The Year in Bass Gear: 10 New Basses That Made Waves in 2025

For our final top ten roundup of 2025, we’re diving into one of our most popular categories: new basses.

Every year, we cover the latest instruments from builders and brands around the world, and our Bass Gear section always draws serious attention from the global bass community. Whether it’s a minimalist two‑string or a headless, multi‑scale six‑string, readers love poring over the details of each new instrument.

Our ten most‑read new bass stories of 2025 span a wide range of styles and functions, but one thing they all have in common is that they really resonated with No Treble readers.

1. Eastwood Unveils “The Sandman” 2-String Bass: “Perfect for Morphine Superfans and General Minimalists”

Inspired by Morphine’s Mark Sandman, Eastwood’s “The Sandman” is a two-string bass with custom specs and a nod to the late bassist’s unique sound.

2. Les Claypool Approves: Pachyderm’s Sleek Bass Debuts with 29 Frets and a Squid Ink Black Finish

Pachyderm debuts the Sleek Bass with 29 frets, a Squid Ink Black finish, and a personal stamp of approval from Les Claypool himself.

3. Mike Herrera’s New Sterling Signature Bass Has Two Knobs That Don’t Even Work — on Purpose

Mike Herrera’s new Sterling signature bass embraces punk simplicity with one working volume knob, two dummy knobs, and an Orange Creamsicle finish.

4. 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.

5. Ibanez Introduces EHB600 and EHB605: Affordable Headless Basses

The Ibanez EHB600 Series brings affordable headless basses with ergonomic design, 3-band EQ, and sleek finishes starting at $799.

6. 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.

7. Affordable Retro: Gretsch Launches Electromatic CVT Bass Double-Cut in 32″ Scale

Discover the new Gretsch Electromatic CVT Bass Double-Cut, a retro-inspired 32" scale model with Low Down pickups and a street price of $399.

8. NAMM 2025: Sterling By Music Man Introduces Affordable Bongo Bass for the First Time

Sterling By Music Man introduces the iconic Bongo bass to its affordable lineup for the first time, offering a budget-friendly alternative to the classic Ernie Ball Music Man version. Unveiled at NAMM 2025, the new models bring the signature modern design and powerful tone at a fraction of the price.

9. Bootsy Collins’ Historic James Brown-Era Jazz Bass Surfaces for Auction

Bootsy Collins’ James Brown-era 1969 Fender Jazz Bass, the instrument that shaped early ’70s funk, is now up for auction through Heritage Auctions.

10. Headless and Multi-Scale: Marcus Miller’s Newest Sire Bass Defies Tradition

The new Sire Marcus Miller M6 Headless bass redefines balance and playability with a multi-scale neck, lightweight build, and versatile tone controls.