How I Re-Designed the Traditional Bass Guitar: Industrial Design Process

[@caryd67]

“It’s okay if a lot of people really hate this design, I only need a few people to love it” - some pioneer guy

[@Design.Theory]

lol thanks for watching :)

[@manukashyap20]

That's a "designer product" for you. Have you seen the dresses? 😂😂

[@boden_gamerboy6139]

@@Design.Theory nice bass, man wonder what she sounds with a vintage amp

[@gameseeker6307]

@@manukashyap20 clothing is different

[@the4given196]

@@Design.Theory hey i really love the design and i am looking for a new bass anyway(already set the alert) but im curious on the price range, because i dont have that much of a budget.

[@JoeTaber]

It's great to see all the iterations, it's easy to forget that so much of design is throwing away your first ideas to make room for better ones. The key is that what you throw away wasn't waste, it was a necessary stepping stone on the journey.

[@Design.Theory]

Very true. The design process is iterative. Each concept brings you one step closer to truly understanding the problem and creating the best possible solution.

[@freshdachs6200]

That philosophy translates really well into life itself and how you approach any goal you want to accomplish!

[@ErikB605]

"Tradition is nurturing the flame not worshipping the ashes"

[@Aaron628318]

Don't fall in love with your first idea, as they say...

[@vvutangmc]

Im an absolute Fender purist and i dislike new designs, but this bass right here made me shout "I WANT IT" The thought process and the design goal resonate with me so much, I love my P bass but like an old couple we fight everyday and it is always for ergonomics! Thank you for rolling the ball in our direction it was about the time! I'll keep an eye on this channel

[@Design.Theory]

Thanks so much for watching! If you are interested in getting notified about when the production line is ready, feel free to sign up by clicking the link in the description

[@tinybabybread]

*sees a boiling, deformed horrific face screaming as it melts in lava* "Ah, this is comfort. Inspiring"

[@Design.Theory]

lmao

[@Mr.Abreu.76]

Not lava, molten steel

[@hugotimmo4989]

You should definitely patent this design or get it manufactured by a larger company - it is too cool to be stolen or not to exist at all.

[@Design.Theory]

Thank you so much!

[@Salvara]

I don't know if it's the same with patents but the only part of a guitar you can copyright is the headstock.

[@OdaKa]

@@Salvara You can also patent or copyright or whatever the exact body shape. You can't prohibit people from making a body shape similar to yours, but you can legally prohibit them from copying the exact shape.

[@rusqqqq]

For real, a company like strandberg are all about this kinda thing

[@callumnash3236]

Unfortunately a patent costs around 10,000 dollars locally and 25k internationally. Its prohibitive and why most 'inventors' have to come from rich families or get extremely lucky with investment capital. Normally compromising the design to ensure a fast return on profits for investors. The function of a patent is to demonstrate a solution to a problem. You can copyright the shape of designs but any small adjustment means someone can copy it. In truth, the intellectual property system is a terrible way of rewarding invention, it's used mostly to prevent new ideas from being exploited (an example bejng Google, apple and Samsung's race to patent smart phone technology which is why phones have looked the same for nearly a decade).

[@pippin45]

As a designer and bassist, I honestly don't know the last time I was so excited about a video recommendation from the algorithm. First of all, beautiful work. Secondly, the body shape silhouette is similar to the .strandberg* Boden body shape, albeit significantly more carved. I also think it's really interesting that you went with a multiscale design, I'm curious if that was part of the brief or if that came about naturally as part of the ergonomic requirement. I think my biggest critique would be the decision to design for seated playing, especially if the genesis of this project came from a gigging bassist. There aren't an awful lot of gigging environments for a bassist to play seated, and the hard line along the "whiplash curve" at the belly cut seems like it would press uncomfortably into my stomach if I were standing with the bass for an extended period of time. Clearly I haven't held the instrument, so I have no way of knowing for sure, but to me that seems to be the only part of the design that seems out of place for a gigging bassist outside of maybe an orchestra pit scenario. Perhaps that would be something to consider as you develop it further. Either way, really great video, and, once again, absolutely gorgeous design!

[@Design.Theory]

Yes, I'm a big fan of all of the ergo guitars. I wanted to try and take it in a different direction. I haven't used the strandbergs or any other ergonomic guitars, so I have no idea how they compare. But mine is insanely comfortable. I think that the belly cut does look uncomfortable. Even though it is not actually uncomfortable at all in practice (the break angle is very similar to a Fender belly cut) that's a common perception that I hear. So I may need to tone it down

[@TheDoomerBlox]

​@@Design.Theory As someone that has spent an immense amount of time limit-testing a little, unusual computer mouse* - to the point where the way I use it is much unlike anything you'd normally see; Almost all people have many preconceived notions of how things are "supposed" to be, with expectations of how things are going to be based on those past experiences. These expectations, based on spending your life living in the past? They are usually wrong, or very wrong! The usual reaction to this Radically Different mouse, are expectations of failure; that it shall be uncomfortable, damaging in the long-term, or otherwise lacking. Truth is, however, that after spending a lot of time adapting to a new "mode of operation" for a computer mouse: Where most movements are very small, and almost exclusively performed by the fingers - achieved through radical Hardware (unusual set of design goals, well executed) and Software (in this instance, aggressive mouse acceleration) - What we instead have is a mouse that offers very unusual endurance, with a mild increase in overall performance. It doesn't spontaneously turn you into a God Among Men, but if you're able to practice twice as hard for three times as long - and despite all that with less cramps and overall "price to pay" - you very well could be if you put that practice to good use. So - do not be afraid of that which people who have been stuck in a certain paradigm may be wary of! As long as it seems to serve the design goal well, and seems to help despite "looking" wrong due to not fitting within an existing paradigm, you are likely to still be on the right track. The only thing which "Looks" are good for that Effectiveness In Practice is not, is mass-marketing. :^) * (the mouse in question is a Zaunkoenig M1K, though the M2K is surprisingly still usable as if it was just as wheel-less)

[@robadobflob3405]

yep, I couldnt stop thinking "Damn this guy basically did exactly what Ola Strandberg did and received very similar results"

[@davidsands3785]

As a random nobody musician who couldn't play his way back from the crossroad, I have to say 1:54 through 2:05 bothered me, only because in your address to the vintage lovers, tone wasn't once given as a reason for the passion, let alone the paramount proclamation. That said, who doesn't want a space bass that won't cost you an arm and a hunch back?

[@Design.Theory]

@@davidsands3785 I still would argue that it's more convention than tone. There's a principle called the mere exposure effect. Basically, the more you are exposed to something (such as a specific type of tone) the more you like it. Sound is ultimately subjective, so that's what I think is actually happening with vintage instruments. I could be wrong though. This is just a hypothesis.

[@sarenswiftfoot9811]

The angled frets actually make a tone of sense looks comfy now I'm realizing how weird it is that they're traditionally parallel

[@DaDandyman]

You can actually find fanned frets on a whole lot of basses and guitars for metal.

[@BlueJay_55]

Probably a manufacturing decision, but I agree! Angled frets seem way more ergonomic.

[@sunraiii]

Check out the Ibanez EBH1000 - they have a couple of other models with fanned frets, electric guitars too, but that one was especially comfortable to play when I tried it out a while ago.

[@chubetube]

@@BlueJay_55 they also increase the scale length of the lower strings so they don't sound muddy

[@samlindrea]

@@bengal2441 lol

[@Iknowthismeme]

The ergonomic design is actually pretty cool, it’s fresh and it gives futuristic vibes. I don’t mean that the fender isn’t beautiful or iconic, but sometimes we need to try new things. The fact that it’s not only asymmetrical in two directions like the fender, but also in the third dimension, really represents the possibilities of music.

[@deskslam4232]

Only problem with the new design is the old design works just as good… if it’s any more costly than those I ain’t buying it. I’m more of a function over form person, I guess?

[@Iknowthismeme]

@@deskslam4232 well the benefit of something being more ergonomic is that it further prevents bad postures that lead to actual body problems. I admit that I've got a passion for the art of ergonomic design, so I might be biased.

[@chromaticswing9199]

Well the new design was specifically made to solve the ergonomic issues the old design brought up. So therefore, the old designs simply don’t work as well when it comes to ergonomics.

[@AcrimoniousMirth]

As someone educated and qualified in industrial design who ended up in a CAD roll straight out of uni I really found this very refreshing. I try and bring what I’ve learnt and know into all the jobs I’m given but I don’t have the same freedom of creativity that is expressed here and that’s certainly something I need to regain as my career progresses.

[@AquaDogYT]

As long as the sound is the same or better, it's a good innovation. That's the rule for instrument redesigns.

[@Design.Theory]

I posted sound samples of the prototype on my instagram. Link is in the description. It's just the prototype, though.

[@LhunVideo]

In the future, I would highly recommend getting a cheap vr headset and porting your models to it as a middle step. You can see and "feel" it in vr if you are using a proportional model.

[@vermidian_]

And specifics on softwares or features in softwaresbto do this with? I'm totally ignorant.

[@error.418]

@@LhunVideo Except the Quest 2 is hard locked to a Facebook account, which is a no-go for many people.

[@error.418]

@@lalystar4230 None of that is accessible to the average consumer.

[@amoliski]

@@error.418 The average consumer isn't creating 3D cad models for 3D Printing/CNC either, so I'm not sure what the issue is there. Plus, even if the average consumer was doing these things... the average consumer has a Facebook account.

[@error.418]

@@amoliski Look, having to hack around Facebook being built into them is a terrible excuse.

[@HansyPants184]

This is gorgeous! If you're looking for testers my brother and I picked up a CNC with a big enough surface to cut this. I just wanna play one so bad lol. I've picked up a great case of carpal tunnel and a finger amputation over the years so I always get excited when people value ergonomics over tradition and manage to infuse such a gorgeous aesthetic into it! I have almost 70 years of production of classic basses to choose from. I want to see more of the guys like you who look at the human body like a keyhole that you're milling a key for.

[@Design.Theory]

I'm so sorry to hear about your carpal tunnel/finger amputation. I am very excited to hear that you're doing cool stuff!! Feel free to email me on the email address listed on my "about" page and maybe we can figure something out? Who knows.

[@tonytru5219]

I want to buy it! Such a clean awesome design!

[@ethanjen1]

Design is process. I love the process as much if not more than the actual product. I have been an Industrial Designer for 27 years and the process never gets old to me. I was more focused on environments and trade shows but again the process still moves linearly and it still excites me every time. Beautiful work. My favorite part was listening to you explain the inspirations and how you help the viewer understand where the conceptual relations are found within the process throughout the design phases.

[@lemonyth]

I'm a software design and developer, with a commercial app in the pipeline, but for some reason for the past few weeks I've found your vidoes on design and the rigour, time and mental effort of it all really motivational. So... thank you so much.

[@cellokid5104]

As an aspiring luthier, this is very interesting to watch. Many cues for my own future designs

[@SmackedyGaming]

As a bass player I think it is a beautiful design that looks very ergonomic. I’m curious how the tone is going to sound with the smaller body size and the grip hole. There is a certain resonance that a big chunk of solid wood delivers. However, it mostly depends on the pickups. Great work, looking forward to seeing the final prototype!

[@Design.Theory]

I'm curious, as well. I think it will probably be okay. Wood and resonance definitely play a part in electric instruments, but pickups seem to be the biggest single factor.

[@a.krawion1872]

The lack of Mass will affect the sustain. You can see this problem with Warwick Thumb bass. I would personally put active pickups to make it less noticeable.

[@pippin45]

@@a.krawion1872 Michael Kelly basses have a really interesting solution to this problem. They basically mill out a pocket underneath the bridge, then insert an aluminum block and mount the bridge to that. It basically results in the bridge being mounted to a way higher mass material to improve sustain without having to worry about increased weight. Maybe ​ @Design Theory could play around with something like that.

[@pippin45]

​@@Design.Theory I commented below, but Michael Kelly basses have a really interesting solution to this problem. They basically mill out a pocket underneath the bridge, then insert an aluminum block and mount the bridge to that. It basically results in the bridge being mounted to a way higher mass material to improve sustain without having to worry about increased weight. Might toy around with something along those lines?

[@brendanerskine4158]

Primary consensus is that body wood is way down on the factors that affect tone compared to pickups, pickup location, preamp, strings. Sustain is somewhat subjective but some claim neck through to hold more sustain, though I think a high mass bridge is a biggest the biggest factor. Sadowsky NYC chamber their basses compared to the (now) German made without an change in tone.

[@rueyxuan]

The ergonomic design reminds me of Abasi guitars and Stranderg(as many others have mentioned). I really dig the aesthetic as I feel like the Fender/Stingray standard is starting to get a bit overused.

[@combo306]

Exactly. Looks like Tosin Abasi's Larada in almost every aspect... good designers come to similar conclusions.

[@static_motion]

@@combo306 I'm pretty late to this, but it's also sort of reminiscent of Tosin Abasi's "Blur" guitar (built by luthier Rick Toone) which was conceived in a very similar fashion (ensuring maximum ergonomic compatibility with Tosin's body specifically).

[@ill_hex8103]

Here’s a couple of interesting design changes I’ve written down for conceptualizing a guitar: Rubber padding on the edged in contact with the legs like on a high-end Flying V An Ormsby-style output jack to wrap the cord around the strap button A radical body design where the neck is twisted outwards 35 degrees and the body is twisted inward 15 degrees, like on a Torzal guitar Natural Geometric Chambering on OD Guitars Snakeskin Pattern on Dean Zelinsky Guitars Compound Radius Pyramid frets on Petillo Guitars Removable memory foam that’s placed on the neck (my idea) An 8mm concave around the heel of the neck (i believe it’s an Ernie Ball thing) A double-action truss rod that can be adjusted with an allen key on the side of the neck like with Warmoth guitars. An Ernie-Ball shaped headstock with a Valiant Inspired Diamond-Shaped Volute Magnetized guitar nuts, screws, covers, and pickups, kinda like a Relish Guitar design Being able to adjust the individual string heights for the nut like on Valiant Guitars 4-Screw Jack ring on Reverend Guitars And Tall knobs/toggles for better reach (my idea) kinda like how professional drivers modify their stick shifts to be incredibly tall so they can shift gears easily. Yes, some of these designs may have a patten on them, so you can’t freely use them, but I like to think that there’s a way to take from those pointers and build something new out of it without a lawsuit

[@biraescudero]

What a wonderful design! Just patent it and make a deal to produce it in large scale. It will sell like water. You designed a new classic model of guitar. Form, function and beauty. Just perfect. Do not leave it inside a box.

[@Design.Theory]

That's the plan! I probably won't mass produce it, but I'll make 5-10 of them. Other guitar builders will inevitably copy the design, but that's okay. Onto the next design.

[@biraescudero]

@@Design.Theory i'm a lawyer. You must protect your intelectual property. It can make uou get a lot of money, and if money is not important for you, your creation will be recognized. Hope you continue with these great creations!

[@jarredbarber]

it's a curvier strandberg (which makes sense, since strandbergs were designed with similar goals in mind)

[@Design.Theory]

it's a strandberg on acid

[@MrStoneheart65]

Thank you for the great detailing on the thought process behind the designing. As an instrument maker, I believe looks are indeed an important part of the instrument, as it is the first contact between the player and the instrument itself. But I am really interested in seeing your thought process behind the multiscale setup, the choices made for the neck dimensions, and the playability of the instrument. In my opinion, a headless system would have complemented your body design, as the headstock tend to take away the focus (this part of the instrument is deeply rooted in the players minds, and is where the historic branding can be found) from your work. Great video !

[@Design.Theory]

This is an excellent question. I actually have footage of this, but the video was just getting way too long, and I was worried that it would not be as interesting to people who aren't REAAAALLY into lutherie. But I'll outline some of the decisions here. The multi-scale setup has ergonomic and string tension benefits that are great...but for me, it was actually the only way I would have been able to get such an extreme cut at the bottom of the body. This extreme cut was necessary to allow the instrument to rest at a 45 degree angle while the player is sitting. The 45 degree angle was very important for ergonomics reasons (it brings the instrument closer to your body). A "regular" bridge would have made the body too long (making the lowest frets too far from your body), whereas the multiscale bridge perfectly follows the contour of that bottom edge of the body. I looked into a headless bass, but I wanted to make the body as short as possible so that the player didn't have to reach excessively in order to reach the lowest frets of the instrument. The headless system would have lengthened the body a little bit more than I would have liked. I also find that with the ultra lightweight tuners, the instrument balances absolutely perfectly once all the electronics/pickups are in. It leans towards the body, but only slightly. You can literally place the instrument in your lap, take your hands away, and it just sits in place perfectly....at least for me it does. I'd need to test it with a lot of other people to make a conclusion regarding balance. I actually think that if I were to redesign this bass, I would go with something even more out there and weird, probably a hybrid between a Chapman Stick and a bass guitar. I find that the upright electric basses are actually ergonomically superior. But that's an entirely different topic.

[@MrStoneheart65]

@@Design.Theory thank you for the explaination !

[@Ali-ky2yo]

Amazing content, so many gems of knowledge and inspiration within this video. Really insightful for a PD student like me. Would love to see more content where you break down your honest design thinking and inspiration behind the work you produce, I feel like most design educations don't teach you the reality of how people get from initial to final designs. Keep it coming!

[@Design.Theory]

More content is coming soon :) The reason why I cannot talk too much about my professional work is because it might reflect poorly on my clients. Imagine if you were my client, and you paid me to design something, and then six months later I launch a video outlining everything wrong with the design, every single problem, every single mistake. As the client, that could be interpreted as bad PR, and you'd probably never work with me again. That's why I specifically chose to outline a personal project, where I can speak very openly about what I liked, what I didn't like, and what I learned.

[@fieora]

"I have to bend my wrist quite a bit" me: Laughs in shamisen

[@Design.Theory]

Just looked it up. lol. that is a carpal tunnel machine right there

[@wanderbolt9498]

Honestly that thing looks cool as heck

[@Design.Theory]

I appreciate that very much :)

[@daviddavis1322]

There is a shocking amount of information and intrigue. Super thanks for this.

[@Natron27]

As a creative and a bassist, I’m feeling quite blessed by the algorithm today! Thank you for the great video!

[@bassplayinMacFiend]

Wow, a bass design that deals with my biggest pet peeve, the overly bent wrist on my plucking hand. I’m seriously impressed and would totally check out your bass when it’s available. Thank you also for the insight behind your design.

[@Design.Theory]

Glad you like it! I had a lot of fun making it. If you're in California you're more than welcome to test it out.

[@JuanLuisBst]

I thought I was watching a video with millions of views (and it will be). I just want to say that you have an impressive future and you know it, keep uploading this types of videos! Also good editing and camera coverage

[@JuanLuisBst]

Btw i dont know why i got this in my recommendations, i dont desing or play bass😂

[@Design.Theory]

Well thank you for watching even though you don't design or play bass! I appreciate your kind support

[@mcatueno]

As a bass player and luthier, I'm loving this video, and I absolutely agree on many of our topics!

[@paulk3232]

First off I only played drums, always wanted to play bass, never had time to master. I love to do things differently then most so why I loved your approach and like working with wood. Keep going from a 21 year old with 43 years experience. Connection with the instrument is the starting point and refining is just the process in life. Blessings in your process.

[@Design.Theory]

Thanks so much for the kind words, Paul

[@paulk3232]

@@Design.Theory if I was close by would like to assist in what ever I could just for the fun. Right now stuck in Texas because wife gotten sick and taking care of her full time . You are on the right path to do what you were meant to do. Don't stop but accept the challenge with the good and not so good.

[@ayfahmy1]

Wooow, this is really informative and insightful for the whole design process, and the way of thinking, you are one of the best channels I follow that talks about design as you address the mindset and how to think about design which is unique about you and your channel John, Much appreciated your hard work and effort to teach people about design :)

[@Design.Theory]

Glad you enjoyed it! I had a lot of fun making this design.

[@johnisch88]

I'm surprised you didn't stick with the headless, I think it makes a bass way more comfortable when playing standing up. The weight is all in the body, none at the end of that long lever. I have basses that are basically the same weight, but the headless feels lighter due to where the weight is.

[@laszlonagy02]

Yes but it's a pain in the ass to tune and that's enough to designe an as comfortable headed bass.

[@squishy949]

Really interesting video, as a bassist who so far has only played 'classic' designs I'm really curious to try an instrument like this. My main question would be if it's possible to select and arrange pick ups to get a more classic J or P sound. I do like the "modern double humbucker" sound but P and J sounds are so common and useful. Perhaps something like Fishman Fluence pickups would go well in a design like this to give it ultimate flexibility of tone?

[@Design.Theory]

Never heard of Fishman Fluence pickups, but I'll check them out. I'm open to designing it as a J bass or even a P. But I'll probably only make 4 or 5 of these. I don't think I'll go into full production with them. Thank you for watching!!!

[@LukeLendrum]

@@Design.Theory how much to reserve one? 😅

[@Design.Theory]

​@@LukeLendrum check the link in the description and I'll notify you when it's ready. I'll probably just auction them off individually. I'm only going to use absolute top tier electronics/pickups/hardware/everything else, so it's going to be a premium instrument.

[@pw.70]

That's a great insight into your design process. I loved the natural influences that you designed into the body of the guitar. 10/10, mate!

[@konstantinoschristofi7300]

definitely one of the most (if not the most) educational youtubers when it comes to industrial design. Bravo sir!!!

[@Design.Theory]

Thank you so much! I appreciate that

[@mfC0RD]

I love the idea of reinveinting the bass. It's my favorite instrument, but I must admit it could be more ergonomic. Rick Toone made something similar and came up with the beautiful Orchid bass.

[@Design.Theory]

That bass is really cool. I wanted to add my own twist to it

[@Akazu69]

This reminds me a lot about Stranbergs (probably due to them also prioritizing ergonomics) Looks great in my opinion. Basses tend to look weirder or just funkier than most guitars, so I feel like this is a design that would appeal to a lot of people. Also - how comfortable is it to rest your thumb on the neck pickup compared to the bridge pickup?

[@Design.Theory]

I would imagine neck pickup rest might be less than ideal, but I'd have to try it out to know for sure

[@cameronblanchette6687]

Damn that's a good question. I tend to rely heavily on resting my thumb on the pickups and the thought didnt even cross my mind.

[@DogeDelecto]

To me it looks like a hybrid of a strandberg with a warwick. I could easily see Victor Wooten or Alex Webster slapping out some sick riffs on it.

[@Akazu69]

@@DogeDelecto 100%

[@amberpasta9379]

I’ll buy one. I’m a small person so the idea of having a more comfortable instrument always peaks my interest.

[@tinybabybread]

piques* but yeah

[@18JR78]

Buy a shortscale. Done ☑️

[@amberpasta9379]

@@18JR78 did that. Done ☑️

[@mattystewart8]

@@tinybabybread saved me having to do it 😂

[@phobson70]

The organic nature of the design reminds me so much of a human heart. Fascinating.

[@colinmcmb]

Great looking design. I hope you can get some manufactured. Also an excellent presentation of the design process.

[@Design.Theory]

I'm in the process of making some changes and selling a small handful of them.

[@peterbaan9671]

As a bass player, I would say, if somebody have problems, they might use bad technique. So solving the issue with engineering is not necessary the best way. But beside that, while it's not really my cup of tea, your bass design is certainly stunning and looks very comftable. Keep it up! :)

[@theocaratic]

I mean, technique is an important part of the puzzle, but if you can make an instrument that doesn't cause so many of the ergonomic problems in the first place, it may even free them up to focus their technique on making good music, not avoiding injury. Guitars in general aren't very ergonomic things, so if we can ease that a bit it may be an overall benefit to musicians' bodies.

[@peterbaan9671]

​@@theocaratic - Using any tool including an instrument is not really a natural thing. You have to train your body to be able to use every tool. So if you train your body to use something badly, then it will cause injuries. Also, if you not train enough or train in a bad fashion, you can injure yourself. If you don't warm up yourself you also can get injured... So I don't believe one can concentrate on music more because of a slightly more ergonomic bass. I mean, the body's shape is basically irrelevant if you stand up and have it hang from a strap. The neck profile is might be better to be assymmetric, I don't know and I hope it will introduce a new trend across the market to be more innovative. However the new neck profile can introduce many problems, like warping or unexpected behaviour of the truss rod. So it's not that I'm not familiar with the problem itself, but I do think the solution will be useful for a very narrow margin of players. I think most people would want to have that because of the exotic shapes and not because it solves a problem. I still root for this project anyway :)

[@tonal.states]

Great design, looks nice! If you're to continue with this instrument journey i'd recommend you checking out Strandberg's Enduraneck profile for asymmetrical necks and body shape (what it offers on playing positions is nice), also Rick Toone's ergonomic designs, which are on another dimension of anything out there hahah cheers

[@Design.Theory]

Thanks, will do! I am familiar with Strandberg guitars. And yes, Rick Toone is basically on a different plane compared to the rest of us mortals haha :)

[@churrundog]

Wait, was your friend Adam's last name "Neely", by any chance?

[@Design.Theory]

B A S S . Please pass this along to Adam Neely, I've never met him but I love his videos. His channel was one of the major inspirations for me starting my own.

[@abrupt.cr4sh]

I was looking for this comment.

[@nightsgems]

Imma be honest, im not a designer or even really into instruments, but this is a good video, i thought i was just getting a simple explanation video, but you made this into a nice step by step. Anyways, gl and i hope you succeed. Its always sad to see when nostalgia stops innovation.

[@Design.Theory]

Thank you so much !

[@chant6136]

ngl i doubted this man so much in the beginning, but for 17 minutes straight his inspired me, taught me valuable knowledge and demonstrated why my design tech project for school was trash

[@Design.Theory]

Thanks for watching the vid! I'm very sorry about your design tech project being trash, but acknowledgment is the first step towards improvement :)

[@cathalwhelehan]

this really did make for incredibly interesting watching; just seeing where some of your ideas originated (the gymnast, the different flowers/herbs etc) was fascinating. I'm pretty much a purist when it comes to guitars so, while the end result isn't really my thing in terms of looks, I do find it interesting that bass designs are so much more diverse and freestyled than the designs typically used on six-string guitars, which don't often stray too far from what could be considered "the norm" - I've often wondered why that is. One question though: did I understand the "comfort" tests correctly (in the prototyping section)? Has this bass been specifically designed for seated playing? I'd be interested to know how it works in a standing position. Thanks for a great video - subscribed!

[@Design.Theory]

Just a guess: I think it has to do with the fact that guitar is kind of the "default" instrument to learn how to play. Therefore, the type of person to pick up a guitar is maybe a bit more conservative? I don't know. It is designed for both seated and standing playing. Thanks for watching!

[@jakemartin8414]

This is a great video but it’s really weird that in a video about guitar design we never have a chance to hear the sound of the finished guitar. It is very visually striking-sure, but if I can’t hear it-how do I know if it’s designed well?

[@Design.Theory]

i posted sound samples on my instagram

[@Design.Theory]

Learn the process to create beautiful designs just like this. Enroll in my online industrial design course, Form Fundamentals. bit.ly/335vsqO . I've also gotten MANY comments asking when/where you can buy the bass. I still need to make a few tweaks, and then I'll do a short production run of 5 to 10 instruments. If you're interested in buying one, click the link here to get notified when the bass is ready: www.studioello.com/bass-notify PLEASE NOTE: There are other luthiers doing things within the realm of ergonomic basses/guitars. This video sorta makes it seem like I'm the only person doing this, and that is not the case. This design is just my take on it. I just wanted to point this out!

[@bleakflouw930]

i want one of these basses :D

[@AndroidFerret]

Absolutely amazing idea

[@sunnyclimatemusic]

10/10 will buy! I have wrist issues from playing guitar and bass. Not only does this look like the most amazing bass I could image (and it is inspiring me for my next custom tele project), but it makes me want to buy it for all the right reasons. Thank you so much for thinking of the comfort and ergonomics that have been forgotten in the mainstream musical instrument industry! Subscribed, liked and followed.

[@Design.Theory]

Link in description if you're interested in getting notified when it's ready. Also, if you happen to be in California, I'm looking for beta testers to try it out before I go into production.

[@sunnyclimatemusic]

@@Design.Theory I signed up on the link! Thank you! I am in Seattle, WA, but would beta test if ever given the chance.

[@grahamflorida2057]

How does it hang while standing? I can't wait to see where this goes next! I'm excited.

[@TheLuizfrds]

okay, but how it sounds? doesn't the most important aspect of a musical instrument is how it sounds? how do you researched the ressonation theory and how did implemented in your designs?

[@Design.Theory]

Great question! Going to wire it up asap.

[@tiranobanderas5655]

The answer is very simple, he didnt research anything at all. He just designed something he thought looked cool, and never tested if it worked at all. As a game asset designer, that's a cool idea for something, oh you guessed it! a game! but for a real life product this is just like making a prop... he made another comment 4 days ago saying he'd test it out and tell us how it went! Now he's said it 7 hours ago in this thread and we still havent got a video proving that the instrument even sounds good at all. Another commenter who's a bass player pointed out that the tone might be different due to the smaller body size and the weird grip hole, and here i am, wondering if we will ever get any evidence that this isnt just for the looks and it actually provides a good sound quality. It's not enough for it to just "make a sound", it needs to be actually the sound of a bass. If this instruments just makes a sound that isnt even close to what a bass sounds like, then its clearly a failure. No matter how ergonomic it looks, if you cant make the product do its intended function, then its worthless. So, what are you waiting for? Show us how it sounds. Sorry to be this blunt, but it really seems to me like you actually just flopped a lot in this video.

[@crazyayhan7533]

Not an expert on this subject but as far as I'm aware electric bass isn't an acoustic instrument so resonation and all that is still kinda important but not the biggest factor on the sound of the bass. You know there is pick-ups, amp, pedals, material it's made of and all that. As a bass player myself I really don't think that shape of the bass really changes the sound of it. Even Leo Fender himself used a block of wood for his first guitars then added other pieces for cosmetics, ergonomics etc.

[@Design.Theory]

​@@tiranobanderas5655 as Crazy Ayhan mentioned, body shape has almost nothing to do with sound quality when it comes to electric instruments. The overall resonance of the wood is definitely a factor, but there are probably at least five or six other things in the signal chain that matter quite a bit more. If this were an acoustic instrument, it would be a much bigger factor. I will wire it up ASAP, but it might take a few weeks. The pickup rout doesn't properly fit the pickups inside (this is why you build prototypes). So I'll need to fix that, and then install the bridge etc etc. I honestly might just wait until I get a final batch of instruments to test the sound and tweak accordingly...but I wouldn't be tweaking body shape at all to change the sound. I'd be tweaking the preamp/pickups mostly. EDIT: Also, please show kindness in the comments section. There's no need to be combative and jump to unfounded conclusions.

[@danielmcnamara_]

@@Design.Theory For the most part, the tone of a solid body is defined by the electronics. Some pickup companies make their demo videos using the shittiest guitar they can find (bare knuckle has a video using a concrete guitar) to prove how irrelevant the body is to a solid-body guitar's tone. It is a factor for hollow bodies or semi-hollow

[@TrateMusic]

I'm a musician including bass, and a graphic designer. This really makes me think about a lot of different things that i hadn't considered before, like how am I playing my instruments and how could that be affecting me in the long run? How do i create progress through my designs and get what's needed into the designs and keep what's not needed out? Real interesting content, thanks for sharing!

[@kanishksingh6393]

Amazing Work and process. Most of the design students nowadays don't focus on this stuff. They just want to complete the process to reach sexy renders to post on insta. ! I am eagerly waiting for the course. Also, what art movement did you mention?

[@Design.Theory]

art nouveau. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@ricardop2279]

I could not agree more. Those is what I call the Insta designers. They forget that rendering, sketching or animation it is the easiest part of the process, the real core (theory process) is often skipped and we end up by having concepts only and not products.

[@kanishksingh6393]

@@ricardop2279 Agreed!. We know rendering is important but its not design, its just a part of design.

[@runningwithscissors0911]

I so much agree with you and am so glad someone is thinking about guitar design this way ~ ergonomically that accommodates a minimal / injury free and long playing life.

[@dejaeviz]

as a multi-instrumentalist, i am very attracted to the shape of this bass. i would head straight for it if hanging on G-Centers wall and want to try it out ... the shape in your lap looks fantastic.

[@admiralgenericaladene890]

you can just tell when your first to the recommended train.

[@baddleacks4128]

no idea why more bass players don't play in classical position, the standard just gets so uncomfortable after like 5 minutes. awesome design!

[@MrNeosantana]

Bass necks are very long. Classical positions are a bit straining for a bass player. Notice how this design has a pretty short scale length.

[@baddleacks4128]

@@MrNeosantana true. Although i get wrist pain in standard way faster than my shoulder gets sore in classical. Even less so now that i target shoulders in my workouts.

[@MrNeosantana]

@@baddleacks4128 For guitar, classical position is the absolute best and healthiest. For bass, I just find it so straining and unpleasant.

[@jorge.rubiales]

@@MrNeosantana Not really, there are several studies that relate the classical position with one leg up to spine and hip long term injuries. The baroque lute position is the optimal solution (with a strap)

[@MrNeosantana]

@@jorge.rubiales The classical position I'm talking about has both feet down

[@sixstringsamic.3717]

"Its time to move on and try sonthing different" Said the guy who looks like elvis.

[@Design.Theory]

Hopefully Elvis before he got into the drugs. RIP Elvis.

[@elihusolano5993]

I love the level of thought you have put into the design. I am just a regular joe and have never completely dedicated myself to learn an instrument because non feel completely right. A few years ago, I have had the idea of designing an instrument. Something taking the likes of the Chinese Erhu, and the baroque guitar, something that can be both, easily bowed and strummed. And a lot of people were like “you would be ruining existing instruments”. What you said about the being nostalgic to the old design, I really agree with that. The love for tradition should not halt innovation. I hope that one day I can resume my quest for that instrument that I dream of.

[@phillipbayes3408]

THANK YOU SO MUCH. I imagine you know how useful this is to young designers like myself, who are trying to woodshed all of these concepts from scratch. So much love for you and your channel

[@Design.Theory]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dankmemesdeaddreams2309]

I disagree a lot with "Fender bass guitars were a huge improvement over traditional double basses", it's just a different instrument for a different use

[@jonbongjovi1869]

i get your point, but there's simply no doubt of the HUGE difference. (EX: most humans travel by car, ergo, BIG BASS = dumber than SMALL bass.) (EX: umpteen young ppl started on then GAVE UP Bass, solely cuz their instrument was gigantic and unweildy.) That's not to say the upright should be phased out. Everyone loves them! But they are scientifically more illogical than a bass guitar.

[@RalseiGaming]

it looks like crap that’s all i’m saying

[@Design.Theory]

see 2:20

[@venge2761]

At school, I have projects with a similar design process. This video really helped me out, especially with reaching the design goals.

[@lundsweden]

Great bass guitar design, I'd certainly buy it!

[@kirachouinard3490]

I love this! One of the reasons I've avoided learning guitar is for this reason, comfort. I would buy this in a heartbeat

[@jeyrome2438]

Great that you posted...I found it interesting & engaging but not always for the right reasons. Like many people, I know what i don't like, but your shape is interesting & pleasant enough while being seemingly functional. As a New Product designer/engineering tech, I had to weigh in because us guys need to be concerned with the functional aspects of a product...this means adherence to governing standards, & then the iterative design process which includes virtual testing, FEA & then physical prototype testing with an empirical data feedback loop...facts, logic & merit ALWAYS win. Contrast that with the type of industrial design in this video...having worked directly with industrial designers, I can say the following is categorically true, "...give 10 ID's the same project & you will get 11 different designs & they'll all think there's is the best, citing various so called 'rules' & 'facts'...' I get pretty suspicious when there's lots of 'reasons' given which are clearly subjective, superfluous & flamboyant such as all the sketches drawn over nature & citing mollusc holes as an inspiration. Don't get me wrong...I believe the bass looks cool but I question your logic: • For instance, I've played bass for 32yrs & am right handed. This means that I rest the body cutout on my right thigh...the same is true but opposite for lefty's. • You claim otherwise didn't you? Never in those 32 yrs have I ever seen a single musician rest the body on the opposite leg...never. • Looking at how your protoype sits with the bridge just to left of your right leg, this would extend a full scale bass neck too far to be comfortable to play...it would torque the back & put your left arm into a very odd playing position. • It looks to me like you made a short scale neck which would alleviate some of this awkward playing position...is this true?

[@Design.Theory]

I spent a lot of time writing out a PRD that was based on ergonomics and user testing. I didn't go over the nuances of that because it's very dry subject matter. I made a vid on it a while ago and no one watched it. Regarding drawing over mollusks and subjectivity in design: just because something is subjective doesn't make it invalid. For certain products, like a musical instrument, emotional criteria is very important. In regard to your questions, I didn't say that. Watch again. I said that most people play in the position you described, so the bass needs to work for both playing positions.

[@Nossairito]

So very glad I got recommended your channel. I especially like the little nuggets of creativity wisdom you drop here and there, I noticed that I came to realize a few of them in my own output forms of songwriting of calligraphy as well. Really, really cool stuff man.

[@Design.Theory]

There are so many parallels between design and songwriting. Both music and design are languages to communicate transcendent abstract ideas.

[@ileutur6863]

Thanks for being upfront about this being a very niche product and solving a problem only a few people have. I understand that bass is a big instrument and can easily get uncomfortable for people who play long hours or have smaller hands. I'm thankful that I'm not among those people so I can stick to more commercially available designs

[@justinc246]

I'm no designer but I do play bass and I've got to say I really like the design. I love the idea of modern ergonomically designed basses but I wish more designs found ways to keep the headstock. I know the headstock adds weight and can impact balance but it just looks more complete in my opinion. Ultimately the latest version looks great and I'm glad to have come across the video. I'd love to get my hands on a design like that

[@matheusmoreira9951]

Just got this video recommended and I gotta say, really liked watching you brainstorming ideas for this bass design. I'm more of a tradionalist when it comes to instruments, usually prefering ergonomic ideas implemented on old school designs, but this really ended up looking pretty good, reminds me of more outrageous brands like Fodera. Not really for me, but really pretty looking and functional. BTW, when you said Adam who is a bassist I totally tought you were gonna say Adam Neely, then I double checked lol

[@lordhawkridge4116]

This has to be one of the most beautiful designs I've seen for a bass. I'd love to see this for sale one day, replaced gbd SG design as my favourite.

[@connorm-j6038]

I had previously unsubscribed to this channel, the content was good, but it felt like Uni all over again. After this video showing how the theory relates to practice, I have resubscribed. Fantastic work!

[@Design.Theory]

Welcome back! Just curious, which videos did you not like?

[@rigo6801]

This is by far, one of the best design videos out there! I freaking love that you went throught all the design process while explaining in that much detail! Would love to have much more videos like this! 😃

[@Design.Theory]

There will be more videos like this!

[@bassinbob1965]

I really enjoyed this video and learned a lot. As a woodworker I think the final finish or at least one option you could offer is to have part of the body, the center finished with just clear satin and the the outer part of the body finished in piano black lacquer. Just a thought. The selection of the color of the hardware could really make the guitar look even more stunning. Good luck to you. I really think you've got something here. I hope people can appreciate the amount of time and effort and thought it takes to do what you're doing. I wish I could help or find someone in my area that I could corroborate with. Thanks for your time in making and posting this video. Your new fan. Rob

[@paulbrodie]

Good video. Thank you. I do like the shape. I noticed you rest the bass on your left leg. I rest my bass on my right thigh.I wonder what is the ratio of bassists using one leg over the other? My right leg seems much more natural to me...

[@johnxaviermusic]

The first time that YT algos got it right. This video is for me. Thank you for all of this hard work and for sharing.

[@Grubnub903]

As a freshmen design student who’s trying to figure out what his focus should be this really opened my eyes to the industrial design process and all of the steps it entails. This was an immensely helpful video! And as a bass player I want to get my hands on that bass haha

[@Design.Theory]

Thanks for checking it out!!!

[@FretboardToAsh]

Honestly, I really like the way that design works with the slanted frets. Finally something that compliments the slant, rather than just make everything seem out of place.

[@ryancozzolino7832]

As a hobbyist luthier, I find this fascinating, and inspiring.

[@Design.Theory]

Thank you for watching!

[@ryancozzolino7832]

@@Design.Theory anytime! This has got me thinking of ways to make instrument bodies that are more conducive to playing. I appreciate the inspiration.

[@madisonx]

Pretty cool design and it looks like a skull of an alien triceratops. If I played I would love to have one like this.

[@edoardomarcantoni9548]

This job is absolutely remarkable. I've been a bass player for long time, got basses from many brands, played different music style. The only issues I would see with your design are: Weight balance: in actual bass playing, neck+fingerboard+hardware most probably will be heavier than body+electronics. So the bass will tend to tilt and the musician will have to put an effort to compensate this during playing; Sound and tone: well this is subjective, but, in general, the body shape must also make sure the bass sounds well :) Anyway, thank you very much for this job, please let us know your next steps.

[@Design.Theory]

Hey Edoardo, I actually fitted the prototype with hardware/pickups and have been playing it for a few months. It balances well and sounds great! I made a few changes to the body, as well. I'm going to produce 7 instruments in the next couple of months.

[@hardboiled2000]

Im a UX Designer and Bass Guitar player this has got me thinking more about physical design, mind expanding!

[@chasmenear7130]

Thanks to you, and other designer/engineer people for working on ergonomic issues with instrument designs! This by the way is a great design!

[@TheStarchamber]

I have some similar instruments with ergonomic designs. A lot of designs make the mistake of ignoring the actual aesthetics and they look like some angular hodge-podge of ideas and broken lines. I'm glad your design took into account the actual looks.

[@tadrimmey8746]

You are a very good designer! I really appreciate your point about the transfer from model to reality. I have done similar work in the industrial world and know how that can go. Also, as a bassist, I really like your strategy of design and want one. Great job!

[@RHOWDYRED]

I came across your design on Behance and thought it was so great, few days later im finding this video. Awesome break down and much appreciated when people share their process. I had the same idea to use pink foam for mockups!

[@Design.Theory]

Oh that one on behance is actually the older version of the design :O This new version has not been made yet. But it will come out soon! I'm getting a few of them CNC'ed

[@Schizmatizmify]

This reminds me a lot of the philosophy behind the Abasi Larada guitars. The intent was similar, to create something striking that is comfortable to play in both classical and standard positions. Really hope to see more designs like this catching on!

[@Design.Theory]

Love this! Thanks for sharing!

[@stephanwilliams9622]

I find it interesting that the ergonomics you've come across reflect those of Strandberg guitars as well. They're extremely ergonomic and their design had a lot to do with a collective approach in the design..similar to your discussions in forums.

[@charchar635]

im so glad that i found a channel where i can watch the love child of john travolta and my favourite teacher talk about making my favourite instrument sexier thru geology and dope movies

[@rodshop5897]

Sweet, most people don't even know what industrial design is. Nearly every job interview I've had, they've asked, "what is a degree in Industrial Design?" Thanks for the great explanation video!

[@johnskerlec9663]

This is great work. I love the unusual organic shapes you came up with. I play a Strat and appreciate the shape fitting to me, and realise how ahead of its time it was way back then. Great work.

[@Design.Theory]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@blakemcnamara9105]

The phrase, "Rethink the bass guitar" really does well to capture the post-modern era's affinity for reinventing the wheel.

[@Design.Theory]

I bet you people were saying the same thing when Fender re-thought the upright bass and made the precision bass. I'm not comparing myself to Fender in any way, and I probably will never reach that level. But my point is that innovation and development doesn't just arbitrarily stop at this particular point in time.

[@jeffhampton6972]

This is a fantastic video! First one of yours I've seen. I'm a small-time guitar guitar, but am very focused on ergonomics, and have loved trying different things out. It's really enjoyable to see what others are doing, and to hear your thought process. I appreciate having been able to see this.

[@Design.Theory]

Glad it was helpful! I'd love to see your designs some day

[@TheIgnoramus]

love it, want it, in playing position it almost gives me the feel of a sitar and its angling, never seen an ergo design this cool.

[@Design.Theory]

Thanks Parker!!!

[@vikaspatil4919]

Hi, I loved the work you did for this design, also the efforts you put all together to share the process of this design. I have one question, I noticed you made the fretboard with angled frets aligned with finger movements, but how it's really going work with standard frequency strings? Cause where you cut the strings on board, that frequency needs to be synced with standard note layouts. Please share your design thought process on this. Thanks again & great work!

[@Design.Theory]

It's called a multi-scale neck. Each string has its own scale length, so the intonation of the strings is not altered or hindered in any way. This fretboard system was invented by Novax Guitars about 20 years ago.

[@vikaspatil4919]

@@Design.Theory awesome invention, thanks for bringing that up. I went through this patent US4852450A shows interesting information.

[@Buzzbass]

Im mostly into tone !! so no matters how hard you try to explain your concept, nothing will beat a sound test ! that is why p-bass,musicman and jazz bass are still used today their tone ! Cant have a real idea without the sound of the bass and i cant wait to hear that bass in action .

[@chrisjohnson9755]

This is so damn educational and cool, holy crap. This design process looks actually fun, rather than what they made us do in university

[@Design.Theory]

The design process can definitely be a grind, make no mistake. But I still love it

[@rafamacamp]

Very nice design. I'm currently finishing my college on product design, and one of the things that said to me that this would be a good career for me was a bass that I've designed from the ground up. In my case, I made the bass with my bare hands, but I had prior experience by making my 2 guitars. I always liked the physical part of the design, the prototyping and the execution. Found your channel today by accident. Very cool content, man! Will be binging you on the next days.

[@ImJustStandingHere]

oh man this is the type of bass I would 100% buy because of all the actual thought put into it

[@Design.Theory]

There's a link in the description or the pinned comment if you wanna sign up to get notified when it's ready :)

[@aramisdnivra]

I love the design of this bass and the ergonomic thoughts that went into this. The irregular angles on the neck frets fit this design perfectly as well. I'm really interested in getting my hands on this bass when it becomes available for purchase!

[@Design.Theory]

There's a link in the description if you wanna sign up to get notified when they're ready. Thanks for watching :)