The Best and Worst basses of 2024: Im just the messenger...

[@omen3766]

"Price tag is Fender.." Yep! So perfect.

[@joeriztastic4665]

Sire REALLY outdid themselves with their Stingray bass style, body, and energy of the og. And then on top of it, Sterling coming up with their Ray2? Bruh, gold!

[@DadPlaysBass]

The Z3 is actually a phenomenal bass Bully. I did a video as soon as it was released on my channel and it has over 10k views now! I guess people like this bass too!

[@davejones7475]

Well! Finally, a trusted source! Your stuff is happening and awesome

[@endlessv0yd]

Bro you and me both are waiting to try that Feauxdera. Chomping at the bit!

[@sassycat]

Happy New Year, thinking hard about the Meteora bass and am tempted to get that Squier 6 string bass. Keep bringing the heat! 😺

[@grantkoeller8911]

You can play any bass, if your amp kicks ass, so I go for Westone , Made in Japan 1980's , I have a Westone Genesis and a Westone Raider, (also Aria Pro II , or Electra)

[@nathanminert3119]

I think this is my favorite New Years tradition. Some hot takes in there, but lots of fun.

[@Wombatmetal]

I got two basses this year, glad to see they are sort of on your list. The first one is a Sterling RaySS4, which is a passive short scale sting ray. Love it. And an Offbeat Roxie. Love it too. Not in the market for 2025. Keep on thumping Bully.

[@davidturkos8502]

Dano's I've always had a soft spot for. Then again my two main axs are a rickenbacker and fender jazz bass. But bully, I must ask well bass talk ever come back to Sunday nights. I really liked hearing fellow bass player taking about the bass guitar.

[@ronaldfinney1799]

Bully, thanks for the review, bro. I ordered a Z3 for the same exact reason you gave about the Z7.

[@abunai.j]

Love this channel, man. It's real talk on a platform full of salesmen. Been watching for a while, and as someone who started out on bass years and years ago before moving to guitar, the low end is calling me back a bit, and not gonna lie - that Sire V3 is looking like a tax return purchase 😂 Stay up, man, and keep doing your thing.

[@JoePreacherLong]

You are so right about the z7 vs z3. I bought the z7 and gigged with it for a weekend, immediately called my Sweetwater rep to ask if I could swap for the Z3. None of these extra stuff on the z7 is necessary or very useful and the stacked pots on the z7 were trash so attempting to use those extra z7 components was a pain. I found myself just using the humbucker anyway because the single coil was so anemic. The master tone on the z7 could be cool but it was completely stuck to the volume knob and I couldn’t really turn them independently unless I used two hands. Sire really needs to change some things on the z7 or they are going to be getting a lot of them sent back, like mine.

[@CharlesWillisBonsai]

I'm digging that offbeat bass body shape. Stoked for your video on it.

[@danadane2501]

I am gonna go ahead and concur with most all of what you said. Especially for what Fender is charging in comparison to what they're offering. I can upgrade a Glarry to something amazing (actually have). Also Sire and Vintage (brand name) basses offer instruments that are the same if not superior quality as a Fender for a fraction of the price imho. Happy new year!

[@firemarshal2629]

Just go ahead and admit you’re broke.

[@Okerokeka]

Bully, I've been digging deep into the Feauxdera, and have you seen the Cort A5 SC? Seems it would scratch a similar itch in a similar price range. Its been out for a minute, though.

[@beatrocka5]

Interesting vid. I'd never heard of that Duff McKagan. I'm not ready to spend that!! I'm just glad the bass that I'm planning to get next wasn't on either end of your lists!! Nice (and funny) vid.

[@TheMlvswoll]

I believe the Duff bass has been out for a bit and this is the second iteration. The first I believe was a PJ as well with no pickguard. I hadn’t played one but I agree with Bully the black is a great looking bass. My only concern is the neck is painted gloss black as well and I wonder how sticky it feels when playing. Had they gone satin on back it would be perfect. My .02. It may be perfect for those who don’t mind gloss or painted necks.

[@AmandaRogersarock1988]

Thanks for all the great content in 2024, Bully! Love your vids as a fellow bass player. Keep groovin'! I thought the same about the Blu De Tiger at the price point and the Mark Hoppus. Both great basses (the Mark Hoppus in every video actually sounds amazing), but the price point CAD for a Mexi bass I just can't do it.

[@BenjaminKanarek]

Happy New Year, Billy from a Canadian in Paris!

[@BeforeTheDarkAge]

Happy new year. I like the longhorn. It has an odd shape and I would never make it my main bass. But you want a different sound in the studio this will tell you hey I’m here. Gigging it would be fun to take one out for the old tic tac bass sound for a song or two. Other basses with the old lipstick pickups can do the job but the visual element isn’t there.

[@wiltonh]

Great list Sir, I noticed you didn't like any MJ basses because the neck pups sounded thin. I completely agree. With that said you reviewed a Sadowsky MJ5 earlier in the year, that neck pup is a double stack J pup so it doesn't have the same thin sound of the Sire or Fender MJ. My question is even though the MJ5 Sadowsky cost $3625 whats your thoughts on it's sound ( no one questions Sadowsky quality ). Because ( in my opinion ) it's obviously better that any bass on your top 3 list, but it should be because of the price. Thanks for your time Sir

[@jth1650]

I enjoy your channel! I have the z7. It’s a great bass. I’m sure the z3 is great too. I understand your reasoning from a price point perspective. Peace out!

[@Redbeard4321]

I picked up a Z7 5 string Fretless on a dent & scratch sale. Love everything about it BUT am swapping the single coil for an Original voiced Bartolini dual coil. I got to have my neck pickup.

[@MrAndreAllen]

G.O.M.A.B.! Great Vid! You have definitely helped me on my Bass Journey! Unfortunately, I will probably spend some $$$ now based on your recommendations! Had a recent bad experience w a Sire (workmanship, not tone), but been hearing good things about the Sires w/the music man pickups.

[@sunburstbasser]

I was really wanting a Sire Z7, partly because of your video. Sweetwater didn't have the one I wanted. But I've also been wanting a 6-string bass for a while now, and they had the Sire M7. I have been loving this bass so far. I think it uses the same electronics as the F10, so when you finally do get one, I think you will really love it.

[@joaniepeters2565]

Speaking of modern day Ibanez (I hate them btw).. Something that’s blowing my mind this past year too: the Cort factory in Indonesia.. I used to hate those 2010s Indonesian basses but in the past few years the Cort factory in Indonesia has stepped up their game immensely, to a point where I am actually pretty shocked. They manufacture so many companies basses at that factory including Ibanez. I bought a Swedish design brand and an actual Cort brand bass made this year at that factory, and they have pretty much become my main basses.. I was sort of shocked at the quality and playability of these basses, especially the Cort series at their price point. Now that being said there’s only one company out there manufacturing the best made factory basses right now but at a higher price point (but still lower or comparable to American fender): MTD Kingston series, hands down the best factory basses on the market right now, a lot of those series are even far superior to fenders custom or American basses, I picked up a couple with the upgraded electronics and they are even better than the custom basses I was playing prior. I switched because the customs were too heavy, and I actually ended up upgrading which is kind of unbelievable because I upgraded to a factory bass.. that says a lot

[@marcelojulio]

Hey bro, how are you? Happy 2025 to you and your family! Man, you should try Rob Trujillo's signature set on a 4 or 5 string bass with short string spacing, like the Bass Collection. I have one and man... At 18v it's such an impressive pickup that you don't even need a preamp !

[@MadJackF1]

You gotta geaux wit dat Geaux! Not really my style, but worth a listen. The Ray2/Intro looks like a good passive mod platform. I need to chill on the cheap gear, I want to get on with my next project, my own variant of a Cabronita Precision Bass.

[@georgegandara6054]

What about the Godin Shifter 4 ? Is it worth a review? Thanks in advance.👍🎸

[@alexskibicki2262]

Awesome list, bully 😎🎸 that first sire bass looks really nice in a blue finish. And the Ibanez bass looks sweet. I’ve been playing Ibanez basses for years. So it’s on my list of favorite basses along with schecter stiletto and Yamaha trbx and bb basses. As for that danelectro longhorn bass, I thought that bass looks weird. Even though the lipstick pickups sounds totally rad, I personally would choose the 59 model over the longhorn. Other than that, this is a great list.

[@WilDBeestMF]

Sup Bully! Man, they had some truly great stuff this year. I'm definitely getting me a Meteora, and Jazz Bass Specials are *always* good. Can't forget the stinkers, though. At this point, I have given up on anything rocking gold foil.

[@tomnorris8476]

Great choices! A lot of exciting bases came out in 2024. I’m really excited about those sire z series.

[@grantkoeller8911]

The Dan-electro Longhorn bass is for 1960's rock, this is where it leads the way.

[@stefanie_jones]

Usually played the old fender P bass ive had since forever but took a step and got an alembic. Didn't pick up the P bass since 😅

[@MikeJ6129]

🎉🎉 Happy New Year Bully !

[@MrToonfish]

FAUXdera in french Bully, "faux" means false as you probably know it ! Great opinion btw, I'm almost thinking the same as you did.

[@bertilbroddeus7659]

I have the Sire Z7 5 str. Swamp Ash and I am 75 and it’s the best bass I ever had ! And I have had many basses . Sorry to say but your demo don’t give the right sound if you comoare other demos on U-Tube . Happy new year

[@stonygrantham4681]

Thanks,, enjoyed your yearly list. No luv for KLOS Mr. Bully?? Just curious cuz I’m thinking bout pulling the trig on at least one!

[@BullyThaKidd]

They’re great basses!

[@BullyThaKidd]

i just havent dialed the one they sent to me in yet

[@IYF_Productions_SL]

The Duff bass has been out for a while. I purchased mine 02/05/20. The exact one spoken of in the video. It's a great bass if someone wants a cool black bass that plays like a dream. Well worth the price imho. You're milage may vary.

[@BassRacerx]

my favorite bass you reviewed this year was the offbeat double P bass. the dual emg pickups with the EXB tone circuit and classic tone knob just does something for me. I wish fender would just release a standard P bass with a jazz neck why is that too damn much to ask!

[@justinfedenyszen7049]

Excellent video. Really looking forward to your O series video! Thank you for the content.

[@reueldaniel4995]

Planning on being at NAMM 2025 hope to meet you, respect coming from Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹 in the Caribbean

[@VeitLehmann]

I was kind of expecting this Sire Z3/Z7 thing. I was really looking forward to the Z7. Never played one, but saw some content about it, showing its quality issues (I guess because there's just not enough room in the electronics cavity) and pickup imbalance. I also like the concept of the Blu DeTiger bass, but never played this one as well. But a bridge humbucker/neck single-coil combo can work _really_ well: see Lakland, Sandberg California TM, or my hidden gem: a Clover Apeiron H.5. Gives me pretty much all the sounds I need for 99% of occasions. I also liked the H/S StingRays best and I'm sad they aren't produced like that anymore. Let's hope Sire updates the Z7 with a better matching pair of pickups.

[@diegolmello]

Funny I was adjusting my Z7 earlier today and found the same issue on weak neck pickup. May replace it, because it’s a shame.

[@xp50player]

My F10 arrived Sept 16th. Looks to be maybe #9. Didn’t know it was going to be in this video, since they are hardly shipping yet.

[@chris2fur401]

Just got my Sire Z3 5 string in today.

[@johnclement7473]

Bully what I would like to know is the Jen Ritter bass that cost around $295,000 dollars exactly or maybe not exactly who buys a bass at that price or $40,000 dollars curious minds want to know and poor people. And if you could easily afford to buy a bass at those prices would you. And I just came across your show in this new year and I really enjoyed it and learned a lot. And I hope you do something like teach how to purchase a bass in a high in boutique bass shop so we can learn how to haggle for a lower price thank you.

[@earnestmccoy6426]

That was a good review GOMAB

[@willyjgonzalez6560]

Great list! Ive been waiting on getting an F10 too! What is up with that?!

[@BullyThaKidd]

No clue

[@pjmuck]

Just ordered a Z7 because the price was significantly marked down, knowing fully well about its neck PUP shortcomings. A few years ago you did an SX modification where you installed cheap flat magnets under the PUPs to increase their output. I followed your instructions and ended up with a killer mod on my SX, so I thank you for that. Do you think that might be an easy solution for the Z7?

[@BullyThaKidd]

It could work!

[@sixstackjack]

only mod i do on my active basses is a kill switch, but thats coas i always remember to plug out the cable of the bass, so a switch saves me alot of battery :P, well i prolly would not do it on a Fodera bass woth like 10k - 25k :P

[@davelock3166]

Love your opinions. Why would you mod an expensive bass? Some youtubers do it all the time - especially Tone Monster - do you get me?

[@jonlavigne3270]

Watched this video whilst playing my Pignose bass that I bought in Japan in 2008 I think. Pignose never gets the love.

[@thepeopleschoice431]

Feaux-dera 😅

[@Sleepy8]

Great video, thanks.

[@FasterThanJaws]

Best of the year has gotta be the Squier Jazz VI for me. There's better quality 6 strings out there, of course, but for the price there is absolutely nothing in it's league that comes close. I hope they keep producing new versions of it in the future, because I don't want to pay for the Steve Bailey fretless model.

[@HavanaAffair76]

Nice Buc-ees shirt, i’m wearing mine while watching this 🤘

[@JK_35]

What's an Ibanez bass going to do? I love all my ATK's

[@davejones7475]

Thanks Bully, this was an extremely honest opinion (your opinion with full disclosure). I tip my hat young man!

[@BullyThaKidd]

I'm just the messenger, but I'm glad you appreciated the honesty!

[@Bassboy1987]

I'm a suck for a nice PJ as well! Love mine 💯

[@chicopm]

Everyhbody wants that F10, even this guitarist!!!!!!!!!!

[@slickydee5507]

Ibanez has a million really nice basses that mostly look cool, they are almost all up my alley but I have never bought one lol. I don't know why exactly, I guess I have a nice boutique PJ and then anything else I get I feel like needs to be in the more traditional "vintage" category

[@LeonardoParisi1]

A ton of truth... Thanks Bully!

[@charlieburns1385]

Love my Duff M bass

[@clausm2203]

Great video

[@RCNobles]

The Fender Duff is the best bass Fender makes. Total rock machine. Been my go to for years.

[@charlieburns1385]

They reversed the P pickup on the hoppus as well

[@robertmansell3667]

Over MANY years I’ve owned Squiers,and Fenders,Mexican,Japanese,Korean,American,Chinese,then I brought a Sire P on a whim and for me it’s the One,taking everything into account it beats every Fender Squier,Ibanez,Peavey,Aria,Yamaha I’ve ever owned.JUST my opinion 😉

[@Blakeadam52]

i am WITH YOU on that dan electro LMAO, so ugly. and yeah i feel like the signature basses prices are getting a little wild especially considering theyre made in mexico at the moment.

[@Blakeadam52]

crazy its been pushed back Faux-teen times.

[@Rui1982]

Are you going to do the live with other KZbinrs?

[@BullyThaKidd]

not this year

[@JesusisLord7877]

But what about Spector..?

[@mathewcumming4637]

Ya need to have a yarn to Jonny Dibble about the longhorn.

[@OkayestBassist]

“Fauxdera - shout out Trav” ❤

[@firemarshal2629]

You can buy the cheap bass, upgrade the cheap bass, praise the hell out of a cheap bass but you’re still just playing a clone. If you can’t afford a Stingray that’s cool but the Sire isn’t even in the same league as the EB. Get a job and save some money.

[@josephalvaro5244]

That Fender Blue Detiger Player Plus Jazz bass is hideous IMHO.

[@postal-boy]

If it aint broke fix it… or whatever….. I know the problem. I tend to have bolt-ons collected before I order the new bass. I don’t collect, I devalue basses.

[@BetoxSound]

Ibanez SR bass: "its a copy/paste with a new Jss on it"..... majority of your bass wall behind is a copy/paste of the same 2 Fenders but in a different color, slighty different shape. Same fender with new lipstick like you say :P :))

[@jamesb2894]

No love for the Squire 6 string Jazz?

[@johnyrocksville]

I like a nice round low end cause…yeah 😂😂😂

[@spoonysmalls]

15 year old me is justbamazed at what you can get for $500 these days. Love Fender, but wth with these prices?

[@travisazzopardi8024]

Still tasting that Popeyes @3:03 😂

[@sonojon0]

Kick that intro!

[@keithperry602]

GOMAB Frat. Happy New Year and God bless you all year long 🙏 Amen 🙏 😊 .1914 always 😊😅

[@BullyThaKidd]

Happy New Year to you too!

[@neepheid]

That's great for you, but the Ray2 is a non-starter in the UK - it's £349 - aye, that's GBP. You can buy a Z3 for £399. Quite why anyone in the UK (and presumably Europe) would buy a Ray2 is beyond me.

[@motivation89742]

I really don’t like the fender American pro 2 very dark sounding

[@AndrewPounds]

They just had one at sweetwater

[@AJbassist]

i rather have sandberg cali over the blue bass

[@Djole_NS246]

If I had need and money for top bass, that will be some of Sandbergs. Those are truly the highest quality guitar for real players.

[@jevan40]

thanks….

[@BullyThaKidd]

You're welcome?

[@groovemaster8632]

Fender grooves in finger style is unmatched but the slap tone doesn't impress me. MM has all that on both ends.

[@theonecalledvino8165]

Shout out to Buckee's

[@greatertorque]

The Danelectro Longhorn bass is ugly to me. Even though I've never heard of or played one, I wouldn't buy one.

[@neocollective]

Bro says "basses of 2024" and shows crap that's been around for decades; the Dano Longhorn came out in 1956 !

[@Okerokeka]

Sir how dare you make a video I chose to watch and chose to spend my time watching and then make me see a longhorn bass😂 😭

[@BullyThaKidd]

i know right.. that segment wasnt that long though

[@STEADYB5150]

WHY RECOMMEND CHEAP BASSES THAT YOU WOULDN'T BUY? SMDH I ONLY BUY FENDER AND STINGRAYS

[@SteveTheBassGuy]

Fauxdera

[@NicholasANappiNick]

Gee can you say Music Man copy🎉🎉🎉 I 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Djole_NS246]

In my opinion, Sire is wrong in trying to make every type of bass there is. In this way, people perceive them as Ibanez at the beginning of the seventies, solid, affordable guitars, but without character, without a personal stamp. Solid guitars, but only copies of premium brands. And it is difficult to get out of that matrix. Ibanez succeeded, but almost no one else did, and they also succeeded in a completely different time.

[@groovemaster8632]

I've been playing Fender for 25 years. If it ain't Fender it isn't a bass. That was until I recently discovered the Stingray HH5 by Music Man. That bass is an absolute beast in every way. All I need is that deep low end and high slap attack. It's well balanced, feels great. Only 3 knobs (2band EQ), simple like a P-Bass BUT HAS THE TONE OF AN EXPENSIVE JAZZ BASS. But I will only play the double Humbucker version. The one pickup Stingray is like dated a pretty girl with a missing arm or leg. She has to have both 🤣