Weekly Top 10: Ibanez VISIONS Bass, Fender Vintera II P-Bass, Hot Wire Schoengeist & More

There was a ton of gear news over the past two weeks as manufacturers rolled out their new models ahead of the final quarter of the year. Our top story was the launch of Ibanez’s VISIONS series, which includes the IV1SR bass. The company may be renowned for its accessible product lines, but the new lineup features its master luthiers using the best available materials. “Meticulously fashioned from the finest woods available—like Bastogne Walnut, Pale Moon Ebony, and Ash—this SR is the culmination of the combined efforts of the expert hands that helped shape it,” Ibanez states. And yes, the price tag reflects its quality.

No Treble readers also got pumped for the Fender Limited Edition Vintera II Road Worn ’60s Precision Bass, which boasts a Road Worn finish, an era-correct pickup, and an authentic neck shape. Fans noticed that the Fiesta Red and Charcoal Frost Metallic finishes made the new model similar to Fender’s higher-priced Pino Palladino and Sean Hurley signature basses.

Our bass of the week is the Hot Wire Schoengeist, a uniquely shaped instrument adorned with an intricate, handmade pickguard and headstock plate by Alperious. Other top stories include a power chord lesson on Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man,” Metallica’s intimate performance of “Master of Puppets,” Kevin Scott’s killer bass tribute video, and more. Scroll on for the best in bass.

1. Ibanez Launches VISIONS IV1SR Bass With Exotic Woods and Hexa Mid System

Ibanez launches the VISIONS IV1SR bass, crafted from exotic woods and powered by the Hexa Mid system for unmatched tonal versatility.

2. Fender Unveils Limited Edition Vintera II Road Worn ’60s Precision Bass

Fender has expanded its Vintera II line with the Limited Edition Road Worn ’60s Precision Bass, featuring vintage vibe, era-correct tone, and subtle aging.

3. Bass of the Week: Hot Wire Schoengeist – A Custom-Built Beauty with Versatile Tones

Discover the Hot Wire Schoengeist Bass: a custom build with mahogany body, Alperious handmade details, versatile pickups, and East Uni-Pre electronics.

4. A Funk Groove Tribute: Kevin Scott Nods to Rocco and Jaco

Kevin Scott shares a Funk Groove that nods to Rocco and Jaco, blending tight rhythmic drive with melodic expression on his Serek bass.

5. Bass Gym: Making Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man” Even Heavier on Bass

Learn how to make Black Sabbath’s classic “Iron Man” riff even heavier on bass using power chords, low B string, and creative arrangement ideas.

6. MESA/Boogie Bass-800D Combines Bass 400+ Tube Tone With Subway Class D Power

MESA/Boogie’s new Bass-800D blends the Bass 400+ tube preamp with Subway Class D power, delivering 800 watts of classic tone and modern punch.

7. Inside Metallica’s Intimate Amagansett Gig: A Bass-Focused Look at “Master of Puppets”

A rare small-venue performance of Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” from 2025 spotlights Robert Trujillo’s commanding bass tone on his Warwick 4-string.

8. King Crimson Classic Reborn: BEAT Drops Live Video for “Thela Hun Ginjeet” – Tony Levin

Tony Levin and BEAT reimagine the King Crimson track “Thela Hun Ginjeet” in a new live video from their upcoming album LIVE, dropping September 26.

9. New Thundercat Track Brings Bass Wizardry and Remi Wolf Collab

Thundercat is back with Children of the Baked Potato, teaming up with Remi Wolf for a playful track filled with his unmistakable bass grooves.

10. Gov’t Mule’s Chicago Show Highlights Bass Brilliance, Guitar History, and Soulshine with Tedeschi Trucks

Gov’t Mule and Tedeschi Trucks Band lit up Chicago recently with a powerhouse co-headlining show, and No Treble was there to catch the action. I was there and captured the evening, which included some notable bass and gear moments. Gov’t Mule bassist Kevin Scott welcomed us backstage and delivered a thunderous performance using his Molloon basses along with his signature...