Blindfold Bass Challenge | Can I Guess 13 Basses Locked in a Basement?

I'm in a stranger's basement in Minnesota, blindfolded, and having bass after bass handed to me for an hour!
I went into this challenge more nervous than I'd ever been for anything music related. I came out of it having had a ton of fun and learnt a lot.
Huge thanks to Ian Martin Allison for being "bass interrogator" for the day and donating his time so graciously.
None of the companies featured in this video were sponsors. All of these basses are privately owned by IMA, and it was like being in a mini bass museum getting to play a ton of stuff I'd never even seen in person before.
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[@thedoctajon]

Ian brings a new level of silliness out of you and it's just wonderful. Two nuts in a sack 🎉

[@kingdeedee]

Two nuts in a WHAT??

[@DavideAfzal]

"hello coffee drinkers" ...man, so many memories with these simple three words... ❤🙌

[@janekgwizdala]

You saw my reaction when he said it... I had no idea that was how he was going to open. It was very kind of him to make that reference and include so many of he fans who have been around the channel for a long time.

[@DavideAfzal]

@@janekgwizdala I loved that intro..and your reaction too! 🙂 You have been(and of course you are!!) a massive influence and inspiration for so many of us around the world. Here in Italy, me and some friends had a chat named "hello coffee drinkers"(I know, it sounds a little bass-nerdy) just because of you. 😃

[@MikeLullCustomGuitars]

Thank you for the free commercial, Janek 😜😊🙏🙏 - Spencer Lull

[@doubledecker1094]

You got the pedal board treatment - a vote of confidence!

[@janekgwizdala]

Ah man, my pleasure! Doesn't get a lot more legit than being blindfolded too! 🤣 Like I said in the video, such a nice feeling bass with so many useable directions to go in for any bass player. My first time playing one of your instruments, but I'm going to hazard a guess it won't be the last. 👍

[@MikeLullCustomGuitars]

@@janekgwizdala means the world coming from you my friend. Can’t stress that enough 🙏❤️

[@YetiOnGuitar]

The Coronado loop was sick!

[@seraphin9162]

NOW I REALLY WANT JANEK TO RECORD A FULL ALBUM WITH A CORONADO 🤯

[@janekgwizdala]

I give it a 100% chance of happening in the next 12 months...

[@seraphin9162]

@@janekgwizdala 🙏

[@ethanlocke3604]

Cause of the mic setup it sounds like ian is yelling at you from like a room away, but that makes it funnier

[@victortrying]

Agree, turned out to be a nice addition to the format haha

[@ShortFuseFighting]

"mystery to me" was and still is one of the best albums of the 2000s. youre a legend. glad do see you are on youtube!

[@KyleS.1987]

This was such a treat. 50 minutes just flew by. Thank you, Janek and Ian!

[@cosmicevan]

The greatest thing about Ian is he is an unabashed fan of the bass and all things bass. He's the furthest thing from jaded...and as a player who is the same age as you guys (but kept music as my hobby instead of profession) his energy is so fun to watch. You guys are great together. Long live the coffee drinkers!

[@wren23_bass-synths]

Janek knew that Wal as soon as he grabbed it.

[@jpined14]

It’s the weight.

[@trance9158]

He knew the Smith right off too

[@wren23_bass-synths]

@@trance9158 yep!

[@PaDamTuts]

because of how much time he spent in Berklee bass sphere in his career, I assume he'd be able to guess any of the American boutique builders in a heartbeat (Ken Smith, Fodera, etc.)

[@chrisbardolph264]

We had a Fender Coronado come through the store I was working at several years ago. Just a gorgeous tone and playability.

[@CosmoReverb]

I guessed at which basses Ian would pick and I was right about the majority of them but I did not expect the BB. Also I was also *so* convinced he was going to throw a Spector in there for sure. Big props to Janek for playing so well blindfolded like it wasn't even "a thing."

[@teresaravenshaw5477]

This week on Ian Martin Allison Kidnaps a Bassist ...

[@markfoster_mkfbass]

Totally enjoyed this. I enjoyed the camaraderie and the playing and the humor. You have always struck me as someone who is almost obssessively(in a positive way) curious and studious and always up for something different, even if it's a bit uncomfortable...Good one, thanks to both of you!

[@kingdeedee]

That Thunderbird sounded gorgeous like wow. I did not expect them to sound that smooth

[@matto9734]

Janek is such a force in the Bass and YT field. I so love the collab with SBL and to see the fun side of Janek with Ian! Crazy how Janek is able to play these different Basses blindfolded with the thrown in false harmonics too ... great footage!!! And yes, I know the time of the Vlogs too ;-)

[@PariaProjekt]

Great video! Amazing how your personal voice always comes through, regardless of the instrument. I also loved your interview with Ian. It would be great to see more of you two together and your individual approaches to different instrument and/or gear.

[@ChadHensley]

I'm loving all the content with Ian! Definitely a lot of fun to watch!

[@jenniplease]

I loved every minute of this. Such a fun hang. Wonderful choices and guesses!

[@Bassgroover]

The Coronado! Of all the basses… he made music right away, and damn good too!

[@BR4D_A]

That was incredibly FUN to watch. Great summation at the end around the goal being to have fun and make music. They’re all just tools for that. (Still incredibly fun to watch)

[@soulfred]

Having said that, absolute joy seeing and listening to the video. Thanks both of you.

[@Mike_Vallis_Bass]

This might be my favorite video yet. Well done Janek!

[@GrooveRiderExpress]

I can watch the both of you for hours on end. Entertaining, down to earth, geeking on bass stuff and just having tons of fun !

[@WCruttenden]

This whole video is a joy

[@scotteagles4864]

I LOVE this video. Fun, goofy and also so cool to hear this parade of instruments twiddled by Janek.

[@alexhorrobin]

absolutely awesome vid man, super interesting!

[@johannhaedicke770]

What a great video! 😍😍😍 very much educating and funnnn🔥🔥🔥

[@scottm7720]

Very fun video! You definitely need to do some more like this.

[@guyconner2001]

Great Job!!! Loved this! Fun video!!!

[@TwoBadBassist]

Great video! Super fun!

[@reueldaniel4995]

This video was very fun thanks for the idea and concept, you expose us to basses we may never get to play but had the delight of listening to you guys give us such a sumptuous experience 🎉

[@shravanranjeeth2135]

Give me an hour and I’ll give you a record. ~Janek Gwizdala, 2024. 47:48

[@R_o_m_u]

I really enjoy this video. You guys give me so much fun I feel like I was in Ian's basement. Thank you !

[@tabonejohann]

Nice to see Janek from a different perspective . Great video !

[@mauriliimatainen8332]

That was also way more fun than I anticipated! Hats off to Ian and Janek, both! I truly didn't expect to make it to the end of this video! I'm so glad I did!

[@eserunsalan]

If I would have sold a Wal 17 years ago, I would cut the cameras and would ask for a 15 minutes of crying session. You handled it very well Janek! :))

[@umedemarej]

Great job; it looked like it was good fun too!

[@davidblack8174]

you went to TOWN on the Coronado!! And Ian's sig bass! I wasn't expecting that with the Fender, but instantly into the zone...what a great video.

Awesome vid! Love this

[@Sokolemon]

Money talks & bullshit walks, showing how much of an utter legend Janek is! Thanks so much, two of my fav teachers/bass players in one video. That was great!!

[@muradaliyev9944]

You two have a great chemisty, enjoyed every second of it!

[@deermeadowhomes]

So entertaining! Great blind bass shootout.

[@AussieRacer]

Really enjoyed watching this.... thanks gents!

[@ardakeremoglu1]

What a nice video. I felt like I was quietly sitting with you guys in the same room. 50 mins just flew by!

[@jeffcullen6573]

I am LIVING for that Kubicki experience!!

[@jensclarberg6419]

Really really enjoyed this one. Ian and Scott are both fantastic. Also I wanted to congratulate you on Night Watch - to me it's your best album since The Space in Between which is one of my all time favourite albums.

[@frederic_viennot]

such a cool idea !!!!!! thank youuuuu

[@PushSueAside]

AWESOME! LOVED IT!

[@olietownrow6438]

I just bought a 1968 Fender Coronado bass, very glad that someone else felt the way I did when I picked it up! Instant music indeed

[@SjeikJoriz]

This was really dope!

[@JMYBASS]

What a pleasure having you in the same room!!!

[@aaronl7669]

OMG, what a fantastic bassist! I love it!

[@bassnsax]

This video was infinitely entertaining! It was a trip to see you playing a bunch of basses that were outside your wheelhouse...but an ABSOLUTE TESTAMENT to the time you've put into the instrument! 👏👏👏 Serious talk - you sounded FANTASTIC on the fretless, despite being blindfolded in someone's basement in Minnesota 🤣Maybe a Coronado and a fretless are both in your future? :D (But now I need to run my fretless through my brand new HX Stomp XL [Thanks, Janek and Ian! 💖]) And don't forget the tone you got out of your Boutique Blindfold at the end!

[@oliplaysbass]

Brilliant video thanks Janek and Ian. You kind of have to get a Coronado now. When I first saw them I just thought they were one of the most cool looking instruments. They sound great too.

[@BeesWaxMinder]

This is crazy! How can we honestly believe he never knew there's such thing as a Thunderbird BASS when he's actually using the word Thunderbird to describe the Thunderbird he's bloody got in his hands!😂

[@sicknashty3837]

5:04 rizzler action

[@ImJustStandingHere]

I love Ian's collection so much he has so many cool relics

[@Nordishbynaturemoin]

I enjoyed this video so much!! Can’t believe you didn’t hand him a Spector…😂 Seriously: Had a big smile in my face the whole time. Please make another one like this, showing off your disgustingly amazing Bass collection. ❤

[@freckleface409]

That Coronado loop was awesome. Channelling some Skuli!

[@bassimprovjams3772]

This was so entertaining to watch Janek! You made that smith sound so damn good! So are we having Stu on your podcast soon!?!? I absolutely love your loop jams!! You and Ian gel so good together! I loved this!

[@janekgwizdala]

Stu is slated to come to the studio to film an episode of the podcast in early May. can’t wait!

[@liamgaliano]

LOVED this

[@samkeen]

What a great collaboration, I have so much respect for both of you fellas. Janek - your demeanour and playing got turned up to 11 with that Wal, and it sounded incredible. Just saying!

[@avfc1956]

Janek - what a player. All under the fingers. String numbers, scale length, action - truly impressive 👏🏻

[@PFDarkside]

I think I was served this from Scott’s Bass Lessons, but I can’t wait to explore Janek’s channel! 5 string, high c, looper, reverb and harmonics? Fantastic!

[@IvanBassist]

Loved the blindfolded loop!

[@AlexG-qv8ri]

What a treat to see 2 “kids” having fun in a basement playing with their preferred toys, really funny, inspiring and refreshing. ❤

[@andrewpinner3181]

Thanks guys, this was really interesting & fun ! Gear going missing, l think that happened to Primus recently.

[@blueplateradio2]

WAY too much fun! Thanks for letting us in the game!

[@blueplateradio2]

PS. I want to see the blooper reel! Anyone else?

[@oststadtseuche]

i'm not sure about the guees the bodyshape test, but that loop-part on the mike lull bass still grows on me. i looped that part for myself, but i couldn't get near to your fluid melody lines. great stuff and enough homework for the next days.

[@rkharper]

That Wal killed everything!!!

[@MC-qe5qb]

Love it! ❤

[@mbabaemental]

It was so great!

[@justinjohnston8729]

This was so good....I want to see more blindfolded basses...banjos...guitars...mandolins...drumsets....bring this to the world because this is bottled lightning!

[@mahdisharegh7220]

Fantastic video 👏👏😍

[@jimbog8397]

I love the music master too! I still have my first bass which is a music master. It was perfect for me having short scale when I was 9. Now I’m going back to the short scale having had lots of issues with rsi and neuropathy. Love your videos Janek!

[@aomoon81]

Very enjoyable video 🎉

[@ShaksBassChannel]

Brilliant 👏🏼

[@timhalligan7157]

That was fun!

[@slowlearner984]

Great advice about using whatever have well. Busted my arm recently and could only manage squier bronco while my strength came back because of weight and soreness. I'm used a 6 string bass. But honestly, the bronco is awesome. Be where you and love it.

[@nephilymbass1]

Jesus what a boss of a bass collection

[@thewaldfe9763]

That's probably just a 5th of the collection. Or a 10th?

[@m1k3g3tz]

i spat coffee out me nose at "john davis starter kit" - also Ian - get John on ...

Very enjoyable video.

[@ArtistsOnlyMusic]

Thanks Guys - This was so much Fun !!

[@Squid3d]

This is a heart warming bromance. They are a string or two from being real musicians but i'm willing to let that slide this time :)

[@bertilow]

Someone has far too many basses. But lots of fun. I'm very impressed.

[@jerrelmontgomery3176]

Great video I wish Janek would’ve used the looper with the Ken smith I love that bass and it sounded so good in his hands

[@dominikbenkus4382]

next level

[@nickpicc]

Countdown until Janek buys a Coronado!

[@janekgwizdala]

Clock is definitely ticking...

[@Gorbyrev]

Loving the love for dUg.

[@OlettaLiano]

Amazing. It's so weird to play a new instrument after you get used to one. For the past 20 years I've play a six-string ESP tuned from low E to high F.

[@antontaun]

the fear of the copyright strike once you started playing walking on the moon lol

[@liammcphedran1113]

How many fingers am I holding up? Janek: 12💀💀 Love these guys!🤘

[@mdspman000]

I loved the sound of the Fender Coronado. It's a bassy bass that sounds great when you are mainly in a supporting role in a band. I still think the different feel and sound of each bass affects the player much more than the listeners. In a recorded mix some the of unique sound qualities of each bass are less distinct. Live even more of the unique qualities are a bit lost in the mix. We tend to obsess endlessly about the tone of each of these instruments but I still it think it has far more to do with the player than the tool.

[@BillyMac812]

It puts the blindfold on. It does what it is told!!

[@tiltil9442]

Lotion, basket, horses...

[@redv0id]

Had he pleasure a couple years ago of hearing Janek Live @ Birdland in NYC w/ Steve Smith's Vital Transformation and they slayed hard. They did a funk groove in like 13/8 or something? It was like one of Mike Stern's Band lineups minus Stern. He's such an expressive and inspirational player. He's like the Pat Metheny of jazz bass! Loved this bizarre exercise in blind bass taste testing.... :)

[@manfredoliveras3196]

Very entertaining indeed. The shape give it away most of them. Next try it with just sound identification.

[@bassmack]

Loved the video... and is there a better sounding bass than the wal??

[@bradami1234]

That ibanez fretless is the best one of them all followed closely by the wal. Great collection.. got me jelly over here Allison...

[@tiltil9442]

That Yamaha is an oversight, but overall... yeah.

[@BassStevie]

Great work - enjoyed that. More proof that the sound isn't in your hands. ;-)