No Treble’s 2025 Reader Favorite Bassists: Pino Palladino Banner Year Lands Him at #9

2025 was a tremendous year for Pino Palladino. The session legend began the year by teaming up with Ernie Ball to introduce a signature line of Smoothie Flats strings. He was part of the A-list crew on the latest Doobie Brothers album, which topped No Treble’s Top Albums of 2025.

In July, Ernie Ball Music Man revealed the Pino Palladino series of StingRay basses, including a museum-grade replica of his iconic 1979 fretless. “Since I bought that bass, it really changed my career. I became known as a fretless bass player…” he said at the time. “I used that bass exclusively on nearly all the recordings I did from ’81 to ’95.”

Palladino then teamed up again with Blake Mills to create one of the most ethereal and wondrous albums of the year, That Wasn’t a Dream, and tour behind it. Of course, we shared plenty of his unmistakable playing in our daily bass video column.

These standout moments earned him a place on No Treble’s 2025 Reader Favorite Bassists list.

1. Pino Palladino’s New Ernie Ball Strings: Smoothie Flats Revealed

Ernie Ball and Pino Palladino introduce Smoothie Flats, a signature flatwound bass string set offering a smooth feel, rich tone, and vintage warmth.

2. Pino Palladino, Questlove, and Yebba Lock In for a Live “Louie Bag” Groove

In this live session at Electric Lady Studios, Pino Palladino and Questlove back Yebba in a deep, laid-back groove.

3. Ernie Ball Releases Pino Palladino Smoothie Flats Bass Strings: “They Have a Real Kind of Thump”

Ernie Ball’s Smoothie Flats, created with Pino Palladino, are now available in two gauges, featuring flatwound construction and a low-tension feel.

4. Doobie Brothers Reunite with Michael McDonald and Bass Icons for “Walk This Road”

"Walk This Road" marks the Doobie Brothers’ latest release with Michael McDonald and session bass legends including Pino Palladino and Bob Glaub.

5. Ernie Ball Music Man Releases Pino Palladino Series, Including a Museum-Grade Replica of His Iconic StingRay

Explore Ernie Ball Music Man’s Pino Palladino series, including a hand-signed replica of his iconic ’79 fretless StingRay that defined his sound.

6. Pino Palladino and Blake Mills Return with “That Wasn’t a Dream,” Reveal Tour Plans

Pino Palladino & Blake Mills unveil That Wasn't a Dream, a stripped-back follow-up to Notes With Attachments, with tour dates ahead.

7. Listen: Pino Palladino and Blake Mills Drop “Contour” from Upcoming Album, “That Wasn’t a Dream”

Pino Palladino and Blake Mills unveil “Contour,” the second single from their upcoming album, That Wasn’t a Dream, featuring fretless textures and rich tone.

8. Out Now: Pino Palladino and Blake Mills Explore Minimalism on New Album That Wasn’t A Dream

Pino Palladino and Blake Mills return with "That Wasn’t A Dream," a minimalist, atmospheric new album that deepens their acclaimed collaboration.

9. Pino Palladino and Simon Phillips Deliver a Masterclass at Zoetermeer

Pino Palladino teams up with Philip Saisse and Simon Phillips for a tight jazz fusion performance filled with sharp lines bold grooves and players pushing each other forward.

10. Pino Palladino Brings Fretless Mastery to “That Was a Dream” with Blake Mills

Pino brings an easy fretless feel to this quiet duo performance with Blake Mills offering a clear look at his touch tone and space in a live setting. (158 characters)