Fender Vintera III Leads This Week’s Top 10 Bass Stories

Fender’s new Vintera III line, which includes four new basses, tops our list of the most-read articles this week. The company calls the new Jazz, Precision, and Bass VI models a “greatest hits” of years past. All include vintage-styled pickups and neck profiles.

We also remembered Alain Lefebvre, aka Al Gunn, of Men Without Hats, who passed away. He played with the band during their commercial peak in the mid-’80s and is notably featured in their Live Hats concert film.

Keanu Reeves and Dogstar are ramping things up ahead of their headlining tour. Their new single, “Joy,” was released with an accompanying music video that showcases the trio’s passion for playing.

Other highlights this week include the new Upton Bass UPTONe amp, grooves galore, and a look at the bassists entering the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year. Scroll on to catch up on everything that happened this week in the bass world.

1. Fender Unveils Vintera III Bass Series with New Jazz, Precision & Bass VI Models

Fender introduces the Vintera III Series, featuring new Jazz Bass, Precision Bass, and Bass VI models inspired by iconic ‘60s and ‘70s designs, with prices starting at $1,249.

2. Former Men Without Hats Bassist Alain Lefebvre, aka Al Gunn, Has Died

Former Men Without Hats bassist Alain Lefebvre, aka Al Gunn, has passed away. He was also a longtime Montreal luthier and fixture in the guitar repair community.

3. Dogstar’s ‘Joy’ Rides a Clean Groove from Bassist Keanu Reeves

Dogstar drop “Joy,” their second video in recent months, featuring Keanu Reeves on Fender PJ and GK Legacy RB, locking into a tight, driving groove.

4. Upton Bass Unveils the UPTONe, a Combo Amp Built Specifically for Upright Bass

Upton Bass has introduced the UPTONe, a 200-watt combo amplifier designed specifically for upright bass, with a custom cabinet and Eminence woofer.

5. Remco Hendriks Lets His Stradi Fretless Bass Do the Talking

Remco Hendriks plays a Stradi fretless 4 string in a tight close-up, locking into a drum track with signature phrasing and subtle octave pedal use.

6. Bass of the Week: FGN’s Mighty Power JMP2-AL-R Packs Punch with a Unique Twist

FGN’s Mighty Power JMP2-AL-R bass blends classic tone with modern innovation, featuring reversed Seymour Duncan pickups and the Circle Fretting System.

7. You Came for Larry Carlton and Robben Ford You Stay for the Bass

A full 2007 North Sea Jazz set featuring Larry Carlton and Robben Ford has surfaced, capturing two masters in a fluid, dynamic live performance with Travis Carlton holding down the low end.

8. I Built The Sky’s “Fuel To Fly” Blends Precision Prog with a Powerful Low-End Core

I Built The Sky pushes modern instrumental prog forward on “Fuel To Fly,” with Toby Peterson-Stewart holding down the low end on a 5-string Dingwall.

9. Trace Elliot Launches Transformer DI With Huge Frequency Range for Bassists

Trace Elliot has introduced the Transformer DI, a new passive direct box for all instruments with extended frequency response and a design aimed at preserving tone.

10. Rock Hall 2026: Meet the Bassists Behind This Year’s Inductees

Meet the bassists behind the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 2026 inductees, including Steve Harris, Peter Hook, Paul Denman, and more.