From Rush in 1981 to Claypool-Approved Gear: This Week’s Top Bass Stories

This week on No Treble, our top stories ranged from vintage performances to brand new gear. The most-read article was a throwback of Geddy Lee and Rush performing “Tom Sawyer,” live from the Montreal Forum in 1981. Lee is on triple duty with bass guitar, keys, and vocals. “This isn’t a polished promo. It’s the real thing,” Jody wrote. “A live cut that still punches all these years later. Turn it up and take it in.”

Next up, our story on the Sleek Bass from Pachyderm Instruments caught everyone’s attention. The bass has a Big Leaf Maple body in a “squid ink black” finish and an extended fingerboard that holds 29 frets. As if that’s not cool enough, each Sleek Bass is personally tested and approved by Primus frontman Les Claypool before it leaves the shop.

Our bass of the week was the AC Guitars Über RSK 5/32, which builder Alan Cringean says was ordered with “everything but the on-board coffeemaker.” Features include an ART American Sycamore top and back, a 9-piece laminate neck, an ebony fingerboard, and ACG MC5 pickups matched with an ACG DFM 4K preamp.

Other highlights this week include a killer funk lesson from Ryan Madora, an interview with bassist Abby Travis, new amps from Laney, and more.

1. Watch: Geddy Lee’s Fret‑Flyin’ “Tom Sawyer” Rush Performance at Montreal Forum from 1981

Rush plays “Tom Sawyer” live in 1981 with Geddy Lee holding down bass, synth, and vocals in a raw, powerhouse performance.

2. Les Claypool Approves: Pachyderm’s Sleek Bass Debuts with 29 Frets and a Squid Ink Black Finish

Pachyderm debuts the Sleek Bass with 29 frets, a Squid Ink Black finish, and a personal stamp of approval from Les Claypool himself.

3. AC Guitars Über RSK 5/32: A 32-Inch Scale Bass with Venomous Looks and Next-Level Craftsmanship

AC Guitars’ Über RSK 5/32 features ART-treated sycamore, exotic tonewoods, and a handcrafted design with bold, snake-like visual appeal.

4. Sublime’s Hometown Return Captured in Full: Warped Tour Long Beach 2025

Just released: Sublime’s full Warped Tour 2025 set from their hometown of Long Beach. A must-watch for fans of the band’s bass-driven legacy.

5. Watch: Vulfpeck’s Unforgettable Fuji Rock ’25 Set, Featuring Joe Dart’s Bass Mastery

The full Vulfpeck set from Fuji Rock 2025 is live with Joe Dart leading the charge and a fan-driven encore that made the night unforgettable.

6. How to Play “Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley” on Bass: A Funk Lesson Inspired by George Porter Jr.

Break down the iconic funk groove from “Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley” with tips on phrasing, theory, and George Porter Jr.’s signature slide.

7. Digbeth Foundry: Laney’s Budget Bass Amp Series With Mixable FET and Drive Channels

Laney’s Digbeth Foundry amps combine affordability with tone control, offering mixable FET and Drive channels across four combos and a head.

8. Phil Lynott Leads Thin Lizzy Through a Fierce Jailbreak Performance on The Midnight Special

Phil Lynott powers through “Jailbreak” with his Fender P-Bass as Thin Lizzy makes a blazing US TV debut on The Midnight Special in March 1977.

9. Victor Wooten on His Focal Dystonia: “I Can’t Play Like I Used To, But I Still Enjoy Playing”

In a candid interview, Victor Wooten talks about living with focal dystonia, finding new ways to play, and encouraging others not to give up on their music.

10. From The Go-Go’s to Cher: Abby Travis Shares Her Journey Through Iconic Gigs and Personal Projects

Abby Travis shares stories from touring with The Go-Go’s, Beck, Cher, and The Bangles, plus her love of bass, NASA, and her latest creative projects.