Weekly Top 10: Harley Benton’s Aged Basses, Tony Levin, Mondell & More

Welcome back to our recap of the most-read articles of the week.

Harley Benton introduced the Aged Series, including two bass models. The PB-62 and JB-62 offer classic bass designs with your choice of light or heavy aging, all at a price of $238.

Next up was our Bass of the Week, the Mondell Single Cut Short Scale Bass. It oozes old-school cool and is packed with handmade details, including checkerboard body binding and abalone purfling.

Tony Levin loomed large this week, landing three spots in the Top 10. He’ll be hitting the road with BEAT this fall, with Terry Bozzio filling in for drummer Danny Carey, and we also shared two killer performance clips featuring the bass master.

Scroll down for all that and more as we count down the week’s biggest stories in bass.

1. Harley Benton Unveils Aged Series PB-62 and JB-62 Basses

Harley Benton’s new PB-62 and JB-62 Aged Series basses feature hand-worn finishes, alder bodies, Alnico pickups, and light or heavy aging for just $238.

2. Mondell’s Single Cut Short Scale Bass Is Packed With Handmade Details

Rob Mondell’s Single Cut Short Scale Bass pairs a chambered mahogany body with flame maple, checkerboard binding, abalone purfling, and vintage style.

3. Watch Tony Levin & Stick Men Channel the Spirit of THRAK in Their New “Komodo” Video

Stick Men’s “Komodo” pairs Tony Levin’s Chapman Stick with dense rhythms, sharp turns, and a striking performance setting ahead of the trio’s new album.

4. Want to Own a Bass Cabinet Company? Acme Sound Is Looking for a New Owner

Acme Sound founder Andy Lewis has suspended cabinet production and is searching for someone interested in taking over the longtime bass gear company.

5. Michael Anthony Shines in Van Halen’s Newly Uploaded 1981 Oakland Footage

This 1981 Oakland footage catches Van Halen’s original lineup in peak form, with Michael Anthony driving the songs and delivering the signature harmonies.

6. Watch Tony Levin Pair Slap Bass with Delay on King Crimson’s “Sleepless”

This 1984 performance of King Crimson’s “Sleepless” captures Tony Levin using slap bass, delay, and his yellow Music Man to power the song’s pulse live.

7. Baboomin Q-River Air Packs Big Versatility Into a Lightweight Headless Bass

Baboomin’s Q-River Air is a lightweight headless bass offered in Standard and Pro models, with four- and five-string configurations.

8. Watch Alex Lofoco Perform Jaco Pastorius’s “Havona” Bass Solo

Alex Lofoco revisits Jaco Pastorius’s “Havona” bass solo with a solo fretless performance on a five string Cortex bass topped in buckeye burl for this tribute.

9. Damian Erskine Launches Three BassEducation Practice Apps

Damian Erskine has launched three BassEducation apps for musicians, including a versatile metronome, tuner, and customizable ear trainer.

10. BEAT Announces Final North American Tour With Terry Bozzio on Drums

Tony Levin, Adrian Belew, and Steve Vai will bring BEAT back for a final North American tour with Terry Bozzio taking over on drums.