Juan Alderete’s Gear Collection Hits Reverb, Dusty Hill’s 1980 Performance Resurfaces, and a Smarter Way to Practice Scales

Welcome back to No Treble’s Weekly Top 10, where we catch you up on all the best of bass. Mid-July had it all with rockin’ grooves, new gear, and a killer bass lesson.

Our most-read story for the week was a recently released ZZ Top performance from the German TV Show Rockpalast in 1980. As Jody shared, Dusty Hill was in top form, making the clip a masterclass for bassists. “Dusty wasn’t one for flash, but he delivered massive tone and locked-in grooves that defined ZZ Top’s sound,” he wrote. “It’s a good reminder of the power of simplicity—and of making sure every note counts. Worth checking out if you want to see how the low end can be big, mean, and right in the pocket.”

Next up was the news that gear guru Juan Alderete is selling over 700 pieces of equipment, including basses, amps, and pedals. The bassist, known for his time in The Mars Volta and Racer X, launched a Reverb shop to part with it. Alderete is a connoisseur of pedals and effects, so be sure to give them a look. The shop is now open, with less than 100 pieces remaining.

We all know we should be practicing scales, but sometimes it doesn’t feel like it’s connected to the real music we want to play. Ryan Madora covers that in her latest Keep It Groovy column with some creative ways to practice scales on bass that will get you excited about learning the fretboard.

Other highlights include Paul McCartney’s new tour dates, a hand-signed Geddy Lee pedal for charity, Rob Trujillo’s signature Warlord bass pick, and more. Scroll on to be in the know.

1. Just Released: The Big, Mean Sound of Dusty Hill’s Bass at Rockpalast 1980

Dusty Hill’s big, mean bass tone is on full display in ZZ Top’s newly released 1980 Rockpalast set, showing true Texas groove.

2. Juan Alderete Parts with 700 Pieces of Iconic Gear from The Mars Volta, Racer X & More

The Mars Volta’s Juan Alderete opens his vault: over 700 basses, pedals, and amps from decades on the road are hitting Reverb on July 16.

3. Paul McCartney Brings Beatles & Wings Hits Back to North America on 2025 “Got Back” Tour

Paul McCartney’s 2025 "Got Back" tour hits North America with Beatles and Wings favorites. Check the full schedule and band lineup.

4. Geddy Lee & Tech 21 Launch Signed Pedals for Neil Peart Tribute, Cancer Charity

Rush’s Geddy Lee teams with Tech 21 on signed MP40 pedals honoring Neil Peart. Limited run benefits cancer research and the Neil Peart Memorial.

5. Metallica’s Robert Trujillo and Dunlop Launch “Warlord” Pick with Tapered Edges for Tonal Range

Metallica’s Robert Trujillo and Dunlop unveil the Warlord bass pick, featuring tapered edges for tonal range and a design tailored for bassists.

6. How To Turn Bass Scales Into Musical Lines, Grooves, and Fills

Master bass scale practice by turning scales into real music. Build lines, grooves, and fills while improving your technique and unlocking the full fretboard.

7. Inside Belforti’s S1 Ziricote: Inlaid Top, Private Stock Woods, and Gold-Touched Detail

Discover the artistry of Belforti’s S1 Ziricote — from its inlaid top and rare woods to custom pickups and Optima 24K Gold strings.

8. Marcus Miller Sets France on Fire: Watch His 2025 TSF Jazz Festival Blowout on ARTE

Watch Marcus Miller ignite the 2025 TSF Jazz Chantilly Festival on ARTE with killer bass lines on his Fender and Sire through Markbass power.

9. Watch Tony Levin Rip Through BEAT’s Ferocious Live “Neal and Jack and Me”

Watch Tony Levin’s signature Stick and bass work in BEAT’s live “Neal and Jack and Me” performance with Belew, Vai, and Carey

10. Bergantino NV410T: Sealed 4×10 Bass Cab with Ceramic Drivers for Tight, Classic Lows

The NV410T from Bergantino packs tight, classic low-end into a compact sealed 4x10 with ceramic drivers — perfect for stage clarity and punch.