Top 10 Bass Stories This Week: From Custom Builds to Comebacks

Each week, we take a look at the No Treble reader favorites, and the latest top 10 list is in. As always, the mix includes new gear, standout performances, a lesson, and artist news that caught the attention of the community.

This week’s list begins with a one-of-a-kind acoustic bass build that pushed boundaries, followed by a standout trio performance by Chantal Barrera. New product releases from Fender and Markbass made waves, while Peter Hook and Bakithi Kumalo returned to the spotlight.

There’s also a helpful lesson on adding chromatic flavor to your playing, news on Mike Leon’s exit from Soulfly, a debut vocal EP from Mai Leisz, and a video roundup featuring Jaco, Marcus Miller, Ellen Alaverdyan, and more.

1. Bass of the Week: A Client’s Wild Idea Sparked This One-of-a-Kind Acoustic Bass

The Madrigal bass was born from a daring idea, custom-built by Tyler Wells to push boundaries and deliver a bold acoustic voice.

2. Chantal Barrera Flips the Script with Bass-First Take on “Recordame”

Bassist Chantal Barrera takes the lead in this standout trio performance of Joe Henderson's "Recordame," flipping expectations with a fresh arrangement.

3. Fender’s Player II Modified Series Debuts with IDLES in the Spotlight

Fender launches the Player II Modified Series, with new active electronics and IDLES front and center in the campaign's video showcase.

4. New Look, Same Hook: Peter Hook’s Signature Bass Returns in Gold and Sunburst for 2025

Peter Hook's signature Hooky Viking PRO bass returns for 2025 in new Gold and Sunburst finishes, limited to just 18 of each.

5. Spice Up Your Pentatonic Playing with This Chromatic Bass Exercise

This bass lesson shows how to add chromatic flavor to the A minor pentatonic, unlocking more expressive, dynamic grooves with just a few added notes.

6. Paul Simon’s Quiet Celebration Tour Marks Reunion with Graceland Bassist Bakithi Kumalo

Graceland bassist Bakithi Kumalo returns to the stage with Paul Simon on the Quiet Celebration Tour—his first since the singer's 2018 farewell.

7. “Virtually Unlimited Channels”: Markbass Unveils the MB Pro Bass Mixer

Markbass introduces the MB Pro Bass Mixer, a compact 3-channel unit with mic support, footswitch control, and the ability to daisy-chain for more inputs.

8. “The Time Has Come to Move On”: Mike Leon Exits Soulfly

Soulfly and bassist Mike Leon part ways after 10+ years. He reflects on the journey and teases new musical opportunities ahead.

9. Top 10 Bass Videos You Need to See This Month: Jaco, Marcus Miller, Ellen Alaverdyan & More

The No Treble community's favorite bass videos this month: rare Jaco footage, Ellen Alaverdyan's metal set, Marcus Miller live, and more.

10. After Years Behind the Bass, Mai Leisz Steps Up to the Mic with “What Love Can Be”

Mai Leisz steps into the spotlight with her debut vocal EP, blending soulful bass and heartfelt lyrics shaped by motherhood and personal growth.