Carol Kaye on Skipping the Rock Hall, Squier’s New Basses, and More: This Week’s Top 10 Bass Stories

As we start another week, it’s time to catch up on the most-read stories in the world of bass.

At the top of the heap are Fender’s latest basses from the Squier brand. The 2025 Classic Vibe lineup includes a Telecaster model and three new Jazz offerings. Next up, readers were intrigued by our bass of the week, the Alusonic Doom 4, which features a wicked body shape with an aluminum top. No Treble readers grooved along with videos from Laura Lee, Stanley Clarke, Evan Marien, and more. Finally, catch up on what Carol Kaye had to say about not attending her Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.

1. Fender Unveils 2025 Squier Classic Vibe Bass Lineup with Telecaster and Jazz Models

Fender’s 2025 Squier Classic Vibe basses include Telecaster and Jazz designs with vintage aesthetics, modern features, and multiple finish choices.

2. Bass of the Week: Alusonic’s The Doom 4 Offers Sleek Looks and a Modern Headless Build

Alusonic’s Doom 4 bass features a headless, multi-scale design with an aluminum top, Graphitex fretboard, and a lightweight 6.8-pound build.

3. Laura Lee Lays Down the Groove with Her Signature Fender Jazz Bass in New Khruangbin Video

Laura Lee plays her new Fender Jazz Bass in a Khruangbin session, showing off the tone, feel, and design behind her signature model.

4. Phil Jones Bass Debuts the 13-Pound C-17 Cabinet, Built for Tone and Travel

Phil Jones Bass introduces the C-17, a compact 13 lb. cabinet with a 7” woofer and 3” tweeter, offering portability and tone in a Seafoam Green finish.

5. Stanley Clarke Returns to Tiny Desk with Alembic in Hand and a Lifetime of Low-End Wisdom

Bass legend Stanley Clarke performs at NPR’s Tiny Desk, highlighting his upright and Alembic bass work in a dynamic, genre-spanning set.

6. Vintage Funk: Alan Gorrie and Average White Band Perform “Work To Do” Live in 1975

This unearthed 1975 live clip features Alan Gorrie and Average White Band performing “Work To Do,” with Gorrie driving the groove on his Fender P Bass.

7. Evan Marien’s Ken Smith Bass Shines in Jazz Fusion Set with Dana Hawkins at Nublu

Evan Marien performs live at Nublu with Dana Hawkins, blending groove-driven jazz fusion, octave effects, and his Ken Smith bass into a standout set.

8. Cold Sweat: A James Brown Funk Groove Every Bassist Should Know

Learn the iconic funk groove from James Brown’s “Cold Sweat” and how to use it as a foundation for building your own bass lines.

9. Throwback Thursday: Tony Kanal Rocks His Yamaha BB on No Doubt’s 1996 TV Debut

Tony Kanal anchored No Doubt’s 1996 TV debut with his Yamaha BB, a GK head, and the bass tone that helped launch a band.

10. Carol Kaye to Skip Rock Hall Induction, Rejects “Wrecking Crew” Label

Bass legend Carol Kaye says no to the Rock Hall, rejecting the “Wrecking Crew” name and standing by her identity as a studio musician