This Week’s Top 10 Bass Stories: Bakithi Kumalo, Joe Dart, New Gear, and More
It’s been another amazing week for bassists. Our weekly top ten list is packed with stonecold grooves from Bakithi Kumalo to Joe Dart, killer new gear, and a lesson that will get you thinking like James Jamerson.
Dig in to get caught up on No Treble’s most-read posts for the week.
1. Watch Bakithi Kumalo Lock In on “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” with Paul Simon
Bakithi Kumalo and Steve Gadd lock in on Paul Simon’s “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” in this standout performance from The Quiet Celebration Concert film.
2. Guild Revives the Starfire Deluxe Bass in Two New Finishes
Guild’s Starfire Deluxe Bass revives a ’60s-inspired design with a 30.75-inch scale, dual BiSonic pickups, maple body, and two new finishes. Hear it in action.
3. DiCosimo Audio Updates the 360+ Bass Preamp for 2026
DiCosimo Audio updates its 360+ Bass Preamp for 2026 with a smaller enclosure and a more efficient power circuit while preserving its vintage-inspired tone.
4. First Look: Maurizio Über Basses G4 Fretless Nero
Maurizio Über Basses previews its G4 Fretless Nero, featuring a hand-painted, resin-sealed fingerboard, ahead of Guitar Summit 2026 in Mannheim, Germany.
5. Cort Unveils Retro 304 Short-Scale Bass With Vintage-Inspired Sound
The Cort Retro 304 is a 30-inch short-scale bass with an alder body, passive humbucker, and simple controls. See its full specs, color options, and $649.99 price.
6. How to Build a Motown-Inspired Bass Line from a Simple Chord Progression
Learn to build a Motown-inspired bass line with a simple chord progression. Use roots, fifths, sixths, and rhythm to create a classic soul groove of your own.
7. Watch Royal Blood Play “Ten Over Ten” Live on Saturday Night Live UK
Royal Blood perform “Ten Over Ten” live on Saturday Night Live UK, with Mike Kerr’s signature Fender bass helping the duo deliver a truly massive sound.
8. WATCH: Vulfpeck Doubles the Bass on “Give Me Something”
Joe Dart lays down the groove on Vulfpeck’s “Give Me Something” before Vulfmon jumps in to overdub a second bass part for even more low end
9. Ben Jud Tackles Rush’s “YYZ” with the Martin Miller Session Band
Rush’s “YYZ” gets a sharp rehearsal workout from the Martin Miller Session Band, with Ben Jud on five string Marleaux bass and the whole group locked in.
10. Watch the Allman Brothers Band Reunite in 1986 With Two Bassists
The Allman Brothers Band returned to the stage at Volunteer Jam XII in 1986, with Bruce Waibel and Jerry McCoy splitting bass duties across the reunion set.
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
