G&L Guitars Shuts Down After 45 Years, Torzal’s Twisted Bass, and This Week’s Top Bass Stories

It’s time again for No Treble’s top ten articles of the week.

After a month of speculation, it was was confirmed that G&L Guitars shut down after 45 years in business. The company, which was founded by Leo Fender in 1980, was known for its MFD pickups and bass models such as the L-Series, the JB, and the ASAT Bass. It’s being reported that the intellectual property was purchased by Fender Musical Instruments Corporation in order to bring Leo Fender’s likeness back to the original company. However, all leftover parts and b-stock was disposed of in dumpsters. We’ll keep you updated with more details as they become available.

Next, our bass of the week was a four-string with a twist – literally. The Torzal Natural Twist bass has a 35-degree twist in the neck for ergonomics across the fingerboard. This particular Twist had some jaw-dropping appointments, including a Metallic Chameleon finish, a semi-headless design, and a stunning Cottonwood burl back.

Gojira is back in a big way. The “Silver Cord Sessions” was our most-viewed video of the week with Jean-Michel Labadie hammering out the bass parts to to “Ocean Planet,” “From the Sky,” and “Where Dragons Dwell.” “His Sandberg bass cuts through the mix with a growl and authority that only he can deliver, driving every riff and rhythmic shift with effortless power,” Jody explains.

Other highlights include a stellar Tiny Desk Concert by The Doobie Brothers with John Cowan, Positive Grid’s new Spark NEO headphones, a mixolydian lesson from Ryan Madora, and more.

1. G&L Guitars Shuts Down: A Final Chapter in Leo Fender’s Legacy

G&L Guitars, the last company founded by Leo Fender, has shut down. Factory closures, unanswered emails, and growing rumors mark the end of an era.

2. Torzal’s New Natural Twist Bass: Set-Through Build, Chameleon Finish, and 35-Degree Neck Twist

Torzal returns with a new Natural Twist bass featuring a 35-degree neck twist, set-through construction, cottonwood burl and chameleon finish, and Nordstrand electronics.

3. Gojira’s “Silver Cord Sessions” Show Jean-Michel Labadie with Armed His Sandberg & Gallien Krueger.

Jean-Michel Labadie brings his trademark intensity and Sandberg tone to Gojira’s Silver Cord Sessions performance.

4. The Doobie Brothers at Tiny Desk: John Cowan and Michael McDonald Bring Timeless Groove Home

Tiny Desk captures The Doobie Brothers in their element, John Cowan’s groove and tone shining through every song.

5. Spark NEO Core: Smart Headphones with Built-In Guitar and Bass Amp

Spark NEO Core headphones let you plug in your bass or guitar, with built-in amps, effects, AI tone generation, and Bluetooth audio for music or practice.

6. Riccardo Oliva Showcases the New Ibanez BTB605 Bass Guitar

Ibanez and Riccardo Oliva return with another standout clip, featuring the rich tone and sleek feel of the new BTB605 bass.

7. New Release: DarWin’s “Cry A River” Highlights Mohini Dey’s Dynamic Bass Work

DarWin’s new release “Cry A River” features Mohini Dey on bass, delivering clarity, groove, and tone alongside Simon Phillips and Greg Howe.

8. Victor Wooten’s Tone in a Box? Rodenberg Launches Signature LDP Deluxe Pedal

Victor Wooten has teamed up with Rodenberg for the LDP Deluxe, a handcrafted three-stage overdrive and boost pedal designed to capture his signature tone.

9. Watch Foo Fighters’ “All My Life” from Amazon Music Live With Nate Mendel Rocking Hard

Foo Fighters deliver a fierce take on “All My Life,” with Nate Mendel and Ilan Rubin locking in for a tight, hard-hitting performance.

10. Mixolydian Mode for Bass: How to Build Classic Blues and Dominant 7 Grooves

Learn how to use the Mixolydian mode to create authentic blues bass lines and dominant 7 grooves. Understand the theory and apply it directly to your playing.