Geddy Lee’s New Bass, Kiyoshi Kitagawa Tribute Lead This Week’s Top 10

This week, we got the inside scoop on Geddy Lee’s new custom Rickenabacker bass, which the Rush bassist ordered ahead of the historic “50 Something” reunion tour. Handcrafted by Richard Cannata, the bass throws it back to the earliest of the company’s models with a Turqouise Blue finish, checkerboard binding, and a vintage 425 style bridge. Click through to get all the details, from the woods used to the precise dimensions.

The jazz world mourned the loss of bassist Kiyoshi Kitagawa, who passed away at 67. Born in Osaka and based in New York City, he played with a plethora of the genre’s heroes, including many years with piano legend Kenny Barron.

Vuyani Wakaba reviewed the HJJ 21-5 from D’Metri Basses, a new company based in Chicago, Illinois. The five-string headless bass is fitted with a pair of Bartolini pickups. “The workmanship is immediately evident the moment you run your hand down the neck,” Wakaba writes. “The fretwork is exquisite, and the neck-to-body joint is so tight you’d think it was grown that way. It is a boutique bass without the pretentiousness—just solid, high-tier lutherie that makes you want to play for hours — and I did just that!”

Other highlights include an upgrade to Panda Audio’s Future Impact bass synth, new Joe Dart basses from Sterling by Music Man, and more grooves than you can shake a stick at.

1. Inside Geddy Lee’s New Custom Rickenbacker 4000V Bass for Rush’s Return

Rickenbacker reveals a custom 4000V bass built for Geddy Lee ahead of Rush’s reunion tour, featuring vintage specs, unique finishes, and classic pickups.

2. Remembering Kiyoshi Kitagawa, Beloved Jazz Bassist and Kenny Barron Trio Mainstay

Jazz bassist Kiyoshi Kitagawa, longtime member of Kenny Barron’s trio and a fixture of the New York jazz scene, has passed away at 67.

3. D’Metri Basses HJJ 21-5: A Headless Bass Built for the Modern Player

D’Metri Bass Guitars is a new company that is based in Chicago, Illinois. This new company has built its first United States built bass, a headless model HJJ 21-5. The model name is derived from the fact that both pickups are jazz type pickups; the neck has 21 frets; the reviewed bass is a five string tuned BEADG. As a...

4. Panda Audio Future Impact V4.5 Adds DX7 Bass Sounds and Zero Latency Mode

Panda Audio has released the Future Impact V4.5 firmware update, adding 99 DX7 FM presets, Setlist mode, and a new Zero Latency pitch tracking option.

5. Wes Stephenson Takes a Standout Solo on “Slide Rule” with Mark Lettieri Group

Mark Lettieri Group locks into Slide Rule before Wes Stephenson steps out with a standout solo and sub octave groove.

6. Donny Benét Dials In a ’59 P-Bass & a Vintage Ken Smith for “Midnight Appointment”

A 1959 Fender P-Bass sets the mood as Donny Benét leans into a Paul Jackson-inspired groove that pulls you in and holds you there.

7. Muse Dig Deep on “Cryogen” as Chris Wolstenholme Unleashes Crushing Low End

Chris Wolstenholme’s signature Status bass cuts through Muse’s new “Cryogen” live release, with heavy, gritty tone and strong low-end presence.

8. No Volume Knob, No Problem: Joe Dart’s New Sterling by Music Man Bass Leads 2026 Crop

Sterling by Music Man and Vulfpeck bassist Joe Dart have unveiled the 2026 Crop basses, including the returning Joe Dart I and new Joe Dart Vision.

9. Radiohead’s “Everything In Its Right Place” Gets a Live Jazz Overhaul

A one-take jazz version of Radiohead’s “Everything In Its Right Place” features upright bassist Bob DeBoo shaping the groove and pushing the band.

10. Chick Corea’s Elektric Band Final Performance Features John Patitucci at Tokyo Jazz

The Elektric Band’s final show captures John Patitucci on 6 string bass, driving fast paced progressive jazz with the group locked in at full strength.