Weekly Top 10: ZZ Top’s 2025 Tour, Rare Jaco Solo, Wild Bass Builds, and More (April 19-25, 2025)

It is time for another look at the top stories of the week on No Treble. This week’s list highlights what caught the bass community’s attention, from big tour news to standout gear.

ZZ Top’s updated 2025 tour plans led the way, while a wild 3-string bass build and Darkglass’s new Anagram unit sparked plenty of clicks. Readers also revisited a newly surfaced Jaco Pastorius solo and celebrated new music from Nathan East.

Dive into this week’s reader favorites:

1. ZZ Top’s 2025 Tour Expands as Drummer Steps Back – Elwood Francis Carries the Groove

ZZ Top adds new 2025 tour dates amid lineup changes. Elwood Francis remains on bass while longtime drummer Frank Beard takes a break to recover.

2. Bass of the Week: A 3-String Bass Carved from a Single Slab – with a Snarling Headstock

DaShtick's Bad Dog Bass is a 3-string, hand-carved creation built from a single piece of ash—complete with a snarling headstock.

3. Darkglass Unveils the Anagram: A “Purpose-Built Solution” for Bassists

The Anagram from Darkglass is a new multi-effects unit offering bassists low-latency processing, NAM integration, and a flexible blocks-based architecture.

4. Schaller Adds Drop-In Tuners for Music Man & Rickenbacker Basses

Schaller's new BM tuners fit Music Man and Rickenbacker basses with drop-in compatibility and convertible left/right mounting configurations.

5. Jump Blues on Bass: The Essential Move That Sets It Apart

Learn how to transform your blues bass line with a classic 2-5 turnaround and create a jump blues groove that swings with energy and jazz flavor.

6. Newly Shared: Jaco Pastorius’s Spellbinding Solo During Herbie Hancock’s 1977 Tour

A rare 1977 audio recording from Herbie Hancock's tour captures Jaco Pastorius in an unforgettable solo moment.

7. 52 Years After Their Final Album, Alice Cooper’s Band Returns – Driven by Dennis Dunaway’s Bass Fury

Alice Cooper's band is back after 52 years, with Dennis Dunaway's bass at the forefront and an unreleased track from the late Glen Buxton.

8. Etsy Sells Reverb: What Its Return to Independence Means for the Music Gear Community

Etsy has sold Reverb to two music-focused investors. The platform is returning to independence with new features aimed at musicians and sellers.

9. Nathan East Releases “Father Son” Album with Son Noah: Features Clapton, Beatles Cover, and Jazz Icons

Bass legend Nathan East and son Noah release "Father Son," a new jazz album with Eric Clapton, iconic covers, and a deeply personal touch.

10. G&L Unveils the Fullerton Deluxe JB MFD: A New Spin on the Classic JB Bass

The Fullerton Deluxe JB MFD Bass from G&L offers vintage style and versatile tone with upgraded MFD pickups and pro-level features.