The 12 UGLIEST Basses of ALL TIME | The SBL Podcast Ep. 153

[@timd801]

I was in college in the late 80’s and there wasn’t really anything I wanted more than a Spector NS-2. I think they were around $2500 at the time, which was way beyond my student means. I did, however, have access to the family business - a large woodworking shop. With help from Dad, I set about copying a Spector as best as I could, going off pictures from Bass Player Magazine. I bought the active Bartolini PJ set and all the hardware from a music store in Atlanta called Metro Music. There was a clerk there who was also a bass builder, and he gave me a lot of advice. His name was Greg Curbow. Dad, the shop, Metro Music, and Greg Curbow are gone now, but I still have that bass that we all came together to create.

[@WakizashiSabre]

Great you got something which resembles the ones you loved. Lovely story, mate.

[@chrisgardiner5952]

great story man that bass must be priceless to you.

[@mattcheckleybass]

Bought a Bongo today. Oh cool, new video from SBL.... **gets attacked** EDIT: Just noticed the Sphynx cat in the thumbnail. I have one of those too. I'm coming for you Scott and Ian !

[@Kakker71]

The Bongo is a great bass. Had a 5 string stealth black for many years, but sold it eventually as I play in a bang with a more vintage precision kind of sound. Never had a bass with more punch though!

[@jonsidell3338]

You’re going to love it. They sound huge.

[@Revanant-qw5kt]

It's ugly but in like a really cool way

[@aaaaa111aaaaa]

Have fun with your toilet Seat. Jokes aside, i Hope it Serves you well

[@sabre242]

The tone is huge, no one can take that away!

[@pCeLobster]

Smartest decision ever bringing Ian into this channel. Such a good energy.

[@andyronayne7947]

And Ian is an awesome talent.

[@tomswift3835]

Oh, piffle. I used to watch this channel for info about basses and bass playing. But I have no interest in two guys playing grabass. If I want to waste time on a comedy channel, I'll look for one which is actually funny.

[@robertmessing6846]

My Berger Story. In a moment of desperation on day 1 of basic tracks (in 89) I urgently needed a bass while my Sting Ray & P-Bass were both getting serviced. I ended up borrowing a Steinberger from a local musician in town (from what I was told it actually belonged to Ned) once we plugged it in the engineer, producer, and myself were all blown away by how it sounded. So much so that the next day I called my friend who's shop I knew carried them and bought it over the phone. I had my folks drive the 2 hours from NJ up to Woodstock to deliver it to me in the studio. Over the years I took a significant amount of crap over how it looked but I never cared. I still own it and It plays great and it records even better. And yes as a bonus it is very easy to carry around. Ned Steinberger knows what he is doing and has made some amazing instruments.

[@andyronayne7947]

Agree 100%. I have a sub-100 serial, 1st year production L2 and I will never sell it.

[@philippes1987]

You guys forgot the Danelectro Longhorn bass!

[@ZenBasses]

Totally agreed ...it's a 13

[@SrTubular]

I was, "ok, the Longhorn must be next", after every mention. Surprised it wasn't on this list

[@MauriceEscargot]

To me the Longhorn looks weird in pictures but pretty cool on stage.

[@NVaughan81]

Yep, worse than all the others

[@electricdawn2258]

I actually give the Longhorns a 2. I really love the design, the sound and everything else about them. :D

[@paddydaddyo]

So, the Steinberger Bass was the original series, before the XL-2 shown (which I have owned not one, but two white models over the years). There was an H-1 and an H-2 (with one or two DiMarzio Model One passive “H” for “High impedance“ pickups), and an L-1 and L-2 (“L” for “Low impedance” pickups). Most people just throw L-2 out there for all the early series basses, but that’s incorrect. The basses were a carbon fiber blend (identified as a proprietary “Steinberger Blend” at the time), and had no truss rods. The pivot plate for the strap stays EXACTLY where you put it, so the bass is where you want at all times. Incredible sustain and harmonic structure, ZERO dead spots, perfect balance, and incredible ease of transport. Ned was a genius on a level with Leo, and his bass design was the first REAL original effort since the Fender Precision 30 years prior. I have owned many, still own 3, and only need one … you really looking to get an XL-2A Ian?

[@markdaniels7174]

To me it’s quintessentially “80s New Wave.” I love it and I’d like one, if only because Geddy Lee is my hero. Can’t imagine it ever being my main axe, though.

[@cammy_moth]

I absolutely adore the bongo! It’s polarising for sure but it’s been my dream bass since I first saw it. Goes to show a brave and unique design can really win someone’s heart (or hurt it as Ian said when he saw Myung had switched to it haha)

[@CC-hg9un]

🤮

[@bulo-.]

@@CC-hg9un Bongos are cool af I don't care lol

[@DrKFC69]

The Bongo actually looks great as a 6 string

[@albomusicman85]

some colors works better than other on the bongos and there are so many!! I adore my orange with black pickguard and ideally i'd feel the same for the mantis green! purple and black are bad-ass too!!

[@OrbitalDeathRay]

Those Stealth Black ones are so sick looking.

[@adamgreenhill110]

Spectors are beautiful! I bought one because of the looks, it just happened to also sound good. Such a cool and sleek curve

[@PjRjHj]

Agreed

[@CrimsonQuandary]

No Warwicks on this list?? Also, a lot of people hate on the Ibanez BTB basses, but I love them.

[@mk.5706]

The very phallic Warwick Corvette should have been on this list for sure.

[@cd0u50c9]

BTB at least has a presence, the Soundgear basses are godawful for having no personality...

[@BretElkington]

@@mk.5706 Maybe, but the Buzzard would simply HAVE to edge it out.

[@ideitbawxproductions1880]

Love my BTB6, I don't care what anyone says, I'm never getting rid of mine! Also, a little surprised the Warwick Alien acoustics didn't make it on the list. I love them, but I could see people thinking that they just look, well, alien

[@Stringboiler]

I have Warwick Corvette $$ 5. I know what you're thinking of, but it's JUST A BAVARIAN SAUSAGE 😁😆

[@ibassnote]

Geddy started his relationship with Wal for Power Windows, I believe.

[@stereoroid]

Geddy didn’t seek out Wal: producer Peter Collins brought his own one to the studio, and Geddy ended up using it on the whole album before ordering the black one for himself. The red “horny” Wal came later.

[@jamesmorganearley]

In the late 90's, I worked for a wholesale musical accessories distributor. Greg Curbow was one of my clients. He was funny and sweet, and brutally sarcastic. I miss that guy. He offered to build me a bass at cost, but I never took him up on it. One of my biggest bass regrets.

[@petercrawford5085]

Warwick Buzzard. JayDee thingy that Mark King used to play.

[@PjRjHj]

The Jaydee Supernatural Series i is pretty darn ungainly, but I think Jaydee got the proportions right with the Series iii, the George Anderson, and the Calibas

[@jamesmacleod671]

I agree the jaydee GA24 supernatural is bang on.

[@hyperplayability6290]

5 minutes of unadulterated Bongo slander My day has been made 🤣 I give the Bongo a 11/10

[@itsratso.]

bongos are the most polarizing bass in history. if I had a nickel for everybody who thinks saying toilet seat is clever 😂

[@hyperplayability6290]

@@itsratso. You'd be able to buy a bongo! Personally to me it looks like something you'd see at circus, silly red balloon shape and everything

[@strat0871]

@@itsratso. Exactly, Bongo bass looks like a toilet seat, ugliest bass for sure..

[@itsratso.]

I have a friend who loves bongos like me but says they look like a bass from the 80s for cokeheads

[@JLeppert]

The reason why the bongo base is polarizing is because it sounds incredible.

[@webb264]

FYI...from the VoxShowroom website: The unique "coffin" shaped Phantom body style was developed for Vox in 1961 by the London Design Centre and the bass was originally produced by Vox in the UK. A later version was manufactured in Italy for Vox by Eko. Phil Volk played the UK version.

[@ianchisholm9260]

Friend of mine bought a Vox phantom 12 string in 1969 ( then removed the drone strings ) .. Love the finish on the Warwick that Scott’s holding

[@nateparker8450]

Ian Curtis plays a guitar version on the video for Love Will Tear Us Apart

[@MrBeachMadness]

I had a White Bongo in my ABBA tribute band for a couple of years. It started a few conversations about how I looked like an alien with a death ray trying to hide in the back of a pop band. Some of these basses are in the French Bulldog area of relative beauty.

[@itsratso.]

hahahaa well put.

[@metallsnubben]

You'd think ABBA of all contexts would be the place to bring in strangely shaped string instruments!

[@MrBeachMadness]

@@metallsnubben You'd think ...but no. It was a bone of contention the entire time. I was actually kind of relieved when I swapped it for a Stingray. The tone was far too Hi-Fi for ABBA, and the 18 volt pre was just annoying.

[@metallsnubben]

@@MrBeachMadness _Sound-wise_ I can definitely see it! Rutger sure wasn't playing a Fodera!

[@chrischilton8455]

I'm with you on this one, Ian. The Antigua finish Jazz is freaking beautiful.

[@jacobpawelk218]

Mr. Ian Allison, I sir bought an electric blue Cort Carbow from you at Mars Music.

[@unduloid]

I have owned a Cort Curbow, but I never heard of Carbow. Is it perhaps car-shaped?

[@wanderer314]

Maybe this is the reason he was selling it.... :P

[@omarmoreira86]

Nice to see Scott without gloves! :) Here is my list. MM Bongo - 4 Wal Mk1 - 2 Ovation Magnum Mk1 - 9 Gibson RD - 4 Rickenbacker - 3 Antigua Finish - 5 Steinberger XL2 - 8 Vox - 10 MM Big Al - 9 Fender Performer - 9 Spector NS2 - 3 Curbow Petite - 7

[@ccbassc]

I have definitely heard of Antigua's referred to as "phlegm-burst" now it's what pops in my head Everytime I see one.

[@marcel-jt3dy]

I call them Zombie burst.

[@hirokokueh3541]

imo it would look much better without the matching pickguard, like Ibanez Champagne Burst looks much better

[@gkarbee1273]

My main bass for last 12 years is a 1988 Japanese made Fender P-Bass Lyte. Tobacco Sunburst.. I put passive Dimarzio pickups in it.. The thing stays in tune forever, is so lightweight and easy on my back and it sounds quiet and awesome! Sound guys love it and so do I.. I really never considered it "ugly" by any stretch.

[@PjRjHj]

They ain't at all ugly

[@krzychood]

I love the bongo, the only thing that sucks about this instrument is the price.

[@kevinmauch5622]

Someone has probably already pointed this out but the Vox Phantom bass originally came out around 1964.

[@ianchisholm9260]

Friend of mine bought a Vox 12 string in that shape around 1969 .. ( he took 6 of the strings off like Johnny Winter did to his Fender 12 at Woodstock )

[@Bassdriver]

Wal Basses are actually beautiful. Especially the headstock - GOD, I love it. They get a 1.5 - 2 on your scale from me, although I do prefer the Mk2. I also like the Steinberger - although I prefer full-bodied headless basses (like a Status - I have a Washburn by Status S-1000 with Bartollinis and I absolutely LOVE it). The XL gets, say, a 3.5, maybe a 4. It's ok - not beautiful, not ugly, but really cool. The Rick - are you kidding me? Absolutely iconic design with some Art Deco influences. 2-2.5 for me. And the Antigua (I call it slimeburst) is my 2nd favourite Fender finish (after black/black/maple, like JJ Burnel's P-Bass) which is absolutely beautiful. An Antigua Jazz with maple board (I prefer maple on Fenderoids) and rectangular pearloid markers easily gets a 2. As for basses I *hate* visually - yup, the Bongo. Easily 9.5 out of 10 on fugliness scale. God, I can't stand these things. And the BMW contribution isn't surprising - remember the absolutely disgusting E65 7-series came out around the same time and might have been designed by the same people. The Big Al is one ugly bastard, too. 7.5 out of 10. The Ovation - UGH. What were they thinking?! 8.5-9/10. Same with the Vox. Horrid, horrid idea. I have no strong feelings about the rest though.

[@andrewpappas9311]

I was surprised by the mention of the Rick as well, I have a 4003S that I bought back in the summer of 2020 and it's been my number one bass for recording and stuff as well as what I play in my band and it's definitely one of the best basses I've ever played. Not to mention that it's also up there with the P Bass, Jazz Bass, StingRay and Gibson Thunderbird as being one of the most iconic basses of all time as well as how versatile it could be (been used from rock players like Paul McCartney, Geddy Lee and Roger Glover from Deep Purple to metal with Lemmy and Cliff Burton to everything in between) so it definitely baffles me that there are some people that think it looks hideous lol

[@PeterSKrause]

Bongo Bass is cool! The idea that it seems to be a straight cut from the top to the bottom horn. And the 24 fret neck makes it a great improvement over the original MM.

[@SeidellNorbel]

Miss my two Bongos that I sold a while ago. 1 for perfection! I'd buy another flying toilet seat if I had a chance!

[@ShadeCandle]

It makes me so unreasonably happy whenever anyone mentions Mick Karn. Man I love that guy. He was my inspiration for picking up the bass, and I haven't touched frets since! RIP

[@jamesatkin9412]

Where's the Fodera single cut? That's up there with the Bongo for ultimate grimness to my eyes.

[@jonessperandio]

Most single-cut basses are hideous.

[@joshuabrice3800]

I agree. Single cuts are ugly.

[@rws10923]

Yeah, I'm surprised they listed the Wal and Rickenbacker here, which are both beautiful IMO (though it's fair to criticize the Rickenbacker as overly busy), but there's no Fodera Singlecut or the *shudder* Warwick Thumb Singlecut.

[@Jesseface94]

I'd say there's not enough good-looking single cut basses and too many where the body reaches a third of the way up the neck lol

[@davidpggarrett]

That was on my list, too. Yuck!

[@DaddyStoat]

The Bongo is a curious looking beast, for sure. But they sound immense and feel great. And the looks grow on you. :) At one point, I owned four of them, and loved them all.

[@JoFrankHe]

Geddy played a Steinberger in the 80ies. Saw him in Frankfurt, Germany.

[@TenFalconsMusic]

Grace Under Pressure (album, videos & tour). He decided on a Stein because it was easier to move around on stage with.

[@eriziasbasses]

John Myung didn't play Tune Basses, but he did play Tung Basses. :)

[@Surge_LaChance]

Talkbass is extremely sensitive. They're also extremely biased on certain topics.

[@thecolourrose9022]

Could you elaborate? Where are they biased and or sensitive? (Not disagreeing with you i just would like to be more educated on the matter)

[@ArielIsaac8111]

Dude I love the bongo shape so much though 😭😂

[@kevinnewsham7934]

Sorry, but the Big Al looks almost identical to an old Electra westone bass I had in the mid eighties. It had a panel on the back with effects cartridges that could be snapped in the routing, and controlled by switches and pots on the front.it was called the outlaw bass, nearly identical, all mahogany body and neck, and sounded like a rickenbacker.

[@tiltil9442]

Unreal! Want one!

[@lundsweden]

Yamaha TRBX series has to be in there, Steinberger, Ibanez Gio looks let's say, interesting IMO.

[@teresaravenshaw5477]

You missed the Danelectro Longhorn bass - the single worst affrontery to bass design I can think of, it's a solid 10 without a doubt. It's so bad, it's heretical to the concept a bass design. If I believed in demons and were bequeathed a Longhorn, I'd hire a necromancer to resurrect the person who gave it me so I could end them myself. I'd then hire a priest in order to exorcise the Longhorn of the demons inside it. I'd then post the bass to someone I absolutely detest.

[@electricdawn2258]

Could you please hate me and then gift me the Longhorn? I'd take that in a heartbeat. I really like them. :D

[@JLeppert]

Necromancers are demons... Probably not the point.

[@force263]

Now I’m definitely buying a longhorn.

[@mikeswarbrick128]

I tour with a Jerry Jones longhorn VI regularly, I love em

[@iagobroxado]

I love how they look 😂

[@andrewpinner3181]

Thanks guys, great fun as always !

[@devinebass]

Cheers!!

[@warehausrecordingstudiollc6648]

I beleive that Geddy is palying the WAL bass in the 'Time Stand Still" video.

[@och70]

Had to double check that. You're correct. My first thought was a Steinberger, but it's the black Wal.

[@markdaniels7174]

Also the “Big Money” and “Show Don’t Tell” videos.

[@k.h.1587]

Geddy played wal basses from power windows all the way to roll the bones. But actually the show don't tell video was the jazz bass, even though the wal was what was on the recording

[@wolfwarren6376]

My first bass was a Vox Phantom. The originals were made in the early 60s in England, then by about 1965 they moved to Italy. Mine is from 1965/1966, during the Italian production run. They’re very unique, extremely subby for single coils, and surprisingly comfortable. However, they neck dive like crazy, the neck is very long for being a 34” scale length, and the pickup selector only allows you to run either the front pickup or the back pickup. Quirks and all, it’s actually a very fun instrument to play, and if you can re-balance the front strap button so that the neck dive is less, it’s actually a pretty comfortable instrument to play as well. Be warned, though, the reproductions don’t hold a candle to the original. If you want a good, modern recreation, go to Phantom Guitarworks. He makes versions of the instrument based on the UK version of the Phantom guitars and basses, and from all accounts, they’re quite good.

[@TwoBadBassist]

Super fun! Thanks for the video!

[@devinebass]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rossmiller7778]

As the proud owner of a white XL2 Stienberger Bass. Was my main instrument for years. If you want a big attitude piano-like tone, this is for you. No dead spots lowest action you can imagine. The neck is Jazz bass width. It can mellow up with the bridge PU for nice finger articulation. But it wants to clank.

[@jasontrebilcock6496]

Part of this feels like a "Pick on Jason's bass choices" video. Bongo? Check. Love my Bongo. I'd love to get another one...but, they're kinda 'spensive. Y'know? Steinberger? Check, check, and check. (Have to account for all three basses I own.) Wal? Never owned one nor have I played one...but, I have desired one ever since Geddy picked one up in the 80's. (Btw, what's with picking on Geddy's bass choices?) Rickenbacker? Similar to the Wal, I've never owned/played one...but, yeah, I want one. Or two. As far as ranking/grades goes, I'd give the Bongo a 1...the Steinbergers...well, yeah, they're not exactly pretty instruments...and I'll leave it at that, for now. Side note: Color me slightly amused by Ian's hat with the Minnesota flag. Not sure how I feel about the new flag yet. Kind of wish it had a little more color...perhaps a little red, similar to the MN Aurora logo.

[@geepike]

They tackled Bongos, Steinberger, Rickenbacker, Wal, Spector, and Cort Curbow. Me: “You sure about that?!” Lol Granted Steinberger is kinda bland and the Wal in question looks like it was made from an old door…but I feel like those companies are some of the coolest innovators, though Fender purists will definitely disagree.

[@pCeLobster]

Music Man can take comfort in the fact that the Stingray is THE coolest looking musical instrument ever made.

[@TenFalconsMusic]

Luv how Leo made the most iconic guitars & bases that are both aesthetically brilliant, yet ergonomically functional. He never said "let's make something crazy looking, just because."

[@koravable]

Ian’s got the best taste

[@Macna333]

Outstanding episode! Love you guys. Thank you

[@MeatballCereal]

Myung played a Tung Wingbass, made by a former luthier at Tobias, not a Tune. Easy mistake.

[@ifgwelf]

And he also used Tobias basses for awhile.

[@andyronayne7947]

I owned a 1st year 5-string Bongi and imported it from a seller on TalkBass. Great bass, but not for me. I also own a 1st year of production Steinberger L2 with a sub-100 serial number. The early L2 basses had a plug in leg rest. With fresh double ball end strings it sounds like a grand piano. The neck is very similar to a modern Warwick bass. It is heavy on a strap, but effortless to play and the tone and sustain are to die for. So much ergonomic design was applied. The rear mounted output Jack makes complete sense and the screws holding the boomerang strap holder and the battery cover are designed to be turned using nothing more than a coin. The two ends of the body are designed to allow the bass to be propped up without using a guitar stand. The high ratio turners are incredibly good too, and the tuning is rock solid and insanely stable. I check the tuning often, but the last time I had to tune in was 2008 when I put new strings on it.

[@WilDBeestMF]

As a former TB user (note, former) you're not even WRONG about that, Ian. We were not allowed to draw the obvious connection between the Bongo and a toilet seat. It just wasnt allowed and your post would get eaten. It must have been seriously widespread. 😆 That forum is Boomertown, though. That's your explanation.

[@CrockettsCabin]

Yes. I was there too. Also a former member.

[@primate68]

my first bass was a Steinberger copy made by Marathon. Wrong fret spacing and medium scale. I got a Squier Jazz bass later which made me happy, and 5 years later a Sting Ray I still play

[@devinebass]

👍👍👍

[@Andreas_K_III]

How is Rickenbacker even on the ugly list? It’s one of the most iconic and beautiful bass shapes 🙌🏻 Any day I would prefer the RB over a jazz or preci bass

[@TenFalconsMusic]

I desperately wanted one since I was a kid, but no way could I afford one. A few years ago I found myself able to afford one and decided to get one for an upcoming tour. Ordered a 4003 Jetglo through my local music shop and it arrived a couple of weeks later. Had to send it back due to several QC issues. They sent another that had even more issues. Third one, the neck pickup died after a week. 4th one finally got it right, but it turned out to be the most uncomfortable bass to play (both sitting & standing). Output was so weak, my sound engineer told me to warn him if I was going to use it. "Don't use that pig unless you let me know the day before." I haven't played it for a few years, but decided to keep it (for display purposes only) because it's aesthetically pleasing. As for everything else, it's definitely a waste of space.

[@panzerlieb]

Could have something to do with that big ginormous toaster pick up near the bridge. It was never aesthetically pleasing. Yes I know they sound great, but they are just clunky looking

[@YouCanCallMeXoe]

I'll be honest, my dream bass is a Bongo 6 tuned E to E. I felt that way before I saw John Myung take a liking to them, and long before I decided I wanted to play bass. I love the way they look, and I would kill for a Sterling model!

[@rome8180]

I'm amazed that anyone could ever find the Rickenbacker ugly. For me, it's the most beautiful instrument ever made.

[@eldoctordeltac]

I own a 4003 jetglo, and every single gig I play, I get comments about how beautiful is that bass. I Don’t think there’s a more beautiful bass ever.

[@markdaniels7174]

I’m with you, and so are Scott & Ian. It’s the best! Haters are crazy; bring them on.

[@scottdeakes8494]

I hate them. Especially in punk rock. Sorry.

[@eldoctordeltac]

@@scottdeakes8494 it’s ok, man. I hate the Jazz bass, don’t ask me why ;)

[@TenFalconsMusic]

It's definitely got a cool look but as a bass, it's atrocious. Disclaimer: I own a 4003 JetGlo.

[@bassandhotrods]

The NS2 is my favorite bass for many reasons, not the least of which because I've been battling chronic elbow tendinitis for several years. The NS shape repositioned my right arm just enough to stop aggravating my issue and saved my playing career

[@copasetic1]

Scott’s hate on the Bongo is peculiar when you consider that his most often featured bass looks like someone shit on a p-bass and then threw it down a rocky hillside.

[@cd0u50c9]

THIS.

[@speelbergoMF]

That has nothing to do with body shape

[@rhoodj]

The Bongo Stealth black 6 HH is an unbeaten king. The first choice😅❤❤

[@davidclaassen2448]

Owned an RD Artist. ..the (playing position) RH switch is bass boost (down) and bright mode. The LH switch is Compression (up) and Expansion (down). Drove pedals crazy. The bass also acted as a big radio receiver for CB signals...not good when your gig is right off the motorway in the 80"s. Great bass though...sorry I sold it on.

[@pauledwdz]

I don't like the look of Stingrays with two pickups either

[@basscoup]

I have one but agree - single HH looks butter

[@robertmessing6846]

The 2 pickup Musicman Bases were not Stingrays. I believe they were called the Sabre. Not that it matters. They were not nearly as popular as the Stingray.

[@munkygrip1977]

Honourable mention for the original Warwick Adam Clayton Sig model. Like a reverse Explorer shape and simply hideous!

[@tommullarkey1955]

You need more Steinberger love! Steinberger’s represented the 1980’s and many of the top players had one. I saw The Police play at Madison Square Garden in 1982 for the Ghost in the Machine tour (with Go-Go’s warming up). Sting played a Steinberger and absolutely slayed the place, one of the best shows i’ve ever seen.

[@l.e.bassdesign]

Violin bass and the Danelectro Longhorn 🤢

[@PjRjHj]

Absolutely

[@d3lt452]

​@@PjRjHj absolutely not!

[@mrjmcrowson]

LOL! super enjoyed this one, guys! According to the criteria of your scale, here's my take... 1. Spector NS2 2. Wal MK1 3. Antigua Finish 4. Rickenbacker, Steinberger XL2, Curbow Petite 5. Music Man Big Al, Bongo 7. Gibson RD, Fender Performer 9. Ovation Magnum MK1 10. Vox Phantom

[@peterschraubzwinge6102]

Bongo looks great.

[@devinebass]

They're a real love/hate bass!

[@utkuhancer4206]

Great video again. Waiting for city pop

[@BassPlayerNcl]

Surprised the aluminium necked Kramer and Travis Bean basses from the 70s didn’t appear on this list!

[@Nanooky]

A friend had one of those Kramers. Very heavy and not fun to play. Probably why they keep moving between pawn shops.

[@andyronayne7947]

They’re gorgeous basses imho. Just wish they weren’t so expensive.

[@BobbyColorado]

Fender Aerodyne, Ibanez BTB, Ibanez Ergodyne, ESP F models, Conklin basses, Gibson Thunderbird, Dan electro longhorn

[@TenFalconsMusic]

The Aerodyne is quite polarizing. I bought one in 2020 (export model) and I love it's playability, though I can definitely see how some find it aesthetically unpleasant. Very minimalist and an absolute fingerprint magnet too. ...but oh that neck & contoured body make it my go-to for stage & studio. Soo comfortable and with that p/j configuration, extremely versatile. Disclaimer: I did swap the stock pickups for Bartolinis and the bridge for a Babicz.

[@bmstylee]

The Ergodyne was pretty cool. It came out about a year after I started playing and I thought it felt and sounded good. Conklin 8 strings are crazy instruments. They were like playing a piece of 2x8 lumber.

[@BenMifsudJoslin]

Ibanez EDA basses by a COUNTRY MILE

[@VeitLehmann]

Yep, definitely missing from the list. They might be incredibly comfortable, they have a unique sound, but they just look so aweful that I'd never play one in public.

[@tiltil9442]

Aria Sinsonido following rather closely

[@VeitLehmann]

@@tiltil9442 Oh yes, I didn't think of this one. But another headless Japanese beauty without meat on the ribs comes to my mind: Westone The Rail Bass! Ugly, but brilliant, but... ugly AF

[@VeitLehmann]

​@@tiltil9442 Oh, absolutely, I didn't think of this one. And another headless Japanese beauty without meat on the ribs comes to my mind: Westone The Rail Bass. Ugly, but brilliant, but... ugly AF!

[@metallsnubben]

I expected what a further google revealed was called the EHB (headless). But the EDA was a real jumpscare haha

[@OdhranWAR]

The bongo was my first serious bass, was firmly in the this thing is the most stupid looking thing I’ve ever seen, and kept going on about how much I hate it, slowly realised I was spending way too much time talking about it and then realised I actually love it. Mostly play my P bass these days but my bongo gets a bit of love for my covers gig, super versatile

[@klausgarten2050]

i missed the JENS RITTER BASSES! 😁The Wal bass is so nice!

[@stuckinarabbithole]

I too was surprised there was not a Ritter included in this list.

[@andrewpappas9311]

I can definitely understand that some people are put off by some of these body styles but I thought that these all looked really cool, I actually have a Rickenbacker 4003S I bought in the summer of 2020 and is definitely one of the best basses I've ever played (plus it's the main one I use in my band) so I genuinely did not expect to see that people think that it looks hideous but at the same time. I do also agree that in the right hands these basses can definitely look cool, especially the Bongo (John Myung as you guys said), Was (Justin Chancellor, Geddy, Macca, Jason Newsted on ...And Justice For All (despite not being able to hear it at all)), RD (Kris Novoselic during the In Utero tour alongside his Gibson Rippers), Ovation (Kim Gordon with Sonic Youth and I remember learning that Pink Floyd also used on during The Wall sessions), Steinberger (Geddy, Sting) and Spector (Sting, Mike Starr from Alice In Chains, Jason Newsted on Metallica's Black Album, Doug Wimbish, Ian Hill from Judas Priest) and stuff like that. I've never personally had any instances where I immediately looked at a guitar or bass and went "What the hell is that thing?!" since you can always find some cool things with them but there have definitely been times where I just thought "Oh, that's interesting", and on a side note I'm genuinely surprised there weren't any examples from BC Rich since I'm sure people were rather uncomfortable with something like the Warlock or Bich shape or because of how pointy those looked. Even the looks of the old Carl Thompson basses that Les Claypool used to play, like those things were definitely wild but Les was a weird dude as well so he make those things work

[@jamesmacleod671]

The wal was my dream bass when i was young, and i saw it get used many times on British music programmes back in the day (old grey whistle test, totp) plus Mick Karn used a fretless one near the end of Japan. I ended up buying a fretless one for £750.00 ,many years later i ended up trading it in for a status series 2000. The wal is a really good bass and reminds me of the musicman stingray in shape, but the prices owners are asking for them today is just ridiculous. 8 to 10 thousand !!!, you would be better off going for a more versatile snd powerful Alembic if you had that kind of money.

[@ProfessorBStudios]

was going back through some old episodes and was watching this one while editing... and then I heard... MARs Music. Dude, that took me back

[@Seadogstudio]

Bongo headstock looks like Peppa pig.

[@erikavery1105]

I Love The Bongo BECAUSE it's so UGGGGGLY! The WAL MK I is BEAUTIFUL!!!!! That Ovation Bass is OOOOOGLAY!!!! WANT!!!!!!! That RD Artist...Uggly And Cool. I LOVE THAT RICK!!!!!! The Antigua Finish is GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!! I dig the Steinberger. The VOX is Ugly and Cool. That Big Al Tho... That Fender Performer...YECCH!!!! WANT!!!! Love The Spector Bass!!! That Curbow Is Ugly.

[@MrBassflute]

Greg Curbow was one of the greatest bass builders of all time. His designs were innovative, and acoustically, electronically, and ergonomically fabulous. And I can’t believe you have that on this list. And there’s so many bases you missed. What about Wishbass?

[@dstarling61]

I always thought the oval pickguard on MMs make them look like toilet seats.

[@splishsplashtv9765]

when i 1st saw Ian on the channel i thought "Why ?" But have to say really enjoying him being on the channel... Top bloke :)

[@sixxtwo4785]

Having 2 or 3 on the list already and wanting a Spector or Wal I love this! If you are gonna do the Steinberg, see the Kramer Duke. Hell, do a whole video on the Kramer/Spector/Stienberg/ESP party, and Warwick stealing designs which they still pay a fee for today. Also, just got my CME Antiqua Bass6, LOVE IT.

[@SlyFrostPaw]

Musicman Bongo: 3, i kinda really dig it Wal mk 1: 5, its ALMOST pretty, not a huge fan of how lumpy it looks with the tiny horns. Ovation Magnum 1: 7 similar to the Wal, too lumpy lookin' Gibon RD: 2 really wild shape but i love it Rickenbacker: 0 absolutely beautiful, perfection Antigua Finish: 8 looks too much like a white finish stained by decades of cigarette smoke Steinberger XL-2: 4 love headless instruments, the weird square shape is unique Vox Phantom Mark V: 3 i really dig the weird "Trying too hard to be futuristic shape Musicman Big Al; 1 dont have an explanation for why i like this one so much but just seeing it made me smile, Fender Performer: 6 the horns give me an edgy BC Rich vibe Spector NS2: 2.. when think Bass, i think that shape, Curbow Petite: 1 the DEEP horn with access to the high frets, and the long top horn iis just cool i think i just like basses that try something weird with a traditional shape.

[@kennethyoung430]

Warwick stopped paying Spector for the license once He sold to Kramer. What's the difference between Lull, Sadowsky, Lakland, Ect. All use the Fender design? Love the pod, I watch every episode.

[@m1k3g3tz]

in my early 20's i picked up a tobaccoburst fender performer at a local guitar shop for around $300 ... ended up selling it for less when i was around 30 and not playing much at all. been kicking meself in the arse ever since. it was neck divey as all hell ... but it sounded SO good, and the neck was 24 frets, and felt like an ibanez sabre, very skinny at the nut, nice and thin ... but if anyone does not know, these were a limited run from Fender Japan in '87-88 - no solid count exists for them - but it is rumored to under 1500 total. there is also a 6 string super-strat version out there, with slightly higher numbers. these were cobbled together from spare parts. everyone i know that has played a performer loved it.

[@AllbeeHivezChristianAllbee]

9:39 - 9:50 For a little extra info, Geddy played the Wal on “Power Windows” (1985), “Hold Your Fire” (1987), “Presto” (1989), and “Roll The Bones” (1991). This was also the time he used super light gauge strings (RotoSound Funkmasters) before going back to 45-105.

[@devinebass]

👍👍👍

[@BassCovers90]

John played Tung basses on awake btw! He also played a 90’s Tobias 6 string during the tour of Images in words.. it might have been a Growler?

[@devinebass]

I believe it was Tobias Basic 6ers that he played on the Images tour before he switched to Tung, then on to Yamaha!

[@davidallen6014]

I bitterly, bitterly regret selling my Big Al. EBMM stopped making them a few months later and my Big Al tripled in price on the reseller market, that is if you can ever get one. Ed Friedlander ADORED it and called it a P-Bass Killer.

[@boogie3718]

No warwicks mentioned, another W for us ayyy

[@TenFalconsMusic]

The Corvette and it's dill-dough top horn should've definitely made the list. i absolutely love Warwicks, but when I saw the Corvette... I thought Warwick was playing a joke. " Look everyone, we made a bass with a dick."

[@BraydenM014]

My first view of the bongo bass was with Bullet for my Valentine live at Rock am Ring 2010. Jason played this and was doing most of the screaming. I also hated it at first but its grown on me

[@MrJosten72]

Brilliant! Although Scott, you have finally lost your mind. 😂 The Wal Mk 1 is beautiful, in the same way an Aston Martin is beautiful. Chunky, powerful. Waaaay nicer than a Jazz Bass. 😉 The Bongo is great! At least it’s making a statement. Wal is a 2. Bongo about a 4. Magnum is about a 7. RD Artist about a 5. Rickenbacker is a 1. Or a zero, like Ian says! Good man! 👏The most beautiful bass ever made, particularly that period (that’s a ‘71 IIRC and exactly the same as my pre-skunk Feb ‘72). In about 1980, when I started playing, a local guitar shop had a bunch of Antigua Fenders in the window and we used to hang out and laugh at them. 😂Probably an 8 for me. Steinbergers (no truss rod) are cool. I’d say a 3. I’ve played a bunch. Vox is a 12. 🤣Big Al is a 9. Performer is also a 9. Scott’s Spector is an 8 (Ian’s is a 4; Warwick Streamer is a 3 and big up Stu Z!). Curbow is 7 at best. 😂

[@bergsofcanada2757]

Actually, this solidifies my plans to buy a bongo. Good for you guys!

[@tomdotcom0520]

That Steinberger 😍 1/10. I've owned 2 of these through the years. I learned on one I bought from my friend in HS for $60, then bought a in 2008 I bought one brand new. So awesome! OH, I'm 46 now.

[@raybirdman]

So, the Bongo came out in 2003 and was designed by DesignworksUSA which is owned by BMW as you’ve said. Now you say that like it’s a good thing, but this is the same studio that helped design the E65 7 series and the E85 Z4. Go ahead and check them out. They weren’t very good at that time.

[@ewetoo]

I have a Spector MS Pulse II 5 in Ultra Violet, it's beautiful, well made, and is really comfortable and ergonomic for its scale-length which is a big plus to me since most of my other basses can be more tiring after a while. So the shape is a win-win.

[@aikensrus]

MusicMan Bongo: 2 Wal Mk1: 5 Ovation Magnum Mk1: 8 Gibson RD: 5 Rickenbacker: 3 The Antigua Finish: 3 Steinberger XL2: 8, first bass I played (borrowed), couldn't wait to play anything else Vox Phantom Bass Mark V: 6 Ernie Ball Music Man Big Al: 4 Fender Performer: 3 Spector NS2: 1 Curbow Petite: 3, straight pickup would make it a 1

[@bassplayer2011ify]

Spector NS2 is a -1 in my book. They are so comfortable to play. Smaller body so i dont feel pike I’m reaching over a table to play like on a slab body. And they sound amazing. If ypu are bassist and you want to cut through the mix you have two options. A Stingray or an NS2.

[@baruteku]

Bongo - solid 8 Wal Mk1 - I actually like it 3 Magnum - around 7 RD - hard to say i would say 5 Rickenbacker - 7 (I hate it but it was a first bass i had in my hand and made me fall in love with bass) Antigua finish - 1 (absolutly love it) Steinberger - 1 (as above) Vox - 9 E-ball -8 Fender - 6 (I agree it looks a bit for metal. But I like metal so....) Specter - 1 Curbow - 4

[@steveschuster3223]

Bongo - 5 Wal Mk I - 1 Ovation Magnum 1 - 8 Gibson - 6 Rick - 5 (3 if the headstock were smaller) Antigua - 3 Steinberger - 1 (plus it fits great in the saddlebags of my Harley!) Vox - 7 Big AL - 7 Performer - 8 Spector NS2 - 4 Curbow - 6

[@Noblebass84]

Bongo- 5 Wal MK 1 - 2 Ovation Mag - 3 Gibson RD - 6 Rick- 1,5 Antigua finish - 9 Steinberger - can' rank this Vox - 10 Big Al - 7,5 Fender Performer - 8 Spector NS2 - 1 Curbow - 9

[@TheWashboardResonators]

‘Horseshoe theory’ is the idea of extremes moulding into each other. 🎼🎯🎼

[@TheEldorado1991]

Hot take -- I've always been a fan of the design of the Ovation Magnum bass because of its very unique body shape! Granted it doesn't look the most comfortable to play but I always admired its rather avant-garde design. The ovation III and IV is actually my least favorite designs for abandoning their more traditional design but the original 2 models are awesome.

[@ChurchOfTheHolyMho]

Mars Music: I regret not picking up a Yamaha RGX-TT D6 for $350 w/hardshell case when they went under. Can you imagine that as a very first guitar? My coworker picked up the non D6 version, and I played a few notes on it - and immediately realized my mistake. lol

[@customimprovement]

Purple five string fretless bongo player chiming in. I love it!

[@bassvapegeeza4431]

Scott....are you insane?!? The Wal is one of the most gorgeous looking, as well as sounding, basses in the history of basses! Love your work guys

[@kimballowen-brown4771]

You two guys are the best co host ever. It’s not work uou enjoy it way to much 👍🏻

[@Chad_Sandridge75]

Bongo - 7.5 Wal - 2 Magnum - 9 Gibson RD - 4.5 Ric - 3.5 Antigua - 5 XL2 - 9 Vox - 6 Big Al - 6 Performer - 3.5 NS2 - 3.5 Curbow - 8 Honorable mention: Danelectro Longhorn - 10

[@ryckjunior9911]

Fodera Imperial - 11

[@Whos-That-Guy]

First time I saw an Antigua jazz i had a Wayne's world moment.... I now have a 78 and F'ing love it.

[@devinebass]

🔥🔥🔥