SBL at NAMM 2024 | Is this Mexico’s answer to Fodera? ($3K+) | The SBL Podcast Ep. 138

In this episode, we delve into Sharon's latest acquisition: her brand-new fretless RKM bass from NAMM 2024 (and discuss whether perhaps they're Mexico's take on Fodera?). We unpack the journey of acquiring the bass and delve into its standout features & discuss the highs and lows of NAMM 2024. Everything from Steel Caster guitars, the exquisite craftsmanship of L.E.H basses to navigating the NAMM labyrinth!
In this episode
Why Sharon LOVES her new RKM fretless bass
Why you should check out Steel Caster guitars.
How to navigate the NAMM numbers system.
Why the Neural booth was a disappointment.
The importance of recognising craftsmanship in musical instruments.
And much, much more!
===
Video Breakdown:
00:00:00 - Introduction and Sharon's New RKM Bass
00:01:23 - Getting the New Bass from NAMM
00:04:07 - Description of the New Bass
00:06:23 - Playing the New Bass
00:07:52 - Attending NAMM
00:10:14 - Pricing of Custom Instruments
00:11:36 - Impressions of NAMM and Performances
00:25:19 - Top Picks: Stradi, Mule Guitars, and Olinto
00:36:17 - Impression of Stradi Bass
00:39:33 - Impression of Mule Guitars
00:45:04 - Impression of Steel Caster Bass
00:47:17 - Discussion about Steel Caster guitars
00:48:17 - Exploring the construction of Steel Caster guitars
00:48:46 - The unique characteristics of Steel Caster guitars
00:49:44 - Shout outs to Maddie and Spencer Lull, and L.E.H basses
00:50:43 - Appreciation for L.E.H bass guitars and their build process
00:51:13 - The importance of showcasing the craftsmanship behind instruments
00:53:38 - Disappointment with Neural booth at NAMM
00:55:20 - Speculation on Neural's future integration of plugins into hardware
00:56:44 - Discussion on marketing campaigns and mystique
00:57:42 - The challenges of navigating NAMM and its numbering system
00:58:10 - Summary
===
GET MORE BASS TIPS 👇
_________________________________________________________________
🙌 Be the first to know - SUBSCRIBE now → bit.ly/sub-to-sbl-yt
🔓 Unlock your FREE trial to transform your bass playing → bit.ly/3fXt4cI
ABOUT SCOTT’S BASS LESSONS (SBL)
_________________________________________________________________
As the largest online bass education platform in the world, with an ever-expanding course library and 40,000+ active members, Scott’s Bass Lessons (SBL) has everything you need to master the bass, all in one place.
Featuring beginner level bass lessons, engaging courses from expert instructors, step-by-step development curricula, direct feedback on your playing, real-time mentorship from A-list bassists and a thriving and incredibly supportive community, SBL is the perfect platform to uplevel your bass playing, whether you’re a total beginner, or an advanced pro-level bassist.
Try SBL Membership today! → bit.ly/3fXt4cI
RECOMMENDED BASS PLAYLIST
_________________________________________________________________
Catch up with SBL Content you’ve missed:
➡️ • SBL Full Video Playlist
#bassguitarlessons #namm2024 #bassgear
LINKS & OTHER RESOURCES
_________________________________________________________________
Tune in to our Weekly Podcast:
🎧 sblpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Explore our free courses:
🎸 freebasscourses.com
Try our FREE GrooveTrainer App:
📱 scottsbasslessons.com/groove-...

[@MikeLullCustomGuitars]

It was so so great hanging with you guys!! Thanks for the shout outs :) - Spencer Lull

[@IanMartinAllison]

You guys are the greatest!

[@MikeLullCustomGuitars]

Back at ya dude :)

[@Gorbyrev]

Oh nuts, there goes the GAS for that red Lull Brian Bellar plays so well.😂

[@MikeLullCustomGuitars]

@@Gorbyrev 😂😂

[@jeffs.1999]

@SpencerLull, I continue to covet your IMA4. It's a gem especially that color/finish. I think Ian just keeps teasing us all by proudly flaunting it to the community. 🎉

[@jeffpower6473]

In my past life I built custom basses. In 2013 I went to summer NAMM in Nashville to show off my basses. I sold about 10 off that show but it’s a very difficult business to break in to. Ultimately I conceded my dream and took a job as a finish carpenter to feed my family. I still hold the dream of building basses for a living in my heart and believe one day it’ll happen. I built under the name Ella Basses, if anyone is curious. I don’t know why I shared that, I guess because I wish RKM all the best because I know what it’s like to try and break into the custom bass world.

[@EddieG1888]

Jeff, you should do spare time builds and send them out into the world.😉👍🏻

[@jeffpower6473]

@@EddieG1888 that idea has been nagging me for the last year. Spare times hard to come by these days though. Might have to make some time

[@EddieG1888]

@@jeffpower6473 Jeff, I remember seeing some of your basses on the Talkbass boards, you're a brilliant luthier. Speaking as a bassist who's found it hard to get an instrument to my exact needs, I'd have to say its a real shame that someone with your talents isn't still building.

[@jeffpower6473]

@@EddieG1888 I appreciate that Eddie. I have a P/J 5 string prototype that’s been sitting for 8 years now. I think your encouragement is enough for me to finish it.

[@EddieG1888]

@@jeffpower6473 Brilliant, Jeff!! I'd love to see it when you get it finished. I've spent a long time fudging my own idea together; a 5-string based on the 4-string Fender platform, only with a 44mm nut and a 16mm string spacing. Assembled two so far, great for guys like me with smaller hands. However, I'm only an amateur and nowhere near your level! But if I were, I'd make instruments for my own enjoyment, and the pleasure of knowing that someone, somewhere was using my creation to further create. Having someone cherishing your instrument as their individual voice must be some feeling. You've been given a definite gift, Jeff. I think you should use it, and I look forward to seeing you back on the Talkbass boards showing off new instruments. - EddieG

[@theduppykillah]

I stopped watching “the news” first thing in the mornings last year instead I watch SBL vids and my general mood has improved tremendously love the camaraderie and vibes I get not to mention the gossip and gear news now instead of a head filled with despair about the human race I retire to my jam space and plug in and lose myself in bass…only love everytime big up all Crew.

[@jeffs.1999]

Ditto. SBL has truly united the bass guitar community, and we're getting healthy as an unintended consequence!❤

[@MisterQueue67]

I stopped watching mass media years ago. Quickly recognized that these media conglomerates want us to live in fear.

[@adamwalcott_official]

Janek's new RKM bass is pretty sick: Double p-bass. Not sure why we don't see that configuration more often. It reminded me of Peewee Hill's BC Rich that is pure funk.

[@Gerry926]

Reverse P for the win!

Also lee sklar main bass its double p

[@robertsuggs2510]

I have a beautiful double P vantage bass that I love 🎸

[@treyboldon1999]

It is really great to see Sharon come back

[@devinebass]

She's awesome!

[@treyboldon1999]

@@devinebass yes she is, hopefully we will get to see her a lot more

[@owenspence]

I was an apprentice carpenter, the black sawdust bogeys were horrific...

[@eldorado5319]

Three bass nerds is definitly better than two Love you all ❤

[@jeffs.1999]

Such a great hang today! Thanks once again. It's so cool that SBL has united this community. Just listen to the stories from your NAMM experience. It seemed like "old home week" for you guys, even though you likely met many of these people in person for the first time. For a regular geezer like me, living in rural Canada, I value the comraderie now accessible to those of us who hang with y'all from our sheds abroad. Pretty awesome, eh? -Jeff BC 🇨🇦

[@blueplateradio2]

Always a great hang on the podcast OR the YT channel! TY!

[@solobasssteve]

Was so so great to see you both there. Friday night dinner was amazing 🥰

[@rome8180]

I love Sharon, and I love the chemistry you all have together. Great to see her on the pod.

[@jackpardue]

this was fun. enjoyed listening to you three banter. the segment of drooling over the wild bases was hilarious. keep it up.

[@ericvantichel7414]

After years of admiring the Stradi basses I finally ordered one and I’m so happy I did. Stradi deserves your top three spot!

[@jeffs.1999]

Once again, I dearly love you folks. My day was kinda' crappy until I sat down to join the pod as a passive participant. You lit us up Sharon, when you imagined Scott saying "..guys, next year, let's get a f'n booth"! That was bars! Ian and the coffee incident, well you took one for all of us. I've been there. ❤🎉

[@alcantey]

That gold leaf finish is sooo cool 🤯 And the relic job pushes it over the top 😎 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@oscarsantos2608]

Gold never goes old!

[@laptoples]

Another fun video !!! Glad you guys talked about NAMM. That's all I've been watching, and I always want more !!! Great to hear some personal stories !!! 👍😁👍

[@ricodepapa8308]

I really enjoyed this episode, and moreover this has become my favorite show to watch. I started listening to the podcast while dog walking or at work, but honestly, this format is so much better. Keep 'em coming SBL team!

[@lynnpalmer8133]

Spent some time at the Trickfish booth and fell in love with that Shell pink Lull. What a beauty. Love your Lull Ian. What pups and pre? Fun discussion ya'll!

[@devinebass]

Ian's Lull is passive and has pickups modelled after the ones found in the Thunderbird!

[@kobetabulinar4351]

Yo having a chat with Sharon and playing the IMA4 was one of my favorite parts of the show!!

[@joshuaowens5228]

I’ve got an 83 BC Rich NJ neck through mockingbird dual P. It sounds awesome too. If I ever get a custom that’s the pick up configuration I’d go for

[@Bob-of-Zoid]

It starts with the intro of "Elephant talk"!😯 I love it already!🥳

[@negativeindustrial]

This channel makes me want to practice more. I feel like a slacker 😂

[@fleaSP]

SBL podcast on KZbin is awesome. I'm always looking for more of your content. Great info, gear gear and great bass nerding. Love it, want more!

[@collegeofcool8109]

I say they are Mexico's version of Nash. It appears ( unless I'm wrong ) that they don't make any components, just the bodies and necks. I think these "builders" are more "parts basses" compared to shops like Olinto, or Moollon, where Mas and YJ respectively also make their own tuners, bridges, and pickups, allowing them to express their full visions. Installing Fralins and Hipshots into bodies and necks means these basses will share so much with thousands of other similar builds. All of that is fine, but I think to charge $3-4K for a bass like this is nuts. They are mostly just curating a build with parts available to all of us. So, it seems the only relevant elements to comment and opine about with these sorts of basses is the woodworking and the finishing. Particularly when the builders are using Fender body designs. I would love your guys opinions on my opinion. Cheers.

[@PV184bass]

Well fodera uses seymour duncan, they also have used schaller bridges and mike pope preamp. And i dont see anyone saying that fodera just build bodies and necks. I think you need to do some more research on the subject.

[@collegeofcool8109]

I have done my research well. You are right, and I include Fodera among overpriced builds. The woodwork is fabulous, but their vision pretty much ends there. As an owner of a Fodera, I can say that the electronics are the weak link in the bass. The rest is amazing. From a tone perspective, it is nothing special. From a feel perspective, I have no complaints.

[@collegeofcool8109]

@@PV184bass I should clarify my opinion and make sure to give props to builders like Fodera. Fodera have spent years designing basses with original designs. They don't build Fender shaped things. So, my opinions about overpriced parts basses is more targeted to those builders also using Fender body and neck designs.

[@adamwalcott_official]

I agree with you about the price. I can't imagine spending $3-4k on a fender-shaped object that isn't an actual vintage Fender. I recently spent that much on a custom build 5-string fretless Maruszczyk, and the amount of actual woodwork done on my neck-thru is amazing compared to these "parts" basses that you refer to. I also recently purchased a USA G&L JB5, and it sounds so much better than any fender I've ever played (the saddle-lock bridge is legit). It was "b-stock" cuz it had a tiny finish crack in the neck pocket, so it was less than $1600 during a holiday sale.

[@devinebass]

In what way are the electronics the weak link?

[@pabloprimo250]

PLEASE, PLEASE HAVE A SBL BOOTH NEXT YEAR! Marketing king guys, this would be sooooo cool!!

[@TwoBadBassist]

Not a fan of rounds on a fretless since they eat up the fingerboard. My favorite flats for my fretless basses is Thomastik! Definitely worth the $$$! I want a free high-end bass…😜

[@stevemustard1889]

Great as always. Check out Ian Allison wearing the old school Queensryche shirt! I still have one of those myself lol

[@kgamaseg]

Have you been to RKM's channel? Those Live Sessions they laid down sound SICK!!! Especially, Michael Brecker's "Nothing Personal". Whew!!! SO much funk!!

[@devinebass]

🔥🔥🔥

[@JacqueHarper]

I'm very happy to see the picture of @SoloBassSteve.

[@davekidd7811]

I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting to Ian and Sharon at last year's NAMM when queuing for a coffee when I was on a break filming for Guitar Interactive. Scott, I've done the UK to LAX flight loads over the years attending NAMM since 2007.... yeah OK the flight is not the most pleasurable experience (especially in economy) and the inherent jet lag coming back, but it's worth suffering all that just to be at NAMM...trust me you wouldn't regret it!

[@lynnpalmer8133]

I played one of those RKM's at NAMM. Pretty dope.

[@JAK0449]

Check out Janek new RKM double inverted P...they offered him on the spot at Namm ..look at his channel you guys know him well

[@skeptic_individual]

fun fact. i am currently playing a bunch of greek basses made by afriend of mine. they range from 2 to 6 kand even the 2 k bass compares with a smith and fodera. it is incredible

[@seuz2]

I really recommend a mexican basses brand, colibri bass and guitars! Its over the top

[@ivyxhazel]

Second this, great detail in their work and prices that actually make sense!

[@trailblazeratv6306]

Trickfish stuff looks amazing !!!

[@devinebass]

It is! Mike Pope is the guy behind the way they are voiced and he is an absolute wizard!

[@KeithCopeland778]

I'm not a fretless player but THAT BASS LOOKS PHENOMENAL!!!! It must cost a grip!!!

[@marklahargoue3426]

Just lovin this conversation. Hope to meet you all in life. I remember most of the T,C. Electronics bassists switched to Eich after they were bought out.

[@chriscompton6827]

I have 2 Stradi Symphony’s and they are amazing instruments; such attention to detail. Marek is awesome and very responsive as well. I’ve said many times over the past couple years that they are a tremendous value. North America made equivalents are easily twice as much.

[@itsratso.]

this girl is a superstar and should be in everything all the time.

[@ChuckNicholsonTRM]

Yo! Aluminati started in Chicago, but they are based in Asheville, NC.

[@ModPhreak]

As a Danish owner of TC E. bass stuff like my RH750. Then danish owned and developed. It was brutal they killed the line, I now know that Behringer just loves cheap stuff... well not really, but oh well. But what Gibson did to kill off brands was even worse.

[@1loveMusic2003]

Scott you are really good at being social! You must go and promote the channel.

[@Jon.Garcia_]

I can’t believe RKM made it here!!!!

[@JDY517]

Mule guitars are built in my hometown of Saginaw, MI… super rad instruments and would love to see one on SBL and hear your thoughts

[@deanrijke2177]

Do not forget about Alusonic! they make amazing basses all aluminium based : )

[@bassistofheavymetal]

love you guys! thanks for all your hard work!

[@devinebass]

cheers!!

[@jazzman0173]

Sharon is a doll !

[@collegeofcool8109]

Ian. The Thunder Mule uses a wood neck I believe.

[@IanMartinAllison]

Ah! Thanks for the clarification

[@nilsfilm]

Should have check out GGB basses...the legend from INXS was there with some really interesting basses with his own designed pups

[@user-qs2bi5os2t]

Billy Sheehan is a Line 6 artist and a lot of the bass items were done due to him. I love it for bass also.

[@paulvelez9688]

I think there was a guy named Vinny Vaccaro back in the 80s here in Jersey that made necks with aluminum. He started with Kramer then went on to make Vaccaro basses. 😊

[@StevenDoyleLuke]

My wife and I introduced Merek and his wife at Stradi to Chris at Strings by Aurora who now supplies them with those gorgeous colored strings . . .

[@MeatballCereal]

$7,000 USD for that bass on their website. Yowch!

[@pastorius]

werent Marleaux licenced by Pagelli ? cant remember

[@JGSandman38]

What are the reasons people don’t like bolt on necks? I have no real preference but I pretty much gravitate towards Fenders. The original electric bass was a bolt on and it’s worked for 75 years. I love all the innovation and set necks can definitely look super cool but other than easier access to upper register is there any other reason to be anti-bolt on? Love you guys! ❤

[@edwardfairbanks5758]

Kramer had a line of aluminum neck instruments in the late 1970's. They were made in West Germany.

[@keltoibard]

I desperately covet Ian's tri-ryche shirt.

[@billyjay1]

Rkm basses 🔥

[@rockandrollisyourmom]

Let's gooooo

[@OlavSchneider]

Is there any footage of you guys attending NAMM?

[@brentheathersimons7042]

Is IAM wearing a Queensryche shirt??? Good for you man ! :)

[@IanMartinAllison]

Sure am!

[@brentheathersimons7042]

Awesome! You da man Ian ! Well represented!

[@sojourner4726]

Wait did the Dingwall disappear? What bass disappeared?

[@IanMartinAllison]

Sent along to someone else. 😢

[@dirkhebgeennaamachter9056]

I so enjoy this, hope you had a good dinner together

[@nahueltorras60]

Isn't that first line from King Crimson's 'Elephant Talk'?

[@arnlmndza]

Rounds on fretless for that mwah. i am not a virtuoso, but i love the 35 - 95 set. better expression. Gone back to fretted though.

[@JGSandman38]

Line 6 should be hiring IMA to demo the Stomp!! He should also get residuals for how many Stomp’s he has sold. I bought one and love it and it was solely because of Ian’s great takes on it and his excellent presets.

[@joedavidovich2214]

Have you reviewed the Peavey Max 115 300watt amp?

[@devinebass]

We haven't, no!

[@nigelbass]

more of everybody!

[@HackMyPivot]

Sharon's bass is cool... but what bass is that that Scott's playing?? I love the wood!!

[@devinebass]

That would be his F-Bass BN5 Deluxe :)

[@HackMyPivot]

@@devinebass OOOOOOOOOOHHHHHH *blinks in awe* :-)

[@rockandrollisyourmom]

Smooth

[@benbassrobinson]

What do y’all think of the Trickfish Minnow bass DI?

[@devinebass]

Not tried it personally but Todd Johnson had lots of great things to say about it in his last seminar!!

[@lvl5Longbowman]

I knew they were Norstrands. They look like the pickups in my 2000 Squier Deluxe 5.

[@mindcave]

Get onto checking out BQW coming out of China too.

[@jvf9808]

Bringing more Tony/Elephant Talk vibe for me

[@Viaductor]

Yeah Mule Resophonic! They're roasted maple neck-throughs with a steel hollow body and no, the guitars are not baritone scale they're just regular 25,5 inch fender scale. People like tuning them low anyways tho. Jason Momoa likes the pink ones too

[@LukeBass1000]

So Neural's online marketing is often a silhouette of a new product with the caption Soon, Sooner etc. that they drop with little to no warning. Kinda cool but a bit unfortunate if you wanted to try stuff at a booth.

[@JacqueHarper]

They paid for a big space to put nothing in it!

[@stephentot5011]

Did you guys get to meet Frank Bello from Anthrax?

[@jamesonpace726]

ChatGBT is a line6 artist....

[@user-il1ej1bq7e]

go stradi!!

[@xp50player]

How about that new Sire F10? F is for Fodera!

[@Bassdriver]

"Press F"

I also got an amazing new fretless bass from JP Custom Guitars in Portugal. The model's called Luso 5NE and it's THE perfect fretless bass, IMHO. Better than Fodera.

[@CharlieDvoidoffunk]

Question: was Adamovic thare?

[@IanMartinAllison]

Not that I saw!

[@hodshonf]

Janek Gwizdala just got a double P from them

[@klaymeister]

Yeah they mentioned it

[@TheFargoRailroadCo]

Trussart, Chris Robinson plays their guitars

[@maikfohnan1415]

Did you ever checked out the carbon fiber basses of Klos?

[@TheFargoRailroadCo]

you can get just as much mwah with flats, just needs the action to be right

[@tomowens7499]

Is that the Queensryche logo all over Ian's shirt?

[@paulvigliotti444]

Sharon!

[@devinebass]

SHAZZA!!

[@VittorioGreggio]

Ok ok, now to Mr. @IanMartinAllison , first: in italian we say "Alluminio" so I think it's safe to say that Aluminium is better. Second, I thought you were one of the good guys Ian, you traitor 😂😂 "handmade producers need to raise their prices in Europe?" Really?🤣🤣 Tu quoque? (I'm even quoting Julius Caesar). Thanks to Scott that said that the other needs to lower prices. I don't think I can recover from such a treason, no way man 🤣🤣completely unforgivable, I'm sorry but it's all your fault 🤣🤣... loved this video guys, take care 😁 (IMA traitor) 🤣😁

[@flogginga_dead_horse4022]

Suddenly hearing about this company a lot...

[@user-qs2bi5os2t]

Korg owns Aguilar, Spector etc

[@peterdegen1194]

What about Alusonic basses guys?

[@devinebass]

Not played any of them yet!

[@peterdegen1194]

​@@devinebass As you were talking about metal and aluminium basses, I thought Alusonic would also be mentioned. But no. By the way, besides Travis Bean, Kramer had also metal stuff in their necks at one point. And indeed those necks feel cold.

[@Fulltilt1973]

drop the action and use the fleshy part of the finger for more Kimi Raikkonen

[@TheFargoRailroadCo]

haha, my Mum was born in Cas'!

[@ScottfromBaltimore]

Stradi sounds like short for Stradivarius

[@jamesmarkham7489]

I spent $800 on bass and felt like I spent too much money. Geez.

[@rome8180]

$800 is the sweet spot, imo. That's where you get a nice instrument you're not going to have to upgrade, but haven't had to save up for years to afford it.

[@EddieG1888]

So that's both you and Janek Gwizdala had free basses from this manufacturer. I'm getting a bit of a weird vibe from this....

[@ivyxhazel]

Yeah that’s what they’re shooting for, giving away basses to promote them and then justify their crazy prices… misleading in their website says “sold” to all the basses theyve given away (which is more than just those 2)

[@Its_a_Grimm]

Wait till those sires come out

[@ftomasi]

3:09 I've also had that phase. The amount of crap that came up my nose was disgusting. I'm cleaner now

[@ftomasi]

but i don't know how it could be related to sawdust.

[@GabeGeiger]

Sharon needs the good mic and camera too!!