

Creative Bass Lines: Beat Displacement

Here’s a great lesson from Rufus Philpot’s “Creative Bass Lines” series. In this one, Rufus focuses on beat displacement using a Headhunters-esque bass groove he wrote. Follow along with the video and transcription - and have fun - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2016/09/27/creative-bass-lines-beat-displacement/

Here we have the second installment of the Creative Bass Lines, and this month, it’s “Bass Gruv”. For this we’re looking at a Headhunters-esque bass groove I wrote. This would fit the harmony of an E dominant 7th chord, or for a crunchier sound, try setting up a vamp with an E7♯9, too. I w...

27/09/2018

Chicago: 25 or 6 to 4 (Live, 1970)

From the archives, here’s a look back at Chicago performing live at Tanglewood in July 1970. Peter Cetera laid down some boss bass and fronted the band on the tune “25 or 6 to 4.” So good - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2017/09/26/chicago-25-or-6-to-4-live-1970/

Time to kick it old school with this look back at Chicago performing live at Tanglewood. The concert took place in July 1970, featuring Peter Cetera laying down some boss bass and fronting the band on the tune “25 or 6 to 4.” So good.

26/09/2018

Top 10: The Most Watched Bass Videos (August 2018)

TOP 10 BASS VIDEOS: We love sharing bass videos, and based on the daily reaction, you love checking them out as much as we do. So here’s a roundup we know you’ll enjoy: the 10 reader favorite bass videos for the month - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2018/09/16/top-10-the-most-watched-bass-videos-august-2018/

We love sharing bass videos, and based on the daily reaction, you love checking them out as much as we do. So here’s a roundup we know you’ll enjoy: the top 10 most popular bass videos we featured in August 2018. Thanks for watching! 1. Kinga Głyk Trio: Donna Lee Kinga Głyk always impresses us...

26/09/2018

Fender Play App Adds Bass Content

After launching the platform earlier this year, the Fender Play educational app has been expanded to include bass lessons. The app is available for iOS devices, Android devices, and desktops. Story and demo here - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2018/09/18/fender-play-app-adds-bass-content/

After launching the platform earlier this year, the Fender Play educational app has been expanded to include bass lessons. The app is available for iOS devices, Android devices, and desktops. “Similar to other offerings on Fender Play, players progress through the learning process with simple bite...

26/09/2018

Umphrey’s McGee: Puppet String

WATCH: Four years ago today we shared a great video by Umphrey’s McGee performing “Puppet String”. The band builds an atmosphere before bassist Ryan Stasik comes in with a cool slap line that becomes the centerpiece of the song. Dig it - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2014/09/25/umphreys-mcgee-puppet-string/

Here’s a great clip of Umphrey’s McGee in the studio performing “Puppet String” from their latest release, Similar Skin. The band builds an atmosphere before bassist Ryan Stasik comes in at the 1:14 mark with a cool slap line that becomes the centerpiece of the song. The band goes on to groo...

25/09/2018

Singular Sound Announces BeatBuddy Mini 2 Drum Machine Pedal

Singular Sound has expanded their compact drum machine pedals with the BeatBuddy Mini 2. Building upon its predecessor, the new pedal offers twice as many beats, improved sound quality, a reworked LED layout, and a new ergonomic footswitch. Check out the story, specs, and demo here - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2018/09/15/singular-sound-announces-beatbuddy-mini-2-drum-machine-pedal/

Singular Sound has expanded their compact drum machine pedals with the BeatBuddy Mini 2. Building upon its predecessor, the new pedal offers twice as many beats, improved sound quality, a reworked LED layout, and a new ergonomic footswitch. The BeatBuddy Mini 2 comes with 9 drum sets, 24 genres, ove...

25/09/2018

Talking Technique: Bach for Two (In Three)

In episode 43 of “Talking Technique,” Ari took us through an easy piano piece that was arranged for two basses. Bach’s bass lines are typically challenging and push us as bassists to hone our chops. Here’s the episode that followed... this time playing in three - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2017/09/25/talking-technique-bach-for-two-in-three/

In episode 43, we looked at an easy piano piece that was arranged for two basses. This is a great exercise because it works on your reading and your technique. Bach’s bass lines are typically challenging and push us as bassists to hone our chops. This time we’re checking out the Minuet in B♭ (...

25/09/2018

Dumpstaphunk: “Gasman Chronicles” Live (2013)

Originally shared five years ago today, here's some FUNK with TWO bassists, one killer drummer and one kickin' band. Watch this video of Dumpstaphunk performing “Gasman Chronicles” - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2013/09/24/dumpstaphunk-gasman-chronicles-live-2013/

Thanks to the new iTunes Radio, I got on a Dumpstaphunk kick, which extended to videos of the band. This is one funky band, started by Ivan Neville (son of Aaron Neville) and including two bassists (Nick Daniels and Tony Hall), and one incredible drummer (Nikki Glaspie). Here they are in their retur...

24/09/2018

Arpeggio Work for Bass Players: A Daily Practice Routine

From the “Lowdown” archives, here's a popular column by Dr. D: Arpeggio Work for Bass Players: A Daily Practice Routine - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2012/09/24/arpeggio-work-for-bass-players-a-daily-practice-routine/

I have mentioned previously that our daily scale practice should include arpeggio work. There are numerous ways to approach this, and most scale books devote some time to various approaches to arpeggios. I find the patterns below to be good solid foundational patterns for any bassist’s daily routi...

24/09/2018

Percussive Techniques for Bass

Damian kicked off a new “Ask” series recently with concepts from his book, “Right Hand Drive.” Check out his video lesson with a look at percussive techniques on the bass, specifically using your plucking hand in this first installment - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2018/08/29/percussive-techniques-for-bass/

For the next few weeks, we’ll be going over some more lesson oriented topics. I’m kicking off the series with a look at percussive techniques on the bass, specifically using your plucking hand. There are some easy techniques to approach as well as some more difficult ones. Work on these slowly w...

24/09/2018

King Crimson: “Sleepless” Live in Japan with Tony Levin

WATCH: We love it when this video comes back around (we originally shared it 7 years ago today, and everyone was happy). Check out King Crimson’s “Sleepless,” live in Japan with Tony Levin. Smokin’ - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2011/09/23/king-crimson-sleepless-live-in-japan-with-tony-levin/

This song opens up just right: with some awesome percussive slap bass by Tony Levin. And he doesn’t stop there. The tune, “Sleepless” is from King Crimson’s 1984 release, , with Levin on bass and Stick, Adrian Belew on vocals/guitar, Robert Fripp on guitar and Bill Bruford on drums. Levin’...

23/09/2018

Jaco Pastorius: The Complete Shadows & Light Solo

We first shared this clip 9 years ago today and forgot about it until it popped up on the “on this day” radar. For years, Jaco Pastorius‘s solo on Joni Mitchell’s “Shadows & Light” DVD has been a wildly popular clip. Turns out, we’ve only heard part of it - until now - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2009/09/23/jaco-pastorius-the-complete-shadows-light-solo/

For years, Jaco Pastorius‘s “Slang” solo on Joni Mitchell’s Shadows & Light DVD has been a wildly popular clip. Turns out, we’ve only heard part of it. Obviously, someone in the editing room decided to cut Jaco’s solo down for the DVD. Thankfully, we can now hear the complete solo, inclu...

23/09/2018

Superette: An Interview with Chris Lightcap

Chris Lightcap has an exquisite new album called “Superette” that takes his jazz-oriented music in a new direction. We caught up with him to get the low down on his musical background, his Superette, and his love of gear - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2018/09/13/superette-an-interview-with-chris-lightcap/

Chris Lightcap has an exquisite new album called Superette that takes his jazz-oriented music in a new direction. The album is named after his new all-electric ensemble featuring Jonathan Goldberger and Curtis Hasselbring on guitars and Dan Rieser on drums. An experiment in sounds, the group is desc...

23/09/2018

Bass Transcription: Jaco Pastorius’s Bass Line on Weather Report’s “Night Passage”

From our bass transcription archives, here’s the first one published by Marcelo Cordova. Marcelo kicked things off with his transcription of the Jaco Pastorius bass line on Weather Report’s “Night Passage”. Check this one out - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2016/09/22/bass-transcription-jaco-pastorius-bass-line-on-weather-report-night-passage/

Today we will be tackling Jaco Pastorius’s bass line on the title track from Weather Report’s 1980 album, Night Passage. This is one of the best Weather Report albums. To me, it always sounds fresh and modern, like a timeless record. The group also includes drummer Peter Erskine and percussionis...

22/09/2018

Vulfpeck: Lost My Treble Long Ago

#1 BASS VIDEO: Vulfpeck announced their new album, “Hill Climber” this week. In celebration of the news, they released the video for the track “Lost My Treble Long Ago,” featuring Joe Dart. The song even comes with an advisory warning: “The video contains explicit bass” - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2018/09/17/vulfpeck-lost-my-treble-long-ago/

Exciting news, Vulfpeck fans. The band has just announced their new album, Hill Climber. In celebration of the news, they’ve just released the video for the track “Lost My Treble Long Ago,” which showcases the always awesome bass playing by Joe Dart. The song even comes with an advisory warnin...

22/09/2018

Steve Metcalf: Red Hot Chili Peppers “Can’t Stop” Upright Bass Cover

One of my favorite videos we’ve featured on No Treble is Steve Metcalf's upright bass cover of the Chili Peppers “Can’t Stop,” originally shared seven years ago today... Watch this - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2011/09/22/steve-metcalf-red-hot-chili-peppers-cant-stop-upright-bass-cover/

Mind blown. Bassist Steve Metcalf, an undergraduate performance major studying at Indiana University recorded this (almost) all-bass version of the Red Hot Chili Peppers tune “Can’t Stop”. Steve says he creates these videos “to escape from the world of orchestral excerpts”. Keep ’em comi...

22/09/2018

Bass of the Week: Egilegor Basses Biadar 4

Sometimes Facebook is so full of drama that I think about freezing my account. Then I scroll by a beautiful bass like this Biadar from Egilegor Basses, and my faith is restored. Check out the Bass of the Week - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2018/09/17/bass-of-the-week-egilegor-basses-biadar-4/

Sometimes Facebook is so full of drama that I think about freezing my account. Then I scroll by a beautiful bass like this Biadar from Egilegor Basses, and my faith is restored. Built by luthier Imanol Artola Egilegor in Spain, the model is their double-cut shape with a longer upper horn that helps....

22/09/2018

Dream Theater: YTSE Jam, Live in 2004

WATCH: Dream Theater celebrated the 15th anniversary of their debut record, “When Dream and Day Unite,” in 2004 by performing the album in its entirety. The instrumental “YTSE Jam” has some fancy fretwork by bassist John Myung, as he plays the melody with guitarist John Petrucci - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2011/09/21/dream-theater-ytse-jam-live-in-2004/

Dream Theater celebrated the 15th anniversary of their debut record, When Dream and Day Unite, in 2004 by performing the album in its entirety. The instrumental “YTSE Jam” has some fancy fretwork by bassist John Myung, as he plays the melody with guitarist John Petrucci. Unfortunately, the camer...

21/09/2018

Joni Mitchell with Jaco Pastorius: Free Man in Paris

31 years ago today, we lost one of our heroes. We remember Jaco Pastorius today and the wealth of great music he gave us. Among our favorites is his collaboration with Joni Mitchell. Here’s Jaco and the band kicking Joni’s “Free Man in Paris” up several notches - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2015/09/21/joni-mitchell-with-jaco-pastorius-free-man-in-paris/

We’re remembering Jaco Pastorius today and listening to the wealth of great music he gave us. Among our favorites is his collaborations with Joni Mitchell. In this clip from Shadows and Light, Jaco, Michael Brecker, Don Alias, Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays kick Mitchell’s “Free Man in Paris” up ...

21/09/2018

Meris Unveils the Enzo Multi-Voice Instrument Synthesizer Pedal

Meris has unveiled the Enzo, a multi-voice instrument synthesizer with four synth modes: mono for single lines, arp for arpeggiated sounds, poly for chords, and dry for disabling the synth. Story, specs, and a demo here - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2018/09/11/meris-unveils-the-enzo-multi-voice-instrument-synthesizer-pedal/

Meris has unveiled the Enzo, a multi-voice instrument synthesizer with four synth modes: mono for single lines, arp for arpeggiated sounds, poly for chords, and dry for disabling the synth. Each of these can be sculpted and dialed in with a deep set of k***s with alternate functions. Pitch changes t...

21/09/2018

Beck, Bogert & Appice: Superstition, Live

WATCH: In 1973, guitarist Jeff Beck, bassist Tim Bogert and drummer Carmine Appice released their studio album, “Beck, Bogert & Appice”. I spin that record often, which brought this video of them performing “Superstition” from the same year. Killer - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2015/09/20/beck-bogert-appice-superstition-live/

In 1973, guitarist Jeff Beck, bassist Tim Bogert and drummer Carmine Appice released their studio album, Beck, Bogert & Appice. I’ve been spinning that vinyl a lot lately, which brought me to this video. In this 1973 performance, the group plays “Superstition”, with Bogert laying down some ser...

20/09/2018

Dominic Miller, Manu Katché and Pino Palladino: Rush Hour

From the archives, here's a massively popular video featuring some Pino Palladino excellence in a 2011 performance with Dominic Miller. Watch this - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2014/09/20/dominic-miller-manu-katche-and-pino-palladino-rush-hour/

One Shot Not was a terrific show aired on French television from 2007 until 2011. Described as a way to discover artists from multiple musical backgrounds through recorded sessions, the inspiration for the show was David Sanborn’s and Jools Holland’s “Night Music” program. In their final yea...

20/09/2018

Bass Players To Know: Randy Meisner

Ryan is back with a new “Bass Players To Know” entry in her long-running series. This time around, she’s focusing on the work of Randy Meisner, best known for his work with The Eagles from 1971-1977. Check this out - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2018/09/07/bass-players-to-know-randy-meisner/

It’s safe to say that the pop/rock music of the 1970’s have been trending in this column series. After recently highlighting the classic records and notable bass players of Fleetwood Mac, Dire Straits, and Billy Joel, I figured it was worthwhile to keep digging. The iconic easy listening songs t...

20/09/2018

Rage Against The Machine: Bulls On Parade, Live

WATCH: Rage Against the Machine came together in 2010 to perform a special free concert at London’s Finsbury Park. From the archives, here’s a killer version of “Bulls on Parade” taken from the event. Rage is in rare form with bass man Tim Commerford laying down the riffs with authority - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2015/09/19/rage-against-the-machine-bulls-on-parade-live/

Rage Against the Machine came together in 2010 to perform a special free concert at London’s Finsbury Park, and it was a night to remember. Luckily, the band is releasing the entire performance in an upcoming DVD, aptly named Live at Finsbury Park. Here’s a killer version of “Bulls on Parade.....

19/09/2018

Bass Players to Know: Gail Ann Dorsey

It’s hard for us to believe “Bass Players to Know” series has been running for over four years now. Originally shared on this day in 2014, here’s Ryan’s feature on the one and only Gail Ann Dorsey - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2014/09/19/bass-players-to-know-gail-ann-dorsey/

To quote one of my favorite musical guilty pleasures, it’s time to throw a little girl power into the mix. As a stellar vocalist and compelling player, Gail has had a reputable solo career and has recorded and toured with artists including David Bowie, Tears for Fears, Lenny Kravitz, Dar Williams,...

19/09/2018

Fodera Adds Emperor-J 5 To Standard Classic Bass Series

Fodera has added a five-string version of their Emperor-J to the Standard Classic line. The retro-styled instrument can be ordered in two different layouts to represent the tones of different eras. Story, specs, and a photo gallery here - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2018/09/09/fodera-adds-emperor-j-5-to-standard-classic-bass-series/

Fodera has added a five-string version of their Emperor-J to the Standard Classic line. The retro-styled instrument can be ordered in two different layouts to represent the tones of different eras. “The Emperor-J 5 is available in either a 60’s jazz-style configuration of an Alder body/ Rosewood...

19/09/2018

Leslie Johnson: Blast

Two years ago today we shared one of the more popular videos of 2016: Leslie Johnson laying it down on his killer cover of Marcus Miller’s “Blast”. Watch this - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2016/09/18/leslie-johnson-blast/

Marcus Miller’s “Blast” is one of my favorite tunes. So I was thrilled to see this trio – anchored by bassist Leslie Johnson – performing their own version. Joined by guitarist Dave Giraldo and drummer Jay Jackson, Leslie not only handles the great bass line, he also plays keys on the trac...

18/09/2018

Modal Arpeggio Patterns for Bass

Damian continued his video lesson series with a look at modal arpeggio patterns. Learning modes, scales, and patterns help to open the fretboard up in your mind. It also helps you learn the connections, intervals, and relationships of the notes. Check this out - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2018/09/05/modal-arpeggio-patterns-for-bass/

We’re continuing our exercise series this week with a lesson on modal arpeggio patterns. Learning modes, scales, and patterns help to open the fretboard up in your mind. You learn the connections, intervals, and relationships of the notes. Some of this sounds more complicated than it is. Hang in t...

18/09/2018

Old School: 1960’s Burns of London Baldwin Jazz Bass

From the old school archives: Bassist Daniel Bayer shared the story behind his 1960’s Baldwin/Burns Jazz bass – a rare beauty, which Daniel believes was made in 1965 or 1966. Check it out - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2014/09/18/old-school-1960s-burns-of-london-baldwin-jazz-bass/

You’re in for a special treat in this edition of Old School. Bassist Daniel Bayer shares the story behind his 1960’s Baldwin/Burns Jazz bass – a rare beauty, which Daniel believes was made in 1965 or 1966. According to the Burns Guitars website, James Burns (1925-1998) was often described as t...

18/09/2018

Joshua Young: Dominatus Fugue in C Minor

This is one of the most spectacular Bach-inspired pieces for bass guitar I’ve ever seen. Joshua Young wrote this extremely intricate and beautiful solo bass fugue. Check out this popular video from the archives - https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2014/09/17/joshua-young-dominatus-fugue-in-c-minor/

This is one of the most spectacular Bach-inspired pieces for bass guitar I’ve ever seen. Joshua Young wrote this extremely intricate and beautiful solo bass fugue in the style of the 18th century composer, complete with melody, counterpoint and bass line. If you weren’t looking, you’d think .....