Jeff Berlin and Vail Johnson Take on “Roundabout” — Plus the Wildest Bass Gear of the Week

This week on No Treble, we had a range of unbelievable grooves and experimental instruments.

Our most-viewed story was a two-bass jam by Vail Johnson and Jeff Berlin on the Yes classic “Roundabout.” Together, they handled the bass line, melody, and harmony. This is a must-watch!

In the gear department, we shared the latest NS Design creation: the FIN six-string bass. Designer Ned Steinberger went all out on the headless instrument. It’s completely molded out of carbon fiber by Detroit’s Sankuer Composite Technologies and has three dual-coil hum-canceling EMGs. The FIN is limited to just 12 units, after which the mold will be broken.

Next up, Gamechanger Audio launched the MOTOR Pedal, which transforms brushed DC motors into sound sources. “This gas-pedal-style controller turns dynamics, pitch bends, and rhythmic sweeps into something you literally drive, delivering an adrenaline-fueled approach to expression that no other stompbox offers,” they add.

Other highlights include a new Rob Trujillo signature from Godin, a killer lesson on Paul Denman’s bass line to Sade’s “Smooth Operator,” and more. Scroll on to get your fill for the week.

1. Jeff Berlin & Vail Johnson Turn “Roundabout” Into a Bass-Only Showdown

Two bass legends take on a prog classic. Jeff Berlin and Vail Johnson deliver a bold bass-only version of Yes’s “Roundabout.

2. NS Design FIN Bass: Carbon Fiber, Multiscale, and Limited to Just 12 Units

NS Design’s FIN bass pushes boundaries with a carbon fiber build, multiscale 6-string design, and a run of only 12 instruments.

3. Gamechanger Audio Introduces MOTOR Pedal with Real Motors and Gas-Pedal Controller

Gamechanger Audio’s new MOTOR Pedal uses real motors and a gas-pedal controller for a unique approach to analog noise and expression.

4. Metallica’s Robert Trujillo Unveils Limited Edition Godin Yellow Flame Acoustic-Electric Bass

Robert Trujillo unveiled his new Godin Yellow Flame bass at Guitar Center. The ultra-limited model is signed and now available.

5. BHI Guitars Perseo 6BBLS: Handcrafted Italian Headless Bass with Darkglass Electronics

Discover the BHI Perseo 6BBLS, a handcrafted Italian six-string headless bass featuring a buckeye burl top, Dingwall pickups, and Darkglass electronics.

6. Bass Gym: Learn the Best Bits of Paul Denman’s Iconic Sade “Smooth Operator” Bass Line

Discover how to play the silky bass line from Sade’s “Smooth Operator” as Marek Bero breaks it down in this Bass Gym groove lesson.

7. Joe Dart and The Fearless Flyers Lock In on “Frecce Tricolori” (Live in Italy)

Watch Joe Dart and The Fearless Flyers deliver “Frecce Tricolori” live in Italy with pocket, power, and their signature stripped-down funk.

8. Boss Introduces XS-100 and XS-1 Poly Shifters With New Pitch-Tracking Tech

Boss introduces the XS-100 and XS-1 Poly Shifters, new pitch pedals for bass and guitar with advanced tracking and versatile performance.

9. Hadrien Feraud Brings Fire to WHOEVAZNTAWN’s “Tell ya What”

WHOEVAZNTAWN’s “Tell ya What” features Hadrien Feraud on his white Ken Smith 5-string and Markbass rig, locking into a soulful, funky groove.

10. Inside DarWin’s “Distorted Mirror”: Mohini Dey’s Bass Lines Steer the Chaos

DarWin’s “Distorted Mirror” highlights Mohini Dey’s fearless bass playing as she locks in with Simon Phillips and elevates the progressive mix.