The Bass that was designed by BMW (Bass Tales Ep.5 w/John Myung)

You’ve probably heard of John Myung.
But just in case, he’s the bass player for one of the most successful bands of all time, Dream Theater.
In today’s episode of Bass Tales John talks you through some of his early basses before going into detail about his relationship with Music Man and the development of his brand-new signature model. And if you didn’t already know, the Bongo was designed in collaboration with BMW! Sounds crazy, right?
As always, see you in the shed…
Scott :)
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[@leonardofortini]

The voice actor that gives the voice to John Myung is simply amazing

[@kcee023]

Winning comment

[@noahculp9900]

Wow amazing comment. Never heard this joke before 🙄

[@leonardofortini]

@@noahculp9900 Glad that now, thanks to me, you know it! You're welcome, buddy! 🙃

[@yeesenchai]

New refreshing joke this one is

[@leonardofortini]

@@yeesenchai Why talking like Yoda you are? 🙃

[@seanhendricks2714]

Geddy Lee would be a great hour long special lol you could cover all of his like 200 basses!

[@trailerfitter2]

Have you read his book about basses yet?

[@alexiezante3663]

Geddy Lee’s Book of Bass is very extensive. John Entwhistle has a similar book, too.

[@skeeter197140]

Definitely get the book. It is incredible.

[@jacoblopez365]

Yes please

[@DannyBoi2112]

@@trailerfitter2 I just finished, I loved every word of it

[@chrismorris6356]

Ok, Scott. This dude is the reason I got into bass playing. I've met him twice and one of the most humble guys I've had the opportunity to chat with.

[@stefanopuccini]

Scott, bring us Tim Commerford!!!

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Yes!!!!

[@bassimprovjams3772]

My 3 were john myung being first , Ryan martinie and Timmy C. My 3 heros

[@asstin18]

Yes a million times! He is who inspired me to want to learn bass

[@someday0319]

I really hoped that he would talk more about his old basses, like Tung or his old Yamaha signature that he customized a bit. Great video anyway.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

You can tell hes not trying to put them.out there, if u notice it was only musicman he mentioned other than the Ric but he had to let his peps know he had not, this is Footage u CAN NOT find elsewhere!!!

[@DPets]

Right.

[@daleonov]

His relationship with Music man probably won't allow it

[@Teleolution]

Yeah it is a big miss. Both the Yamaha and the Tung basses are very iconic (ofc along with the MM).

[@Gorbyrev]

What an astonishing bassist. Well done for getting the interview.

[@raphaelcote3577]

Pun Intended? "Astonishing" ;P

[@israco89]

He is the chosen one

[@KilianDuarteBass]

Once had a wonderful two hour phone conversation with John. He was so insightful and just a total bad ass. Nicest guy \m/.

[@charlesandhisworld]

Wow, what a privilege! Lucky you

[@benhancock6253]

He's able to talk for that long?

[@sighermike]

@@benhancock6253 Right? I just sent this video to my buddies with the message "Gentlemen, I present to you. John Myung's VOICE"

[@Rockmanxpr]

So if his bass is a BMW, does he have to take in every 6 months for maintenance?

[@isaiahedwards8193]

Yeah, man - and he pays $6.99 a month for the neck pickup.

[@kdtcross3986]

I heard you can install their car’s optional turn signals to these basses, too.

[@isaiahedwards8193]

@@kdtcross3986 And that you can even go the speed limit (the speed limit being 32nd notes at 120bpm)!

[@yomommaiscalling]

And you have to hack it to turn off the fake engine noise.

[@isaiahedwards8193]

@@yomommaiscalling And when your warranty expires, BMW will put your info on billboards.

[@engineer6250]

Never seen so many negative comments about a 5 or 6 string bass. JM still holds down the bottom end and is part of the foundation his group build upon. He's not playing lead, its just that he has a larger spectrum of notes that he can play on that on instrument. Surely you guys have thought about having a second bass to hand with dropped tuning? The only difference is that these basses have that additional range all the time.

[@nissenilsson9158]

It was just some troll who posted all those comments

[@takeonemusic5537]

123456789 or 10 string, who cares ....its still bass

[@TheMemo659]

After 35 years, I have come nowhere near figuring out 4 strings. I can indeed see the point to adding range and admire anyone who USES all 5-6 strings. For me, 5-6 strings are only silly when I see one strapped to a guy riding the root. P.S. Hipshot Drop D tuner FTW. My band plays a cpl drop tune songs, fantastic QOL upgrade.

[@TehDuckOfDoom]

​@@TheMemo659 When playing music composed by keyboard players all those sub contra notes come in handy. A lot of songs are in keys like C# minor or Eb minor and having some low end at hand without the need to retune (also, without the need to remember all the notes on the D string) is really convenient. Also, thicker strings sound and play better than detuned standard sets.

[@dsaillant811]

There are a LOT of people who insist that you need to be an expert at 4-strings before attempting 5 or 6, and even then there are a lot who will insist notes that low are useless even though it's literally just 5 notes lower and a piano goes even lower than that.

[@deptavasinha9445]

Thanks to SBL for giving me the first experience of Myung talking..

[@bernardi5919]

His Ernie ball string theory as well as rig rundown videos also include talking

[@DavidOakesMusic]

@@bernardi5919 He's been chatty since Portnoy quit like 12 years ago - this joke is mouldy af now.

[@lucasbatistamusica8677]

Booooring

[@bernardi5919]

@@lucasbatistamusica8677 I kind of agree. The video honestly just felt like an ad for his signature Bongo. I would've liked to hear more about the other basses he tried out (including perhaps the Spectors he played during the beginning of DT) but all I heard about was a Ric, a Stingray, and the Bongos.

[@FirstLast-cd6vv]

You're late to the party, smokey.

[@ghenos_153]

For the next episode I would like to see Pino Palladino😍

[@joemills4603]

This John Myung animatronic is really lifelike! But seriously, awesome to get JM on here. Each time he talks about the signature bass, there's an extra nugget of info revealed to the world.

[@zombiemachinery4868]

I'm a guitar player who also plays bass from the side but I've gotta tell you guys, this one is becoming a monster of a channel for bass players.

[@JVR10893]

I need this bass so badly. Obviously it was designed for John Myung’s style, but it also is everything I have been looking for in a bass, almost as if it was made for me.

[@jaebassist]

My favorite tone he ever had was with that Yamaha from "Train of Thought."

[@gabrielwalker4411]

What's wrong with his tone now?

[@mjmason75]

You’ve had so many amazing videos, but this honestly is one of my favorites. Yeah, I like John Myung, but I wouldn’t say I’m a huge fan, but there is something so honest a real about how he discusses his process going through the different bases and the unique details of each that I’m sure so many of us can relate to.

[@bodanpetersen1459]

Can i request an interview with Justin chancellor?.

[@xXxblackendeyesxXx]

Please god yes. I wanna see one with Justin so bad

[@LaVasu-l8i]

This comments deserves attention

[@bassman3235]

JUSTIIIIIN

[@Annodomini1993]

Nice. Thank you SBL and Mr. Myung for sharing. I saw him live two times and his punchy sound hurts if you stand in the first rows but I really enjoyed these concerts. Maybe you could get Bryan Beller for the series or Tony Levin. Thanks again and take care.

[@TheTourtopoulais]

Oh yeah Tony Levin has played with so many people and on so many iconic albums, he'd truly be an awesome person to interview

[@RDog4484]

Thank you for this episode! Myung is one of my absolute favorite bassists (I’ve actually shaken his hand). I LOVE my Bongo 6, and Myung is the reason I got it. However, this model is troubling for me because of the extremely narrow string spacing, and I have rather large hands. It sounds amazing, though!

[@isaiahedwards8193]

He mentioned that one of the earlier models had Fender string spacing - not to fuel the dreaded GAS, but you may wanna give that a look.

[@chrismorris6356]

Same reason I have 2 Bongo 5s. Got the band to sign one of them with Myung's signature on the horn........Haven't played it since 2017......

[@RDog4484]

@@isaiahedwards8193 I already have a Bongo 6 with the Fender spacing, it’s perfect for me.

[@sighermike]

I have a Washburn BB6 and wonder what the string spacing is like compared to the Bongo 6 and the JM Bongo 6. I'm not sure what "Fender" spacing is per se. I'm assuming it's based on the P-Bass and not the Jazz, which has a narrower neck.

[@danimourinho]

The Yamaha RBX 6JM! His best bass!

[@vennyph]

His best sound

[@daleonov]

Yes.

[@stratrovarius]

I bought it new in Ruby Red back in 2001, played over 500 gigs with it, and sold it few years ago (my biggest mistake). It was a bulletproof bass. There are many videos on my channel of me playing it, as well as two studio albums. I still miss it.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

What a Great intro guys!! Also at the end he was playing platypus!! Nothing to say!! This is history for us myung true fans!! You can not find him playing that,everything he was playing is nonexistent anywhere!!!! Again love you for delivering John!! I have been asking for this over a year!!! Your the best!!!!

[@egeb7]

You're a legend for making these interviews happen SBL!

[@Brookzplayzmuzic]

It would be interesting to actually do more interviews of the people making these basses.. get inside their head.. we hear all the time from artists who get them made..

[@Xianpaul0523]

Its Myung idea tho.

[@aspyr5681]

Would be even better if they actually asked us about what to produce, I've looked at 100 basses in the past 2 months, looking for a new one, and nothing is good enough, they all lack something, they all cheap out on either wood or hardware or preamp or quality control, if I don't win the SBL giveaway I think I'm rather gonna invest in tools and make my own fucking bass, lol

[@Brookzplayzmuzic]

@@aspyr5681 you know what I agree... 100% . The only fucking time you get what u want is if you are famous..period. as far as the sbl giveaway. Who knows that may be rigged. I can't see 48k worth of gear just going out to some random person . Just my opinion

[@christianfazari2053]

@@aspyr5681 do you mind me asking what kind of bass you've been looking for? Like, what amount of strings, what are you looking to get it out, what kind of body/neck shape, etc. I'm just curious to know as I've personally seen a lot of great options at all price points these days and I could maybe recommend something to help you out! 😆

[@mr.cheese7763]

Geddy Lee would be perfect for this.

[@davyboy9397]

Everyone talks about Billy Sheehan (and rightly so) on his speed and talent but John has incredible speed and could definitely give Billy a run for his money

[@gabrielwalker4411]

Yes I agree

[@abrahammathew3135]

Please do one with Geezer Butler...

[@Ranmann86]

Yessss geezer is so underrated

[@seanj3667]

YES

[@mr.owllie1192]

This guy is unique...i have to put my volume until max..just to hear him speaking....he is my biggest inspiration on bass

[@vennyph]

For me JMs Yamaha era is his best sound so far

[@gabrielwalker4411]

What's wrong with the bass he has now 🤔

[@darkySp]

Lots of people are talking about seeing Geddy Lee, Tim Commerford, Les Claypool and that's fine, but i would love to see Justin Chancellor on here

[@jronjonnsen4947]

He is playing the same amp as me. I am happy:)

[@watopin]

wow wow wow!! john myung on SBL!

[@PabloUliver-Bass-Guitar]

JM is one of the very first bassists that I listened when I discovered the progressive metal....many years ago. I used to listen Rush in the same way...(I prefer Geddy's sound and playing) Thanks for this video! I would have preferred more playing while talking. Please, bring Geddy Lee to an SBL interview. See u in the shed!

[@DrawAndErase]

Crazy Scott brought us John Myung the best prog bassist! Love it.

[@w3stoner]

These Bass Tales are awesome! Thanks for the series Scott!!!

[@FirstLast-cd6vv]

Aside from providing ample bass knowledge, this video thoroughly relaxed me as well. Thanks, JM🙏

[@admacdo]

Well, BMW bought into Designworks in 1991 and purchased them all in 1995. They design all sorts of stuff rather than just cars. I discovered this a few years ago when I looked into why my HPZ800 Xeon workstation looked remarkably good. There's nothing wrong with the bongo. Just a lot of people who haven't gotten used to that it looks different to what they are used to seeing.

[@yeptoo1148]

I mosty like modern, free and avantgarde jazz. But also like a lot of dream theaters stuff. John Myung is my favorit member of DT an amazing musician👍

[@gabrielwalker4411]

This was so amazing I love hes in my top 3 favorite bass players thanks so much for this scott!!

[@shiaominglee]

Myung finally!

[@WantedPeak]

The Bongo is the sickest bass shape ever. I've been rocking a Bongo 6 HH Stealth for about 8 years. It's my #1 forever.

[@jamesalfaro3155]

Thanks for getting him in your channel

[@Michael-kx2bn]

Thanks Scott! I was one of the many asking for him. I think he's a really cool guy and that was a great interview. He is one of the most amazing bass players I've ever heard. I guess I'm not the only one to buy a Rickenbacker because Geddy Lee played one lol.

[@ShatteredWindowpane]

Scott thank you for making this video. As weird as it may seem, there isn't a lot of footage of John just playing solo like he does in this video.

[@abhisuriyabandara9032]

You are the musician in my heart.

[@claudiovallese40]

He’s just amazing He’s always been

[@tyranusgraves2848]

Love it! I myself need to get more into John's work and music. I'd love to see this type of video with the legendary Larry Graham, Godfather of Slap Bass!

[@carterchesebro]

I'd really love to see Geddy Lee, Les Claypool, Joe Dart, and maybe even some Donald "Duck" Dunn.

[@peteriannitto3750]

I hate to break it to you... but Duck Dunn passed away 8 years ago :(

[@carterchesebro]

@@peteriannitto3750 RIP

[@trailerfitter2]

Sorry I missed the bit about BMW. Is it because they put directional indicators on it that no one ever uses?

[@POskio66]

I’m liking this before even watching.

[@judecarpenter2990]

That's not John. John doesn't talk. Lol. My fellow aquarius bass playing brother. Bravo King. 🤟🙌

[@josephwalton487]

Mr. Scott, I love everything you do. Could you please do some kind of spotlight on Ryan Martinie? Dude is my absolute bass hero, and want to find out more on him. Either way, you are a bada$$ Scott🤘🤘. Thank you for everything.

[@wesleyzimmerman94]

Dude.... holy shit this looks so real

[@spunkybrewster1972]

Stay with me here.....Gene Simmons. His early years with the Gibson Ripper/Grabber, Lobue Guitars (that had young Larry DiMarzio winding pickups in the back), Stuart Spector's early basses, and Kramer's infamous Axe Bass. It is SO easy to hack on Simmons (and rightfully so) but putting aside all the KISS nonsense, there's a cool little history of gear there.

[@Wtfdawg321]

Was that tapatio? Great hot sauce!

[@davidal2175]

Is it me or did he said that they were working on a new record?

[@Dinozzo1995]

They are

[@markokardum3805]

As they have been churning out records every 2-3 years, I can't say it's in any way surprising.

[@abrahammathew3135]

Never been earlier to a video than this!

[@johnnyw8641]

Basswood for a bass player seems to be legit combination :)

[@vonbleak101]

Thats seriously the longest i have ever heard him speak for in one go lol - Im a huge fan of Dream Theaters 'golden period' (1999 - 2009)

[@an1k199]

Abraham Laboriel next please! 😁

[@nipulkradmsinatagras8293]

John Myung *really reminds of that guy from* Ninja Assassin *who is also a* South Korean.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Are you serious Scott!!! I effen love you for this so.much!!!!!!!! Litterwho.i have been asking for!!!! I love you scott!!!!

[@xrgiok]

Never was DT fan , but John is a brilliant bass player, neat and accurate.

[@devinebass]

🧡🧡🧡

[@christopherkowalski9971]

Umm where is the rest of the interview? No mention of the 4 string Fender i am sure he used on When Dream and Day Unite(still one of my fav DT albums as you can actually hear the bass lol!). No mention of that awesome 6 string Tung bass you see him play on the instructional vids he did nor of the Yamaha RBX6JM signature bass either...

[@SiningniSing]

Those fingers are damn powerful.

[@owenspence]

Awesome video. I'd love to see you interview Paul Bender from Hiatus Kaiyote pls 😁

[@vanjamilosevic6937]

Lee Sklar

[@pragyanbarua3830]

Having Justin chancellor from Tool would be really cool

[@BathrobeBassist]

I would love to see Ryan Martinie in one of these

[@sidgar1]

BrBrDeng on a BMW-designed bass...yes pls

[@justinwong3276]

I really wish DT offers more stuff similar to what JM plays towards the end

[@nairamdiam]

He has such a huge hands!

[@thefrogger6507]

Now. It'd be dope to get Eugene Abdukhanov for a video. He's fairly new but also an absolute beast with fantastic stage presence

[@greatstuffs]

I just got a bongo with an all rosewood neck. It's an amazing bass.

[@steveluth3139]

Steve Digorgio next please!!

[@sabin97]

scott always brings it. if i had any money i'd give him some...but i dont, and thus i am limited to expressing my gratitude in words and youtube likes.

[@walterwhite2640]

An interesting one would probably be Andy Irvine. I know he's talked about his bass on his own channel, but it's certainly a very interesting instrument.

[@EliasCasula]

if you'll manage to bring Justin Chancellor on your channel, i'll be a crying happy man!

[@Imparatu]

A sbl design has to follow. Definitely

[@Masssshysteria]

Hell yeah we got the same bass strap 😅

[@danielfornies]

I have a 5 string HHP Bongo and it feels like having many basses in one. I can make it sound like a P bass, or jazz bass, funky, Red Hot Chili Peppers, metal, whatever. And I love the kitsch looks :)

[@M_a_m_b_a]

Such a sick bass but that string spacing has my slap worried

[@freda9498]

Definitely not a bass for slapping. But seems ideal for fast / chordal playing.

[@Violatorclown]

@@freda9498 Myung doesn't slap. Funk isn't his style but he is riffing with John Petrucci makes perfect sense to design a bass that allows more movement with less stress.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

John doesn't slap tho homie, om sure you already know that tho

[@bassimprovjams3772]

@@Violatorclown yes sir!

[@robertherrick6703]

I think the basses in this video were customized for Myung. The standard versions might have wider string spacing. I'm not sure though.

[@keltoibard]

He pulled a little Platypus out there at the end!

[@NGC0Music]

Please bring Pino Palladino or his son Rocco Palladino, both are SICK bassists!

[@TheDp1965]

Very cool. I’m a big EBMM Fan.

[@RevealedJoe]

Would love to see Evan Brewer on here sometime, such an amazing player!

[@onsesejoo2605]

You should do a video on those - basses ? - that have necks made of snowboard with at least a dozen of strings.

[@hollowoxdvox3896]

Can you get jimmy Johnson or dave la rue ?

[@roguecheddar]

Those 23 dislikes are from guitar players who don't like bass players that don't just stay on the E string and dare to go above the fifth fret.

[@fambuild]

Oh buddy! John is an absolute beast! This is good stuff!

[@shawnhuff3920]

Jason newsted feature Jason newsted he is one of my favorite 😊

[@jor2416]

Great to see john on the channel, to bad the video is so short haha

[@marcpuyuelograndas1005]

Would like to see a Macca episode!

[@marcomazotti]

John is speaking! Awesome :))

[@gabrielwalker4411]

We need a rig rundown or something like that with him Scott

[@olivierpayette4284]

Bongo basses and Ashdown amps

[@jenshogsander9481]

I want to see and hear the story behind the bass that never really became a hit, but still is epic instruments! Roscoe Beck Fender Jazz 5 string Steve Bailey Fender 6 string fretless Marco Mendoza LTD MM. ...as examples! // Jens

[@addkearsey1623]

Hi Scott, any plans on making an app for your bass lessons? I'm thinking of subscribing to the lessons but don't have access to a computer. Thanks and great videos!

[@slipknot95maggot]

I mean if we're just throwing names out; [in no order] Steve Digiorgio, Michael Manring, Erlend Casperson, Anders Johansson, Les Claypool, Evan Brewer, Hansford Rowe, Zander Zon, TM Stevens, Armand Sabal-Lecco, Alex Webster, Richard Bona, Jeff Schmidt, Wojtek Pilichowski, Ryan Martinie, Robert Lewis, Jeroen Paul Theseling, Jaron Evil, Clayton Harder, Jared Smith........... I guarantee I'm forgetting at least five which will make me mad at myself, not to mention all the others I'd happily cosign.... But that should do for now. I cosign any and all of those names

[@jean-paulmare3338]

Don't think I've ever seen JM smile. Episode is too short, he surely must have more than 3 MM basses????. Robert De Leo next please. Thank you SBL

[@NSalonen]

I watch the part at 1:06 to motivate me to do synchronization exercises. In all honesty does someone really think that that sounds good?

[@danielseleguim]

I have a Bongo... I love it but also hate it... but I'll never retire it!

[@Ed-Topo-108]

If it’s like the cars then you don’t have to signal what you’re playing to the band. 🚘