The 5 Greatest Basses of the 1980s | The SBL Podcast Ep. 139

[@genegleckner2732]

Im sitting in a hospital in San Antonio waiting to see if I have cancer, this video made laugh , smile for maybe the first time since I got here , i love you guys

[@IanMartinAllison]

❤❤❤

[@daleskidmore1685]

Best regards from the UK. Keep on keeping on.

[@JustPlayingBass]

Awww man. I hope you get good news. ❤

[@Capt.Easy1969]

Hang in there, laughter is strong medicine! I've learned from these videos, but if these two bass nerds weren't ridiculous ,irreverent and politically incorrect I wouldn't always be waiting for the next one!

[@VHdiggare]

Love from Sweden! ❤

[@Tomalyo]

My vote will go on Steinberger basses! Can't go more 80's than that. I'm still rocking Steinberger and I love it :)

[@davidryan1636]

I completely agree! Sting even played one for a while.

[@davidryan1636]

Ironically he doesn’t seem to be a big fan of the Steinberger sound and claims it was mainly for convenience since we was also playing synths a bit more than normally then but I feel that was when he sounded best live (by far).

[@florkgagga]

When you ask for double ball end strings most retailers say "ah, you need the Steinberger system strings", so does any headless bass mean Steinberger? Never tried one but the Clover Slapper I own is so beautiful and versatile and sturdy it's incredible.

[@williamkilpatrick6821]

Working at Steinberger Sound was one of the funnest jobs I ever had.

[@lj7kennedy]

Always wanted a steinberger. Such a big modern sound. A buddy had one with a body and a whammy bar. It was amazing.

[@offbeatbassgear]

Dueling neon Kubicki basses, with parachute pants and Member's Only windbreakers, yes please!!

[@poltergeist3194]

I gravitate to the Spector NS-2 due to Eddie Jackson of Queensryche played them. I remember watching the “Eyes of a Stranger” video and was blown away by the tone of the bass.

[@WitchKing99]

100% The Album Operation Mindcrime made me fell in love with Bass! I am a guitarist and finally own a bass since april. It's an Ibanez EHB1005MS-BKF. Sadly not a Spector because the Headless Ibanez was just too comfortable to play in comparison to other basses that I have tried at the store. I wish to know how to get that Spector sound with the ergonomics of my bass! :D

[@spawnmc4401]

Aria Pro II SB1000 needs more love ❤!

[@PaulWW36]

Just came here to say that, even remember the Jack Bruce advert for them 🙂

[@davidunderwood5932]

I do like Scott's bass with that midrange turned up. My recently discovered favorite bass of the 80's is the Ibanez Musician bass. It does it all for me.

[@daevien]

@@davidunderwood5932 If you haven't seen Ian's fretless Musician, you better hide your wallet when you do see/hear it ;)

[@PjRjHj]

@@davidunderwood5932 it was bit of a Bass arms race going on in the late 70's that spawned so many of these wonderful basses. The Ibanez Musician being in direct competition with the Aria SB1000.

[@redpaul5915]

I've had my SB1000 for over 40yrs and still love it. I've got an SB900 too (the 2 pickup passive version).

[@tomm5766]

Aria SB1000 - IMHO, most iconic 80's bass

[@Unrejuntedeideas]

Yeah!!

[@eds6889]

I had forgot about the Aria. Steinberger, Charvel, Jackson, BC Rich, Ibanez, Peavey all popular in the 80s.

[@JoeMcGuire]

@@eds6889 Right? I was kind of surprised I didn't see a T-40 on here!

[@ronbzoom8531]

Aria SBs and Yamaha BBs were all over MTV back in the early '80s.

[@devinebass]

We only covered the 80s basses we actually own 😅 there are some other great ones out there!!

[@lumpinator]

Thaks for the great video guys as always! :) Some nerdy insights: As far as I know the Yamaha BB basses all have their P-Pickup wired in series like a standard P-Bass. When wired in parallel the inductance of the pickup drops down to a quarter of that in series, the frequency of the resonant peak doubles and also the output halves. The result would be much more highend from that one pickup, comparable to that of a Jazz Bass with both pikups on (still not comparable tonewise because of vastly different pickup positions). The two BB basses in this video differ in other ways. A passive bass is prone to the effects of all components connected to the pickups. The capacitance of the cable, the input impedance of the device you're plugging into and the values of the pots within the bass have a huge effect on the tone which can't be (but are) often overlooked. It's all one circuit after all. With an active bass you eliminate some of those variables from the equation by placing a buffer in form of an onboard preamp into the bass. Now you are able to tinker with the values of the preamp's input to achieve whatever tonal characteristics you're going for. The preamp itself gives off a buffered, low impedance signal which is basically identical no matter what cable and input stage comes afterwards. So my guess is that that's what causes these basses to sound that different.

[@slee6261]

Of all the basses I’ve sold over the years, my only regret was parting with a 1982 G&L L-1000. It had a mahogany body with a maple neck/board. It was one of the best sounding basses I’ve ever owned. Also a shout out to the Fender AVRI series basses.

[@MarkSwift-b3p]

Status S2 / S2000 headless…. Love mine as much today as I did then. British made and just the nicest people you’ll meet! More Status love please!

[@mk.5706]

Absolutely yes. We can´t talk about the 80s without talking about Status and the great players using them, Guy Pratt for example.

[@TheEnderBand]

I love the old live videos of Cynic in the 90s where Sean Malone was playing a Kubicki. RIP Sean

[@scottshukes2546]

I bought Kubicki in 1991. Custom job, it was fretless with the frets marked (yeah I was pretty lit when I ordered it). Sold a few years ago to a studio musician in CA. Actually made a profit. That was the best bass ever. The sound, the drop D, the sturdiness.

[@Gormit]

What i love about SBL : - The free content has an amazing amount of stuff to learn, from theory to bass culture in general - There is a true chemistry between Scott and Ian which makes the viewing very enjoyable with both hosts having so much references and « easter eggs » of the bass world - Your comments are full of bass nerds and people willing to get precious informations from you guys, there is a sense of community - Scott is a UK-based Bass player / teacher / content creator so the quality of the content is automatically above the competition (i’m joking but not that much) - the whole team behind SBL seems to do a really great job regarding sound and image which makes this content stand out from the rest in my humble opinion

[@devinebass]

Cheers for the warm words, we really appreciate them!!! 🧡🧡🧡

[@bquan69]

I own an aluminum neck Kramer DMZ 4000 and truly love it. You can't beat that for 80s styling.

[@williamkilpatrick6821]

They were pretty nice. I liked the aluminum neck six string they made.

[@leesystems]

Gotta LOVE the Kramer aluminum neck basses from 1976 through 1984. I have two. Looking to buy more models I don’t yet have.

[@mistergabes4880]

STILL have my Fender Custom Shop Kubicki (in Charcoal Metallic, so sweet) built in 1990. Such a wonderful bass to play.

[@rslattery3]

Never sell it like I did. I regret it every day. But after I got my custom shop one in black, the music store got in a charcoal grey one like yours and I immediately thought “This is the best color hands down” lol

[@grooveattitude06]

O'hagan nightwatch

[@NightmansSexyHands]

@@rslattery3I sold mine 😢 one of the first after Phil left Fender early 90s. Bahama Green 3119. Anyone know of its existence? Let me know please.

[@BassRacerx]

THE KUBIKI JUST BLOWN MY MIND! in highschool i played my bass guitar in an orchestra and it was a blast but i had to tune the b string on my 5 string down one step to b flat and it was very difficult dealing with my note positions changing on the fretboard.

[@timbergeron3743]

I rarely comment online anywhere, but seeing a black Ex-Factor caught my eye. I owned a Fender Custom Shop era Ex-Factor and played it as my #1 from 1990 to 2002. Around the same time I earned my living mixing live sound all over the United States. I ran into Kubiki Factor and Ex Factor basses from time to time. I received some very kind words from Stu Hamm at a one off date in Philadelphia mixing monitors at 23 East Cabaret. It was interesting spending the entire night 8 feet off to his side and watching what he did. As a bit of contrast, one could not avoid the Yamaha BB3000 and BB5000 basses. They were everywhere being used by weekend warriors and full time professionals. They were solid and sounded quite good as stock instruments. A friend or two swapped out to EMG pick-ups with good results. Regarding strings you mentioned in this video: During the 80s and 90s I cannot recall a single live show where any bass player at any time showed up with anything but very bright round wound strings. As a bass player myself, I cannot recall seeing musics stores that would stock anything but round wound strings. It was difficult to find flats or tapes. A few stores carried ground would strings at the time. No internet or Amazon. So, to be authentic, I think you need to revisit the Ex-Factor with light gauge round wound strings. Be sure your attire comes from Merry-Go-Round or Zipperhead and sticks to bold, vivid solid colors. Anything else is a sham. I was an eye witness and participant. I will be watching out for Neon Spiked TronJam SlapFest. I only wish I still had my Ex-Factor to hold while I wait. Keep at it - you make good stuff.

[@NikeaTiber]

Doing the Kubicki supergroup sounds freaking awesome. "The Kubicki Factor"

[@The_IRL_Bard]

My top bass is the bb5000, Nathan east and my favourite bassist tetsuo sakurai used one. And they recorded an album together! Casiopea 4x4 with Nathan east among other legends

[@jimfaris]

I owned 3 Kubiki basses in the 80s a black, a cream fret less and a bright pink one. Amazing

[@zeedy1011]

Spector NS2, that's probably the perfect bass sound for me.

[@bassiclymike]

No Steinberger? Very iconic 1980's bass IMO. Another iconic 80's bass for me, though maybe not used a lot by working pros, was the Peavey T-40. An affordable bass with amazing tone capabilities and solid construction, if heavy AF. Oldest bass in my arsenal I bought brand new in 1987, a Gibson Q-80. Didn't make a lot of them. Still have it.

[@mathisbass]

I’ve become a big lover of the G&L L1000 over the last few years. The basses in this video were all very high fidelity, active vibes, as was the style of the day. The 1K leans the other way, being a passive, single-pickup axe, but that beefy G&L humbucker and the OMG switch make it my secret weapon! Give it up to Leo for still innovating in the 80s!

[@guzzialfa]

I believe Alembic invented the 1st Active Electronics pickups. Mr.Ron Wickersham having come from the Electronics side of the recording decks of Ampex in the '60's. They also did Brass nuts and along with Wal did the bass hi cut off filter 'wah' effect.

[@guzzialfa]

@amber799 Thanks. I have hinted giving Alembic more love at SBL. Once in a big Blue Moon it's mentioned but not more. Doesn't seem to fit either of their collection either does it? ;)

[@guzzialfa]

@amber799 Time for a brute force name mention!

[@germansalvatierra9579]

Yes it is❤

[@devinebass]

We may do a video focused on Alembic at some point! This video only focused on basses in Scott and Ian's collections, and getting hold of an Alembic is half the battle!

[@guzzialfa]

@@devinebass You may try a query to your instructors to see how many (not if) Alembic basses they have. People tend to have more than one once they finally get one in their hands! It took me 2 decades to find 'the one that got away. '

[@RGGifford]

My fav 80's bass is my 1982-3 MIJ Ibanez Blazer Bass. Killer bass. I paid $110 for it years and years ago and it is still going strong.

[@gabrielnilsson5398]

Definitely a good bass!

[@devinebass]

🔥🔥🔥

[@ajkandy]

Mid-80s Ibanez Roadstars are so underrated. I used to have an RB-950 in cherryburst with the birdseye top and regret selling it.

[@michaelbrain3820]

So chunky! I learnt on a Blazer ..

[@neilmcnaughton9289]

More votes for the Status S2 (first seen by me with Mark King cover photo from A Physical Presence) and classic cricket bat Steinberger (peak modernist 80’s). Love. It!

[@solodad001]

I still have my Empathy 5, love it.

[@RevM]

My fav (as a hair band/metal fan) was the Rudy Sarzo signature Peavey which either was or morphed into the Cirrus. USA made ones were neck through construction.

[@johnhowardnardine6815]

I still have my Guild Pilot Bass from 1986. AFAIK, after Jaco's 'Bass of Doom' ended up in splinters, he got a Pilot Bass. It is still my favorite bass.

[@two-five-one]

Kubicki Factor, SSD NS-2, NS-5, Smith BSR5TNE, Tung Wing Bass5, Alembic Europa5, Worwick SS-2, Roscoe SKB6… These are my favorite Axes that I've always been with in the '90s.

[@fredellacott8892]

Ibanez Musician MC924. Had a few, late 70s and early 80s, managed to find one of them again - an 82.

[@90ccryder]

Have an 84, not sure but I love it

[@fretlessnature6132]

I was waiting for the 924, when they pulled out Sting. Did'nt know him to play Spector. I now do own a 924, had to pick it up at first sight, as a "more suited for rock" alternative for my mc940 (wich i bought used, in '87). Love em' both so much.

[@marcelkornelissen]

IBANEZ ROADSTER RS824 1980❤

[@robertsuggs2510]

Hey guys,,,,back in early 80s i bought a Yamaha bb1200 Natural finish & rev p pups,, really wish i still had ,,Thank you for such GREAT VIDEOS 🎸🤠

[@johnhepburn538]

I worked on 48th st in manhattan in the 80s. I remember when Joey Fodera came in asking if we would sell his bases. I remember the basses with the metal necks. The pedulla buzz basses were amazing. Modullas Steinberger G and L. We’re big. I have a lot of stories working on that street

[@calvinwilds46]

I spent alot of time there ruby's, Sam ash , mannys I loved it

[@raymondjamesrivera]

48 street custom guitars! There was also another place that sold only used stuff and it was practically all in piles, bought my first guitar there

[@calvinwilds46]

@raymondjamesrivera that block was paradise for me just went down there to try out the basses

[@johnhepburn538]

@@raymondjamesrivera it was called WE BUY. There was like 15 hofners in there window. When active basses came out. Nobody wanted to know about passive. Funny how things change

[@Kraz3e987]

I recently bought an 83-84 G&L SB-2 (original before the PJ version) I’m not normally a “Fender” guy, but man this bass amazing, the feel and electronics are crazy good, can sound very warm and vintage or in your face!

[@EvanJr]

This channel is the most complete bass content in the world. Incredible instruments and wide sounds.

[@brianschoner3350]

I love my Spector NS-2, and the Wal is my grail bass. I was a bit surprised not to see mention of the Steinberger bass, which always seemed like the quintessential '80s bass to me.

[@sweettoof9002]

Peter Hook is a hero of mine. Unique bass player and still stands alone style-wise. Plus New Order is one of my all time favorite bands.

[@gewglesux]

He's got a tone i really dig..

[@scotthall9098]

As someone who’s “niche” is playing in two cover bands that specialize in 80’s music, I appreciate you guys putting this together. Seems like I have a legit reason for a new bass 👀

[@PjRjHj]

What bass do you gravitate towards?

[@cletusrobinson]

If I could add an image, I'd share my Kubicki Ex Factor in white with you guys!!! Thank you for covering it!!!

[@davidturner7863]

Wal MK1 fretless with a Mesa boogie 400+ are still my weapons of choice. Can't beat that for me.

[@Gorbyrev]

That is quite the earth moving rig good sir!

[@JustPlayingBass]

Channelling Mick Karn..nothing better

[@davidturner7863]

@@Gorbyrev I want to try the subway TT-800 to see how the 400+ circuit sounds . Unfortunately they are not available in the UK at the moment. Apparently to do with Gibson and distribution. my Wal I bought brand new in 82 and the boogie back when they came out. Was using. Peavey MK3 with marshall 4x12 cabs and then moved to Trace Elliott. Boogie 400+ was a no brainer for me.

[@devinebass]

🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@rallaranton]

That black sparkle BB looks and sounds absolutely killer Scott!

[@devinebass]

It's a fantastic instrument, no doubt about it!!

[@LaPiernaDeMiAbuela]

I'm up for the Kubicki Tron Slap Duo! Great vid guys.

[@lewisochoa2761]

I came across this video while sitting on the couch mindlessly noodling on my white 1987 Jazz Bass Special. Duff has great taste!

[@rudyzulkarnaen1633]

My dream 80s basses are: - Yamaha BB5000 headless (Tetsuo Sakurai Custom) - Ibanez MC924 (I have a fretless one of this) - Ibanez RB885 - Jaydee (the one Mark King uses) - Kramer Spector NS2 - Pedulla - Musicman Stingray

[@solodad001]

the headless version Tetsuo played was very cool. I wouldn't mind one of his later Yamaha Tetsuo 6's....but I bet the earlier headless version is quite rare.

[@rudyzulkarnaen1633]

@@solodad001 the Yamaha Tetsuo Sakurai 6 string is also a rarity I guess.

[@Ivyhurster]

My fav 80s bass is the Hohner's 'The Jack" headless bass. What a fantastic instrument. Comfortable headless bass with a nice body shape, Steinberger bridge, and massive sound thru Bartolini active pickups. Looks amazing. Sounds great. I got one a few year ago and it turns heads at gigs, too.

[@hpblack1953]

My wife gave me a used "The Jack" from a music store around DC. Quite a Christmas.

[@jeg1972]

Status... it's got to be Status! I remember seeing Pete Trewavas from Marillion playing them in 1989.

[@silvahalo7609]

The Neon Kubickis! I'm ready to pre-order the album!

[@SO-ym3zs]

Speaking of 80's basses, you guys should do an episode on 80's Post-Punk and alternative rock. So much great music where the bass really comes to the fore sonically.

[@rome8180]

Fugazi and Minutemen come to mind as two groups with amazing bass lines that are really important to their sound.

[@SO-ym3zs]

@@rome8180 Definitely. Lots of punk and hardcore also foregrounds the bass sonically and musically.

[@andrewpinner3181]

Thanks guys, love the info, love the fun ! Yes Stu Hamm needs more love ! 90's basses would be good. Thanks again.

[@JalenRawley]

It's funny how all of the legendary 80s basses were all so super clean sounding. It's like the digital to the 70s analog sounds. Old P and J basses, Rickenbackers, even Hofners and Hagstroms, it's like they have a film grain to their sound, dirt, patina, fog... there's just something a bit dirtier about those basses. But in the 80s it's super clear and clean, pristine even, and it goes hand in hand with the production of the day. SSL consoles, drum machines, the Yamaha DX7, etc. Everything went super hi-fidelity and clean and it's a total vibe.

[@jeffclark1164]

The tones Jimmy Bane got on his Dio albums with a Yamaha BB were awesome. They have a very unique tone. I wish someone would re-release the X Factor basses. Such a fun bass. Wal basses are still very popular today. Justin Chancellor was playing them into the 90s and early 2000s. People still love them. Spector basses are also extremely popular today, especially in extreme metal (ex. Alex Webster and Olivier Pinard). Eddy Jackson's tone on Operation Mindcrime from 1988 was peak Spector for me.

[@Elboy522]

tetsuo sakurai got fantastic slap tones out of Yamaha BB3000s and 5000s during his tenure with Casiopea!

[@DigBipper188]

Nathan East is a big reason why I got a 5 string Yamaha. Dude's a legend and *THAT BASS TONE IS KILLER*!!

[@devinebass]

🐐🐐🐐

[@gkournavos]

Larry Klein was married to Joni Mitchell, and played on one of the greatest bass albums of the '80s -Wild Things Run Fast. You need to hear it if you haven't yet.

[@PjRjHj]

Absolutely! awesome bass on that album

[@nunofernandes4501]

I bought a 2011 BB 424 brand new for €300 from a store that was going out of business. It was the best bass deal of my life. Five piece neck, string through body option and AMAZING pickups. It's a frickin' tone monster. The blade bridge J pickup is fantastic, it's the only PJ bass I ever played that sounds good with the bridge pup soloed. The neck P pickup is also very good, warm but snappy too. Add compression and chorus the the P and boom, instant Peter Hook tone!

[@BackRoadStoneRevival]

Yes! I am coming to the Neon 80's Duo Concert when you two put it together!

[@hoth2112]

Wal & Steinberger will always be my favorite 80s era basses in terms of both looks and sound. They're just so unique but in entirely different ways.

[@KitBasher1]

My favorite 80s bases are the Ibanez RB885s. So bright, almost like a Wal with that tone! Super skinny fives, all squeezed into the four string frofile.

[@KrAzYKaRLoS1013]

Same here! Love the string spacing

[@NealRobinette]

I've got a pair of the successor to the rb885, the sr885le; one from 1988, one from 1989. Awesome basses, my favorite 5-string for years 🙂

[@KitBasher1]

@@NealRobinette would love to see those - you should do a video on them

[@NealRobinette]

@thomasloomis996 I might do that, next time I get an extra day off work 🙂

[@KitBasher1]

I have them all here, inside where it’s warm thankfully - tomorrow is a pretty good day for that since I’ll have no humans around to interrupt my videos.

[@PjRjHj]

Great episode! Can't fault any of the basses, coveing from the workhorse BB, to the uber boutique Ken Smith, the mystique of the Wal, the craftsmanship of the Spector, and the cult status of the Kubicki. All 5 offering innovations that either come standard today or remain head turning. I'd only add the "Aria SB1000 (and it's passive derivatives)" with aficionados John Taylor, Cliff Burton, Jack Bruce, Rudy Sarzo, Nick Beggs, Trevor Horn... The competing "Ibanez Musician" played by Sting, Mark Egan, Victor Bailey, Mike Porcaro, Martin Kemp... The "Steinberger L-series" played by Geddy Lee, Sting... many big names live for its aesthetics lastly the "Jaydee Supernatural" which is effectively synonymous with Mark King, but can't forget Shakatak's George Anderson (RIP John Diggins) *nice mention of Larry Klein with the 5-string BB. He was one of the first to adopt the fretless Stingray 5-string. He also played some great exuberant bass for his gf/wife Joni Mitchell in the 80's with his BC Rich Eagle.

[@geoffhall821]

Probably my fav 80's bass was the BC Rich Eagle!

[@edmilham4172]

Yes! The Mockingbird was probably more iconic. But I remember a music store in my hometown that had a used koa Eagle for $800 in about 1984. One of the nicest feeling basses I've ever played. I played the hell out of it in that store, even though there was no way I was going to be able to afford it. And guess what: I still can't afford one, now! 😆

[@geoffhall821]

@@edmilham4172 yes, I felt the same. I had one in the 80s but had to sell it and have regretted it ever since.

[@mikeschill1432]

Geezer Butler used the Eagle during the Dio era of Sabbath

[@darrylbiggsuk]

Yesssssss to the 80s Kubicki bass duo, there's a big market to see that. I can lend you some appropriate outfits and a couple of 80s Steinbergers you could use so you can be your own tour support. Fun video S&I.

[@bluegtr2001]

For me, the bass in the 80's to have was the Guild Pilot. First it was seeing Jerry Peek with the Steve Morse Band shredding on Cruise Missile, and then it was seeing Darryl Jones' blue one in Sting's Bring On The Night

[@Soundgear4]

Jaco had one too!

[@johnbroderick9676]

I had one and I wish I could find one now. Mine I think was an 87 model. Bon Jovi's bass player used one.

[@jonathansharnoff2206]

Still have mine

[@edmilham4172]

A guy I went to music school with had a Guild Pilot; still does, in fact, almost 40 years later. One of the nicest basses you could get. And that iconic '80s pointy offset-waist look. And like the Spector they played in this vid, an EMG PJ pickup setup. I have that now in my '82 Hamer Cruise Bass (another '80s pointy offset-waist bass), and I love it.

[@pumpichank]

I still miss my black fretless Guild Pilot!

[@UrbanGarden-rf5op]

Larrivée 5 string. After lusting for the early Yamaha 5 strings, which were way above my budget, I found the active Larrivée. It was my main bass for twenty+ years. I never liked the hockey stick headstock though and they changed that later, but I was already hooked on mine. The seller had to widen the hole in the stock bridge for the B string using an electric drill because it wouldn't take 0.125 strings! I also lusted after the Wal MIDI bass. It sensed were you fretted and "knew" which note you were going to play beforehand. So no latency trying to analyse the pitch. They claimed the circuit had less than 2 ms delay. That is faster than on the smallest buffer size on my Logic Pro system! Pure genius. And way over my budget. ✌✌

[@yyzttr]

1980s Handmade B.C. Riches are my kryptonite. I owned the Derek Smalls Big Bottom bass for 6 yrs. The Bich , Mockingbird, the Eagles, and Warlocks were legendary. Metal groups, hard rock, soft rock...these wild shapes were everywhere! Bernie did them the best!

[@PjRjHj]

The BC Richs' always looked a gaudy to me, but they did sound amazing, but the the BC Rich Eagle could be aesthetically toned down to somewhat classy depending on finish. They mentioned Larry Klein in the video. He was playing the Eagle in the early 80's, with awesome lines on Joni Mitchell's "Wild Thing Run Fast" album

[@yyzttr]

Gaudy?? Loud, pointy, showy, over-the -top, exotic...even too metal certainly. Gaudy is A Ken Smith , Alembic, or Fedora...although a BC Rich Seagull certainly qualifies.

[@mplstb]

I'm an outlier here. I bought my Guild JS bass in 1975 and it's my only bass, still. It's been through some things and no longer original... but I love the feel of the body and neck. Your guitar collections are fascinating, but amassing them was never my deal. Thanks for the videos and pods.

[@roughmix60]

Still got my Aria SB 700 from the early eighties , my first bass👻

[@williamroberts7004]

Can't get enough of that Yamaha BB tone... Also btw, hard to get more 80's than a Hamer 12-string. Especially the B12 short scale...!

[@JustPlayingBass]

Aria SB1000 with black wings..iconic 80s bass

[@jemwand2530]

I had a bottom of the line Aria and it honestly had the best neck I have ever played and was a solid workhorse for my first bands. I always loved the Ibanez that Sting used to play, I think it was the musician.

[@90ccryder]

Yes, it was a musician, have one,.love it

[@JackiesJohn]

Tobias Signature 5 (1985, Hollywood) which I bought from a dear friend for whom Mike made it; also, Alembic Series 2 1985 (Phil Lesh used it?). Such a prolific decade that gave us “5’ers” including Ken Smith’s (OMG!).

[@edmilham4172]

It's shameful what Gibson did to Tobias. At the time, they were these beautiful custom-made basses, then Gibson bought the name and design and ruined them. I played a Gibson-era Tobias in a music store a few years ago, and while it felt okay, there seemed to be something...off...about it. I held it up to sight from the bridge end down the neck and realized that the factory-original bridge was mounted an eighth of an inch off to one side. And that had passed QC and been shipped out to a store. The old man who owned the place kept saying, "Oh, I can get that taken care of, no problem! Call me in two days!" But my thought was, if they let that slide, what else might be wrong with this thing?!

[@axelleaxl.5315]

One of my 80's Favorite: The early Warwick Thumb 5. I was in love with that particular sound and the overall ergonomy

[@devinebass]

🧡🧡🧡

[@bassimprovjams3772]

The Kubicki and stingray would be my favorite 80s basses I’ll never forget th Stu Hamm “pop slap and tap” vhs I used to watch it everyday, his song “flow my tear” was the most amazing thing I had ever seen! And stingray because of Tony obviously! Send bass geek badge my way 🤘😎 yas!! more geek out basses!!!

[@abouc]

Ibanez was in their peak in the 80's with the Japanese made Roadstar II series. The RS924, RB950, RB960 are great instruments that you can still buy for reasonable prices.

[@oskarus3]

John Illsley of Dire Straits is another overlooked bass player who played WALs for years

[@jelmerwouda8635]

I hoped for Japan's Mick Karn

[@oskarus3]

@@jelmerwouda8635 I'm not familiar with his playing with Japan but his performance on Prince's Trust concert in 1988 was amazing

[@jelmerwouda8635]

Wasn't aware he played there, thanks! If I piqued your interest; I'd go give Japan's album Gentlemen Take Polaroids a try

[@jeffreysexton9344]

My favorite bass from the 80s was the Westone Thunder 1-A. It was the first bass I owned, and my ex wife forced me to sell it during a time we were short on money. Played smooth…thumped…and could do almost anything with those active electronics! Miss that bass a lot!

[@michaelblaney4461]

Mark Anthony from Van Halen used a BB bass , so did McCartney with Wings for a time.

[@michaelblaney4461]

​@MichProgNerd Yep😅

[@ChuckNicholsonTRM]

Yes! I have a regular BB3000 (just like the one Scott is holding), a fretless BB3000A (so BB3000AF), and a fretless Kubicki Factor. They are all amazing basses. And with this video, more Ken Smith temptations.

[@andyhightides]

Steinberger deep dive, please!

[@vmstranger]

The only bass I still have is an amazing Frankenstein from my late Orchestra Teacher from High School who got me into playing... It's a mid 80s, custom MV Pedulla Pentabuzz BUT with the bartolini's swapped for EMGs AND he had it fretted!!! Not only that, but they made an error and it has a lefty headstock (b&e on top, ADG bottom) It came with a massive thumb stop which he had removed, filled the holes with dowel, and then sanded down a cello bridge to make a contoured thumb stop closer to the B It is just spectacular

[@fciscus]

Where is the Steinberger??? Good video indeed

[@marcblum5348]

The Steinberger L model got introduced in 1979.

[@endo-poptart]

An absolute yes on the 80s Kubicki slap jam 🤘🏼 That thing sounds so fkn dope! Ooo, I need a yellow one!

[@briandowling8372]

Aria Pro II SB!

[@unclerog]

Howdy from Billings Montana...In 1985 I bought a Brand New Steinberger XL2...Of all the basses Ive owned I really wish I still had that one...As well as the '66 PBass I had back in the 70s...Over the years some just seemed to get away I guess...Great Video Guys!!!

[@TheRealCoolieT]

I have a kubicki and I believe it is 32 pieces of wood in the neck.

[@ChuckNicholsonTRM]

Yes, I've never counted myself, but it's supposed to be a 32 piece laminate.

[@boochbass]

I love that you guys are Yamaha BB geeks!! I have a 3000 and it's such a special bass!!

[@devinebass]

They're amazing instruments, so cool that you have one!

[@GVike]

No Steinberger basses? That IS THE 80s bass.

[@attichatchsound-bobkowal5328]

Agreed. EVERYONE used them for 2/3 years

[@zilva3051]

I've been playing my XL2 since 1990....

[@devinebass]

Neither Scott or Ian owns a Steinberger, we only covered basses in their collections!

[@OlavSchneider]

That Ken Smith sounds like a dream, I can't thank you guys enough for sharing all this insight about basses.

[@simonmalone7550]

Jaydee?

[@bassplayer60659]

This was great! More videos like this please. Iconic 80s bass and no B.C. Rich? I think Scott needs a double P warlock 😂😂

[@ericolson326]

You could make a whole episode out of just players with white Spectors. 😄

[@ant1sokolow]

I'm late hence not the first one to say that but the headless wingless Steinberger is probably one of the 80' most iconic bass. Can't get more 80s. Probably seen on screens way more often than recorded in studio but yet Iconic. All carbon, active with the first EMGs(i do think so..), very hi tech. And a compactness that made the Fender basses look enormous.

[@gutbucket6184]

Am I the only one who watches these for entertainment? I don’t want to buy these, really.

[@anthonyilkiw3500]

I do too. They are funny. Both great bassists, and both have serious G.A.S! I don’t feel so guilty when I spend money on basses I don’t really need!!!😉🙄😂

[@1-eye-willy]

well this isnt so much of a buyers guide, its a retrospective of the top 5 1980's basses

[@kingdeedee]

I watch for entertainment and inspiration. I love hearing these guys’ takes on other players, tones, experiences, etc. I’ve owned a BB in the past though, great instrument

[@taukhouse44]

Love watching Scott & Ian but you couldn't pry my Fender P bass out of my cold dead hands lol sorry mister Heston 😂

[@Bassdriver]

Oh, and as for So - it actually featured FOUR bassists. Apart from Tony Levin and Larry Klein, there was also the late great John Giblin (sublime fretless playing on Mercy Street) and the fantastic Bill Laswell (on This Is The Picture).

[@michaelhardie9193]

Listened to the pod on the train on the way to work. Now watching the video for the visuals. I love these chats.

[@mattnewman6049]

I remember seeing the X Factors in the music stores when I was a kid. Man I would love to have one. Dream Bass.

[@guillermodelnoche]

My mentor and friend Wes Wehmiller played Kubicki X Factor basses when we were at Berklee. I felt like Zon took the idea and feel and ran with it. I’ve played Tune Technology basses since day one personally.

[@mattriley6266]

Learning Footloose, note for note, was definitely a challenge, but once you learn it, you’ll never forget it!!!

[@robertsuggs2510]

My 81 bb1200 had reverse pups,,,THANK YOU GUYS, from Arkansas USA 🎸🤠

[@damon3939]

The 1985 Washburn RS-70 Rudy Sarzo bass! I have the RS 50 bolt on, its great!

[@germarhoffmeister2752]

Still in deep love with my NS2 from 1987. It was made for the Band Twisted Sister and I found out, with a little help from PJ Rubal, that they made a second one of it in white. Maybe I will make a video about this one to find the other one.

[@alexmacleod3728]

Mario Cipollina from Huey Lewis & The News is another Good 80s bassist, love his thumb picking technique.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Sorry for the 2nd comment, came back to this video, and just wanted to share that I met Stu back in the early 2000s on-a G3 tour, he was such a great guy! He had his album for sale there, I believe it’s called “ outbound” and I bought it, he took a pic with me, and signed the album cover I was just a teenager and he treated me so nicely there was no player like Stu back then, and I’m so glad he’s still with us on earth, we need Stu back on SBL!!

[@montraix]

Dude that used to play in my band in the 80s had a fretless Kubicki, and he was a genius bass player

[@ys6630]

Was he using lined fretelss or unlined fretelss?