The Dark Truth Behind Gear Videos | The Janek Gwizdala Podcast

[@larrylefebour9324]

very interesting conversation and thank you for your honesty and background info on products you’ve discussed. I’ve relied more on opinions from people I personally know in recent years, which often results in a long gap before I become aware of any new products.

[@janekgwizdala]

Larry, congrats! You're our winner. Please reach out via the contact form at janekgwizdala.com/contact so we can get your information and ship the In Ear Monitors to you. 🎁🎊

[@larrylefebour9324]

thanks so much Janek! Really appreciate it and all the amazing insights you provide

[@mastermachetier5594]

I’m okay with reviews and sponsorship but transparency is key ! I appreciate your dedication to it.

[@ethanlocke3604]

Also would absolutely love to see a podcast episode with Josh from JHS

[@janekgwizdala]

@@ethanlocke3604 💯

[@crishernandezbass]

I appreciate your honesty! This is definitely something that KZbin creators don’t talk, sometimes people loses the point and review things with the purpose of just reviewing, instead of really finding the true use on real situations. We forget that products should be made to solve problems. Thank you for incredible channel and content!

[@DanGallagherMusic]

Love the honest takes! Thanks for all the info!

[@lucagarciaferrari]

Another great video that touches on this is Benn Jordan’s “How Influencers Break the Law (Including Me)”, it’s great! He talks about the legality of the deals and ads that youtubers do. I personally would love to hear/see “ads” from my favourite musicians where they actually use the gear to make music or show how they used that piece of kit on a certain song, that kind of thing.

[@nicholascarroll7239]

I actually prefer “gear reviews” like you do them, wherein I mean watching you play with your pedalboards. I’ve gotten so many pedals after listening to you use them and I’ve been thrilled with everyone. I think because you are actually showing them in musical context and not just “here’s what this can do”. So thank you!

[@SergeyDanilevych]

I admire your dedication to the craft Janek . I started following you in the early 2010s . It's great to see how much you have evolved since and me alongside, studying your every move. I have rewatched some of your old videos from the daily blog , brought up memories. Thank you for everything, maestro !

[@_B_E_A_D_G_C]

You’re one of the VERY few people I trust on YT due to your honesty, integrity, and transparency. Are you confirmed for Bass Day London 2025? I’m traveling 7 hours to come see ya, and I’m bringing you the Iron Ether Divaricator to take with you to try out(as a massive pedal nerd, I thought if anyone could make it sound musical / enjoy it, it would be you. Plus,it’s in the unobtanium category) Looking forward to the RKM, release - I will most definitely be getting one after hearing some sound samples / your review of it. Thanks for sharing your insanely precious time with us, Janek!

[@sbbandmusic]

I always appreciate those who just use the gear, and talk about how great it is as opposed to a video review that is just a big commercial. That genuine-ness is always appreciated.

[@stevegregory436]

Your candor and willingness to be transparent is, and has been, a true gift to viewers. Thank you for being willing to take that chance, as I suspect it comes with both freedom and static!

[@crishernandezbass]

This is video is gold! Love you channel, Janek!

[@martyprior]

Absolute ' honesty and total in-depth reviews' is what I describe your podcast & real life reviews of musical equipment Janek! I always try to tune in to your substack podcasts too!

[@Dariotoma]

Honesty and integrity are so rare now that you have to love it when you see it and that's always your case. Gear demo are always tricky, différent instrument, different touch , excessive post production or shitty sound , but there is always more than one take and you have to deal with it. I like your "that's the way I use it" approach.If I want more of a " how this sound" or "what this thing can do" there are plenty of people to check. But at the end of the day you'll know exactly only when you have it and you play trough it. Again your honesty deserve récognition. Always a pleasure to listen and watching you.

[@BassStevie]

Yes to more giveaways! As an insider (I’m a marketeer) - the great thing about giveaways is that it frequently drives a lot of interest and sales in the product. The disappointment of not winning is often countered with the satisfaction of just buying it with your own money. Once you want it - you need it. Love what you do.

[@ScottVarneyMusic]

This is why I’ve always been appreciative of videos like yours. Honest reviews and the ins and outs of how the pieces of gear sound or how they work. Too many people out there who seem to love every new piece of gear they are sharing and spend the whole video adding to the overall shine. Thanks for everything you do Janek, and this is for beyond the gear but also the writing, performance, education and business side of music that you share !!

[@jefframminger1420]

I actually stopped taking a new digital bass magazine because literally every review they did was rated 5 stars. And the written content wasn't helpful at all in determining whether or not the piece of gear being reviewed would suit my needs. I really appreciate your approach and transparency. Thanks for what you do!

[@ellenmakesnoise]

Excellent to hear someone talking about this frankly. It's a little too easy to find agreeable, sanitised reviews of most products these days rather than fair criticism or honest recommendations. Thanks Janek for the insight!

[@garryjacksonbass]

Comment left, hope this pushes the algorithm for you. Keep up the good work Janek!

[@domkingsford2206]

Your reviews are constantly transparent and honest - even back to when you picked up the Fender Mustang all those years ago in the flat; we come to expect justification, honesty and transparency from you and we appreciate it!

[@edunogues23]

What I like about the way you do reviews is that it feels so honest! Most people look like they’re not saying what they really think 🤔

[@Doublebassblake]

Thanks for the great content and the honesty about what you do! Been following you over ten years. Here’s to ten more.

[@sven_scarobu9291]

Thanks for real.

[@brunocyclist]

It's always interesting to hear your opinions and experiences as a professional musician. In reviews transparency is key.

[@PaulMc509]

Honest reviews are getting harder and harder to find so I really appreciate this edition of your podcast. Lots of useful hints 👍

[@pantelis.constantinou]

Really helpful as always. Nice seeing you, Janek. Long time no see. Hope to see you live in Europe soon

[@CDL27708]

I get so tired every time there’s a new product there a bajillion KZbin videos in my feed about it. I sincerely appreciate your transparency. And I can’t wait for the new book!

[@Deathofatiger1389]

Definitely appreciate actual gear demos like yours. Hand in hand with actual use examples is very helpful in protecting your viewers from harmful wastes of money and time.

[@ivanzolotco8667]

awesome video, Janek! honest, transparent and informative - as always! thanks :)

[@jbhopper2827]

Huge fan of the channel, it’s a huge help to have a pedagogue like you making content!!!

[@abernbaum]

I like reviews that aren’t paid advertisements for the product but a true in depth evaluation, especially if the reviewer uses the product. I enjoy studying out of your bass books and I could use a pair of in ears though I never win anything. I enjoyed the video.

[@tomaslongombardo6106]

Can wait to see your future series Janek!

[@mikoajmularczyk6605]

Thank you for your honesty and total transparency Janek! Love this form of videos, keep it up, cheers!

[@Antman3820]

Always love and appreciate your honesty in all of your content. This video addressing gear reviews is refreshing

[@robinmarsh6396]

Appreciate your honesty in not only these gear discussions but also just around bass practice and music in general. Keep it up mate - inspirational player and creator ❤

[@parkerklein1007]

Really dig your approach to subjects like this, very informative and well thought out! Thank you!

[@ShaksBassChannel]

Thanks for sharing your perspective and not being afraid to speak openly and honestly about topics often ignored. As a ‘non-talking’ bass channel I am a huge advocate of letting the gear speak for itself by demonstrating how it actually sounds in context. For me that’s the best way to sell me on a product. But everyone has their own preferences. Looking forward to seeing you perform live again sometime soon. Last time was in Band on the Wall (Manchester, UK) with Bob Reynolds - amazing gig!

[@etienne_martin_bass]

Wow nice giveaway! I love how honest you are on gear and I always go back to watch your reviews before buying anything bass related!

[@jeffadams4952]

Thank you for your personal transparency. The music gear industry has become aware of the social media advertising market so it is not surprising that have managed to find ways to take advantage of a new customer demographic. Personal integrity is still the most effective advertising policy for the consumer! Thank you Janek for not compromising your integrity & character!

[@mattvanderlinden]

Love hearing how things work “on the inside” of the industry. Thanks for the transparency and the education!

[@Bassgroover]

Always look forward to new Janek content…. Be it teaching, gear or his own music… always well done.

[@wallace_nelson]

I must say this is my first Black Friday with the J.Gwizdala Crew and I love it. Great Video as always. Thanks for sharing.

[@vutranbass]

The most honest artist alive today, true inspiration.

[@marqpace]

I appreciate your honesty and transparency. Really value your perspective and approach to gear.

[@karelrogers7232]

Love the high quality and attention to detail of these episodes sir ! Much blessings !

[@robertherrera5338]

Janek, Your videos are always so informative and worth watching. Thank you for the time and energy.

[@brienlewis7562]

Good stuff, Janek. Appreciate what you do for the bass community!

[@alcantey]

I really enjoy all your content Janek! Thanks for all the hard work you put into it 🙏🏼

[@דןאלמוג]

thanks for being honest about how reviews are not so honest many of the times, and for your great music and content! hope the honesty loops grows and you get feedback from the one who gets the inears

[@RossHoekman]

I've always appreciated your gear videos, because you're always very upfront about your motivations. And when the gear you talk about keeps showing up in future videos, it shows you believe in that product and makes a clear contrast to other creators that are just posting paid ads. But even your videos like the Perfect Circuit video are very well done… it's also clear that you've really taken more time than others to understand the product, and that video is the reason I have a Bitmap 2 on my board.👍🏻

[@joaopedromarri6410]

Such an important video, Janek! Glad and proud of your take on it!

[@Funky-Electric-Bass-Groover]

Great video as always Janek. Looking forward to receiving my copy of the new book.

[@mikagrinell8124]

Great to get such insight and honesty about this! Have definitely walked in the trap a few times believing “reviews” about products..

[@juandelacruz7035]

My favorite bass player and podcaster, awesome content

[@atanasoaieadrian2188]

as always thank you for your transparency and for all the time and effort you put into making this videos for us. all the best to you. Please come to Bucharest!!!!

[@brankovucetin1797]

Love this format, longer video on one topic, keep it up!

[@timoruegamer]

Tough topic. Thanks for sharing your insides. Love your your videos and of course your bass playing. Keep on going.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Janek, the amount of transparency you give your audience, makes me happy to be part of your community. You always go above and beyond what you need to just to show your 100% honestly. You are one of the most genuine people/ bass players/ channel on KZbin. The fact you could use these products to even grow your channel to other audience and chose not to just shows your loyalty to yourself and your community 🫡 in conclusion, I think you are running a great channel and I also think a lot of this is none of our business, as far as who are any of these people to whine about any ad you do or any product you receive and even use and take a payment for it. Maybe I’m wrong and missing something, I just don’t see the issue. I think to many people cry about nonsense when I’m sure they have plenty they could focus on in their own lives.

[@claudioribeiro3277]

As someone who's been doing written gear reviews for some time now, this video really resonated with some of the stuff I've been going through. I don't have an audience, I don't even have a personal brands, I do reviews to a well known online magazine. To some degree, I really understand why some content creators are doing what they are doing; I would hate to stop doing the reviews because at some point in time I was "too honest" with a review, and now I burnt a bridge. So, ineach review I get to do, I'm always very clear, that company X sent me those products to review and what you're reading is my opinion only. And I always make sure to point out both the good and the bad, and to stay as close to total honesty as possible. Fortunately, until now, I haven't had to review a product that has no redeeming qualities, but I'm sure that day will come! PS: studying Erdnase right now ;)

[@RichMooreMusic]

Great video - very enlightening - it’s hard to know these days whether what you’re watching is a paid ad or a honest review -thanks!

[@michaelzollinger4977]

I am loving your vids and books! Keep up the great work!!!!

[@NichlasIsaacs]

Dude i love youre gear reviews. I have a few of your books and i really love them, especially the book on pentatonics. I bought my HX stomp because of you. Big fan. Thank you!!

[@zachthompson_music]

Thank you for the podcast. I am looking forward to your new book!

[@tbeane]

Great session and stream of consciousness. Love that phrase!

[@leroyNewton9]

I appreciate your authenticity. ❤

[@theotherchriswagner]

Love clicking on a link to a review and it's basically a press release.

[@bassplayer710]

Great points made, thanks for spending the time to cover this. I’ve been drawn in a few times with big gear retailers showing off new products - for some reason I was never that critical of their reviews because they don’t actually manufacture the product… but of course they wouldn’t say many bad things when they stock it on their website and want to sell stock - well pointed out!

[@felmorbass]

One of the bassists who understands the most about equipment!

[@kamhash1]

I always understood that’s how some people make their money on KZbin, but it’s nice to know there are some creators approaching how they display gear to their viewers with so much intention.

[@ggyt7657]

Hi Janek, this is not the first time that you have stood up for transparency with conviction and, above all, not only talked about it, but also been transparent yourself - respect! That builds trust! Do you have any plans for appearances in Germany?

[@rspturner]

100% agreed. You can tell right away who is keeping gear or getting paid. As another poster said, that is ok - but be transparent. They also rarely include a "here is what I didn't like" section in the review. As far as I can tell that comes with all of yours. Ordered the scales and arpeggios book can't wait til it arrives!

[@ayaan-javed]

So true... Transparancy is soo much more needed

[@bassmaniacriley69]

I love watching reviews of gear daily from true users. Thanks!!! 🤘🏼

[@edgoodsell]

Such an important topic. There's so many fake reviews out there. It's mad. We're lucky to have you dude.

[@JulienSerenRosso]

Love the gear review and the transparency!

[@carlchameleon9847]

Love you Janek! Thanks for the videos.

[@usedom3605]

You provide a lot of useful knowledge in your videos, for example, playing chords along the neck of my bass has become part of my daily routine. Cheers!

[@jazzbassjames6403]

Thanks for the headsup on the Victory Amps story- that was also interesting. Interesting episode of the podcast.

[@flatwoundfisker]

Appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience with us! Your approach is honest, don't change a thing.

[@stephenbornemann1778]

The most impactful videos for me are the ones the focus on the sound rather than the chat

[@PieterKitslaar]

Loved that you mentioned Ricky Tinez, one of my favorite music and gear channels. Put me on the list for the IEM giveaway!

[@C47pt3x]

I came for the giveaway and ended up listening for far longer than anticipated. Keep doing your thing.

[@Marshbass]

Great video, always love your gear reviews, so much detail and real life application examples.

[@Fusionbassist56]

Thank you so much for this video! You’ve been an influence on me both musically and for kit since, Mystery to Me! If it wasn’t for you I would have taken a lot longer to arrive at the kit that I have that I feel is “my voice.” Thank you for being honest, thank you for sharing your experience, and thank you for being yourself! Cheers!

[@LSFletcher]

I think there’s a lot to be said for professional musicians in videos talking about the gear (not all new) they use vs the professional music video makers talking about a new thing they are selling. For example your preamp shootout was on a bit of gear you were actually going to use for one tour - the context and framework were laid out, you weren’t pretending the colourbox was the be all and end all, or the cornerstone of your live rig forever more - but it was really really interesting dive into all the gear. The other interesting thing is the difference between professionals and prosumers in terms of audience and how shilling videos influence the prosumer market- I find it amazing on forums and insta seeing people show of their pedalboards- which is fun, and then you realise all the pedals there were only released in the last 12 months or so. I’m not convinced that a constant churn of gear is at all healthy to actually making music and you see on bass forum as big chunk of ppl following the latest shiny thing and never asking why they are changing from the latest shiny thing

[@nickpicc]

I don't watch gear videos much unless its a player that I just enjoy listening to regardless of the gear! Thanks for your honest take ❤

[@ErikPietsch-i6m]

Thank you for making this video and all you do Janek! A very important topic to be mindful of and to develop a sensitivity to. PUPPIES!!! Looking forward to the new book!

[@replikasbuzi]

Very informative episode! I'm agree 100% with you! My motto is you should always try every product and see for yourself if it suits you and your playing, regardless of others opinion.

[@KillerFridge]

I immediately thought of your DG Element video when i saw this because it (in my mind) was exactly the sort of video I'm looking for when im trying to get info on gear.

[@Martydove]

Transparency is super important when talking about gear reviews etc

[@folkbrutale]

Thank you so much Janek. These podcasts are so interesting!

[@eheveronsmith]

Comment for the IEM giveaway! 😅 Thanks for doing what you do. I'm in D.C. this weekend, playing bass for a blues trio, and I'm grateful for all the wisdom you've dropped- it makes my job easier.

[@christophermartin1018]

Great podcast Janek. Been having some fun meddling around with your HX presets lately. Cheers!

[@alexadelaar9319]

Love the insight and excited to see more :)

[@11Lezard]

You always have clear and in-depth information!

[@kobetabulinar4351]

You’re right the best reviews are the 2-3 min videos of straight demo

[@pandyinfrance3065]

Great video. I think most of us are aware of the influence manufacturers exert on KZbin even if we're not aware of the details. What has annoyed me recently was watching a video rating bass amplifiers where the host(s) extolled the virtues of an amplifier from a manufacturer who currently does t actually produce an amp. It all makes you wonder about youtube. Nice to hear someone who knows what theyre talking about explain things 😊

[@Maikromachine]

Love your gear reviews! ❤️ keep on doing such good stuff for the Community!

[@andretillmann]

I believe that transparency is key, regardless of whether the product makes sense for the musician or not; this should be communicated to the audience. I also understand that the company's perspective matters and that prior transparency with them is necessary as well. I see this as something that benefits everyone-the musician reviewing the product, the person watching the video, and the company manufacturing the product. Anyway, congratulations on the video, and thank you for the many insights you shared with us. Greetings from Brazil!

[@fabiancanedo]

Great pod, Janek! So much valuable info