Best Bass Player Gifts (UNDER $100)

[@IanMartinAllison]

DUDE. How sweet! Thanks a million. I know what I’m sending YOU for the holidays 😂

[@Mitsch76]

Really a good idea to spend a little on those presets! You must be doing good stuff, Ian! Otherwise he wouldn't recomment them. BTW Hey Ian, nice to meet you here ;-) Bassplayers community rocks!!

[@jackquarantillo5192]

My additions: 1. Tuner! I like the Snark Air rechargeable 2. Polish and microfiber towel to clean and polish your bass. Be careful choosing stands if you have an offset bass (like a Jazz or Jaguar). The Hercules stand you showed is perfect, but others with bottom support won't work for offset bodies.

[@philipconradmusic]

Great additions!

[@corodoug813]

I was thinking about this exact issue. A lot of these things can be expensive, but there are certain items that aren't too expensive that can be exactly what we need.

[@philipconradmusic]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching

[@craigridley9618]

Worth mentioning, for more aggressive picking styles try thinner picks like orange dunlops, they won’t throw your pitch out too sharp 👍

[@brunocyclist]

Great call on the hearing protection! So important and so often overlooked. No affiliation or financial interest whatsoever, but the Loop earplugs I use now must be the best I ever had, they even beat the custom moulded ones I still have from my motorcycle riding days. The Loops are comfortable, super easy to put in and take out and you can choose different degrees of noise reduction. There are several types specifically for listening to or working in music and they really allow you to enjoy music in safety. And they're really affordable too.

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@ivanvaughan6264]

Agree the loop plugs are great - better than a pair i paid over £125 for.

[@markmilner842]

Great suggestions. You covered a lot. A few more ideas: - Clip on tuner would be useful. I mostly use a pedal, but my Snark is a good backup. - Guitar cleaning kit. - Fretboard oil (if they have bass with rosewood or ebony fretboard). - Regarding picks, some felt picks, like ukulele picks, can give you a really warm, round tone. - Luthier tools, for the same kind of person you’d buy a soldering iron for.

[@philipconradmusic]

Really great ideas here! Thanks for watching

[@armignac]

Just want to add one thing to the hercules stands. Dont let them be exposed to sunlight everyday. The plastic will start to melt and become really sticky. Thats why many hercules stands on stage have a screwdriver sticking out of them to hold it together. Keep a look out for them, I see that so often ^^

[@philipconradmusic]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing!

[@erstwhilerambler]

Pausing the video to say 1.) yes on hearing protection; I’m in no way affiliated but highly recommend MEE custom fit earplugs; great fit, high-fidelity sound (just quieter); I’ll never go back to playing without them - not at live at performance volume, and often not at rehearsal volume! I feel so much better after a show having worn my earplugs. 😊 2.) This video is a great idea, and I’m probably going to share this with my wife and others to give them some gift ideas. These “pro tip” videos of yours are my favorites.

[@philipconradmusic]

Awesome! Thanks for watching ⚡️

[@ivanvaughan6264]

Good point about the hearing protection- I have some hearing loss in my left ear and it really makes playing/listening to music a challenge- couldn’t agree more with taking care of your ears . Btw - great videos - am late to the channel but one of the most watchable out there 👍

[@billytai1096]

I have a great gift suggestion: Bullet Guitar Jack Tightener. Get both the Bullet 2.0 and the Bullet 2.0 Metric. Three models to choose from The original is smooth molded plastic, so it won't scratch your guitar or amp hardware (cheaper). The 2.0 models have a brass socket for a lifetime of heavy use. Original Bullet: fits 1/2" inch nuts for 1/4" inch jacks Bullet 2.0: fits 1/2" inch nuts for 1/4" inch jacks Bullet 2.0 - Metric: fits 11mm nuts for 1/4" inch jacks, common for import instruments

[@philipconradmusic]

Cool idea! Thanks for sharing

[@a_fella.]

Warwick do some really great strap locks, they're really easy to release + the part that releases can connect directly to your strap

[@basstelkeller]

Great video. I‘d add a little bass tool kit or multi tool with all the allen keys in it. It’s good to have this in your bag, when you need an emergency setup on a gig.

[@philipconradmusic]

Great addition! Thanks for watching!

[@thomasfields2082]

Strap locks are great. ive ben using shoelaces and duct tape with no fail but those fancy things look pretty nice.

[@alexscott57]

NUX Mighty Plug MP-2. $75. Gives me the ability to play late at night with headphones when the kid is asleep and not wake anyone up. Connect to your phone with bluetooth and you can play backing tracks and adjust effects and EQ. Game changer to actually be able to practice during my free time while everyone is asleep.

[@TenFalconsMusic]

By far, the best pick I've ever used is the Graph-Tech Tusq. They're about £1 each and bloody worth 10 times that.

[@6minus3minus2]

Great recommendations! I'd add one caveat on straps, if your loved one is very tall or bulky, consider a long strap. A regular one might be a bit too short.

[@philipconradmusic]

Good point!

[@Matthordika]

Hercules also has a great foldable stand that, while maybe not quite as stable as the big one, is still really stable and its compact design makes it perfect for slipping into your gigbag or case to take with you. I'm sure a lot of us have gone to rehearsals or gigs where we've either had to carry a big, extra stand, use an old beat up one at the venue that you don't really trust, or even try to lean your instrument on something and pray for the best. So its a great, easy way to have a reliable stand every where you go with little hassle. I always have it packed wherever I go to play.

[@philipconradmusic]

Nice!

[@untitleduser666]

On the topic of picks, I started experimenting with felt picks recently and they sound great with a foam mute or palm mute. Also great U-Bass.

[@philipconradmusic]

Nice!

[@dm4728]

Felt picks with flat wounds for that Motown feel

[@dchauser4]

- I've been using the Big Stubby picks since you recommended them (when I use one), and I love them. - I can't second the ear protection enough. I have hearing loss in my right ear due to years of going to concerts and listening to loud music with no ear protection. I use the Alpine MusicSafePro ear plugs and have zero complaints about them. - For cables, I'm a big fan of the GLS Audio cables. My mom last year got me a couple of picks made out of quarters as a gift, one is just the Georgia quarter and the other is one from the year I was born. Another good suggestion is either a set-up kit or a cleaning kit. Having one on hand is a great thing and something to save money down the road.

[@philipconradmusic]

Great ideas! Thanks for watching dude!

[@tolstoy21]

I think a good, quality leather strap and good strap locks is an awesome gift idea. I also love the idea of a soldering iron (mostly because I'm a tinkerer), but I think if I had $100 to spend on for a gift, I don't know a single bass player would not appreciate that (unless they already have one).

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks! Thanks for watching

[@godsinbox]

1. A pick (get that clang tone) 2. Series parallel switch (can improve a boring P bass for scooped clang) 3. Notepaper to remind you to not keep forgetting to bring all your gear (it happens more often than you'd think)

[@martinheath5947]

Buy a bicycle inner tube (skinny one suitable for a racing bike) Cut a four inch length Stuff lighly with a strip of dish cleaning sponge Place over the A and D strings (right by the bridge saddles) tucking one end under the E string and the other under the G Muting awesomeness especially for Carol Kaye style pick playing, also makes your rounds sound old school thuddy like a semi palm mute but you can still play with fingers. Wonderful cheapskate gift for a bass player friend (or yourself) 😊

[@philipconradmusic]

I’m going to have to try that!

[@martinheath5947]

@@philipconradmusic Please do, it's altogether different from sponge in a cool way

[@jesserobinson20]

You think a lot about peoples long-term development. You seem like one of those guys that are just awesome.

[@gregpepper6053]

Bass Mutes are always a great gift too!

[@philipconradmusic]

Great idea!

[@notlaw1976]

What a really thoughtful video. Thanks PC... this is great 👍

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@Azajndo]

I highly recommend the Levy's straps, my oldest one is 21 year.

[@philipconradmusic]

Nice!

[@bimbobuddha]

The very first pick you recommended, Ive been using as a guitar pick for so long. Lol it feels and sounds great, so at least now I know I can use it for bass for session playing.

[@BrianPellerin]

Nice video! My only tweaks are… No floor stands. Keep stuff off the floor unless it is your feet. Just because gravity exists doesn’t mean you should impede your ability to walk in a room. Wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted stuff is such a lifesaver. Buy a wall-mounted guitar holder or a ceiling bus track for your cables, cords and wires. Never replace strings. Bless your tone with a nice EQ and use the money you would have wasted on strings on buying other people eq pedals. Seeing the realization come across their face when they try an EQ pedal instead of replacing their strings is such a great feeling. And get a good EQ pedal like the MXR 10 band with 18v of headroom.

[@philipconradmusic]

I like to use strings a long time too. Floor stands are great for stage. Thanks for watching!

[@mperk1896]

Felt picks are also pretty cool

[@philipconradmusic]

Agreed!

[@duncanwatson7858]

I got the presets Ian did, they are incredible. I’m kinda tone deaf and they were a game changer for me.

[@philipconradmusic]

I just bought them. Can’t wait to try!

[@are-bass]

This was the best gift guide on bass i have ever seen!

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@Mitsch76]

Great video! Very thoughtful gifts to give to ... ME :-) Good picks really!

[@George-wy2yb]

Headstock tuner (polytune is great!) Flexible soft foam to use as vintage mute Standing in the shadows of Motown (Book of Jamerson transcriptions)

[@philipconradmusic]

Great recommendations!

[@mathieufoley2339]

LOL... I love that I got for Scott's Bass Lessons right as you mention Ian lol. He's a great guy and his stomp patches are awesome.

[@philipconradmusic]

😂 I just bought them. Can’t wait to give them a try!

[@JeffWok]

Phillip! Excellent call on the soldering iron and the skill set that comes with it. Great channel as always dude.

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks so much!

[@mattastic247]

Those Franklin Straps are the best. They'll legit last a lifetime.

[@Schmuddel]

Just about everything over than the bass itself and an amp are decently-priced. Even something like a fretwrap is a cool gift imo.

[@philipconradmusic]

Nice!

[@BrickDavis]

dude a few years back I bought like a. ten pack of tuners and any musician that came thru the jam room got a tuner and I was like tune up stay in tune and lets flipping go.

[@philipconradmusic]

Nice!

[@robertp457]

I bought the IMA Presents and they are so much fun and it changes the way I play in a good way.

[@philipconradmusic]

I just bought them. Can’t wait to try them out!

[@Terrible_Peril]

So I’m gonna steal your father in laws stocking vibe. I love that so much. I’m very utility focused (neurodivergent 😅) and my ideal gift I’m never allowed to give (remove all packaging, insert all batteries etc etc and everything goes into ONE very lavishly fabric wrapped box with a ribbon. No ripping paper, no battery duty, ANYWAY- I can work with a stocking. Everyone needs good combo plug/battery/cable combos for devices, flashlights, snacks are a given, etc.😊

[@philipconradmusic]

It’s a great method! Thanks for watching ⚡️

[@jaredhouseman2094]

Gravity picks are really great for the price. 1.5mm in your prefered shspe works well

[@krumbis]

I LOVE THEM FAT PURPLE PICKS!!! I’m so glad someone else gets it

[@philipconradmusic]

They are so good!

[@SuzyJonesMusic]

Also my favorite value sunglasses are Goodr :)

[@michaelhardie9193]

Wow you and IMA collab would be amazing.

[@bignick8121]

I've got Ian's presets and they're awesome and inspiring!

[@philipconradmusic]

I just bought a pack 😂 Can’t wait to try them out!

From p r e s e t s for HX Stomp to a soldering iron? I feel like that's the biggest jump in things haha. Also, Sonicake pedals (not sponsored lol). I just got an envelope filter and an oc2 style octaver for under 60 western money units on Amazon. It's crazy.

[@simonbowkett124]

Instrument removal software like Moises. Although you'll have to pay again after the year's finished.

[@cameronlesley2428]

The grolsh beer bottle swing top is the best place to get the red rubber washers

[@philipconradmusic]

Nice!

[@chriscuthbertson]

I'm still using a Levy's strap I got back in 2002, and It's still got the same straplocks on it too. Amazing quality

[@philipconradmusic]

Awesome!

[@jamesmarkham7489]

Montyspresso is great if the player has rosewood fretboards

[@joshuahek4564]

Picks for the first ...pick? This man woke up today and chose violence. 🤣

[@joonasvainio6587]

If the bass player in your life is a child or a teenager, a great gift would that you as a parent, gandparent etc. would carve out time for you and the bass player to go out to the music stores to try out a bunch of gear. I know I always wanted this as a teen. You don't even have to buy anything. The main thing is to get the bassist to get hands and ears on a lotbof different instruments, pedals, amps. So they can get a for what they like for themself, what works for them. And you get to spend time with your young one doing something they are passionate about. Food for thought 😍

[@philipconradmusic]

Great idea! Thanks for sharing

[@justincox3004]

PSA: Musicians will love plenty of potential gifts aside from instruments. No need to splurg Aside from that: Mr. Philip Conrad, that tiger shirt is rad, and I'd love to know where you got it

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks for watching! I got it at a little t shirt shop in Japan, so unfortunately I can’t help you find it.

[@oliversawatzky8186]

Awesome Ideas!!

[@andreweapen180]

Hi! Love your videos!! What is your favorite half round strings? Looking for a good recommendation for my jmj mustang.

[@JK_35]

Good ideas, Another good idea is good quality ear plugs, an example like Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs, they are only like $40

[@philipconradmusic]

Great idea!

[@ianmckenzie5303]

A basic setup kit, a gift for those musicians that want to save money. Maybe linseed oil for the fretboard, or wax and microfibre cloths.

[@philipconradmusic]

Great ideas!

[@contratoronto5868]

Awesome video! Are there any musicians you collaborate with who have similar lists? (ie drummers, keys, etc) It'd be cool to see what other like-minded musicians suggest for their instrument of choice

[@philipconradmusic]

Not sure off the top of my head. Thanks for watching!

[@SuzyJonesMusic]

I think our offices are painted the same color!

[@philipconradmusic]

Hi Suzy!

[@jacopoaneghini8759]

@pihlipconradmusic HUGE fan of the Big Stubby here too! Check out if you already haven't the Big Stubby Triangle, it's a regular 3mm Stubby but in the shape of the large triangle like the Fender Heavy you choose. Let me know!

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks for the tip!

[@Kuztomshop]

STRINGS! I would also say to get your favorite bass playing buddy some different type or different brand than he/she usually uses. Bass strings are more expensive than guitar strings and can REALLY make a huge difference in tone and therefore are often considered too much to spend on an experiment. Feed the creativity! Buy them different strings!!!

[@philipconradmusic]

💯

[@jorisammerlaan]

String winder!

[@philipconradmusic]

Nice addition!

[@YouYorick]

Lemon oil ? ( Thank you for your work )

[@philipconradmusic]

Good idea! Although not good for all necks, so gotta be careful!

[@steve4765630]

Vox Amplug bass version

[@dw7704]

Music store gift card is the best option for me You can save up and get something more pricey, or get accessories you want And please don’t get me a wall hanger A stand is cool But I don’t have a good place for the hangers and no,desire to use them But I am gracious to any gift giver

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks for sharing!

[@davidlumgair3499]

A bass hat

[@Funkybassuk]

Best piece of bass gear: free offcut of used foam.

[@philipconradmusic]

💯

[@ObraBass]

I would ask all my friends not to buy me Dunlop or any other strap locks please! Beer on the other hand...

[@joannalewis5279]

Cables are like socks

[@philipconradmusic]

Well said!