This Week in Bass: NAMM’s Standout Gear, Ellen Alaverdyan’s Viral Cover, Rush’s “R50” Box Set, and Black Sabbath’s Final Reunion

February continued where January left off – with tons of new bass gear stories from the Winter NAMM Show.

A handful of these made this week’s top 10 reader favorite list, but that’s not all.

Ellen Alaverdyan’s multi-instrumental cover of “Ob La Di, Ob La Da” was this week’s #1 video, plus we shared the news of Rush’s “R50” box set, Black Sabbath’s final reunion show, and more.

Scroll on down to see what No Treble readers loved the most for the week of February 1-7, 2025.

1. Bass Gear Roundup: January 2025’s Top 10 Releases That Made Waves

January 2025 was packed with exciting bass gear releases from NAMM, including new models from Fender, Ibanez, and more. Here are the top 10.

2. Ellen Alaverdyan’s Multi-Instrumental Beatles Cover Features a Message From Paul McCartney

Ellen Alaverdyan takes on The Beatles' "Ob La Di, Ob La Da," playing every instrument herself. Plus, Paul McCartney shares a special message at the end.

3. The StingRay Special Gets a Colorful Refresh: Ernie Ball Music Man’s 2025 Lineup

The 2025 Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special arrives in six striking new finishes. Get a closer look at the updated lineup and key specs.

4. Spector Just Revealed a Stunning Zebrawood Bass – Limited to 2025

Spector unveils a limited edition Euro RST bass for 2025, featuring a striking Zebrawood top, Empresswood body, and Aguilar electronics.

5. Pino Palladino’s New Ernie Ball Strings: Smoothie Flats Revealed

Ernie Ball and Pino Palladino introduce Smoothie Flats, a signature flatwound bass string set offering a smooth feel, rich tone, and vintage warmth.

6. Bass of the Week: Meet the Marusya DC2 – A Boutique Bass With a Striking Look

The Marusya Guitars DC2 is a boutique bass with a striking matte white finish, EMG pickups, and premium hardware.

7. Rush Unveils “R50”: A Career-Spanning Box Set Packed with Rare & Unreleased Tracks

Rush marks 50 years with "R50," a new box set featuring 50 career-spanning tracks, including rare and unreleased studio and live recordings.

8. Aguilar Turns 30: These Limited-Edition Amps Blend Classic Tone with a Stunning New Look

Aguilar marks 30 years with a limited-edition AG 500, TH 500, and SL 112, featuring a striking gold and pearl finish while delivering their signature tone.

9. Fender Expands American Vintage II Series with New Olympic White Precision Bass

Fender is updating the American Vintage II Series for 2025, adding an Olympic White option to the 1960 Precision Bass lineup.

10. Black Sabbath’s Final Reunion Show to be “The Greatest Heavy Metal Show Ever”

Black Sabbath’s final show is set for July, reuniting Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward for one last time—alongside a massive lineup of metal legends.