This Week in Bass: Bogensperger’s Bold Design, Brian Cook’s Crushing Tone, and Anna Butterss

Our top article for this week (as voted by your clicks) was our Bass of the Week feature on the Bogensperger 0005P. Sebastian Bogensperger’s prototype was a hit for its simple yet thoughtful design, which includes a fully-wedged alder body, an oversized pickup housing that also serves as a thumb rest and ramp, and a non-tapered neck. Its top is a reed mat, adding a cool texture to the sleek body shape.

Brian Cook and Russian Circles crushed on KEXP, and No Treble readers were all about it. The instrumental metal trio tore through a four-song set of “Deficit,” “Harper Lewis,” “Empath,” and “Eluvial.” Jody shared that his favorite is “Eluvial.” “The way it builds with Cook’s grinding bass underneath those massive guitar textures and pounding drums is something else. It’s heavy, hypnotic, and absolutely crushing,” he writes.

Anna Butterss announced they are stepping away from Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit after three years. The bassist, who recently toured with Flea for his solo tour, thanked the singer and his band as well as fans. “To everyone who came to a show – it was an honor and a pleasure to play these songs for you. On to the next chapter,” they wrote.

Other highlights this week include the Sterling Music Man Session StingRay bass, Geezer Butler jamming with Jack Black, a new lesson series from Anthony Muthurajah, and more.

1. Bass of the Week: Bogensperger’s 0005P Keeps It Simple With Some Clever Twists

The Bogensperger 0005P prototype pairs a wedged alder body, padauk neck, and custom single-coil pickup with a minimalist approach. Watch the bass in action.

2. Brian Cook and Russian Circles Bring a Wall of Sonic Devastation to KEXP

Watch Russian Circles unleash crushing low end and pummeling rhythms at KEXP, with bassist Brian Cook leading the charge through classics and new material.

3. Anna Butterss Announces Departure From Jason Isbell’s 400 Unit

Anna Butterss has left Jason Isbell's 400 Unit after three years, thanking fans and bandmates as they look ahead to the next chapter of their musical career.

4. Sterling Introduces Premium Music Man Session Series With New StingRay Basses

Sterling introduces the Music Man Session StingRay, pairing classic ’90s and 2000s inspiration with roasted maple necks, Schaller tuners, and active electronics.

5. Watch Geezer Butler Play “War Pigs” with Jack Black in Newly Released Footage

Watch Geezer Butler perform Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” with Jack Black, Roman Morello, and other young musicians in the newly released official concert video.

6. Joe Dart and Vulfpeck Tear Through “1612” Live at Montreux Jazz Fest

Joe Dart revisits Vulfpeck’s “1612” at the 2026 Montreux Jazz Festival. The three minute performance puts his signature Music Man bass and groove up front.

7. Adam Ben Ezra Takes Upright Bass Looping to Another Level on “Where’s the Exit”

Adam Ben Ezra has a way of making one upright bass sound like much more. Watch his creative looping approach in a live performance of “Where’s the Exit.”

8. Anthony Muthurajah Joins No Treble with New Bass Lesson Series

We’re welcoming Anthony Muthurajah to No Treble with a new twice monthly lesson series, Anthony’s Bass Corner (ABC). His first lesson explores voice leading with random triads.

9. Michael Shuman Talks Bass, Texture, and Queens of the Stone Age’s “Perfecth”

Michael Shuman co-produces Queens of the Stone Age’s “Perfecth” and revisits his teenage punk bass setup on the new album’s “Where the Goth Girls At?”

10. Hadrien Feraud Takes His Mayones Fretless to Another Level on “The Other Side”

Hadrien Feraud puts his Mayones Jabba HF Fretless 5 in the spotlight for a full-band performance of “The Other Side,” featuring vocalist Jason Joseph.