New Fender Releases, Charles Berthoud in Action, and More Bass Stories This Week

August finished strong in the gear department with two new offerings from Fender. The most-read (and most talked about) article this week was on the new Fender Custom Shop Adrian Younge Jazz Bass, which has loads of bells and whistles. Instead of traditional single coils, the Jazz Bass body is fitted with a Novak Bi-Sonic pickup and a P-bass split coil pickup. Other exciting features include onboard effects and a half-fretless neck. Fender also unveiled a limited edition Shell Pink edition of the Player II Precision Bass.

Charles Berthoud blew everyone’s minds once again with a demo of his new five-string signature Schecter bass. As Jody shared, “This is not a specs rundown. It is a showcase of what this bass can do in the hands of its designer. For fans of Charles or anyone tracking where the modern bass world is headed, this one is worth a watch.”

Other exciting articles included a beginner bass buying guide with Ryan Madora, EMG’s new E-Series pickups, Jason Momoa’s custom Stradi bass honoring Ozzy Osbourne, and more. Scroll down to get the best of bass from this week.

Fender Custom Shop Launches Adrian Younge Jazz Bass with Half-Fretless Neck & Built-In Fuzz/Tremolo

1. Fender Custom Shop Launches Adrian Younge Jazz Bass with Half-Fretless Neck & Built-In Fuzz/Tremolo

Fender Custom Shop releases the Adrian Younge Jazz Bass, featuring a half-fretless neck and built-in fuzz and tremolo for a unique vintage-inspired sound.
Coming Soon: Fender’s Player II Precision Bass Gets a Rare Shell Pink Finish

2. Coming Soon: Fender’s Player II Precision Bass Gets a Rare Shell Pink Finish

Discover Fender’s latest limited edition: the Player II Precision Bass in a rare Shell Pink finish, blending vintage heritage with modern design.
Watch Charles Berthoud Push His New 5-String Bass to the Limit

3. Watch Charles Berthoud Push His New 5-String Bass to the Limit

Charles Berthoud debuts his new 5-string signature bass from Schecter in a solo performance that shows what this instrument is made for.
Beginner Bass Guitar Guide: What to Buy First and How to Upgrade Later

4. Beginner Bass Guitar Guide: What to Buy First and How to Upgrade Later

Learn what beginner bass guitar gear you need to start playing — plus simple, affordable upgrades to take your first bass further.
Inside Dream Theater’s Studio Lock-In: Portnoy’s Back, and It Shows

5. Inside Dream Theater’s Studio Lock-In: Portnoy’s Back, and It Shows

A new studio release from Dream Theater captures John Myung at his best and marks Mike Portnoy’s long-awaited return to the lineup.
New EMG E-Series Bass Pickups Deliver Powerful Ceramic Tone in Slim Soapbar Design

6. New EMG E-Series Bass Pickups Deliver Powerful Ceramic Tone in Slim Soapbar Design

EMG’s new E-Series bass pickups feature slim soapbar design, ceramic magnets, and solderless installation for powerful, versatile tone.
Jason Momoa’s Stradi “Prince of Darkness” Bass: A Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne with Ancient Bog Oak

7. Jason Momoa’s Stradi “Prince of Darkness” Bass: A Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne with Ancient Bog Oak

Jason Momoa honors Ozzy Osbourne with Stradi’s “Prince of Darkness” bass, featuring ancient bog oak, bismuth details, and raw metal aesthetics.
The Who Release “Live at The Oval 1971,” Spotlighting John Entwistle’s Fiery Bass Genius

8. The Who Release “Live at The Oval 1971,” Spotlighting John Entwistle’s Fiery Bass Genius

The Who unearth Live at The Oval 1971, a powerful archival release that highlights John Entwistle’s groundbreaking bass playing.
Deftones’ “private music” Launches a New Chapter with Bassist Fred Sablan

9. Deftones’ “private music” Launches a New Chapter with Bassist Fred Sablan

Deftones return with private music, their 10th album and the first to feature bassist Fred Sablan. Read how he shaped the band’s new chapter.
New from Mono: M80 Classic Ultra Bass Case with Wheels, Redesigned Storage, and AirTag Pouch

10. New from Mono: M80 Classic Ultra Bass Case with Wheels, Redesigned Storage, and AirTag Pouch

Mono launches the M80 Classic Ultra Bass Case, featuring upgraded storage, Freeride wheels, and an AirTag pouch for gig-ready protection.

In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.

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