The most recorded bass in music history? Yep. Probably. (Bass Tales Ep.9)

[@thewrongstuff1]

This dude played bass on the soundtrack to my entire life.

[@thebeast9378]

Yikes! 😲

[@maggiebodek]

ditto.

[@mejsjalv]

The discography is very long, tons of big stars from the US & UK, stuff with super popular artists from the Spanish speaking world, stuff that is very popular among musicians as well. Definitely one of the hardest working musicians. His CV is just turning on any classic hits radio anywhere in the world, it wouldn't take long for them to play a song with Lee playing bass. Must be a bit strange to be him in public and hearing his bass playing pretty much everywhere he goes.

[@SPF70]

@@mejsjalv And sadly virtually no one would recognize him, know him by name, or have any idea who is!

[@thegreenmanalishiyamadori371]

I played many of his tunes without knowing it was him... That brings tears to my eyes... I loved his basswork on phil Collins tunes❤❤❤

[@destianpatrianagara1119]

-Original charvel body from the man himself -Hand carved neck -First generation of EMGs -Hipsot prototype -Signed by legends And most importantly -Recorded on thousands of albums by Mr. Leland Sklar!

[@cd0u50c9]

No surprises that the bass has such mojo - the sum of the parts almost destines it for greatness.

[@leddygee1896]

Don't Forget The Badass Bridge!!

[@sv7017]

Yeah, and in 10 years it will get sold to a rich fuck

[@alexandrecarvalhonaves2200]

Wondering how much it would make if it goes to an auction ...

[@gbenselum]

Not enough. If this was a guitar would be the most expensive ever.

[@fearvo]

....he's so generous with his time on his KZbin channel. Such a treasure

[@eyesopen1244]

and don't forget all the travelling on 24th December!

[@DETROITBULLET]

great storys great bass man thanks. what do you think a new bassist i say new meaning 5 yrs should practice to get. real good ?

[@fearvo]

@@DETROITBULLET crazy little thing called love, billy jean and stir it up. They are fantastic bass lines for different reasons which you will figure out after a few bars.

[@timhutchinson8485]

@@eyesopen1244 😂

[@b.rodclark7349]

Hey Fender, honor this man with a signature Precision bass!

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

That's what Frankenstein is.

[@AndySalinger33]

@@truckerkevthepaidtourist 😂 I see what you did there! Nice!

[@_Arkenzie]

The blacktop jazz has the same configuration

[@michaelb.42112]

Fender would ruin it. They'd charge an arm and a leg for an overpriced bass, just like all Fenders.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

@@michaelb.42112 just like any kind of a custom shop in my opinion. Doesn't matter what it is

[@markgrabowski5502]

Seriously are you kidding me? I feel like he is the guy sitting alone, cross legged on the top of a mountain who you journey to to find out the true meaning of Bass!

[@permaquilter9111]

I wonder if Leland was Crumb's inspiration for Mr. Natural?

[@ChrisHayworth100]

He is, and you do go to his presence for the meaning of bass.

[@Rollin_7s]

YESS!!!!

[@sophiafakevirus-ro8cc]

At the base of the mountain

[@hoilst265]

One of the most famous bassists in history, and has only four basses because they do everything he needs. That's wisdom.

[@camgreer]

It's comforting to see a giant of modern music such as him, sitting in an ordinary room piled up with stuff, much like my own. Just a normal guy, who happens to be a legend also. I've admired him for decades. What an awesome guy.

[@lucasgeorge8687]

I dont know how ordinary it is, check out that weird dummy in the back

[@camgreer]

@@lucasgeorge8687 What, doesn't everybody have a dummy sitting in the front room?

[@lucasgeorge8687]

@@camgreer point taken

[@InGrindWeCrust2010]

Sitting and playing a partscaster....

[@NickanM]

I love it.....

[@ericplaysbass]

I was honored to meet Leland at a NAMM show back in the early 90’s. Really, all I wanted to do was just say “hi” to him, but we ended up talking for almost 25 minutes. A very nice, friendly and warm guy.

[@ACameronUK]

That combination of total self confidence but also remaining completely humble and without arrogance - true class ☺️

[@darrenwilcox5043]

That was the fastest 12:40, I've ever experienced. I could listen to Lee for hours, great story teller

[@topgoose4818]

I didnt even realize the video was that long till i read this comment lol

[@MaskedRiderChris]

Such a wonderful gentleman! This was like watching my favorite uncle sit and share his life as a bassist with all the amazing stories that came along the way. Arguably my favorite anecdote he ever told in the past was how when he played on Billy Cobham's "Spectrum" record, he just hunkered down and did his thing while everybody else was going off madly all around him and apparently Billy really liked that. Simply sitting between Billy's kick drums on his huge rig with his amplifier in front of him and doing his thing. This man is a national treasure!

[@mjmason75]

Leeland is 74 years old, still mentally sharp as a tac, and still an incredible bass player to boot!

[@sharonlarson2060]

These days 74 is not old.. 94 ..ya....it's all a state of mind

[@lastnamefirst4035]

Odd to hear someone say a person is still mentally with it in their 70s. Why wouldn't they be?

[@ObsceneParadise]

​@@lastnamefirst4035 Honestly, I've seen some people start declining mentally as early as their 50's, but that's often more isolated and sedentary folks, I think. Leland gets around a lot, and appears to still be very socially active, both of which are essential for people beyond 50 to keep doing to ensure they don't quickly go downhill. Here's hoping he's around a lot longer and is still living the musician's dream.

[@ObsceneParadise]

@@lastnamefirst4035 Good to hear you're doing all right at this point, I think declining that early really only affects folks if they're heavily isolated and not in great mental states, which can both deteriorate the mind (and body) at surprisingly young ages. I'm 28 myself so I've got a ways to go before I hit the decline (I hope), and you're absolutely right, I've seen some younger folks talk down to older folks based purely on age, but I've met people well into their 70s that are as sharp as I am right now. I wouldn't dare treat anyone older than me like a child, even if they weren't as mentally bright as they once were. Everyone deserves respect.

[@the_minimalistic_adventure]

He’s a cool ass guy. I’d be more than glad to go out and have a beer and just talk with him! He’s really chill.

[@hijmestoffels5171]

Leland is not only an excellent bass player, he is also a very entertaining storyteller. Great video!

[@suburbanbeatatx9517]

He said "2400 albums" ... not sessions, not songs ... "albums". That's mind boggling, wow! I've always been a huge fan since he played with drummer Russ Kunkel in "The Section. Awesome, legendary and as tasty as bass player can get :)

[@jor_dasan1810]

Mind-blowing

[@ExtremelyRightWing]

I heard that and came here to say the same thing, until i saw your comment. I dont know if ive ever even heard 2400 albums. Wow.

[@rohanroll]

You both know... Mind blowing were the words I meant to write here, too...

[@MelissaThompson432]

Isn't it like 25,000 separate tracks? And a HUGE amount of tv; he did a lot of Mike Post theme songs. He did/does cartoons and commercials, if I'm not mistaken. He works the awards shows. He was bandleader for the Zappas' tv show. The man is tireless.

[@jamesmills9595]

Yes!!!! The Section! Fantastic musicians.

[@ZeroGravitySubstance]

Lee Sklar is one of those guys where there should be an exception and he is allowed to live forever, or at least as long as he wants to. It makes me sad that so many people have heard and been moved by his playing but don't know who he is.

[@treborif]

Been playing and working on bass for 50 years and have learnt more from this clip then those 50 years. Dude!!

[@bryand9819]

When he says, "there's Jeff Porcaro, right next to my heart".... Absolute class

[@Ampher03]

He only shows off one bass, yet it’s such a story that it’s worth the entire video. Loved it

[@childrenoftheabzu]

Im happy that the internet has made a space for this man and his contributions to the history of rock and roll to become more known, especially to younger up and coming bassist.

[@TheHermit72]

I could listen to him talk and play for hours! What a human being, what a legend 👏👏👏

[@docfischer7291]

Definitely a man who is in it for the love of the music, the instrument and humbled with the talents of others. Truly a down to earth man.

[@RedBeardTattoo]

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr Skylar while he was on tour with Toto in Philadelphia. Very awesome and down to earth man; he was also very encouraging to me in my bass playing, since I'm new to the instrument. I said to him, "I'm a student of the instrument," his response, "Aren't we all students of the instrument, we are always learning." A very humble man. God Bless you Lee.

[@jaimeskiebel]

I've played that bass! No Joke! Back in 1983. I was surprised to find that the action was quite high. But the sound is legendary!

[@CasperLCat]

You see Lee behind James Taylor, with his “unique” look, to put it mildly, and think he’s maybe an odd guy. Then he speaks, and you hear his huge heart - for music, for musicians, for the whole human race, and his own tremendous modesty. Wow.

[@jeremyphillips3087]

Was really surprised with his voice. Not as wizardly as I was expecting.

[@CasperLCat]

@@jeremyphillips3087 Ha ! Exactly! Is he the world’s oldest Hobbit ?

[@caiusmadison2996]

@@CasperLCat ? Hobbit are halflings by any other property. They are a diminutive race, the wizards in Tolkien are tall, old Men. He fits that description, minus long pipe, staff, and hat/cloak.

[@CasperLCat]

@@caiusmadison2996 I know, I was just riffing on LOTR in general. I stand corrected.

[@Sandyg1961]

Not only that, he knows his tools

[@dli199214]

Lee has his own KZbin channel now and he uploads a lot. Lots of stories and music sharing .

[@TheBronzika]

Mr. Leland is such special and wonderful human being and a brilliant bass player! Always enjoy listening to his "let's all gather around the fire" stories. His bass skills need no comment. 😊

[@rommie4770]

It’s a pleasure hearing a musician explains the creation of his instrument.

[@guillemmcbass6331]

Bass made of scrap parts, no fancy boutique stuff, active pickups, no false relic and then 2400 recordings done. Man, this kind of interviews are pure gold and a good antidote against the BS you always read here and there. Priceless as always.

[@creamwarrior]

Not to burst your bubble, but he literally says that each of the P pick ups are powered by batteries lol

[@garlicbread5320]

@@creamwarrior That's what active pickups are...

[@creamwarrior]

@@garlicbread5320 the way he wrote it implies it doesn't have active pickups.

[@garlicbread5320]

@@creamwarrior They way he wrote it literally says that it has active pickups

[@tannertuner]

@@creamwarrior if you watch him describe it on his channel, he explains that the pickups are some of the earliest EMG active pickups.

[@impulse_xs]

The bit about using Mandolin frets was really fascinating.

[@rome8180]

The tone on that bass is perfection. That's the tone I've been chasing my whole life. Total clarity, bright but full.

[@martienvanderhof6696]

Exactly the first thing that crossed my mind!

[@Rollin_7s]

I’m about to skip work, go home, and flip the bridge pickup on my Jazz and see what sounds I get.

[@ferd1572]

​@@Rollin_7s Did you do it?

[@chizmo7]

Thank you Mr. Sklar for always being so down to earth and generous with your time.

[@davidkron2292]

Lee Sklar is just a national - no - a worldwide treasure

[@maggiebodek]

And he's still going strong. He seems to be one of the kindest, most generous people in the music business. He's just amazing. so busy NOT being full of himself. LOVE you, Leland.

[@stevepethel6843]

Love love love this video. The idea of switching positions of pickups so the bass strings are brighter and the smaller strings closer to neck makes a warmer and balanced sound. Lee this is a truly SIGNATURE bass.God bless you for sharing your honest life stories. Thanks

[@OttoDeCalumnias]

WoW! What an eloquent told story about a bass and it's history. Sharp. Love it!

[@treadhead1945]

I have a picture of me holding Frankenstein in that room. Love Lee, he is a great dude!

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

Lucky you, treadhead! I’m jealous! 😁

[@kennonmoen4424]

I’ve seen that picture, Jason-that’s awesome. I’d have it printed, autographed and framed…and sleep with it under my pillow!

[@SteveWeltman]

Lee Sklar is THE MAN. So soft spoken and just a musician and professional. He speaks so clearly through his instruments that he rarely needs his human voice to express how he's doing. Quite the instrument that 'Frankenstein' bass. Dual flopped P pickups? Wow. Never even thought that was a thing. Cool stuff.

[@bntaft5133]

Lee's one of my favorites. So thankful for him.

[@patbrennan6572]

I could listen to this gentleman talk all day long.

[@DiabloOutdoors]

Me too! He's fascinating and a giant in the music bizz, but yet a very humble person.

[@imo2834]

Jeff Porcaro's signature hit me hard! What a fantastic video

[@0megalul309]

Could hear his voice choke a bit

[@marcom8658]

Yeah. His signature is close to his heart. Man that hit.

[@bipolarbear9917]

Lee is an absolute treasure. Saw you play many times with Phil Collins, and I still can't believe you actually replied to lil' ol me commenting on your KZbin channel. Good on ya man!

[@SirGranular]

Enjoyed that as much as his own vlogs. An absolute legend and what a genuine human. Great insight. We should all be creating our own Frankenstein's that capture our moments, our inspirations. Amazing to have such an object. G x

[@celticbastardson2599]

I would love to sit and have coffee with Lee Sklar. What a history the man has!

[@offbeatbassgear]

A really nice tribute to the drummers that he's worked with to have their signatures on the upper bout near his heart!

[@obiwanudonnome814]

This gave me goosebumps! Straight up, the level of musical integrity, the oceans of depth this man's vibe puts off, real deal humility, man, I could go on, and on, and on!! And you just let the man speak, a master at his craft just sharing knowledge. An obvious aura of mutual respect. This was top notch stuff, well done! (I'm still butthurt over not winning that 5 string, but keep putting out this level of quality content and MAYBE I'll get over it!)

[@nuggers23]

I love his storytelling

[@SeeCSeesCC]

❤️❤️ ❤️❤️love Leland, Father Time. Side note pertinent to me: My stepdad, one of the finest country swing bass players I have known, had a jazz bass and he whittled the body to a shape he wanted. His bass had a warm precise confident sound that lives on in my musical heart

[@insyncmusicproduction]

One of the best interviews I've ever seen.

[@thefool2007]

Lee is the smartest, well-spoken and talented bassist! This was right from the heart. What a neat gentleman.

[@edwardx.winston5744]

While Lee Sklar is an absolute giant in the industry, the most recorded bassist of all time still has to be Carol Kaye, doesn’t it? Her dead-rubber-band bass tone is on almost every hit in the 60’s and 70’s, as well as on many popular TV show themes. She claims over 10,000 session dates in her career.

[@civilizationmeansdomestica929]

Don't forget James Jamerson from Motown!

[@liesandvideotape]

i think they mean the specific instrument

[@johnpomp972]

Chuck Rainey could be included in this discussion.

[@haroldlanni8702]

Carol Kaye was a legend session player

[@yellowblack69z28]

No one is better than Carol Kaye!

[@benodaboy]

That is one of the cleanest bass sounds I’ve ever heard.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Thanks for this video. I started watching Lee's channel during lockdown, love his stories. He did a nice tribute to Dusty Hill but I was surprised that they had never met. He has met Billy. I have heard that Dusty had asked his guitar mechanic to take over for him in ZZ Top, so the band will be going on.

[@livemusicalgarve]

And what a wonderful guy through lockdown. Totally kept me sane, with his wonderful personal breakdowns, of some of his most epic session work. Thanks Scott and leland

[@offbeatbassgear]

You know, I'm not usually a fan of P-Bass tones, but that modded monster sounds superb! One of the reasons I've grown to like EMG's active P-bass pickups.

[@williamross2579]

Dear Scott. You have many many vids, but this IS the standout, moreso than the Sheehan or Pastorius or theory/technique vids, because this contains heritage, and the warmth of humanity…. Tools for the job…. That’s a phrase of thought that will stay with me forever… Thanks Leland, I’ve seen you for years, and follow you on social media, but this was a solid piece of magic…captured in the moment.

[@NGH99999]

The rosewood on that fretboard is absolutely epic. Look at the sheen, from all that mileage.

[@marcuslambert8722]

incredible pure / clean bass sound with the p-pick next to the neck

[@funkingitup1805]

That is an amazing sounding bass. I'm surprised we don't see more double P pickup setups. The P pickup is arguably the best sounding pickup ever made, but the only complaint was the lack of tone adjustment. Fading the bridge and neck pickup easily would change that.

[@claudevieaul1465]

That man is a true musical icon - thanks for sharing this Scott!!!

[@babayaga1767]

Legendary beardist Who also plays bass

[@RogerioCastro12]

@Dimebag Hetfield Gandalf plays very well for a priest

[@nickjones3772]

Sklar should form a bearded rhythm section with Liam Genockey

[@sturs100]

Fit right in ZZ Top.

[@cchavezjr7]

@@sturs100 Well, they need him now

[@seanj3667]

ZZ Top needs a new bass player.... (too soon?)

[@mbrew3244]

Lee is such a one-of-a-kind cat, great segment on him. Thank you. Love the shout out to Carruthers... was fortunate enough to have an instrument of mine modded by him in his Venice shop almost 20 years ago.

[@musicmanxii]

Man this video was over before I knew it. One of the coolest things I've seen in a while

[@floridamankyle5461]

The Signatures on that bass are PRICELESS, what a story, and it is a Double P pickup Bass, GREAT VIDEO, I want to build a Bass like that!!

[@in2gadgets]

This video has absolutely made my my day, Scott. What a guy - what a bass - what a story!! I LOVE Lee Sklar :-)

[@victorjbarker]

The most valuable Bass in the world as far as I'm concerned and one of the best bassist to walk the earth. And Lee is a fucking cool dude and still young at heart I could hang with him and listen to his stories endlessly. What a legend!

[@CA999]

It's interesting how this Legend is quite old but speaks so clearly with the passion of someone young! Impressive!

[@EphemeralProductions]

Yeah he’s 73 i think.

[@Winston01]

@@EphemeralProductions He just turned 74.

[@EphemeralProductions]

@@Winston01 kk

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

Quite old huh? And yet not feeble…..😏. Funny how as you get older, quite old keeps getting moved. Since I’m Lee’s age, quite old is now over 80….

[@kennonmoen4424]

@@w.geoffreyspaulding6588 and new pediatricians look more and more like their patients!!!

[@PeaceMusic53]

He really is a character with a big heart. Love his playing.

[@ArtinSinger]

Love you Lee Sklar, as a musician and as a human!!

[@gustavolambert6648]

Scott you’ve had chosen one of the best songs on Phil’s show, Lee Rocks on Inside Out. I’ve had met him in 2018 and he signed 2 of my basses, sweet soul ! Tks for this video Buddy !

[@jodyhendrix5876]

Love Lee, he is such an awesome person. Oh yeah, and an amazing bass player. 😁

[@slimyelow]

There is nothing cooler in music history than Bass stories.

[@patrickmurphy9186]

That was deep....😁

[@zombee38]

Sharp mind and younger voice that doesn't match his looks....amazing!!!

[@derekstocker6661]

Legendary bass guitar and definitely a legendary player. I well remember seeing Lee with Phil Collins many years ago as I was and still am a great Phil Collins fan, was shaken by Lees playing and remain so. This is a fantastic video and thanks so much for the interview and the technical bits, and especially for Lee.

[@jrfrondelli2023]

Lee is the master. He's also a seriously funny guy! :D

[@tlockwood5721]

Love Lee's, A Christmas Story lamp in the background too. He's the best player ever! Classic!! Thanks Scott!!!

[@SALESPRODUCTIONS]

I'll bet he is the most recorded bassist as well - irrespective of which bass he used. His body of work is staggering. The list of artists he has played for has got be in the thousands.

[@simonbone]

I suspect he's still behind Carol Kaye.

[@DiabloOutdoors]

I can't say that you're right because there are also Ron Carter and Nathan East having a tremendous record as well.

[@cd0u50c9]

Fascinating instrument. The mandolin fret wire would likely have a lower profile, so the nut has lower slots, which reduces the angle the strings go at to the tuners, which probably means the string tension is lower and they feel more loose and mellow. Would be very curious to try mandolin frets on a bass!

[@sonsauvage]

Dude his KZbin channel is cool. The man is just full of stories.

[@goodtimes12342]

I LOVE listening to Lee talk. His power of recall is amazing. Top 5 guys I would love to sit down and have a beer with.

[@bigvrocks2480]

Brilliant! Lee Sklar is truly an interesting and impressive dude. I never really followed him, however, I've seen him in bands and shows for 50 years. Listening to him describe how he developed his top 'Frankenstein' Bass guitar, is nothing more than fascinating... Good health Lee! Thanks for the vid Scott!

[@adamgrossnickle5365]

What a truly amazing bass that is owned and operated by one of the best bass players in the world. Two legends!

[@malloryfrenkel1764]

Wow ... thanks for featuring my bass hero Lee Sklar. He is a true legend, a very humble person and a humanist. Already my favourite video on your channel for this year!

[@bobobrien8968]

That is absolutely the coolest, most excellent bass guitar for so many reasons. One thing I would add to my very limited bucket list would be to plat just a few bars of any James Taylor, ( or any) song. I’m just a 70 year old amature so I guess that its just a dream. Better yet would be to shake the hand of that man, Mr. Leland Skylark.

[@Winston01]

Man, that is a huge swath of music history wrapped up in one guy, one guitar, and one squeaky chair.

[@andrewjeffries8721]

I'm glad to see thatn Lee digs the Hipshot Detuner and the Badass bridge. I have both of them on my jazz bass. Thank you for the interview, Scott!!!!

[@taylorbrown7791]

this was badass to watch through! 12 minutes of comfort while recovering from covid, thanks for all the music!

[@brentwalker3300]

Best wishes on your recovery.

[@IanCarey02]

dear God, its impossible to be any more inspired by this man...From his actual bass playing talent to his humanity, its what ALL musicians should aspire to !! Certainly its what this part time musician aspires to !!!..Thank you for EVERYTHING Mr Sklar

[@andrewjacobs3731]

I love his producer switch on one of his basses 😂😂😂😂😂

[@johnvenditto2908]

Love it, thanks Scott!!! Great to hear Lee Sklar break down the Frankenstein bass. The way he played (and how it sounded) on the "Running on Empty" album influenced me greatly and I was an instant fan.

[@the_minimalistic_adventure]

Leland is an all around nice guy and national treasure. Such a talent!

[@kanubeenderman]

"...and here is a groove where my thumb has worn it down.." what a legend, awesome to hear from an icon of the professional music scene! That Bass should be in the Smithsonian! Epic Johnny Cash style sign-off!

[@igormahilum9696]

Hoping one of these days, you bring Ms Carol Kaye on your show.

[@PaddysPlayground]

Panoramix Rules!!!! And now seriously... Living legend :) And a great guy at all!

[@EddieG1888]

YASSSS!!! The one and only Lee Sklar, and one of my big inspirations on how to conduct oneself as a musician, with and without an instrument in hand.

[@kennonmoen4424]

Eddie G, absolutely! He didn’t get where he is by being (in his words) “a pant-load!”

[@Mahlercougar]

Can you Imagine how much that Bass would be worth? For him Its priceless because of all the memories hes had with it and all the people hes come across and spent time with.. What a great story.. He seems like such a sweet , personable and all around nice guy. Not to mention an AWESOME bassist!

[@crazymiloyko6621]

Loved his run with Toto. Father Time always has amazing stories to tell. Keep up the amazing work.

[@jaygeoffrey1042]

this dude is casually dropping legend names like they're his old friend from way back when, AND THEY WERE !

[@cienciegos]

What an inspiration 🙌🏼. I started doing that; stopping the bass hoarding and committing to the ones that I really use. You really treasure your Frankensteins 😬

[@harvestergames]

The Legend playing on the legendary bass. As beautifully as he plays he can also tell stories.

[@hermonbluesmaclin-theboogi6830]

Love it! I feel better about my 3 axes already. You've taught me that each one has a unique purpose and place in my toolbox. Thank you sir! I spent so much time trying to figure which bass is going to be my axe for every occasion but thanks to you, I'm now looking at which one fits the job / song at hand.

[@richardcolton4125]

and he's a collector extraordinaire of the coolest stuff imaginable