From Fender’s Fresh Classics to a D’Angelo Masterclass: This Week’s 10 Bass Highlights

Fender launched a new series this week called the American Professional Classic, which brings modern features to vintage designs. It includes a Precision, a Jazz, and a Mustang that incorporate enhanced neck profiles, upgraded hardware, and all-new Coastline pickups. Each has a choice of hip old-school colorways to complete the package.

Meanwhile, Germany’s Sandberg Guitars presented a signature bass for the great Yolanda Charles. Based on their Custom model, the five-string is described as a bass “reimagined for a modern legend.” Finished in a Brown Burst Matte, the axe boasts a European ash body, Canadian hard rock maple and mahogany neck, and a set of Delano VT pickups matched to a Sandberg 3-band EQ.

Our coverage this week was groove-heavy, and none topped a video we posted in remembrance of soul and R&B icon D’Angelo, who passed away at the age of 51. His 2015 at the North Sea Jazz Festival with his band The Vanguard is a masterclass in feel, space, and musicianship that was anchored by Pino Palladino. “His touch, tone, and phrasing are everything we love about him,” Jody wrote. “He doesn’t just play the notes. He breathes life into every line. Locked in with Chris ‘Daddy’ Dave, the groove is deep enough to live in.”

We also sat in awe of jams by Charles Berthoud and Michael Manring, Santana, Derrick Hodge, and Michael Anthony. Other top stories include our Bass of the Week, charity products from Fodera and DR Strings, and a lesson in D Phrygian by Marek Bero.

It’s time to get caught up!

1. Fender’s American Professional Classic Basses Blend Vintage Design and Modern Performance

Fender’s new American Professional Classic Series reimagines the Precision, Jazz, and Mustang basses with vintage style and modern upgrades.

2. Sandberg Introduces the Yolanda Charles Signature Bass, Built for Groove and Clarity

Sandberg introduces the Yolanda Charles Signature Bass, built with European ash, Delano pickups, and a 3-band EQ for rich tone and versatility.

3. In Memory of D’Angelo: Revisiting Pino Palladino’s Soulful Bass Lines Live in 2015

emembering D’Angelo through his unforgettable 2015 performance with Pino Palladino and Isaiah Sharkey, capturing the heart of his live sound.

4. Watch Charles Berthoud and Michael Manring in a Dynamic Live Bass Exchange

Watch Charles Berthoud and Michael Manring trade ideas in a live bass duet that highlights tone, touch, and connection between two unique players.

5. Santana’s 1970 Tanglewood Concert, Newly Released, Highlights David Brown on Bass

Santana’s newly released 1970 Tanglewood concert captures the band in full flight, with David Brown’s steady bass groove holding it all together.

6. The Deep Pocket: Derrick Hodge’s Miura Bass Shines in Montreal with Nate Smith and Lalah Hathaway

At Montreal Jazz Fest, Derrick Hodge shows the depth of his groove and the voice of his Miura MB2 alongside Nate Smith and Lalah Hathaway.

7. Bass, Beats, and Firepower: Michael Anthony Leads the Groove at Sammy Hagar’s 2025 Birthday Bash

Michael Anthony’s thunderous bass and vocals shine in this live “I’m the One” jam with Sammy Hagar, Phil X, and Kenny Aronoff.

8. Bass of the Week: Adal Guitars Shows Off Craftsmanship and Character in a Custom Spalted Maple 5-String

This week’s Bass of the Week is a custom Adal Guitars 5-string featuring a spalted maple top, walnut body, gold hardware, and FSD electronics.

9. Fodera and DR Strings Unite for “Play It Pink” Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign

Fodera and DR Strings team up with Pink Aid for the “Play It Pink” campaign, donating proceeds from pink strings and a custom Monarch bass.

10. Bass Gym: Explore D Phrygian on Bass With Open D Tuning for Darker Grooves

Discover how Bb major and open D tuning unlock the D Phrygian sound for rich, dark-toned bass riffs and modal creativity.