If you could only have 5 Basses…

[@KurtisStoops]

Phil, just want to say thanks for being a consistent source of positivity and intelligence on the internet. I feel like your channel is the equivalent of a quiet, unknown basement bar in the middle of a loud and bustling city where everyone is yelling about their 'grindset'.

[@philipconradmusic]

Thank you for my favorite comment in a long time! So kind. You all very welcome at this bar anytime.

[@maxonmendel5757]

thanks for dropping this comment! it made me hit the bell icon and check the channel. I found the video about speaker size, which is a kind of video I've been looking for for a minute. @phillid Conrad, nothing boosts engagement like word of mouth. you being genuine helps. as he said, keep doing what you're doing.

[@noyd4172]

I was initially thinking the Jazz Bass or the Precision Bass, but when you turned the Mustang Bass way down, it instantly morphed into the sort of invisible but influential force that every bass part wants to be. The Moog sound came close to doing that as well.

[@scottplaysbass]

Music Man! My number 1 for over 20 years is a EBMM Sterling, and it's my favorite bass I've ever played. Keep up the good work!

[@AnodyneHipsterInfluencer]

I think that one should have made the list. It's definitely it's own thing.

[@chrischilton8455]

P bass all day long for me on this song. What a great video, as always. Love the idea of a pick vid.

[@sharnoldpapa7339]

I agree on most, but I got to have a 5er. That low B in a large band brings a whole different dynamic range that when used well really helps a band. That being said, the first time I did real studio time I found that all my fancy active stuff struggled to find a mix spot and my P just instantly worked. A P is really all you need, but I like my options.

[@kevinallen4743]

If you like the extra dimension of the low B you may want to consider Rotosound Drop Zone+ strings the F#0, B0, E1, A1 or similar will add a completely different multiverse. Other high gauge string makers are available but not certain sell sets, or have them on the shelf ready whenever you ask.

[@drewroze4168]

Your video drops are my favorite on KZbin. Please don’t stop doing what you’re doing, Brotha. 🙏🏼

[@theaaronimal]

I whole heartedly agree with this!!! Thank you 🙏🏼

[@MordecaiSoup7]

Just adding my mutual agreement. We need more folks like Phil in this world. 🙏🏼

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks y’all! So glad to have you here and to have your support ⚡️

[@BikerEgg1]

I have multiple instruments. But, you only need one. The one that is consistent, reliable and (most importantly) you love to play. Options are nice to have, but you really don't need to have 10's of thousands of dollars of gear in order to successfully record in the studio or play live across multiple genres.

[@MrSlacker250]

I would like to see a video about stage presence and your thoughts about it. I struggle with looking like I fit in. Keep up the good work and awesome content!

[@sirfultonbishop]

Great video and great comments, too. I’d recommend this bass channel to all bass players not matter what level, or style, of player you are!

[@philipconradmusic]

Thank you for your vote of confidence. So glad to have you here!

[@theaaronimal]

Ooo yes! A video about different picks!

[@Bertone]

P bass sounds best imo. Great video!

[@ericschuppert9011]

I would thoroughly enjoy a deep dive on picks, thanks Philip.

[@larsetom1]

Yeah, leather picks?

[@ericschuppert9011]

@@larsetom1 You bet, first time seeing one of those!

[@raymondjamesrivera]

The cool thing is you make all of these basses work and they can all be excellent choices depending on what you play. I’d definitely use synth bass on this song’s bridge and/or chorus. Yes to a pick video!

[@abeladams3618]

I really enjoy your videos, especially the modification vids. You have a pleasant voice and vocal mannerism.

[@jefmaslan1702]

Current set up of 3: 1) Fender MIM Mustang PJ (flats) 2) Fender MIM Jazz (round) 3) Squier Rascal (tuned to BEAD, round) But to expand some tonal options am looking to add a proper mustang bass, potentially a Gretsch hollow body bass, and a fretless U-bass. Not sure which one I'd cut from the list to get down to 5 though.

[@larrygillie5973]

Philip, love the channel and just found it so I’m excited to explore! Excuse the likely poor searching skills, but I’d love a video talking about high pass filters - and not just for recording/editing but also for playing in a room with friends with a box before the amp. Also, would love more exploration of synth for bassists. I just started that journey myself and would love more bass synth content. I’m a hobbyist, and a “recovering guitarist” and think more folks like me would benefit from learning how keys is a great compliment. Cheers!

[@alexcerezo7231]

great video! And yessss, do de pick differences! I'm in a pick crisis at the moment and that would be very helpful. Thanks, Philip!

[@sagittated]

For bass, a 3.0 Dunlop primetone gets my vote.

[@RCM-Bass]

Fantastic video. Love your content! Keep going.

[@marcrosenwald2546]

you’re amazing thank you for making the literally best bass related videos

[@Tenoken]

Huge fan of your channel! Fellow gigging bassist here. Love your insights and commentary.

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks so much!

[@michaeloberly6129]

I always enjoy your compositions on your channel, and I loved this one. I really appreciate how musical and appealing they are. All the bass choices here sound amazing…to me, a good P bass just feels like as good a sound as you can get. Maybe not the best for any possible situation, but it is at least really good for any situation. Also, as mentioned before me, thanks for your positivity - it’s always a treat to watch your videos.

[@RICK-te3qh]

Excellent video tku. Love wheeling around on my J bass but I always crave that smooth “thing” and go back to my P bass. My feel and groove cleaned up and I truly relaxed after making the P bass my primary. Playing live just seems to feel better as well.

[@philipconradmusic]

Nice!

[@jakeadams0412]

Beautiful. For me, precision, jazz, synth bass, mustang, semi hollow. All sound incredible

[@NewHopeAudio]

Very cool as always. Would love a pick video!

[@django4110]

The Dunlop Prime Tone 1.5 is my recommendation. I switched to it after struggling with all kinds of picks. I don't know why, but I always had problems with the grip, the sound they give you, the feel, and the look. Before that I played for 4 years with a pick similar to the Fender Heavy you showed in the video. I play p bas single coil with flats, and use prime tone pick, and am absolutely happy with the feel, clear sound prime tone gives me. It is just a good and modern pick for p bas as for me 👌. Highly recommended for everyone to try

[@sagittated]

Primetones should be celebrated by musicians everywhere with an annual holiday.

[@CamiloDiaz]

love the Big Stubby pick (Dunlop 3.0)... and yes, a video about picks is due

[@dannyhernandez8617]

I’m really into short scales for the same reasons mentioned throughout the video. I feel like they can be really great all around basses if you have a two pickup configuration

[@SpacemanIan]

One of your best videos, yet!

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks dude!

[@scottkidwellmusic9175]

I really liked the overall feel of the P Bass, though none of them sounded bad, they all fit the mix and were interesting. Thanks for the viddy! Be good to you!

[@TheLeon1032]

this video was so so helpful, listening ur eq curves fucking helped big time man, im not a pro but im full of wonder and addicted to tone, great video

[@lipstick_flutist]

Great video as always! Would love a pick video!!

[@patiszejuicebox]

Out of curiosity Philip, do you by any chance have the ability to borrow a 5-string bass? I'm curious what your thoughts would be playing after a month, considering you're generally a 4 string player.

[@HenryJansen59]

Yes! Pick video, please!

[@maximus-0_o]

Love that synth bass!!! So cool! a video on that would be amazing or a vid on other "Bass Roles" as you called it would be great.

[@kbowen2251]

For this song i would say that short scale sounds the best but I'm betting the strings are a big part of that. Thanks for the video!

[@TheBassfresh]

ABSOLUTELY!!!! my 6 are; my 65 precision TI flats, 08 rw jazz TI flats, Ibanez srh500F labella tapewound, jmj mustang labella MUS flats (all 4 are go to for recordings) , K162 labella flats,, knilling thin line upright laminated bass pirastro obligato strings (go to for jazz jams and very rare).

[@GeoffroyVincens]

Hello Philip ! What's missing is a good fretless. ^^ Fretless JB + Short Scale cover about all my needs here.

[@lookidraw]

I’ve basically played the same 1970’s P bass for the last 20 years. Sure, I have a jazz bass, and I like it, but I don’t use it the same way. Any recording or show that I’ve done has been on that P bass. It’s just the best.

[@davidsix8907]

For me, the P always works. The Moog is also so nice for the track you made.

[@7171jay]

I finally got some felt picks a few years ago but have never even heard of leather picks, thanks for pointing out something unusual that I wasn't even aware of. The Moog seemed like at needs a bit of mids or even highs dialed in, sounded too muffled to me. Currently I only have one bass, a 67 Kay 5819 medium scale with flats on it. Owning a P-bass again would be cool but I've been thinking for some time that a Fender Bass VI would give me some really different sounds that I want. Now you have me thinking about hollow or a semi-hollow too because that Epi sounds so good! That Jazz bass has a really great bright tone I can appreciate a lot too.

[@Mastenbro]

The semi-hollow almost sounded like a P with rounds! I like to use 4 basses; a P with flats and one with rounds and a Jazz with flats and rounds. Over time I found that those cover all sounds need. (Although I’d love to own a Stingray, Mustang bass etc etc haha)

[@MrWhit30]

my current collection Upright--for my acoustic duo P/J copy strung with flats Guild Starfire strung w flats-my go to "rootsy"elec bass. Jazz strung with rounds- using it for the currently forming rock band but Im gonna put rounds back on the P/J and try that as well.

[@Jerrytale]

Thank you for this nice and smooth video. Very interessting. Greetings from Germany.

[@scottcolburn9415]

You ve convinced me. I need to add a short scale bass.

[@VeitLehmann]

I agree with 5, but I'd choose different ones: 1) Passive longscale with flatwounds (probably a P) 2) Active longscale 5 string with rounds (something that can also come close to a J and/or a StingRay) 3) Shortscale semihollow (your Rumblekat is perfect! Alternatively something like a Guild or a Höfner) 4) Fretless, maybe one with an additional Piezo pickup, e. g. a Sandberg Custom Thinline, the Ibanez SRD900F or an Esh 5) An upright (but a synth is also something great to have/be able to play) I'm only missing the upright. And once I get one, I might also need a new flat... 😅

[@dylanaird4437]

Great video! Super cool philosophy to finding the right tool for the job.

[@kbowen2251]

This is a great video! And i wouldn't mind hearing more about picks. I've been strictly Fingerstyle but that leather looks like a good option for me to try! Might be cool to do more things along that same line too...

[@100DollarHeadache]

I actually only have five at the moment. '74 Rickenbacker 4001 with TI Jazz Flats, '80s BC Rich Warlock that was my stage instrument but is out of order because of a seam separation on the headstock, '89 Jackson Concert that is serving as the Warlock's backup, '00s Schecter C4-XXX that I replaced the active tone with an Underhill (Alembic style) preamp, and recent Ibanez electric upright 5-string.

[@contratoronto5868]

I would love a different types of picks video. A guitar player buddy of mine gave me some felt pick and it completely changed the way I approach my flat strung p-bass. Never heard of a leather pick before, but will definitely check em out now

[@jasondorsey7110]

I exclusively use felt picks these days...I have my reasons...but the gist of it is, it has less of the clickiness that you get with hard picks, but it still has attack if you dig in

[@admarhermans1]

When it comes to basses, I have somewhat the same kind of arsenal. My semi hollow is a Guild Starfire II. And I love my Höfner Club with d’Addario tapewounds, wich supply a more airy tone (more highs and high mids) to a bass that is fairly boomy and woolly with flats. I do not own a vintage ‘66 P 😄. But I do have a bunch of great Fender P’s from a later date. That provides me with lots of extra options like having them with rounds, flats and tapewounds. Same with Jazz basses. I’m totally with you on the synths! They’re great: by themselves and for learning even more about what bass is or can be in music. (I’m just nuts about analog synths (love the Moog!) and their sounds in every way, from modular stuff to my own trusty Bass Station. I wish I was better at using them... 😆) I wouldn’t ad anything, really. Well, perhaps a long scale Fender ‘51 style bass with a single Darkstar pickup. Totally different sounds altogether and my personal favorite. Mine has flats on it. 🖖

[@philipconradmusic]

Well said! Thanks for sharing ⚡️

[@ArchieOnEarth]

I use the smaller version of that purple 3mm pick (Dunlop Stubby vs Big Stubby). It gives the pick gurgle tone without sacrificing low end.

[@novarobotslofi6596]

Yes, i want the pick video lol. Never heard of that leather pick.

[@BenD_Bass]

Dude I've been experimenting with piccolo bass and I'm in love. Despite what the internet says, I used a 34 scale passive p bass lol. I got a new nut and saddles too

[@maxonmendel5757]

what frequency am i hearing in the semi hollow? its higher than the p bass but not as clanky as the j bass. its really nice. bloomy.

[@ronlight7013]

Where does the semi-hollow sit tonally in the spectrum from P-bass to J-bass? To my ear, it might be somewhere in the middle.

[@peterstephen1562]

Good staight shooting videos Philip. With your semi hollow I like the distinctive really low frequency fundamental that come from a pickup placed way up the neck end. In this vid you didn't use the neck boomer though ?

[@philipconradmusic]

Correct. I have a recent video demoing the different pickup options on that bass.

[@normanw.5725]

Hi, what exactly do you mean with 'saturation'? How does this apply to EQ on an amp, especially with a Pbass? Thank you

[@admarhermans1]

The more airy tones comming from the gold foil pickup in the Epi are just the right addition to your arsenal of tone palettes these basses provide! With all of the upgrades you did on this bass through the years you’ve made some really great decisions. And it’s a beauty too. I’m sure the original designer of this bass you’ve made your own through the years would love it too. It doesn’t look customized at all. It just looks like it’s designed that way. 🖖

[@philipconradmusic]

Thank you!

[@billytrance6893]

Question: Precision versus Jazz...which one has a lower low-end? Great video!

[@WhatJeanWants]

Great video! You have an awesome stable of tools (basses & synth) for a wide range of creative options. I would love for you to do a video of maybe 2 other modern synth bass keyboards of a similar or smaller physical format that would be a proper substitute to your 1979 Moog Prodigy.

[@philipconradmusic]

Cool! May have to do a synth video…

[@TB.906]

A video about picks sounds like a good idea to me ;)

[@abouc]

My ideal 5 basses would be: 1. Stingray 2. Early 80's Ibanez Roadstar with PJ pickups & active preamp 3. Jazz 4. Rickenbacker 5. Shortscale with flats

[@ThatMattGoodMusic]

The 'which bass' for this song is an interesting thought - I'd go two ways but it depends on the overall picture. If this was the chorus but the song doesn't add any more drums/percussion (namely a low kick) I'd go synth as it fills out the low end. If later I knew there was going to be a deep mellow kick I'd go with the Mustang bass or the Semi. But as you say it's all about the context of what the songs about etc - lot of factors but the important thing is to know your place in the context of the track!

[@kevincothron5089]

Nice video on different sounds from basses. I prefer the jazz bass i play due to the variation i can get. It has active pickup but is switchable to passive. So I can get lots of variation. For my gigs the middle between pickups works. I may try going more bridge or neck and see what that does for my sound. All of the basses you have have a place and time to shine.

[@moarbutterythantoast]

I just want to say that I completely disagree with the whole, "the P-bass is not versatile" argument. I see this a lot, so it's not just you. You said it's the most recorded bass ever, which is true. It may even be the most recorded guitar ever. The P-Bass has been used in every genre of music since it's inception, from pop to death metal. You can easily change the tone of the instrument with your technique. It sounds great with any string type. It sounds great with any amp type. It sounds great with pedals. The P-bass does it all.

[@philipconradmusic]

I think we are on the same page here. The P is incredibly versatile in terms of genre applications. I am referring to tone versatility with the pickup.

[@sixthgatebass]

If you solo the neck pickup and roll the volume back a smidgeon every bass sounds exactly like a p bass.

[@ileutur6863]

Yes and it has a nasally midrange between 400-800Hz thst I absolutely can't stand and can't seem to get rid of no matter how I play it

[@abouc]

A PJ can do P bass all day long and then some, so why is everyone always saying, "you need a P bass"? I honestly will never understand. If you can only afford one bass, go with a PJ or Jazz.

[@ileutur6863]

@@abouc Every PJ I've ever owned gets quiet with both pickups on and the J by itself is mostly useless unless you're doing a Jaco impression

[@seanedwards9787]

It's interesting that I haven't seen active basses make an appearance on this channel. Also, I want a picks video!!!!

[@SteveMaturo]

I play a Jazz bass with the neck pickup all the way up and the bridge and tone halfway. I play mostly fingerstyle, but I also use a pick if the song needs it. If I need more bite, I roll up the tone. I have tried P Basses, but I am not comfortable with the neck of a P bass.

[@mightyV444]

I don't think you turned down the Mustang's Volume _too_ much! To _my_ ears, it was sitting much better in the mix like that. And really also just as a _supporting_ instrument, rather than a lead bass at that louder setting. I liked that a lot! 😍 My favourite sound was the JazzBass', though: I like that it had more definition than the P-bass and the Mustang. I would just turn its Volume down in the mix a little 🙂 Quite cool also the synth bass sound! 🤩👍

[@OuchMusic]

I play a weird ovation and my only input is something fretless is really useful to have floating around too

[@atquinn1975]

P bass for the win. I also like the shortscale and the synth. I think the reason is that the sat in the mix best. Of course, the others could have been eq'd to sit in the mix better.

[@IggyYTube]

They all sound great. I'm a P-bass enthusiast but the J-bass sounds great as well. Difficult to choose 🙂 The synth bass is also really nice. To be honest I would buy all 5 basses.

[@NotYourBiggestFan]

Excellent content, thanks.

[@99FXR]

Dang 5!?! I keep my limit at 3, so this is a WINNING argument!

[@maxherron1376]

Doing the Lord's work. Love it!

[@eskilseter]

Honestly, on that track and with that bassline, I'd love to hear a fretless. But out of the optipns in the video, the synth bass suited the track best.

[@chrisjs6123]

Been trying to get into synth bass. The selection and options is so confusing though. Awesome video. I’m weird. I use flats on a jazz but rounds in a P. Though I also have a I with flats. Wonderful basses.

[@Polarbear7-v2o]

A video about synth bass and where to start would be great. Maybe advantages across price ranges and capabilities. There’s tons of choices and very little practical guidance (by that I mean not advertising fluff).

[@timbaxter9932]

In the words of Timothy B. Schmitt. "Bass should sound like bass". I am almost always drawn to my P Bass for most things I do. I have half flats on my P Bass and flats on my J Bass. To be a little different I have a set of dead rounds on my Hoffner which gets that thump that only it will get. Now for a real rock sound I use my Music Man with 2 P/U's and rounds. It works best if I'm going to crank the distortion. You've got an ambientesque track going on here and I would have to go with the J Bass (mix of both P/U's and tone turned down) with delay, chorus and some reverb.

[@jefferyduncan9015]

Any advice for someone who is just getting started?

[@Polarbear7-v2o]

This track has plenty of mid and high frequency content from the drums etc. So the P bass seems to fit the best to me by filling in what’s missing.

[@ConnerofallTrades]

I know a lot of people are saying the P bass is the best, but honestly I think the Mustang sounds the best based off of the tone of the song without lyrics. Like you said, vocals would drastically alter that decision. Also feel like the jazz bass is almost there, with the right effects and maybe some pickup adjustments it could do what the P bass is doing with slightly more articulation. Really informative, my only playing experience has been with my jazz bass (and a cheap slap bass from back in highschool) so it's always interesting to hear different clean tones.

[@05645ci]

Phil, thanks for the great videos; I see that Rickenbacker isn't mentioned in your top 5; did it simply miss the cut or are you not a fan of Rickenbacker basses? I'd say it's used by more players than semi hollow bodies, short scales, and synth basses. No criticism, I'd just like to hear your thoughts on Rickenbacker. I have a mexican p bass and I'm looking for a 2nd bass now. Keep up the great work

[@irajamestech]

this just reinforcing my gear acquisition syndrome. thanks!

[@KleversonRoyther]

As a semi-hollow bass player myself (and I mostly only play semi-hollow), I wonder what different sounds you would get out of that one. I am more inclined to a Jack Casady/Phil Lesh approach to my fuzz tone (just selecting different pickups to get one style or the other), but I wonder where YOU would take it.

[@hewolf]

Precision bass is the winner ☺️ Yes, Pbsss is a one trick pony, but it performs a hell of a trick!!!

[@wirthwhilemedia]

I liked all but the synth bass.. lol. cool variations

[@nathanminert3119]

Personally I think I would go with either the P bass or the Mustang. A video about different picks for bass would be really cool!

[@damienalvarez2957]

I started on a P Bass, but then I found a 5-string Stingray HH, and i feel like people are sleeping on the HH Stingrays. With the active EQ and the 5-way switch, you can dial in A LOT of tones.

[@GrinningFeline]

I just keep a P, a mustang, and a synth around at recording time. Just listening here shows what I wasn’t even thinking of. I usually like to be pre-mixed and out of the way. That said, I can get a great grind out of the P with some fresh rounds, so they aren’t really one trick.

[@icorn25]

How would you EQ each of these 5 different basses to fit in the same mix? That would be interesting

[@FullMetalAnus]

Philip, you’re convincing me to go shortscale. You’ve already convinced me to get my starfire 😂 Would love to see you compare your semi and your shortscale to a semi hollow shortscale bass

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks for sharing! Actually, I forgot to mention my semihollow is a short scale so it’s both!

[@FullMetalAnus]

@@philipconradmusic it was right in front of me all along then lol!

[@jasondorsey7110]

Ever try a bullet bass? Perfect middle ground between a pbass and a mustang

[@balloonman8796]

As the bassist and keyboardist in my band, I couldn't agree more with what you said about keys. They're like two totally different interfaces for the same musical territory

[@philipconradmusic]

Exactly! Well said

[@balloonman8796]

@@philipconradmusic Thank you Philip! You're an inspiration and a great teacher

[@hushpuppykl]

I got 5 basses. I must admit the look of a bass creates the need to covet but all 5 have a different sound. Older vibe that’s versatile, has to be my ‘78 Jazz Bass.

[@simonbowkett124]

I’m leaning towards the Mustang or Semi-Hollow. I think they’re more conversational with a vocal line. The J bass, in this case, is a little too ‘in your face’ and The Precision is great for a solid bed of sound, but that’s not what I’m feeling with this track. Personally, I’m all about using the melody of a song to inform what I do on the bass. I know Macca in the later Beatles years would often re-record bass lines to fit melody and arrangement changes. Recently with the Moises app, I’ve been listening to a lot of tracks with just drums, bass and vocals. You’d be surprised at how many songs work beautifully with just those elements. 5 Basses: Stingray 5 / Jazz Bass / Precision (flats) / Fretless / Semi-Hollow (tapewounds)

[@DylanWOWilliams]

My top 5 basses every player should own 1. P bass 2. Active Stingray style humbucker 3. Jazz bass 4. Any body with Rick style pickups 5. And lastly, I’d agree with synth.

[@michaeldean4704]

I would be good with either the J-bass or the semi-hollow, with my nod being to the Allen Woody. I think they both made their presence felt without being obnoxious. To my ears the P-bass & Mustang were too far 'behind' in the mix (if that makes any sense). I also felt the synth was very weak and gave no support to the overall sound.

[@mgr_1138]

Me, a modern rock and metal bass player: 😶.. i think I need a 6th one. Honestly, they all sound lovely. I really like your videos and usually come here to get another perspective, and for the down-to-earth-ness and the vibe.

[@kingdeedee]

In my opinion (talking about bass guitars): 1. P bass 2. Jazz bass 3. Something modern/active (ideally with a hum-cancelling design) 4. A 5 string (with a low B please and thanks) 5. Something fun of your choice (6. A synth bass still) I will always say a P bass as it just covers so much ground so easily especially in the studio and it’s just harder to sound bad than good on them. As far as options 2,3 and 4, they can all be squeezed into 2 potentially even 1 bass for people who don’t have the money/space to buy all these instruments. As a performing bassist though a 5 string is incredibly clutch. I mostly play gospel where most musicians play by ear and they throw a lot of nonsense at you like last second key changes. A 5 gives you more flexibility to play difficult lines in more keys without messing with the shape and it will save you in a lot of cases. Active preamps are also great live in a pinch (use them sparingly though please).

[@DanielSing90]

Hey man, have you ever had to track anything in the modern rnb/pop/theater vein? Almost every cat in these genres play a 5 string but I notice you didn't mention it as an option, and I've never seen you play one. I think it's worth mentioning; I still see our favourite 4 string players like Sean Hurley/Time Lefevbre play them a lot. For reference, my fav players are Anthony Jackson and Nathan East etc so I guess we come from slightly adjacent sides of the session bass world. Just worth mentioning I thought (and my main basses are still 4 string fender style instruments).

[@Scoots1994]

various finger tones vs various pick tones would be interesting.