$499 J Bass VS $3499 J Bass... Can YOU tell the difference?!

[@devinebass]

Hey guys - forgot to say in the video that the sire bass had the active EQ switched "OFF" so the signal wasn't going through the active circuit. Great to see you guys are digging the video. Groove is ON! ;)

[@osmanyvenereo5719]

Scott's Bass Lessons Hey Scott lol I've been trying to get a hold of you I've been pondering for months if should convert my P bass to active EMG or keep it passive and put '62 fender vintage pickups. It's a fretless (conversion done by me lol) if that matters also its a squire body and neck but it's been lightly reshaped to fit a little more snug to my hip.

[@rickdicoulus4728]

Osmany Venereo hey, I know I'm not Scott but I have a P bass as well and I changed yo EMG, but I changed to a series of passive pickups they have, and they are amazing, you should check them out...

[@osmanyvenereo5719]

Richard Chain hey man thanks I appreciate it I'm just a tad nervous about making a big hole in the back and have the active not be a huge difference you feel

[@rickdicoulus4728]

Osmany Venereo yeah, that's why I bough the passive ones... active is great, but I think is not worth it... making a hole in the wood, or having to open your bass each time a battery runs out, and changing the battery... also the sound changes while the battery life decreases... Ijust saying XD

[@osmanyvenereo5719]

Richard Chain I forgot about sound change with battery life that's a big deal with me at least cause an album recording (for me) takes about 3-5 months and even a slight tone change can trip me out, so definitely staying passive now the question lies EMG or 1962 original vintage

[@MisterTee]

I could make them both sound bad.

[@tylerschwalm6104]

Same brother

[@IanMcLaughlin73]

Lol me too.

[@perrins57]

Is that bad as in good, or just bad?

[@vladig3995]

@@perrins57 bad as in bad

[@MandolinGuy530]

Mood.

[@maximusrusso8758]

I can tell you the difference isn't worth $3000

[@billpeake5260]

My point exactly Maximus. What about comparing a Fender Standard Jazz bass with the Sire? I think the Sire may well be the winner, but I would love to compare those two to check.

[@Thefonzehhh]

I can tell you already that the Sire would be the winner hahaha. But that'd be a much better comparison

[@tomikitomki5793]

and that is the point! bass1 is custom I think, bass2 sire is little bit thinner on slap. But it is not 3000 bugs thinner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So lets make it sire for 2500 bugs, or make custom fender for 800bugs and than the fender can be better

[@b2xmaniac]

Bass 2

[@Adrian-dl9nb]

No one says it does. Have you read about the law of diminishing returns?

[@michaelvila8761]

I was learning piano til The Beatles and the British Invasion started making history and decided I wanted to be part of that. I wanted to play the electric bass partly because of McCartney but mostly because most of my friends were taking up guitar. I was 12 in 1964 when my father took me to a small mom & pop music store in Hollywood. Wasn't really a store as such...it was a house and this guy and his family ran a pretty successful business out of it. So the owner, Sol was his name, brings out this long black case and lays it across a couple of chairs, opens it and there lying in all that red plush was a brand new Lake Placid Blue Jazz Bass. Nothing like I'd ever seen in my whole short life. All of that nickel & chrome, the massive bridge cover with the reverse "F", the paint, the lacquer...smelled like a new car and just damn beautiful beyond words. Tagged new at about $175.00...way too much for my working class musician Pops to indulge his son. But we did leave the store later with an off brand Japanese bass (Imperia!) and a small no name amp for less than half the price of the Blue Jazz. My dad & Sol formed a gentleman's agreement for a $5.00 payment every two weeks until it was paid off. Those were days when you could strike a deal like that between honorable and hard working men. I've owned and played many basses for over 54 years...put beans on the table for over a decade in the '70s and '80s. And now at 65, I'm about to embark on one more rock & roll journey. My significant other has offered to buy me one of them custom shop Jazz...might just take her up on it. And when it arrives, I'll be thinking of my Dad and that moment in '64.

[@karimakinen1001]

What a beautiful story. Bless you, your better half and your Pops. xxx Kari

[@vexitalz2766]

Damn pops! Good times am I right!

[@stelavasconcelos3704]

What I beautiful story, sir. I may have cried.

[@narukami597]

ur dad gay

[@leeturner2272]

@@narukami597 Wanker!!!

[@snoopythedoge5639]

I honestly preferred bass 2. To me it sounded nice and r🅾️und, and dare I say THICC❓

[@samsmelser_]

Same I thought the expensive one was 2

[@DusterBooster]

bass 1 into an Avalon pre-amp would make you jizz your pants

[@coreymason1063]

Same

[@HerculesFit]

Man especially during the slapping 😂 Bass 2 brought the HEAT

[@jayprivacy1900]

Buy Sire, people! Support companies that try to give great products for cheap.

[@benzenehydrocarbon]

@Bartô NMe too (probs)

[@hoompaloompaa]

Getting v9 today

[@bassdaze]

never heard of them but thanks to scott im going to their website now

[@getmeoutofsanfrancisco9917]

These basses are next level for the price. For sure. I own a Sire V7 5string in Ash with a Maple fretboard but the thing is fucking heavy. Plays like buttterrr and sounds even better though.

[@NoahBassman]

The same doesn't apply for hookers

[@flite26]

I like bass #1 for the regular fingerings, and the bass #2 sounded better for slap!

[@homicidaltoaster1665]

Same

[@GermondKhan]

Bass 1: expensive one Bass 2: cheap one. Ok. let's see. ...... Well. Thats ok. But not a 3k difference.

[@littlejoeboi1217]

The 3k difference isn't just in the sound. It's also in the look and the quality material of the bass.

[@notme1998]

@@littlejoeboi1217 still not a 3k diff

[@MrClassicmetal]

@@notme1998 Agreed. Unless the expensive one is stuffed with gold. 🙂

[@anakkucing826]

Agreed

[@MrClassicmetal]

@@GP-qi1ve An instrument is used to _create_ art, it is a tool. Guys like EVH and Yngwie treat their guitars such, and don't pamper their instruments: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYKkf5uIjal3qpI Also, the law of diminishing returns. _always_ applies. Obviously a $4000 guitar is better than one that costs $500. But so is a $1200 guitar. That extra money won't make the instrument that much better, nor will it help you produce better music. The guitar that helped put EVH on the map wasn't a custom made $4000 instrument.

[@albertlarroca1271]

Was a time in 1973 i love to play bass, i was playing classic guitar, and one day i test a bass and blow my head, but as always no money ( working class)...i get an e.guitar (cheap) and converted in a bass,,, whit a friend from the school we pass every day by a music shop and tested basses till the owner after several days of "test" he doesnt let us in anymore , on and on we buy a plactron... at the window was a nice replica of a rickenbacker bass, really good...but the chance to test the bass for me was over...one day my Good Dad get some extra money , bring me to the shop ,i show the basses and guitars..and tell me, i buy u the bass..this day soon the owner of the shop see me get piss, but...few meters back was a "man with a coat and tie" (my dad) so ...the owner of the music shop get a big friendly smile in his face(soon as he notice we comes together) and invite me to get in, and i test the DREAM BASS , a real bass not a made from a cheap guitar, teste the bass and buyed !!! was a copy , not an original but sound ,at that time ,like the top ones !!... Never i forget that moment ,i always miss my Dad pass away 3 years ago, but i got into my heart !! God bless the music !! love this site !!

[@marcus_mayhem]

I was wrong. They both sound great but I did like bass 2 better. Thank you for the video!!!!!

[@GeoffNelson]

Marcus Amyotte same

[@Kunstdesfechtens]

Me too!

[@gunthermartinhampel2628]

I like the cheaper one more :)

[@Not_Andrew_Huberman]

Wow! I was absolutely confident 1 was the cheaper bass. It sounded thinner while #2 was warmer and more 3d,immersive in tone. Even knowing I'd still take the cheaper one over the fender any day just for tone alone

[@DDFYO]

I feel similar about the fender mexican made strats that are cheaper vs the expensive USA strats. The USA ones just sound shrill imo

[@dm4728]

The site is an active bass I think this is why it has a wider bigger sound

[@usvideowatcher]

As I am a future beginner, but listening carefully I did also have the opinion that #2 was the expensive one, because (as you said) it sounded to me clear and with more volume. So, good to know that I can save money in case I buy it. However I do think that for a guitar player like myself a short scale bass would be better (I do have the U5 in mind). I am also not sure if the V5 is too heavy and has the neck-down problem.

[@hdr96k]

@@dm4728 It was in passive mode. See top comment. So all that was played was the passive circuit.

[@breadpirateoverhere]

My guess is that bass 2 is the $499 one. Side note, the $499 one LOOKS absolutely gorgeous. I love it's design.

[@datutturugang666]

i know right? covered pickups look absolute garbage

[@RobertLErwinJr0224]

I gotta say bass 1 was the Fender. It had that deep thick old school sound.

[@massivebeatzz]

not at all. thin sounding!

[@fouellet1701]

Bottom line is: get the best instrument you can afford. People will be impressed by your playing, not the price or look of your bass!

[@1okanaganguy]

No kidding! I decided against a Stingray at the beginning of my career because of price. If ONLY............

[@arando4359]

1okanaganguy stingrays are great!

[@realitycheque6529]

No truer words spoken

[@jayprivacy1900]

Well said

[@mathieuc6934]

True, and one should get the instrument that suits their tone. Yet, the more expensive one just sounds so much better / more even across the board... that's a GREAT bass. the "features" of the cheaper one may be fine, but would annoy me in the long run tbh

[@basswars7060]

I had to listen to this several times to come to a reasonable conclusion. They both sound great, but the Fender owns the slap. Still, both sounded great. I think Scott had a lot to do with it.

[@martyrofgrenth2136]

I knew it which one was which because the Sire ones are active, and they are intended to sound punchier (especially when slapping) because that's what Marcus Miller is all about. And, I preferred the Sire's sound over the Fenders hehehe... I guess someone's going to save 3,000 dollars ;)

[@anthonymarchese7922]

Bass one

[@johnt.campbell316]

You probably know this now but, Scott said that he didn't use the active circuit on that bass. 'Twas off.

[@martyrofgrenth2136]

John T. Campbell Well either way, you can hear that is has more punch to it, which is usually what Marcus Miller is known for and that's reflected in his bass models. :)

[@johnt.campbell316]

Martyr of Grenth You are correct, sir. Incredible basses for sure. The pick-ups and circuitry is where the real quality difference is, in my opinion.

[@sgtgiggles]

I knew that’s what it was too. I literally thought, the 499 one is the punchier sounding one. People are disillusioned that because an instrument is an older version of a model, it’s superior. Never quite understood that logic since things tend to be improved on over time. I knew a kid in high school who had some “joe famous” special edition Stratocaster that had a relic job on it. Not only did this thing have a nasty hum, but it cost more to have protective varnish sanded off just to make it “look” older. The action was ridiculously high. Me and the other musicians in school couldn’t understand it. He was talented alright, but he was playing on this 2,000 dollar piece of garbage. I will say this though, the 60’s j-bass is aesthetically more pleasing to the eye

[@elvergatochatiesa3782]

I guessed that the expensive one was nº 1 because it has a more equilibrate range of frequencies resulting in a rounder sound... anyway, I totally agree with Scott and his as always wiseful words... there is not a great sonic difference between both, and the cheapest one has enough quality to let you practice what necessary to become a master if you want.

[@leo5780]

I think they both sound great! #1 very warm Low end frequency- Fender Jazz #2 an overall more rounded sound a.fine combo of highs and lows-the Sire bass, my favorite sounding of the two. Haha I was right!

[@ASteadyForce]

Bass 1: Sire Bass 2: Fender custom shop

[@videoschiche8367]

Surprised by the quality of the Sire's sound, I've bitten the bullet... and ordered one via a webshop located in Germany. The "bad boy" ;-) arrived 10 days ago... and I can't stop playing with it! It''s a wonderful bass, large range of sounds types, very well finished... more bangs for my bucks! ;-) Thanks Scott for making me discover these basses and, most of all, for the method you used for the comparison. Now, I'm running back to the shed! ;-))

[@CRUASSANFAN]

looks like most of people like the sound of the cheaper one, I can definetely tell that the 3k $ in fender was spent for marketing and paychecks, when MM spent their money and time to perfect the sound quality of their bass. also the MM one has block inlays, binding and I'm pretty sure it has a better bridge and locks. the anker bolt is in the right place too

[@JulianFernandez]

I´d take #2. Don´t really care which one that is... Thanks for sharing!

[@rightknowledgeman]

Current situation: want the 3,499$ bass, I’ve only got 50$ 😩

[@crossbones80]

Before he reveals it, I liked the sound of Bass Guitar 2 a little bit better. And I agree, the difference isn't worth $3,000. I want a green bass, and I found one for about $400 simoleans. Now, lets hear which bass is which...

[@crossbones80]

I liked the $500 dollar bass better. Cool beans!

[@josephdrach2276]

@@crossbones80 Bass players are very much individualized in there tastes in instruments.There's no need to apologise for liking the far less expensive one more.Some bass players are only interested in a Made in USA precision others in a Gibson Eb3 and then they will debate whether the 60s vintage was best or was the 70s long scale with the slotted head the best.Others will say the hell with all of this,it's a top of the line Rickenbacker or it's just plain garbage.Some people buy an Epiphone or a Fender Made in Mexico and put in exactly the pickups they want.Others can take any old hunk o' junk and it will sound great.Its got more to do with your skills and your own tastes in instruments than it does with price.American made Fenders or Gibsons tend to have good resale value and that is a financial issue,not a musical one.Try different basses and listen to demos of various basses.Buy what you like,not what is deemed "the greatest".

[@steverapier6565]

I don't hear a $3,000.00 difference in "tone" but I'll bet that the Fender custom shop bass feels better to play.

[@jackbho6594]

Yeah, custom shops have AMAZING ease of play. I do prefer the tone, although I agree that it's not "that" much better. I would go with the CS though, having played one before.

[@freeradicalpanda]

Steve Rapier yeah I bought The J-Elite V over a standard. Tonality-wise there's not a big difference, but the playability, build quality, truss rod placement, active/passive switch, inlays etc. is just different class. They are well worth the extra money. By far the most responsive and weirdly "organic" bass I've ever played (including; Sandberg Cali V, Stingray, Thunderbird and a few different Ibanez basses). Thinking of getting one?

[@garethhjones]

A £100 setup, by a decent tech would get the Sire playing beautifully, if it wasn't perfect right out of the cardboard box.

[@Igaveyoumyfakename]

I can hear the difference (especially when he is NOT slapping.) The Sire has a slightly duller/warmer/flatter tone. But for me, it isn't worth the extra 3k. It already sounds crazy close to the Fender so a little tweaking of the tone knobs, maybe some compression -- and it would be really hard to tell the difference between the two. You don't pay $3500 for a bass just to get a tone. Tones can be copied pretty easily with either hardware or software. You pay $3500 to supposedly get high quality parts, craftsmanship, and peace of mind.

[@eboethrasher]

@@Igaveyoumyfakename I thought the Fender was warmer and the Sire had more of a crisp newer mechanical feel to it. Like not as well aged. The Fender sounded like a dark, warm cider whereas the Sire was more of a crisp, green apple.

[@qikqbn77]

Bass 1 has the higher quality over all sound. More rounded and punchy. Just a bit more presence. So I vote 1.... Bass 2 was lacking some of that punch and sounded a bit thin... but still good. The big question is.... what can I buy with the $3000 dollars I saved that would make Bass 2 sound killer. I could get an amazing amplifier and effects pedal that would make Bass 2 sound killer and still save myself $2000 dollars... How many gigs would you have to play to make up the difference??!!!

[@rquance1]

Play a huge amp with effects and no one can tell a $100 bass from a $10,000 one. I have played $68 basses and could make them sound like $3000 Fenders with small tweaks of the Ampeg Pro4 I use. I still like my Fender Jazz bass for a nice overall sound.

[@ajsiemers]

funny, I can do the exact opposite, even without the tweaks :)

[@rquance1]

LOL

[@cheesebutt1000]

qikqbn77 ha

[@chriscantor6852]

I rightly or wrongly thought the 2nd (Sire) had a better, more punchy tone

[@truthfilterforyoutube8218]

I was right....and had no problem picking it out, It had nothing to do with the brightness...It was how tight and solid the Bass tones were right from the low notes through to the upper register. This will be obvious in live and recording situations. While I agree in the basics of your statement that the expense of a high quality bass is not " The end all or Key", to being a better player....it is in fact part of the natural evolution of being a high end player. if you can afford the quality....Buy It ! There is nothing that will help a persons skill set like the " Feel" of a quality instrument. It effects what you play and your overall performance like nothing else.

[@dastm0]

I was wrong, and it was the slap style test that mislead me. After the finger style, I guessed right, but the Sire sounds much better when slapped, in my opinion.

[@funkmachine6420]

Damyan Momchev I agree, exactly the same here

[@denfinch8042]

The slap tone of the Sire was basically designed by Marcus miller, so they have achieved what was intended...18 volt pre-amp does so much, especially with 7 controls.

[@mikelewis495]

I can't say I'm surprised by that. Just looking at the custom shop, I thought it didn't invite being slapped with that cover over the pickup lol

[@pinksts]

The high end seems a little more hyped on the Sire.

[@8cs4955]

I agree

[@cbrooks0905]

I was positive the 2nd bass was the expensive one. It sounds way more full and upfront than the 1st one. ...not surprised. With that said, I bet that Fender sits in a mix like a gem.

[@Atch_TSc]

I would definitely say that Bass#1 is the Fender...

[@frankkruzic6726]

I just bought my first bass. I've been a guitarist for decades, and I finally wanted to get a bass. I bought a $825 Fender Pbass deluxe special. It has a J-pick up and has an active/passive switch. Trying to cover all my bases; if you'll pardon the pun. Anyway, this video helped me not to fret (dang, another pun) about spending a lot of money for an instrument I'm just learning with... well, and recording with. I have a friend who's a pro bass player, and I'm sure he will laugh as he plays over my bass tracks. Thanks Scott!! And yes... admittedly, I chose number 2.

[@matgfunk]

I was right :D. Bass one had more of an old school sound with more rounded off high end, Bass 2 was more open sounding - more like a modern jazz bass. I can see why people would choose either depending on what you want in bass.

[@MalachiB19]

Bass #1:White Bass Bass #2:Blue Fender Great idea for a good guessing game by the way. 👍

[@MalachiB19]

I got it right, props for me! 👏

[@tiwoni972mad]

Lol you got it wrong buddy

[@floon3078]

haha dude what are you on, you got it wrong.

[@adamnealon773]

uh no

[@orangelemon7320]

Lmao

[@prattspits]

Man I liked #2

[@ryankomitor7391]

prattspits IKR? I was shocked when it turned out to be the Sire. To me based on the clips, the Sire has a smoother quality to it than the Fender, which has a slightly shorter decay time. I'm more attracted to smoothness than sharpness when it comes to bass tone so I think I'd get the Sire despite the potentially inferior build quality.

[@UnknownHumanoid]

It's louder

[@billyboy6028]

I'm a drummer and was a sound test tech at Fender in the 90's, I can tell you #2 was better, it cuts better, more definition on the slap.

[@corcoransullivan1562]

You're right on the money with this take. though I'm a dirty guitar player, the same is true with guitars. Gear does make some difference especially with very bad instruments compared to very nice ones but the practice and overall artistry are what make good playing, not the gear. Not to mention the mental and emotional approach to someones playing, so much more than what instrument you're playing.

[@jnyfumare]

I was right... but bass number 2 sounds pretty amazing considering the price difference.

[@soundscaperecordings1111]

Bass 2 is the expensive one

[@CalumAtkinson]

Whoah, I definitely thought the $3449 bass was bass 2 hahaha

[@soundscaperecordings1111]

It was no 2

[@ScottEltringhamMusic]

I like the sound of Bass #2. I cant really make a guess considering I have never played either instrument, but it just seemed like it was a clearer sound. Hm, interesting. If I had money on it I would probably guess the relic was #2. Just goes to show that its the fingers not the bass. No matter how much you chase the most expensive gear, sometimes it will lead to a “different” sound rather than a better one. You are also paying for the beauty, rarity, and build quality of the instrument. Damn that bass must feel so good in your hands. Anyway, off to get my modes down once in for all, just switched over from guitar a couple weeks ago!

[@Caperetiree]

I got it right but it was a WA guess. I had many high end Fender bass guitars - both jazz and precision. Honestly I could not tell the difference especially when playing live on stage. You can always tell the difference between men and boys by the price of their toys. Gave it all up more than ten years ago. Recently my wife encourage me to play again in a contemporary Chtistian band. Could not justify a huge investment at this stage of my life. Ended up with a Sire V7. I defy anyone listening in the audience to know the difference between the Sire V7 and all of the $2000 guitars I sold before I retired. Scott is sooooo right. Practice. Work on your chops. And if you are a real bass player you will play with your heart and soul. Remember: the player is 99% of the sound. Most important to me has always been the feel of the guitar. For that reason I always preferred the slimmer neck of the Jazz bass.

[@rquance1]

Bass 1 sounded just like the Fender while Bass 2 sounded like Sire.

[@rquance1]

Yay, I got it correct.

[@Autos_ena_miden]

LOL

[@Ana-kr5jp]

Robert Quance same

[@rondolat3412]

Hey Scott, so happy I guessed right! It wasn't easy. Thanks, by the way - I've "grown up" with you as a bassist for years - I really appreciate what you're doing.

[@davidthegood]

I was wrong! Preferred the SIRE over the Fender.

[@jimmybibignoul6253]

The Marcus Miller bass is just so good

[@Simenfolkestad]

Bass 1: Fender CS Bass 2: Sire

[@robertosonzogni]

And I like bass #2 sound more than #1

[@pacapacaZ]

Me to. But I also like the funky first bass sound.

[@denkimorph4106]

You're right

[@Metallsau]

Sire sounded better to me

[@DrKFC69]

Metallsau it’s an active bass. That custom shop is a stack nob 1960’s jazz bass, of course the Sire has more options

[@nourel-deenayman3943]

@@DrKFC69 the preamp was switched off

[@2000colerg]

Thanks for all you do Scott

[@Liko81DJ]

Bass 2 is a bit brighter-sounding to me, more zing on the strings. That would make me lean toward calling Bass 2 the CS Fender just because I know the MMs have been kicking around a few days getting played before the CS showed up. You can always dull a brighter zing with the tone knob, but getting that high-end sparkle up front is harder. Both basses did sound awesome though, and my next one will be a Sire P7 5-string.

[@Thamios]

Video Starts at 4:40

[@ecg8510]

chris Scomersi Thanks man

[@whsky101]

Comments' hero. :)

[@artuco785]

Its quite easy when you pay attencion to Scott`s face and expressions, in the first bass, the fender one, he's very "happy" and in the second, not so much

[@wallyvictor]

i just had to look at your face... you seemed happier when you played bass 1

[@tomvanderwulp5092]

Víctor Mtz that’s why I didn’t look at his face

[@eboethrasher]

He was more inspired with it, right down to the extra licks.

[@kralcho]

Bass No:2 had more bass and was more warm in a sense. Thats common for active basses because you can boost and cut the eq and make really good tones. Personally I liked Sire's tone more.

[@MiWiDa]

I vote Bass 1, since it sounds a bite less modern and a bit more "fenderly" to my ears... I am very looking forward to see the results! Amazing, how close 3000$ difference can be!

[@MiWiDa]

woohooo, I was right! But... I am not sure, which one I would choose, if I had the decision which one to buy. In the end it surely would be a decision of playability and not a decision by sound. What a great great video!

[@MiWiDa]

(haha, didn't expect to see the results in this video, I thought, there would be a result video.)

[@RobertClark11]

I agree. I played along all the way to the end and was happy to see the actually results announced. :)

[@althewicked]

For my ears the Fender sounding more dull ...I guess this Bass is more for those who like the Motown stuff but with a little bit EQ tweaking you got something similar with the Sire and vice versa. The biggest difference I notice ...especially with Slap ...is that the Fender pickups are catching more of the room and fingers in the sound. You hear more of the strings rattling. Maybe because of the action setup??? I dont know ...but what I know now is that the difference between a f...in 3400 Dollar Bass and a 400 Dollar Bass is not 3000 Dollar in Sound! And I liked the sound of the Sire even better :) If you compare affordable Vs expensive E-Guitars then the difference is a little bit more audible but its also very similar to this result.

[@nekodelrio5262]

I think bass 1 is the Fender CS but both sound amazing! Cool colours also

[@damienpercy5245]

I call Bullshit. Sales pitch for Sire - Now show the same video WITHOUT the Simpsons

[@nytrayfl2]

Damien Percy uh oh. Someone's getting a little snarky. Did we blow $3,000 on a Fender?

[@damienpercy5245]

Just show the clip without the simpsons........and we will see. YOU didnt blow any money - this is a sponsored deal.

[@damienpercy5245]

Just show the clip without the Simpson friend. and no I didnt blow any money. .................now how about that clip huh ??

[@carlito.pedida-personal]

Yeah! sponsored deal for both companies, check the beginning of the video where he said fender sent him the 3000 dollar worth bass as well.

[@pearljaime2]

I could tell number 2 was the white. It sounded more like a modern, new instrument. I preferred it.

[@abdullahilikkan7650]

I didn't read all comments but... I love the sound of #2!!! I think, #1 is Sire #2 is Fender Jazz Bass But, i would not pay $3000 more for this difference... In somewhere on internet i read about a man who buys all the equipment of Marcus Miller but couldn't reach the tone... Than he realized that magic is the Fingers :) Thanks a lot to help us to recognize... Greetings, Abdullah

[@theRealAV8r]

Unless by 'tone' people mean *Skill*, *style* and unique musical phrasing, there is no such thing as 'tone is in the fingers'. You absolutely CAN technically replicate an artist's particular aural tone with the same equipment. Many have replicated his tone exactly, they just cant play like him.

[@OHHnoYOUdidntMAN]

"there is no such thing as 'tone is in the fingers' " THANK YOU

[@22222Sandman22222]

theRealAV8r Your finger position, the fact if your fingernails hit the strings or not, how hard you hit the string, etc. etc. have a part in the sound

[@theRealAV8r]

Henry Lehtovirta Understood, there are tonal variances you spoke of and more. But even accounting for those, to hear people talk, 'tone' is literally audible timbre so unique if Marcus Miller slapped 3 notes, handed somebody his bass and they slapped the same three notes, the same bass would literally _sound_ totally different through the same rig. I call abject bullshit. It is note choice, duration, phraseology and feel that's so drastically different, a musician's overall 'voice'. By the 'tone is in the fingers' logic, forget listening to instruments on YT to evaluate how they sound, because they won't sound like that with you?? That's just silly. the 'tone' of an instrument is it's natural timbre range, produced by woods, strings, pickups and amplification. And does not vary wildly from person to person for the same basic settings. Like I said - many people nail his 'tone', but not his 'voice' - different things altogether for all the reasons I mentioned.

[@22222Sandman22222]

haha you're right - it's usually a subtle thing and more like "voice" than "tone" really.

[@samatza]

They are so close! I know you get more than just the sound out of the more expensive bass, better fretwork, nicer hardware etc. however for most of us $3k is not affordable. I'm really keen on the Sire bass & of course your advice is 100% on the money: a more expensive bass will not make you a better player, a well set up bass & loads of practice will. Nice comparison Scott, thanks for putting this vid together. Subscribed!

[@MrMarkZachary]

I'm not sure which is which, but I preferred the sound of the second one, so I'd assume that is the more expensive one.

[@bwalters7777777]

I'm with this guy. I definitely preferred the second one. So, guessing, it's the Fender Custom. (shrug)

[@bwalters7777777]

And I was wrong. :-)

[@jeremyhbrowning]

Yeah me too. More depth on the bottom E string I thought

[@wynandvanreenen2612]

Bass 2, all day long. I’m late to the party and I don’t care which one it is but I love bass 2.

[@d4ben]

l personally liked the sound of bass 2. Thank you for the demo mate.

[@leobassii]

Bass 1 is the Fender Bass 2 is the copy yep i think i can tell

[@nekodelrio4065]

I think the Fender ones is the bass 2, but it's very hard to choose. Both bass have great sound even the price diference!

[@ИлонМакс-ц5н]

+

[@quilkism]

Neko del Río that jus proves you dont need an expensive bass to get quality if not, good sound

[@VarHyid]

No way! I was 100% certain bass number 2 was the expensive one. It sounds better to me, a little bit brighter and clearer while bass number one sounded a bit... muddy. I’m baffled.

[@brianstidd1164]

Agree 100% Exactly what I thought.

[@waltdog123]

VarHyid same here

[@getmeoutofsanfrancisco9917]

I own a Sire Jazz and a American Fender Jazz. The Sire really is next level and I have to say that I find myself playing the Sire significantly more. Not only does it sound great, it feels amazing to play. The only real drawback is how fucking heavy it is. But the thing plays like butter.

[@Xxyion86]

I mean, you dont really pay the extra money for tone. IMO the extra money goes into quality control, build quality, quality of parts used, playability, response. I currently own a Musicman Stingray (2000$), Dingwall NG-2(1300$) and Dingwall ABZ (4000$). Soundwise, they all sound very similar bar some differences (due to different pickups and configuration). But for me, the 4000$ Dingwall plays heads and tails above the other two. It's not even a comparison how well that bass plays. It plays so well the other two might as well be 100$ fender basses. And that's where i think all the money goes. Just my two cents. Overall i still really liked the video and i thought it was a great comparison. The Sire blew me away with that nice meaty slap tone.

[@EpictheEpicest]

A luthier can fix the typical problems of quality control for $100-300. While I agree that a $3500 instrument should have good quality control for that much, I think 2/3 of that money is paying for a name, resale value, and the higher cost of American labor compared to outsourced labor. And that doesn't automatically mean you won't get a $3500 lemon.

[@theflyingsloth]

See, I'll respectfully disagree with you, I've owned multiple basses over the years ranging from a BC Rich Warlock Bronze to a Custom Shop Jazz Bass. My favourite bass to play of the lot is hands down my Sterling (by musicman) SUB RAY5. Feels great, plays great, sounds great and it's one of the more affordable basses I've owned.

[@Xxyion86]

I think it also comes down to personal preference. But i also few expensive basses like expensive cars. just because it has all the bells and whistles doesnt make it more enjoyable. I have a friend who owns an Audi R8 and a Scion FRS. He finds the FRS more fun to drive because its more flawed. It offers more a challenge. In a way i think a lot of instruments are that way. While i did say the 4000$ Dingwall plays the best. I do play the 1300$ Dingwall more often. its a bit flawed, has a weird twing to it i cant explain. but its my go to touring bass.

[@MujoNovak]

bass 1: Squier VM bass 2: Squier affinity

[@dxzen]

Janez Novak wut......

[@robertmcintosh8773]

Trump is a bass player

[@groovemaster8632]

I think Sire is an over rated Squire in disguise. Check, the fender is passive the sire is in active mode. Thats the reason its $3000 different. Nothing will replace a Fender. But yes Sire is great. I may still get the V7. I have an M2.Nice bass but it doesn't hold water next to my $2000 Fender Elite

[@eboethrasher]

@@groovemaster8632 He said in his comment that the Sire was in passive mode.

[@heydudes-thebeatlestribute9161]

number one. then of course it is not only the sound but also the playability...

[@thenewunderdog7123]

Better playability should lead to slightly better sound, so it should be heard in a sound test. However, I guessed wrong, lol.

[@nobodys.shapeshifter]

I liked the thick sound of the inexpensive bass. I guessed right because vintage instruments are known to be a touch thinner. However I was shocked how close the sounds were. That sire bass is a gem.

[@vidachusma6890]

I like the Sire's tone

[@tylerschwalm6104]

Bass 1 is the fender, more of an open jazzy sound, but both are great

[@davidmohr1920]

I got it wrong just goes to show you how well the 499 bass performs :-)

[@mcr0741]

Yeah, even though bass 1 had the richer, deeper, softer tone, I prefered to like bass 2 tone for it's snappy-ness, louder and definitely wider tonal range and a more dynamic sound :/

[@kenserio]

I thought bass 1 was muddy not rich

[@mattsun71]

Right. Bass 1 had more tonal information in the highs and lows.. dont know how to describe it better. Probably due to better wood selection. A bass being "just" a tool i wished for it to be the cheaper one, i would have sold my '75 for it and to save some cash but unfortunately im stuck with expensive basses. Live you would sure notice the difference, competing your tone against bassdrums, crashes and guitars, the cheaper basses giving you fragments of their frequency potential, the good expensivers always cut through. It has not much to do with dynamics, sustain or any of that. It's the selected wood that allows all vibrations to shine, i suspect the neck even to be most responsible. I wonder what your opinion as a specialist is about this, Scott!

[@christopherwashington663]

Actually, after years, they both sound like Scott playing his axe. After a certain point, it doesn't matter what bass you play.

[@guilhermeperez7315]

Yay I got it right at first

[@BruceRichardsonMusic]

Bass one is the Fender, I feel sure. It's more even. Bass two is more in your face, and the tone thins out as you go up (although it's nice, and sounds great).

[@SavyBreci]

I actually preferred the Sir more in terms of Slap sound

[@dangracia7805]

Not surprising since Marcus Miller is THE slap guy and he had the final say on how the bass sounds.

[@nelsonericrobert]

Thanks for a great comparison, it is so great that good instruments are affordable these days and what a great way to prove it. Even those experienced players that can tell the difference must admit it is subtle to the general audience. I love blind comparisons, do another!

[@ShawnHighfill]

Bass 1 is the Fender I think. It is warmer to me Bass 2 was brighter and crisper. Which I think is because of all the knob options on the Sire.

[@RebornThroughHate]

Shawn Highfill yup

[@Febulights]

I think I preferred the sound of Bass #1 a little more. I'm not knowledgeable enough to know which is which. "I like Bass #1 more. And the Fender is more expensive. And a higher price must mean better. So Bass #1 is the Fender? ... Or do I have cheap taste and Bass #1 is the SIre? ... Wait. Which bass sounded more like Marcus Miller? ... And the active EQ was off?! What does that mean?!" I'm an idiot. =)

[@Zodasg]

Chris active EQ is a built-in equalizer on the bass. You can choose to turn it on or off by using the little switch down by the equalizer. That's why there's like 5 wheels (don't know if that's what you call 'em) on the sire bass.

[@saraharmstrong1769]

Got it right

[@Scorple1]

My guess is bass #2 is the more expensive one

[@derekpeace7668]

That's what I thought. It sounded clearer (assuming the exact same recording method)

[@smalfie1214]

Bass No.2 is the Fender.

[@josedelasheras4733]

@@smalfie1214 did you watch the video? :-D

[@ІванГодзинський]

The second is brighter, I guess the strings are newer on the second one -> second is a custom shop

[@semiografo]

One thing that I've learned from premium instruments, besides better finishing, is playability and the way it answers to your playing. If you watch a Gibson Les Paul vs. Epiphone Les Paul you'll find that they sound mostly the same when slightly overdriven. The difference is in details you can't see on an KZbin video.

[@ayden9836]

1:45 I like how he just yeets the instructions.

[@Chef316]

Same here!

[@geofevans2921]

The neck on the custom shop is "vintage tint" to mimic how the old vintage ones would go more and more amber in color as the lacquer finish aged over time.

[@bobthebomb1596]

So just imagine how dark it will go over time.

[@Rabbit895]

Bass 1, the scoopy tone for hammering sold the Miller Bass! Awesome video man!

[@frederickheard7266]

I’m blind I love it when you do the sound test because I can actually hear the difference in most of the instrument that you do it to him and to be honest with you most of the Lorian stuff sounds just as good as the higher end stuff

[@westmanjoel]

I know this has been up for a while, but the Fender is #1. The tone through the whole range was completely under control. Bass 2 had a couple of little pings in the tone that jumped out that were almost, but not quite, reined in. The Fender was just smooth the whole time and the only fret noise you heard were the noises the Fender wanted you to hear.

[@SEOTeamBerlin]

first I thought blue was 1, in the second part I thought white was 1 😂

[@jamesmunro5368]

I have one of those Marcus Miller Sire Jazz. If you are thinking of getting one do it. They sound in amazing for the money, feels great to play and is well made. Very very giggable.

[@joshuasweet658]

I like the white better

[@phreak1118]

I was right... but it was mostly a guess.

[@TheNailPolishHound]

Hey Scott, could you redo this comparison with the 2nd gen V7?

[@T--T]

got it right but that was probs dumb luck! good video, love the channel!

[@tipico809]

Fender is fender

[@tihomir7]

tipico809 so if you know the name of the bass tell which one is Fender...

[@lilaclayton2656]

apollo slowmo well ... obviously the blue one with a MASSIVE F on it

[@kornflickr27]

Nope, active is active, there is no way to beat it...

[@ilpatongi]

kornflickr27 Meh. I honestly really don’t like active Jazz Basses

[@MusikPlusMehr]

Gotta say, I liked the Sire better!

[@humnoi4878]

I think Badboy : No.1 Cause low sound was different.

[@anthonywise1989]

This was my first time watching this video and i’m sure you wouldn’t believe me but i called it almost before you even started playing the Sire. Just about all throwback Fenders have outdated tech right down to the coil tension in the pickups which is why the Sire has (to me) a better root tone. But for $3500 what you’re really paying for is the feel and craftsmanship of the instrument more than the tone. I’m looking into getting a Jazz Ultra by the end of this year and i’m certain there are cheaper basses with a fatter sound but they’re usually akin to playing with slag gravel.

[@drumzof7]

Bass 1

[@drumzof7]

I was right and I'm a drummer!

[@drumzof7]

That plays bass as a 2nd instrument.

[@gio5258]

I WAS WRONG

[@lylegleason6844]

I have owned 6 basses in my life, my first was a Fender Telecaster bass, which I owned for 3 days before I took it back to the Guitar Center to trade it in for a 1976 Precision bass, which I played for 8 years before poverty made me sell it to keep a roof over my head, (sure wish I could have that one back!! ) I now play an Ibanez GSR - 180, which I paid about $250 for. This is basically Ibanez's version of a Fender Jazz, with the two single-coil pickups. The first time I picked one up, I noticed that it had the thinnest, fastest neck I have ever played!! I went to a luthier I know who also plays bass, and he recommended I replace my pickups with Seymour Duncan 'Quarterpounders', which he has on his Bass bass. What a difference!! My bass plays like a Jazz, but with a lot less weight, and a much hotter sound. So for an outlay of $250 for the bass, $125 for the pickups, and $65 to mount them, (around $435 total,) I have an equivalent bass sound-wise to a top-of-the-line Jazz at over $3000!!

[@marounso]

7:15 looks weird to see his face like this when you turn off the sound

[@melcabe8362]

I was right!! And i'm glad my ears now can able to hear the very little difference tone wise!!. Awesome video .

[@bradrandall6308]

Yea I was wrong...I just started playing 3 months ago at age 62 and I'm loving it...this was a fantastic video thanks ...I bought a $450 Ibanez and I love it.

[@Zer0TheProdigy]

I picked up the bass at a year ago at 25 and I enjoy it so much I regretted not picking it up at least 7 years earlier but then I see people more than twice my age just having a blast and not even thinking twice about it. It’s pretty humbling.