The Top 3 and Bottom 3 Basses of 2023

[@ddrumpro]

Yamaha and Sire are good honorable mentions for best options.

[@MrBoogz68]

I don't have a channel, but I do own 57 basses. Many of my acquisitions I decided on the recommendation of both you and Lobster. I have everything from high end Fender to low end Harley Benton. Currently my all time favorite it Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas. I have all 4 flavors they offer in 4 string. 1 has original pickups, the other 3 have different. All 4 have Darkglass tone capsule. This is truly my favorite

[@barberq210]

I love Charvel Bass guitars

[@MarcG7424]

Love these end of the year roundups especially when Bully Lowend Lobster AMP the Bass Man and Johnny Dibble do them as a group

[@facelessman7733]

Those Squires have really come into their own. I have one that has had all US parts installed on it and it is a keeper.

[@jasondorsey7110]

I did that with a squier sonic series bronco and it's a blast to play and a definite keeper, and the finish options in the sonic series are cool

[@PhonePole68]

After 30 years I had to quit playing due to injury so I live through you guys. Thanks. It can bother me large sometimes. Keep it up

[@johnyrocksville]

Will Lobster be joining the stream? Miss the clawed one.

[@kronkproductions5570]

Yeah man wondering the same thing. Missin that guy

[@BullyThaKidd]

idk... ill check in with him

[@liviajod7157]

Me too. He is great too.

[@JamesKingBass]

The price of warwick basses has gone up ridiculously in the last couple years, i got a pro series thumb 5 bo for exactly €2k in 2021 from thomann brand new

[@kahlelveadiltureth4216]

After seeing all that is needed for a gold foil fender to make it playable, I decided to get a sire v2 updated V5 fretless instead. Less than half the price of the fender and twice the build quality. I love it!

[@carlkermode899]

I got one of those too, great bass. Incredible build quality for the price point.

[@WilDBeestMF]

The gold foil series is the one Fender product I try to advise people against. Jeez what a miss..

[@abc123gpl]

this has become my favourite Bass channel. cheers from germany.

[@ericventimiglia6482]

I too have the Fender Gold Foil bass and i was lucky enough to get a perfect one. I do recognize like you said that many many people had issues but i didnt. And i have to say, its easily my favorite bass of 2023. If there wasnt a qc issue for many people this would easily be one of the best basses of the year. But i get it and its justified. The sound of it is reslly unique and i love the way it looks and feels in the hand

[@PhonePole68]

I had a Squier jazz fretless with twist in the neck. Sent it back, new one same thing. So ordered a Mustang (possibly 5string), waited 5 weeks to find out they stopped making them, yet it was in the latest catalogue. So I ordered Fender P/J black with gold pickguard, pickup covers and controls. I was planning on taking the frets out, but 6 weeks later, no dice. Made me want to take up the triangle 😂

[@PhilosophicalCat]

Generally agree with your list, however I wouldn't say the Warwick is a bad bass - it's a good bass, just at a bad price. The Fender gold foil on the other hand...

[@bert_buikema]

My favorite of 2023 is the Harley Benton PB20 SBK. With some TLC and setup it rocks. I love the fat neck. With the stock ceramic pu and flats it is killer.

[@LucaLindemann]

Just discovered you and loved the video. Another confirm that the Rascal is the bass to have from the 2023 year. Great job and... Go 'niners!! 😂😂😂 Cheers from Italy!!

[@barberq210]

Go Niners Go !!

[@robertmansell3667]

I got the Rascal 👌

[@scottmcfadyen293]

I was waiting for the the mention of the tinfoil bass on the worst list. i still got my Yamaha TRBX 305 in part by your video that ran long in love of it. i love it too ! hope you had a nice Christmas and all the best to you and yours in 024 !

[@gimmeagig]

I have a TJB 5. It is one of my main basses. I did upgrade everything on it Bridge tuners and electronics. The neck pickup is in the wrog location for the mid 70s Marcus sound. That was an easy change. the cavity had enough space to get the pickup forward to the correct place. I just had to modify the pickguard. It's a killer bass now. But it is heavy.

[@alexskibicki2262]

Pretty cool clip, bully 😎🎸 the jazz basses you first showed the tjb-5 looks nice. And the p-bass looks nice also. Personally I’m not a big fan of epiphone basses(except for explorer styled basses). Also I’m not a big fan of the thumb basses(despite how killer they sound for metal). Personally I would choose a corvette $$ and a string ray bass over a thumb bass. Especially since I’m into basses with humbucker pickups.

[@Redbeard4321]

Dude! Get a hold of a Wattplower, the 1 or the 2 and see if you change your mind. Also check out Watt. Dude’s a beast!

[@MadJackF1]

I got the Sonic P Surf Green for $40 off from MF. I was really surprised how good it is. It came with the neck flat and decently low action. I'm too rough of a player for a set up like that, so I did a set up to my taste, polished the frets, installed a TUSQ XL nut and put a set of LaBella Flats on it. While the stock ceramic pickup is HOT, it sounds like a P pickup. No intentions to change the pickup. I have a gold anodized pickguard on the way for it and a couple other dress up items to customize it.

[@i94yeh2p]

Root beer color looks doo doo brown with sparkles. No thanks.😁lol! No one seems to like Epiphone basses, I don't know why but I always seem them discounted on sale.

[@sonojon0]

It’s like pouring syrup in shit and making it pancakes 😂😬

[@Giambijuice]

Epiphone basses were great, 40 years ago. Because they haven't changed much, they don't sound as bright as modern basses, Imo. That, and they have the same playability issues they've always had. Just my opinion, but their basses feel outdated. "Doo doo brown with sparkles"...😂

[@johnsilver8059]

I owned a Wattplower mk II. Mike Watt was playing a Gibson EB0 that got stolen. Reverend worked with him to create his perfect bass. I sold it after a year primarily because the neck feel, but I really liked the sound of the neck pickup.

[@kronkproductions5570]

Great lists and great content, Bully. Thanks for doing what you do. Keep it up.

[@garrydhintz8017]

I really wish Warwick would add thumb basses to the rockbass line. I feel like they need to have a bolt on 4 and 5 that average people can afford. They do it for streamers and corvettes so why not the thumb too.

[@son0fsocal]

I must correct you, I just got my dream bass stingray 5 HH in Snowy Night and it was 3k after taxes.😮 I love it!!

[@wysiwyg2489]

Great review. Comment about the Paranormal: If they would add bridge mutes like the old Music Man had, this would be a true killer.

[@stancobb5544]

Good to see you again and I hope 2024 is your best year yet!

[@PhonePole68]

That root beer wasn’t too bad. I like new brave finishes. I’d like to know what the lightest yet best sounding bass is. Binding on the neck is the way to go…love it. Any suggestions from anyone will be appreciated.

[@dynodansmoking]

Thanks for the vids this year. They have been a tremendous help after picking up the bass again in April 2023. Haven't played in 20 yrs. You and Lobster have been great. I actually bought that rascal because of Lobs review. I'll try to stop in on the LS on the 30th. Peace!

[@callmeKD112]

Great vid bro!! Definitely agree with you on the Warwick… I cannot stand those basses and the prices that they go for doesn’t match the sound 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@scottmatthews172]

I really want the Squier Paranormal Rascal bass. I think I'm gonna have it Pleked by my awesome friends at Sweetwater. I've heard nothing but good things about that bass, and I think it would be worth an extra couple hundred to have it play like butter. Your videos are very informative 👍. God bless!

[@r3b0rn80]

When I look at that Fender JB foil thing QC disaster, it reminds me European Parliament trying to end thermal engines production around 2035. Just a big yellow laugh at those thieves who rely on their laurels from the 60s…

[@KitBasher1]

I still can’t believe the quality control issue on the fender tinfoil bass. It is however a thing of beauty. I have a Squier five mod that’s sonic blue with tortoise pick guard, looks a lot like that.

[@lincolncalvin5876]

Brah....4,000 $.....I'm done I'm going to order a Papa John's pizza and play my Sire V9 😂😂😂 Great video

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Bully where’s all your videos been bud?? Missing your content homie! I agree on the price with the Warwick BO thumb, it’s ridiculous, you can literally find a used early Thumb NT for way less, and if you know Warwick you know the early ones are just better, I’ll take a used NT Thumb anyday, and sweetwater will let you make payments on the BO thumb for like 700$ a month 😂😂😂 I can get a new corvette for that price

[@trying2bhuman474]

Warwick.. chuckle..

[@jamesquirk8656]

Bummed to hear about the Wattplower and the Warwick. I've wanted to play a Wattplower but no store ever carries them. I played a Reverend Triad and that is a very cool bass. As for Warwick, yeah, their pricing is totally ridiculous. I'm glad I snagged my used Corvette ProLine when I did. One of my favorite basses.

[@jhabarretto9697]

Got my fist bass 2 years ago (Sire M2) got my 2nd bass 3 months ago (Sire V8) and I Love it.

[@markblackstad8705]

I would like to add my vote for the Squire Rascal too! I just got mine a few weeks ago and am loving it too. Especially the bridge pickup. BTW, I hope Lobster can join for the joint video. He hasn't posted anything for quite awhile. Hope he is OK?! Does anyone know?

[@LMaia14]

Really like these kind of videos, thanks.

[@cavetroll666]

i just got DIngwal D-roc 5 this nyear and thats my top bass been wanting a crazy different looking thing and this did that for me :) cheers.

[@keithperry602]

Nice collection of basses 👍

[@lauriebluesguy]

Been waiting for this, always enjoy it :)

[@BullyThaKidd]

Glad to hear it!

[@TenFalconsMusic]

I play heavy alternative music, but I always look at what basses (and gear) the Gospel bass players are playing. ...you can't go wrong👍

[@kbussche]

If you could get your hands on a Sire Z7 (the mm+j version) that would be amazing. Thanks for the video.

[@room34]

I was laughing out loud at 9:49 and had to rewind to hear it again.

[@johnchrestman4245]

I had to subscribe my man. I like your style and don’t say that often. Well like almost never.

[@trailblazeratv6306]

Offbeat bass on Reverb are really nice looking basses

[@yellowcat1310]

You need to get one of John Lett's short scale basses. i think he uses 20 1/2" maybe 23. i think they're around 800 on reverb. he has a channel on yt. anyway, his bass is def a cutie, sounds great too. i'd love to see what you could do with it. good vid. see ya.

[@sd3falco]

Mike Watt typically played the Gibson EB-3. Probably why his Wattplower is sort of shaped the same. I like the SG Bass but the Plower is ugly to me. Enjoyed the video. Where is that Lobster anyway?

[@The_TRChronicles]

What do you think of Shecter? I have a Shecter Stiletto Extreme, and Riot 4. Both bases are great, the Riot has EMG Humbuckers, play and feel smooth

[@joelsimon3213]

Raidernation!🖤

[@liviajod7157]

I had myself the sonic pbass is just perfect. Mine is the blue one. I want to change the pickups but it was so perfect out of the box. I had it on discount for 175€ the best deal ever

[@BukanIbuMu]

I had four of the same bass in 4 different colors. Just keepin' the black one because it has the nicest look.

[@tillpoot6340]

Warwick is cool but they are hella expensive

[@keithperry602]

GOMAB Frat 😮❤Kool

[@Steve-mp7by]

The best is still the Sterling Ray5HH. Great sounds for only $400

[@sjeffy5137]

I love my thumb BO 5, greatest instrument I’ve ever played. That said I traded to get mine, bass I gave up was a fender American original p-bass that I bought for $1500. Don’t buy a new Warwick, just get them on the used market. Fantastic instruments, but definitely overpriced.

[@charleswidmore5458]

I've been saving up for a sweet Marcus Miller but my amp died. probably either going to get a kit bass or maybe one of those cheap fender p basses. Billy Cox told me a p bass or a jazz bass are both good as long as you stay away from the 5 string ones.

[@loganbaileysfunwithtrains606]

The only bass I’d ever in a fever dream consider paying $4000 for would be a 4001 Rickenbacker, but that would be more for vanity rather than playability, and I simply could never rationalize the price for a wall hanger.

[@ironblast5]

Only thing I disagree on is the thumb shade you where throwing I think $4k on a bolt on is abit ridiculous too but the sound on these basses cant be matched in my experience the low mid growl and piano like clarity is so good as you can see in my avatar pic I'm abit biased to Warwick's tho next to my Conklin 7 string they are one of my favorites

[@XCLent0]

what are the qualifications for a good bass or bad bass? Because the bass cost $4000 its a bad bass? Did you even play it?

[@daevien]

The Goldfoil (sorry "Tinfoil") bass issue is so much worse because it costs an arm and a leg and has what was originally a student / cheap model pickup as it's main feature. And they still couldn't even actually make them right.

[@deanngood8919]

I was thinking about getting a sa 4x8 Bass cab and I would like to know how that cab held up, do you still have it? What do you think of it?

[@ChanceC5]

The Spector Bantam Bass is a great bass.

[@brian-c-pearl]

I don’t think it’s fair to review basses (especially for the worst list) that you haven’t played. That would be similar to someone talking trash about your channel without watching it first. Also, you seem to rely on other reviewers content to make up your list.

[@rasmar3247]

Good morning, what are your thoughts on Thomann basses ?.

[@arvincagape251]

is the Tagima 5b great on its own or is it worth saving up for the 5-string Marcus miller sires (are they 3-4x better?)

[@anon12352]

I am sorry but had a squier p bass, worst bass i had ever played in my life, it felt like a chore to play, i had an squier vintage modified SSH strat and it was great, but i will never buy an squier bass again.

[@kailoswift8308]

Hey man do you do lessons?

[@spicyguacc]

How do you feel about Rondo Music not stocking SX basses?

[@billyjay1]

🔥🔥

[@airey773]

Worst 3 starts at 6:40 ish

[@NMbass906]

Worst for me was a the Spector Pulse. Super cool aesthetic but just massive misses everywhere else. Hate to give it to you on the Warwick lol. It's too expensive but I love Thumbs. Weird that my custom basically-a-Modulus was cheaper than a production bass!

[@alexanderhemming9148]

Eh I like the Newport, didn't vibe with the Rascal so much

[@RodrickLodowica]

not the Warwick hahaha

[@keytronek]

You should at least play a bass, before rating it. As a Warwick Thumb user, it’s got an original killer sound. I get it, $4K for a new one is a joke, however the used market is flooded with them, and you can grab one for as little $1.2K. Also, there are way worse price gouging companies out there.

[@kerburos]

Anyone reading your comment is going to contextualize it around your bias of owning one. You have to defend your purchase and, hopefully, have others engage in your sentiment. Buyers bias mixed with confirmation bias.... The cope is real.

[@keytronek]

@@kerburos You missed the emphasis of the message. He’s rating basses he hasn’t played.

[@ironblast5]

Or he played one fell in love and had to buy it like me I have owned 5 now and I currently have 3 if money was no object I'd have several 7 strings made

[@kerburos]

@ironblast5 I have a 2003 FNA corvette and a 2004 BO thumb - are they nice basses? - Sure, but you dont need to play something to realize 4k has well over entered the realm of dimishing returns. If you want to "accept" the price of these and you think you are getting a 1:1 vslue for your dollar then go for it. The vast majority of bass players are lucky ti have 4k worth of gear TOTAL...let alone a 4.1k instrument that lost its value juice after 2k. And yes, again, I own two warwicks, I just dont shill for them, or anyother company of that matter.

[@tonyrayjames3526]

RN4L

[@waynekerr5645]

That Newport has popped up on everyone’s sh*t list.

[@RaiderNation-North]

RAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIDDEEEEEEERRRRRS!

[@michaelbrohl1625]

I don't think it's fair to rank a bass as one of the worst of the year just because it doesn't fit your style. I have picked up the Watt and many reverend bass's, and they are excellent quality bass's and sound fantastic.They do not deserve to be on anyone's bottom three of any list.

[@jamesobrien8529]

Warwick is the best bass ever made gor growl

[@Satyr000]

To me that Newport bass is super ugly. Also the lack of a scoop going from the horn to the neck on the left side is going to make fretting those high notes a bit of a pain. Something I just can't have. Because when you start playing bass due to plays like Les Claypool and other players who are unafraid to get weird, you might want to throw high notes in there.

[@Cody_Codi_Code]

B.O. Hahahahahaha

[@jackshittle]

Been playing for 32 years now & IMO Gibson basses are trash as well as ugly. You can tell how flimsy & cheap they are just by the looks (like the yellow bass in this vid). I'm not sure why somebody would purposely pick a T-bird or the SG style Gibson basses when there are 100's of better built, better sounding, better playing basses. I remember in the 90's that the Warwick Thumb basses were all the rage. I think Warwick has been overpriced since I first discovered them in around 1991-1992. The Thumb couldn't look more lame in this video. It looks like a slab of rough wood for the body & two bridge pickups at a weird angle. A $4000 bass should at least look the part (Spector, Zon Legacy, Modulus Quantum/Flea model & tons more). And I don't know if they still use bubinga for the neck but the one I played sucked as it felt weird & sounded crappy IMO.

[@christiansnowden4678]

None of these basses are good!