10 Classic Basses You Need to Play Before You Die

[@M2Mil7er]

very impressed with "American Scott"'s ability to channel diverse players from lots of eras and genres.

[@mrbouncelol]

This guy makes great content, he would kill just on his own tbh

[@russellzauner]

this guy is a demo beast. love how he says stuff like "i like to run this a little closer to the neck for X's tone", helps us learn feel to build up our own tones.

[@bass_note]

american scott🤣🤣 that's really suitable expression🤣🤣🤣

[@catzdollz9810]

Don't you mean IAN?

[@papajakeyjake]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 american Scott 💀

[@Khangle0]

I'm overwhelmed by Ian's passion and knowledge. He's killing it.

[@brianengquist2110]

I'm blown away by how versatile he is with so many different styles. ENVY!

[@timothyd9543]

He's the American version of Scott: clear, concise, full of enthusiasm. These videos just keep getting better.

[@guytensen2407]

He has an infectious enthusiasm that brings me so much joy!

[@chrishoetger8023]

Thanks Ian! Really love your energy and your playing! And of course that ‘78 jazz bass!!!

[@666RKELLY]

I also need a rick ha who am I kidding I need em all

[@aragusea]

I enjoyed this program.

[@vopner]

Heya Adam, me too! Volume is good for both cooking and bass playing ; )

[@hydrodragonn7385]

Hey adam

[@yankeerose7697]

heyy adam

[@jamesburke2311]

Some white wine and magical Christmas chords would have made it better

[@victorkoropeckyj2771]

Hi Adam!

[@ezbass]

A deep dive on short scale basses would be great as they seem to be having a real renaissance these days.

[@stevesnackincake]

I got one of the Ibanez Talman basses with a short scale neck. It's ok but I kind of wish I'd seen the Gretch Electromatic Jr Jet first.

[@godfreydaniel6278]

I love my Squire "Custom Modified" (whatever that means) Jaguar short scale with half-rounds...

[@keldrean]

I love my Epiphone flying v

[@tomarAcar]

Id like to see how Epiphone Rumblekat compares to other short scales :)

[@TurqoiseHexagonSun]

Absolutely head over heels for my gretsch junior jet (single pickup)

[@marianoservat1]

one of the most iconic bass line got played by a sax player, nice

[@felippebueno6046]

kinda makes sense cause they are so good at phrasing

[@randalldick3935]

He was a bassist and also saxophone player. Check out the Crusaders. Also a session bassist.

[@Pedroleum100]

Not surprising. Many famous bass players started out on another instrument, like Flea who played trumpet before he switched to bass.

[@028fn48dne]

He's also on Jimmy Smith's Root Down, sampled and made famous by the Beastie Boys. Look him up, he's everywhere.

[@PolarBimbi]

does this dude have his own channel? he's killing it with his enthusiasm. made me pick up my bass again after a week of inactivity haha

[@petset77]

I hear ya. I'm picking one of mine up after not taking any out of the closet in over a year.

[@vvutangmc]

here kzbin.info this dude is so amazing

[@rome8180]

Not only does Ian seem like a cool guy, but he's an awesome player with great tastes. Scott is great, but he can get way too busy with his playing and with the music he likes.

[@krga94c]

Glad you brought out that factoid about Wilton Felder on I Want You Back. That's a very little known fact. He was dear friend of mine, and I have great memories at his home and stage playing together. He was one of nicest people you'd ever want to meet. I miss him a lot. Thanks for giving him props!

[@ajsteven]

Wilton was an absolute beast on the bass. Not a bad sax player, either (Crusaders) 🤩

[@Bottomfeederonfire]

I’ve never played a Rickenbacker but ever time I hear one I fall in love with the tone.

[@kkyyee]

same. i wish i could afford one

[@TenFalconsMusic]

Worst bass ever. Get a German made Warwick or MusicMan Stingray. The Ricks are overpriced junk you'll regret ever buying.

[@veryslyfox9704]

@@TenFalconsMusic why? I tried one and it felt and sounded great.

[@TenFalconsMusic]

@@veryslyfox9704 Buy one and see for yourself. As my bass tech once said: "The only time you'll enjoy it is the day you buy it & the say you sell it." No truer words have ever been spoken. Mine is rotting in it's case because I refuse to inflict misery on another by selling it to them. So unfortunately, I'm stuck with mine. It's the curse that keeps you cursing.

[@veryslyfox9704]

@@TenFalconsMusic still didnt answer why, but now i know you just have buyers remorse

[@chipsatin]

0:53 Fender 51' Style 2:43 Fender Precision Bass 4:32 Fender Bass VI 5:55 Rickenbacker 4001 V63 7:02 Fender Mustang 1966 7:54 Guild Starfire I 1966 9:02 Hofner Club 1967 10:14 Gibson Thunderbird 1976 11:08 Fender Jazz Bass 13:25 Musicman Stingray

[@matthewb8229]

As to the Hofner's lack of sustain: I love the thumpy tone of a hollow body. That's why I have one. Edit: Can't believe you left out the Danelectro Longhorn. The Who's My Generation was recorded with one.

[@slimkickens]

Actually, the strings kept breaking, so in the end it was a Jazz with la bella tapewounds

[@metallsnubben]

@Thomas Nieskens That's crazy to hear. Kind of like how people buy printers instead of ink cartridges nowadays lol

[@user-rj3gw4km2t]

Yes it was a Jazz in the end

[@CarlDraper]

wasn't on My generation but other legends have used them such as jack Bruce (he also had a bass VI)

[@foff4strings]

Hate to be the one, but......the Rock The Casbah bass line was Topper Headon (the drummer) who also laid down the piano when he was alone in the studio. The guitars and vocals were added later. Only took me forty years to find that out.

[@timothyd9543]

I have heard those rumors about it being Topper but I don't buy it. That is a 'real' bass line by a 'real' bass player. My guess is, and I've heard this rumor, that it's Norman Watt-Roy. He played on 'Magnificent Seven' and, reputedly, on 'Hitsville UK.'

[@G8GT364CI]

@@timothyd9543 It's true, I've known that for years. " Headon progressively taped the drum, piano and bass parts, recording the bulk of the song's musical instrumentation himself". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_the_Casbah

[@G8GT364CI]

That has been known for almost 40 years., i heard that many years ago. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_the_Casbah

[@G8GT364CI]

@@timothyd9543 I've been playing bass for 53 years and know how to play, was a pro when I was younger, I was surprised that he did so well actually but I heard about this some 40 years ago, and if it was common knowledge that long ago but was BS you would have thought that someone would have corrected the record by now.

[@G8GT364CI]

@@timothyd9543 You could be right, I'm not saying that I definitely know but you would think that if it were BS someone would have said something in all this time. Most heroin addicts are not know for there stellar practice regimen. I will have an open mind from now on though, thanks. Simonon was never a very good player either.

[@josephkaplan8287]

Tina Weymouth fan here! Tina was known to use the mustang, but not on psycho killer, which appeared on the “77” record. She used a fender precision bass, and occasionally a music master.

[@eb3bnj]

And a Hofner Club, of course

[@JoeMM5]

Ian you’re the absolute best bass person on the internet right now! I would love you to talk about what tones you get out of your basses, like a list of go to’s for different gigs or how you go about finding the right tool for the sound you hear in your head using what you have available. Also was surprised by my comment being right there in the video, I don’t make many at all!

[@jscotlandr]

Love how you ran through the different basses highlighting the tonal differences, giving examples of the musicians that played them and played samples from songs. You did all that engagingly and without filler and drama. A+

[@grafhilgenhurst9717]

Alembic Series 1. In the late 70s, it was the bass to have if you had $2000 to spend. Stanley Clarke to John McVie, Phil Lesh, John Paul Jones all played them. Beautiful wood, neck through the body construction, brass hardware, active noise cancelling. It was the bomb!

[@SignificantOtherProd]

I've only played an Alembic once - except that was a bass you didn't "play" - it SANG to you!

[@hubbsllc]

@@SignificantOtherProd It's been years since I've touched one but yes, it's an experience.

[@Alembizoa]

Right? Only the most advanced electronics of any bass of that decade! The workmanship of the build is unparalleled, especially back then. And the feel? After you've played a series bass for a while, most other basses feel like toys. There's nothing like an AlembIc series l or all ..it really represents the pinnacle of 70s bass. I've played since the late 70s and my second bass was a used 78 long scale series l(my first was an old Tele bass) and from there I was hooked.! I've had a few, including a custom 82 fretless and a 77 fretted both of which I still have and play. To omit AlembIc is is to forsake that which bass can be! And a series can make all the tones of all ten of those basses shown!

[@berkeleybernie]

Yep. Alembic changed the game. You might say they opened the modern era of basses. I have a Kawai F2B which is a knockoff but never have had the pleasure of owning the real deal. BUT I did pick up a Series I *guitar* that had been languishing in a tiny shop in Long Beach CA.

[@hubbsllc]

@@berkeleybernie Nice axes. My c. 1979 Ibanez Studio 8-string (see my channel) was made with Alembic in mind with the layering of woods, the brass bridge atop an embedded brass block, separate brass tailpiece, similarly-shaped headstock, rotary "varitone" switch - the pickup covers are a near-copy.

[@wilsonmarcelino1991]

I'm fine dying without food but have all these basses.

[@johnhood9567]

yes. do the in-depths for all of them.

[@LazyCat010]

I'm not even a bassist and I'll watch in depth videos on ALL OF THEM. So good!

[@stephenghudson6179]

Agreed they all deserve their own video. Good suggestion.

[@shyankhan_]

yeah we’ll watch them all

[@rome8180]

A Rickenbacker and a Music Man are on my Bucket List basses, for sure. It's shallow, but I find those to be the two most beautiful bass designs.

[@TenFalconsMusic]

Ricks are overpriced garbage (probably why you don't see anyone playing one these days). Get the MusicMan!

[@NeilMcLean-o4c]

I have owned a Mustang,played a Rickenbacker and P bass, I own a Kramer 650b but my favourite is my 1976 Stingray bass i bought new Jan 77

[@joshuatiley4298]

Those Jazz bass tones just make me smile.

[@johnadams2963]

I want a "Deep then Deeper Dive". 10 minutes on your 78 Jazz with 9 of the minutes focused on getting that Bobby Vega vibe!!! Do it.... DOOOOOOO IIIIITTTTTTTTT!!! Er......please?

[@matthewlunsford4351]

This!

[@dtales77]

Scott fid a full interview and video on bobby

[@andymarshman9546]

I've enjoyed this video more than the last 500 by others. Why? no nonsense, just accurate facts on the instruments and an honest, fair demo of pick and finger playing on each with a nod to slap as well. Nice to speak to the flats/round wound strings too. I own/have owned half the basses in this vid and can relate to it. Very well done!

[@NWTMasterWolf]

Bass guitar has opened my mind to music styles and bands I never would have enjoyed before. Music is the cure for many things.

[@lelandsklar6363]

Excellent video showing a remarkable range of instruments. A part two would be welcome. So many options…

[@gorillafunk725]

This was actually more informative than most. It reminds me how electric bass is a relatively new kid on the block. I really loved the endless sustain on the thunderbird & thanks for the reveal that roundabout was played on a ricky. The song that got Les Claypool totally addicted to bass. The Music man stingray was also used on Chic le freak. & Queen Another one bites the dust. Leo Fender stated that his greatest regret in life was selling the brand that carried his name to CBS. The irony being that without the industrial might of that company takeover demand would have never had enough supply.

[@TotoDG]

My wallet: "Wait, what are you doing? Hey, stop looking at those basses!"

[@brentsykora7541]

No kidding. I own 4 of those different models. Different year models, of course. That vintage stuff gets expensive.

[@davidschavone5729]

The Alembic Series I was the most important bass of the 70s, changed so much that came after it. Really needs to be on this list.

[@blainekelley816]

I agree. Didn’t see this until I wrote a comment.

[@peterhess2610]

Any Alembic should be on this list. I have an Epic and none of my other basses can touch it for the playability and that roar it puts out and how it cuts thru the mix. Maybe the fact that they start out at 10 grand and a loaded Series clocks in at close to 50k keeps them out of most peoples hands you don’t hear too much about them. I haven’t played too many boutique basses but of the ones I have played the alembic tops them all.

[@MikalAKuszajewski]

Scott give this guy a raise

[@stevebrown3069]

My classic favorite for the ride... Kramer 76B. Heavy to wear at a gig. A stool is a must. I love for classic Kiss and drop D rock.

[@daverlb]

Glen Campbell was an unrecognized guitar great!!! RIP And totally agree re McCartney. He spends a lot of time playing off the A where others might have written in the E. And in the higher register. So many tracks validate this.

[@mikeybeeee07]

I've had my Stingray for a little over a year. I love that instrument so much. It was always a dream to own one.

[@twardy90]

Each bass you show to us it the pure beauty. I could just even sit down and look at they all day.

[@mrbeatle1221]

Not enough Rickenbacker videos on the internet, I would love to see a video on it. They especially sound amazing through a fuzz!

[@Groovegandalf]

Please do a full video on the Ric basses. I have never been able to find any sort of real deep info/history video on the bass guitars, which is kind of nuts for how legendary they are and as they have been come a go to in a lot of metal (stoner, doom, etc.) now a days

[@seigas]

Hey Chris! Just saw your comment, hope that helps! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqenhX6LjdydnLs

[@EleanorPeterson]

Yep. I get the impression that a lot of people - including musical professionals - are almost 'scared' to focus on Rickenbacker basses because... well, because they're not Fenders. Liking Ricky basses is taboo. The bass police will tell you that Ric basses are flawed, that nobody likes them, that they produce crummy sounds, that they don't play or stay in tune, that they're no good for such-and-such a type of music, that nerds who like prog rock should be humanely destroyed, that yo mamma sooooo fat that - Well, basically, it's like being back at school getting bullied for not liking what everybody else TELLS YOU to like. Yes, Fender make terrific instruments. No question of that. Fabulous, desirable instruments. But I couldn't help noticing how the distinctive snarling Rickenbacker sound was surreptitiously [allegedly!] reverse-engineered for Geddy Lee when Fender made him an offer he couldn't refuse... Frankly, I don't care how many people think I'm uncool for showing an interest in Ric basses; I love them, the sounds they make, and the players who create music with them. It'd be nice if someone, somewhere, would celebrate their positives, but they're too worried about being picked on by Fender fans and losing their credibility (or their KZbin subscribers). Fender fanatics are a bit like Elon 'Ego' Muskrat's Teslamic faithful, worshipping their brand and declaring anything without a Tesla badge to be anathema. Well, I love Rickenbacker basses AND Fender basses AND many others. I'm not ashamed. Love has got nothing to do with numbers or popularity or peer pressure or looks or public opinion. It's about passion, and that's never had to make sense.🤭

[@boxerfencer]

Guitarist here who played bass for many years and find myself missing the forward mindset of the bass comunity, in terms of design and experimenting. I enjoyed the vid, keep it up!

[@r3ality1]

Wow... I was surprised by the Mustang. I've never paid any attention to short scale basses, but it was so clear to hear what you were saying about the higher strings maintaining that low end girth that most basses do not. I have to try one out! Another incredible video, Ian. Well done!

[@stagehand22]

The Thunderbird was my clickbait! But I would love any of these. A deep dive series would be fabulous. Particularly on the Stingray with Leo's non-compete ending. Great vid!

[@Phlizz]

Great how you pulled of the most distinctive lines so effortless and accurate! I’d like to see more of the Thunder in a no-rock context.

[@EvilSean62]

seconded ... always wanted one but i can get all the sounds from my current menagerie ... i`d love to see something only it can do ... just to piss off the wife and buy one lol ...she knows im joking ....hopefully

[@jedfriedland1520]

Ian is such a natural organic paring for the brand Scott has built. SUCH a value added asset. THANK YOU!

[@thekatazsiuniverse4868]

Personally, I think that the Gibson basses are really underrated, one of my favourite basses is the Gibson EB-3. My Top three are definitely: 1. Rickenbacker 4001/4003 2. Gibson EB-3 3. Fender P-bass

[@ryangoodrow8829]

Honestly I hate that Gibson only recognizes things like the thunderbird and SG basses, IMO the ripper, grabber, and RD need more love

[@metallsnubben]

​@@ryangoodrow8829 The grabber in particular, something about it that's just so _basic_ and chunky looking (in a very good way) with that headstock. And a sliding pickup??? The RD imo (especially the guitar version) is up there with the explorer and thunderbird for a cool original shape, and then I see this on wikipedia: "The active circuitry was not appreciated greatly; guitar players deemed the sound too harsh. Gibson, however, thought that the RD's styling was to blame for its lack of success, and applied the concept (active electronics) to the more conventional Les Paul and ES models.[3] [...] The Les Paul Artist, as it came to be known, was not a success either, and was "quietly dropped" in 1981.[3] " Gibson making the complete wrong conclusion... again

[@killerinstinctstudios9065]

There isn’t a single epiphone or Gibson bass I wouldn’t own happily but the epiphone jack cassady is one of the best sounding instruments I’ve ever heard

[@jh565bb]

The thing about most Gibson basses is, epiphone does it better, not with the thunderbird, but basses like the ripper. The Gibson ripper had a very basic tone deep but limited tone, the epi ripper from the 90s had P and Jazz bass esc pickups, making it very versatile. Even Krist Novaselic from Nirvana swapped out his Gibson pick ups for fender pick ups, genrally its better to buy the Epiphone with basses. Gibson shine on guitars, but overall their basses are very overpriced for what you get and you are better off going for a musicman, rickenbacker or American/japanese made fender jazz or P bass at that money. And I say this as someone who would love a Gibson thunderbird, but there's better value for that kind of budget. They are a company that charges too much for a sound you can achieve at half that price, which sucks because I do like Gibson, also their weight is a back breaker, not something you want at a gig.

[@jh565bb]

@@killerinstinctstudios9065 I want one of those, loved my epi ripper, but would have loved a jack cassidy.

[@darinfalk6993]

So great that Scott was able to connect with his American brother and that he also plays bass!! Crazy world! Great video Ian

[@McDoinky]

yeah i'd love to dive into the 51 p bass. you can talk about how it "evolved" into the telecaster bass. i didn't know felder used that on the jackson 5 song, that's cool. one of the best basslines in history

[@SafeHandsProductions]

Please more of that two things: 1. you demonstrated how you got certain sounds like on the early precision. can you do more of that on lots of different basses. showing not just the sound from a record but sounds that you like and how you get them and what your mental concept was and a clip of you playing with that sound excentuating the thing that work well with that sound on that bass in that style of music. 2. more about the Guild please

[@bassworship50]

The absolute best video I've seen on these classic basses!

[@redpillanimations]

Scott since I was a kid in the 80’s thunderbird was alway my favorite bass

[@rome8180]

I love that Ian's doing videos for this channel now. Awesome player.

[@antonyhope8708]

I love this dude ! Professionalism + Passion + Love

[@VittorioGreggio]

Oh man, "Allisonbasspedia" is giving away knowledge, it's amazing to see how much you know and how much you seem to enjoy spreading all your knowledge. Honestly my passion is the Jazz, but to enlarge my view i'd like to have a video dedicated to the Stingray, thank you Ian and always thanks SBL

[@mandytobass]

I have a Fander Jazz Bass '78 (Antigua) . I'm so Happy and Proud of its great sound, it is an incredible instrument. Thanks so much Mr. Leo Fender, in Heaven You have a very special place ! Un Abrazo and CAMBIO&FUERA/MANDYTO

[@robertotakahashi9950]

Great video! Would be fantastic to have a “10 modern basses…” version 🤤

[@mattrock12]

Wow. That’s some seriously awesome (and diverse!) bass playing. Knocked every riff out of the park. And amazing attention to detail. Hats off to you, sir!

[@speedfreakjive8843]

Ian you are such a phenomenal presenter

[@rabidchickenzombie5507]

Maybe not a "Play before you die" classic but I think the 1979 Peavey T-40 deserves an honorable mention. Wonderful sounding and playing bass if you have a strong enough back for it. I had one in the late "80's that I believe was made of solid oak since it weighed in like a ships anchor! Not sure if any famous bassists played the T-40 but I'm sure there must be some, or used in the studio on classic albums.perhaps? If anyone has insight on the subject I'm curious to know.

[@djolenis3]

I went through a good amount of basses over the years but my 1984 4001v63 is the dearest one. I understand why a lot of people hate on Rickenbacker and can’t speak about the newer ones but the 72 i had was dope (although the neck was too thin for me so i sold it). The 84 will, hopefully, stay with me till the very end.

[@FerniFF]

I dont know what I want specifically, but I love Ian's content.

[@jenson-2460]

Perfect example for bass players are the coolest dudes around! Love his enthusiasm and joy. I really would enjoy a video of using these basses in a recording environment. Which one to choose for what situation and/or style and why or why not? For example choosing a p bass for its non-humming splitcoil in a very acoustic sounding musical context.

[@vicentcarro]

I love Tony Levin, thanks for giving him credit he deserves! Thanks so much!

[@k4mu71]

Thunderbird - the name says it all. Sings like a bird and roars like thunder!

[@zoeherriot]

All the basslines on The Church's Priest=Aura were recorded on a Bass VI. And of course... most albums by the Cure post 1981 featured a Bass VI in some capacity. Usually those chimey melodies (i.e. pictures of you, lullaby etc) are played on the Bass VI.

[@NWTMasterWolf]

I just started my journey to learn bass but I am loving it. I have been a vocalist all my life and have some messed up fingers on my right hand but I find I can still use them for the Bass. I am so freakin diggin this journey.

[@mattzimmerman3208]

Well done, loved them all. Hofner quick decay vs. Thunderbird long sustain was really cool to point out, playing to each inst.'s strength. Mustang's balance of character low vs. high notes also really cool. Loved the Ricky example on the Beatles track, as they mostly only get press for the prog sounds (Rutherford, Squire, & Geddy of course). Great vid!

[@6zippo0]

What? No Gibson EBO / EB3? One of the most surprising and iconic basses of all time.

[@VoxMax1200]

Yeah! And Epiphone Rivoli.. (not this Guild) "British invasion" iconic bass!! Animals, Yardbirds, W.Fontana & Mindbenders etc

[@Peterickenbacker1]

Agreed. Great list in this video, but leaving out Gibson EB3/SG is like totally forgetting about Jack Bruce. Just sayin

[@DannyBoi2112]

@@VoxMax1200 Pretty sure Paul Simonon used a Rivoli too

[@VoxMax1200]

@@DannyBoi2112 Yeah! And Chip Hawkes from the Tremeloes! Silence is Golden..

[@brianengquist2110]

Thank goodness you didn't forget my go to - the Jazz! I really thought you were going to leave it out! Biggest surprise? That Fender Bass VI obviously! Loved what you did with your P basses. I've got one but don't pick it up much, and still haven't gone for that sound with the flats, but one step at a time. I may get there eventually. Oh, and agree about the Hofner. I played one once and while it is in a very real sense more "limited" than other basses and has a very unique sound, it is one that you can embrace and make your own. Just like Sir Paul! After playing one I immediately started to understand his sound and picking technique much better. You can even understand how he constructed such beautifully melodic basslines ... the Hofner really opens up a whole different angle on the bass.

[@IanMartinAllison]

Absolutely! Thanks for taking the time to write this. Great insights!

[@Axatron8001]

The Stingray and Fender J are my favorites. Thanks for this video.

[@asteagueche1613]

Love this video. Man, you gotta museum and you brain and fingers know how to work it! Good stuff

[@cddavid1]

Love the Ray. I fell for them as an instrument after lusting over Steve Garveys on the Cover of Buzzcocks Single Going Steady and hearing Why Can’t I Touch It. Then fell in love with Rics, Geddy, Bruce Foxton, Chris Squire etc. but one you missed out and Ive always loved and is a real slow burner of a classic is the Guild B302 or 402. VERY distinctive timbre, such clarity and articulation of each note. 😎

[@onsesejoo2605]

Apparently the theme for "Twin Peaks" has been played on Fender VI. Geddy Lee is also associated with Rickenbacker that he played well to the 80's, e.g the song "Limelight", "Tom Sawyer", "2112" . The line you play is from "Limelight" originally with a Rickenbacker.

[@tommyblackwell3760]

Moving pictures was the last album he really played the Ric on.

[@brianrushford4057]

@@tommyblackwell3760still played one on Grace Under Pressure,he was playing Steinbergers and Wals in the 80,it’s only in the 90s that he went all out on the Jazz

[@joseesquivel4020]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. And that antigua jazz!

[@djsangre]

My picks...probably Precision rock and Thunderbird. But the Mustang wasn't bad!

[@johnvetere2367]

Ian love your videos. I like hearing about that 6 string Fender!

[@jean-loupdelabatellerie3065]

Paul Mc Cartney started playing a Rick bass in 1965 ("Think For Yourself" session) and kept playing it all through the Wings years, which makes it more than a decade. Before that, he played two different 500/1 Hofner Violin basses. He still plays one these days. Fender Jazz basses' pickups have 2 pole pieces and 2 coils (polarised in reverse with each other) per string.

[@garymesser8679]

I tended to like the thunderbird, I knew a guy who had two of them, running through a SVT head, OMG, what an amazing sound. My favorite bass sound will always be a fret less.......Mark Egan. On the Pat Metheny group.....the Epic. It’s..well Epic.

[@wilfredferwerda780]

I've never played a T-Bird, but it's def the most badass looking of the bunch!

[@BootsORiley]

Gibson Thunderbirds are so much nicer in person, too. i've always really liked em. they don't get a ton of dynamic range, but they are so fuckin ROCK! i bet they do sound incred ran through an Ampeg rig, i've never heard that combo that i'm aware of

[@stanhathcoat920]

I gigged with a '76 Thunderbird(black, only 93 produced) & a 4001S Rickenbacker last half of the 70s, through a '75-76 SVT & 16 10s(later used 8 10s & a V4B- 2 15s in a folded horn}. The Rick was great for its signature sound, The Thunderbird was pure thunder, with definition with tones available with SVT. T-Bird used to make drink glasses dance on the bar, w/o being too loud. Guitars were stolen, still got the SVT & cabs.

[@jrfrondelli2023]

Pretty damn cool video! A few glaring player omissions: Jack Bruce and John Lennon on the Bass IV, and John Entwistle on the Thunderbird. Perhaps a few more. Glaring instrument omission: Gibson EB-3, and the Hofner 500/1 (Beatle Bass). But still, great video. Deserving of their own segment would be the Precision and the Rick.

[@craigs1663]

Great episode! Loved all the basses, but the Mustang was the surprise for me. 10 minutes on each of the basses would be great for 10 future episodes. Thank you Ian!

[@neonpalmfilms8975]

that was interesting to watch, good examples too the thunderbird on the thumbnail got my attention and I couldn't stop it would be nice to see a full dive into thunderbird

[@Oscaraha]

Sorry, but I would like an hour on each of these. Really great content!

[@bassmandanmartin3700]

I love the Höfner. Would enjoy a feature video on that one.

[@Pk_Rain]

Yes!!

[@rdp2445]

Deep dive history of the Rick please. It's such a unique bass.

[@TenFalconsMusic]

That's until you plug it in and realise the pickups are complete garbage. Then you'll need a fret dressing in no time because they're made of butter. Not to mention the worst bridge design in bass history. It's like spending a truckload on something that hates you.

[@camwatson433]

@@TenFalconsMusic lmfaooo it’s kinda true

[@phipschi4255]

@@TenFalconsMusic i really love its sound and the looks but yeah, its just a very bad deal, you literally pay 500 bucks more than a usa fender which isnt as versetaile and its basically 60s technology

[@richiavegatti]

Loved the 66 Guild bass! One of my favorites too...

[@TREEMOSS20]

the fades on that denim jacket are beautiful!

[@topcturvee1]

You done an incredible job in capturing the beauty and character of each Bass!! I LOVED ALL THE BASSES, AND WOULD BE FORTUNATE TO OWN ANY OR ALL OF THEM!!!!!!

[@pwokaren]

Really interesting video. Love the mighty Stingray. Would be great to see an 80’s Bass video. Would you include the G&L L1000 ? Leo’s natural progression from Precision to Jazz to Stingray to G&L L1000 to L2000 ?

[@blakes5827]

Ian just leaves me so joyous about palying bass after I watch one of his videos.

[@danifirst8330]

Thanks. Good bass eye candy and I appreciate receiving inspiration to pick mine back up in this grim depressing world. And nice one on the Jaco part.

[@t.mitchellb2766]

I LOVED this... we have similar tastes in basses, evidently. Anyway, I would love to see more about the Guild Starfire. I have wanted one since I was 20 and I am 45 now. There's never any to play or for sale around me. I lust after them. Please devote a whole episode to the Guild. Thanks and awesome video, btw

[@dangracia7805]

Was surprised a bit about the Thunderbird - not at its sustain, but at its pretty clear sound. Don't think I've ever heard one played with that clear tone.

[@jupiterjames-reynolds2260]

Yeah the modern gibsons and the epiphone classic pros have a poweful but clean sound, you have to boost the mids and then it gives you the thunderbird growl. The standard and vintage pro episphones growl but struggle with a cleaner tone.

[@shawnmcvey7789]

They've always sounded like an over built Jazz Bass to me, in a good way. I've found the Gibson Midtown basses kind of have the best of both the SG and the Thunderbird with a twist.

[@jupiterjames-reynolds2260]

@@shawnmcvey7789 yeah like a jazz bass but much more dark sounding. Probably due to humbuckers and mahogany(tbird)as opposed to singles coils, ash and maple(fenders).

[@shawnmcvey7789]

@@jupiterjames-reynolds2260 Don't forget the 34" scale length with a neck-thru construction and the angle on the headstock. I think that's a huge factor for the monolithic resonance of them. Jazz basses have the same scale length but with the wildly different construction and single coils they have a lot more bite.

[@jupiterjames-reynolds2260]

@@shawnmcvey7789 my epiphone classic pro has the neck-thru construction, its so tidy looking compared to the bolt-on on my p bass.

[@ZoeMarlowe1]

As a fairly new bass player, I just really enjoyed this video more than most, and way more than I thought I would... :D

[@IanMartinAllison]

Cheers Zoe!

[@tikibar4me]

LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this video! Really loved ALL the basses that you played, as well. I played a Gibson EB0 many moons ago, which my wife presented me with as a recent Father's Day gift. Happy to subscribe to your channel...

[@adamwoolf9993]

Awesome. Loved the way you changed the sound of that 78 jaaaz bass all in a couple of minutes. Amazing presentation and playing

[@henryrodriguez2054]

What happened to the Gibson EB3 bass, it was a big deal during the 60s?.

[@ferox965]

He could have skipped the Mustang bass and put the SG in there.

[@SilojensenDK]

Fun Fact: John Paul Jones bought the EB that used to be in Little Richard's orchestra and used it recording Zep 3. Seen here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZuTZmylbrSqp7s

[@alexdelcastillo8837]

@@SilojensenDK that explains why it appears in the revolving cover then? I always assumed he use the jazz and p bass on that album with rounds

[@polara01]

@@SilojensenDK where did you learn of this? Is there an interview you can refer me to where Jones discusses this he was pretty good yeah it's letting little secrets out about his tricks how he played in recorded certain things that would be great to read that at the source...? Thanks very much! Bob

[@SilojensenDK]

@@polara01 1977 interview link here: www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/rock_chronicles_rock_chronicles_1970s_john_paul_jones.html Quote: I got ahold of a very nice Gibson violin bass (pictured in the little cut out wheel on the cover of Led Zeppelin III). That was nice, too, it’s not stage worthy, but it gives a beautiful warm sound. I don’t like Gibson basses generally because they feel all rubbery; I like something you can get your teeth into. But the violin bass was the only Gibson that was as heavy as a Fender to play, but still had that fine Gibson sound. I used it on Led Zeppelin III, and I’ve used it every now and again, usually when I’m tracking a bass after I’ve done keyboards for the main track. The one I have went through Little Richard’s band and then through James Brown’s band, and it arrived in England. In fact, I saw it in an old movie clip of Little Richard. It was probably about a ’48 or ’50 or something like that; it was the original one.

[@GRONDBERG]

I wanna see some of those 80's, 90's and 00's basses Ian teased. Can we get a part 2 of this video? :) :)

[@IanMartinAllison]

Can’t wait to make that video

[@dank8865]

My favorite was the Gibson EB-3 & Hohner Black Wido - Oh. Nevermind. Next video, I guess. It was a very entertaining and engaging video, I'm just being InternetJerk & breaking your chops. Forgive me. I figured you couldn't get the Gibson or didn't like it or reasons. And nobody ever considers Black Widows. Especially the basses. Either the Hohner naturals or the Acoustic black ones. I can forgive you for not having one of those. But, man, I would so love to hear one before I die. For reasons. :) Anyway, real enjoyable video and if do a deep dive on any of them (I'd like to see one on the Guild, because I'm not at all familiar with it - in fact, never seen it before - REAL pretty) - any deep dive video I would watch.

[@josephalaguna]

I like the true to form approach you took by leaving the pup shields on. And closing w/the MM was perfect! I learned a lot. Leo Fender is the Kelly Johnson of guitar world.

[@SoyMayoral]

Amazing collection and playing!

[@robertvilleneuve8272]

For me my favorite one was the Fender Jazz 78, so much more versatility and you look a little better than Scott but not by much... :)

[@samuelviden7412]

"Sledgehammer" was actually played on a fretless, carbon fiber-necked EBMM Cutlass II (not to be confused with the modern Cutlass currently produced).

[@jimmysantino7975]

So what? He said fretless

[@Michael-kx2bn]

I like this guy and his playing is A+

[@kurstone8511]

Loved this ! Keep inspiring ! 🙏

[@broctune71]

Ian, I just watched your video, and I thought it was really great. And a 50-year-old guy who’s been playing guitar for about 30 years. I started taking lessons again during the pandemic, and it unlocked an unquenchable thirst for music knowledge. Last month, I began watching and re-washing and re-washing get back, the Beatles documentary. Today I decided I was not going to watch another moment of that without a bass guitar on my lap. I went down to Sam Ash, traded a 12 string guitar I haven’t played in years, a few other items, and picked up a Squire P bass. I haven’t looked at any lessons or tutorials yet. I haven’t tried playing along with any music yet, I’m just a little smitten with my new instrument. Everything you displayed to me, flat strings, round strings, up until the Peter Gabriel song, everything sounded the same :-) so much opportunity. Thank you for inviting me To comment. I also recently finished Little Steven’s book unrequited infatuations. It’s amazing how many people also play bass, but you never hear it. I feel I’m late to the party, but better late than never! Thank you

[@ryangriffithbass]

I definitely want to see a 10 minute video on that '51.