TOO COMPLEX for the Intended "musician"... THE BASS WHAMMY!

Ever see a Whammy bar on a BASS GUITAR? Me neither! Probably because they cost money & most bassists are too cheap to put any money into their instrument! Get Extinction Level Event at spectredigital.com/product/extinction-level-event-master-kit/ for a limited time INTRO PRICE!
0:00 A typical Bass setup
2:19 Cleanup
4:40 issues
6:05 how does it sound?
7:14 Let it rip!
8:35 bar action
10:14 sustain issues
11:07 The bottom Line (pun unintended)
About Spectre Sound Studios:
I'm Glenn Fricker, engineer here at Spectre Sound Studios. I love making records, and after doing it for sixteen years, I want to pass on what I've learned. On my channel you can find tutorials on how to record guitar, bass, real drums and vocals. There's reviews and demos of tube amps, amp sims, drums, mics, preamps, outboard gear, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, and plugin effects.
We've covered Moon on the Water, played Bias FX, given you the absolute best in Stupid Musician Texts, ranted & raved about bass guitar, and this channel is where The Eagle has Landed.
Everything you've wanted to learn about recording Hard Rock & Heavy Metal can be found right here on this channel!
I also respond to your comments & questions: The best make it into the SMG Viewer's Comments series of videos. Loads of fun, lots of laughs.
Thanks for checking out my channel & please subscribe!

[@nuldorvamoysenor2091]

Kahler himself did a series of videos explaining how to setup their bridges. Those things are cool as hell! A whammy in a bass is a little too much, but the engineering behind the bridge is great.

[@edwardbrown561]

Yeah, you can still buy these brand new from Warwick, on and off the bass They use a really little, but stiff spring. It's nice to know it's still taut though They make a inexpensive kit to make the bridge stationary as well, so if you wanted it would sit like any other brass bridge

[@5urg3x]

I think they’re easier to set up than Floyd’s because they can be locked down easily. No wood blocks required. Idk about the bass ones but the guitar kahlers don’t work all that well as trems, unfortunately. There are a lot of tuning anomalies. Maybe the bass version wouldn’t have that issue because the string tension is so much higher?

[@CarltonMelson]

Most of the guitarist I know like Kahler better than Floyd. Probably why Kahler got sued.

[@Sl33zytheclown]

@@CarltonMelson when did they get sued? I just bought a kahler for a strat project. Because I didn't wanna gut the strat out. For a Floyd rose. The kahler seen way easier to install. Because it doesn't have the posts You have to drill. Can't wait to try it.

[@stevenpipes1555]

I would love a bass with a trem. The difference can be so inspiring. Imagine if a day with a bass trem led to a song or a feel you never new you had inside, wouldnt it be worth it?

[@Basslcal]

Only person I've seen use a bass tremolo in an enjoyable capacity is Les Claypool

[@Arycke]

Peep Victor Wooten w/Bella Fleck.

[@kospandx]

Randy Coven I think used it to good effect.

[@Woozy.0]

That's Colonel Claypool to you, civilian

[@kalelvigil1510]

NARUCHO

[@shahi4827]

jake kiernan?

[@66fitton]

Sad story: Buddy of mine ordered an American made BC Rich Warlock from L&M back in mid 80's. Wanted a Kahler installed before he even took possession. The guy at L&M used the template for a Floyd Rose by accident when he routed the hole for the trem. The kahler was 1/4 inch smaller than the Floyd Rose. It didn't fill the entire hole that was routed! They called him and explained what happened. Buddy was crushed! He waited almost a year for this guitar to be made to his specs. He demanded a new guitar until they came down 1000 bucks on original price, AND got the Kahler for free. He settled for that and had a custom plate made to cover the wound. It actually looked great in the end but what a shit show!

[@UncleRJ]

Bass whammy is not useless but it can only be used on specific instances. There are times where I would pre-bend to get that detuning note, and getting a good pre-bend on bass is not an easy task for bass. The bass whammy makes it a whole lot easier for us bassists and our 4 braincells we take turn sharing with each other!

[@DenverStarkey]

there's 4? Really? I was told there were only 2. God damnit!

[@MarmiteTheDog]

I just bend the neck to dive bomb my basses

[@oscriadocomandosancto2898]

@@DenverStarkey one for each string

[@DenverStarkey]

@@oscriadocomandosancto2898 wait there's 4 strings ? really ? damn it again. i thought there were only 3. i'm just missing out on the fountain of bassist knowledge. maaannn. i suppose next you'll tell me i'm supposed to change all 4 strings once a year right ?

[@Baked-as-Bread]

@@DenverStarkey we have 4 collectively!

[@trollstjerne]

Just a quick tip, if you want to keep the loose string in place on the fretboard when changing string use a capo

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

Great idea!!

[@TitaniusAnglesmith]

How have i never thought of that

[@michaelmaas6460]

Another bass with whammy is the Fender Bass VI, 6 strings with 30" scale length, 3 single coils, typically tuned E to E. There's also a Squier version.

[@captainobviousn7551]

David Vincent from Morbid Angel used to play a Hamer Scarab and also a Takamine CB 400 Bass both with Whammy Bars

[@perryborn2777]

I've got one of those squier bass 6s, and you run into all the same problems Glenn did I usually don't even leave the bar in when I'm playing it anymore, cause I'm better off just pushing down on the bridge for that sort of a bend. All the sustain is just taken out immediately, which is really quite sad, I was really excited to have a bass with a whammy

[@gpu213]

I came here to mention this too, that thing is the frankenstein's monster of guitars lol, but I reckon it has potential to produce some interesting and wacky music which couldn't really be achieved with a regular bass or a guitar, I know many people historically have used it, but I've yet to hear of a musician who realised its full potential

[@DaisyHead666]

That thing is basically a baritone on crack. Crazy guitars.

[@Tawper]

If I'm not mistaken, doesn't Les Claypool play one of these? Well at least a whammy bass? Either way this thing is really cool and definitely unique

[@serendipityrecordco9380]

Claypool was the first bass player I thought of too. That and that guy who used to play with Vai

[@kilsoo]

On a fretless no less

[@Tawper]

Yeah less is the first guy I thought of, he is definetly unique

[@thomashigginsmusic]

Yeah he plays it on nature boy!! Awesome song

[@beatsbydrew8930]

Not anymore

[@SpywareVA]

At some point, Glenn is gon' be Screamin' good morning for like 3 hours

[@michaelhodilofficial]

You mean 3 days

[@DonnieDistortion]

It will premiere before it's finished uploading.

[@di0__0ib]

I'm concerned he's gonna have a stroke if he does one too long 😲

[@kjl3080]

Perhaps

[@SpywareVA]

@@kjl3080 what are you doing here

[@PigglyWigglyDeluxe]

I remember there used to be high end basses that came with tremolos. I can’t remember the name of them but I remember they used to be like $8000 and I also remember they made their own strings in-house and on their website they showed magnified images of their strings against market leading strings. Anyone remember what they were called? They had funky shapes too and handmade to order somewhere in Europe. Edit: Ritter! I just remembered. Ritter bass guitars! God damn those are wild

[@reverendprophet]

Ritter is the best bass I have ever played. Wish I could afford one!

[@nmnmnm9509]

Warwick has 6 and 4 strings bass with kahler bridge (vampyre 6strings)on some masterbilt models.

[@jas_bataille]

Ritter guitars are just so f*** ridiculous

[@danielkelley6711]

it's a whammy bar. it is used for vibrato, not tremolo.

[@DarkMatterBurrito]

When I was in submarine school back in 1995, I had a bass player roommate that had difficulty playing the bass line to "Hey Man, Nice Shot". I couldn't believe it at the time. Glenn has shown me that it is indeed believable.

[@davem4250]

But its really in dropD

[@Rosiestoned]

smth magical about playing bass at the bottom of the ocean in submarine school in 1995

[@Woozy.0]

Gives new meaning to sub-bass

[@KahlerUSATrems]

Thanks for checking out our bridge. Next time you’re in Las Vegas stop by and we will show you how to set the bridge up to do the things you want it to do.

[@SheaRecordmetal]

Fuck , can you imagine if Cliff Burton was still here. Rocking his wah pedal doing swells and have a whammy!

[@immanuelrohy]

I really would like locking tuners on bass to be a common thing like on guitar. Absolutely love how much faster and simpler it makes string changes. Owning a headless bass to me just proves that it could work.

[@georgiykireev9678]

At least we've got those detuner levers. Win some, lose some

[@jazzad]

Sperzel are pretty much the only ones. They're not standard size.

[@Bob-of-Zoid]

Slight correction Glenn: The Kahler bridges are more expensive themselves, but require only a single much smaller rout and a few screw holes to be put on an instrument. If it's slightly off, they also can be adjusted in all directions. Putting a Floyd Rose type bridge on requires two pivot post anchor holes which have to be right on the money, 3 separate routs (templates) at varying depths, the screw holes for the spring claw that requires a foot long or more drill and a guide... and has no sideways adjustment, so a lot more work to put in an instrument when building from scratch, and also much harder to retrofit in replacing any other bridge too. Kahler has been making one that you can easily slap on a Les Paul for some 35 years, and Floyd came out with one only recently. I love Kahlers, but it is a slightly different feel: somewhat smoother and a slightly longer bar travel.

[@CaptainFrugalReviews]

LOL, Glenn plays bass better than half of the bass players that have recorded in my studio! 😁

[@FaresMason]

Only half?

[@CaptainFrugalReviews]

@@FaresMason Good point, more like 98%.

[@ZappaSheik]

Where do you find all these bad Bassplayers? When I grew up I was the only Bassplayer not in a band in my region and i'm a fucking brilliant bassplayer.

[@WhatGrenadeWhere]

I'm sorry man. I had weed priorities that day.

[@deadinside7600]

@@ZappaSheik I wonder the same thing. I was the bassist in a few bands when i was younger living around my hometown. All the other bassist i met were insanely talented. i was playing 5 and 6 string fretless at the time.

[@FlameFlowe1337]

Wow this is so cool! I've only seen one of these once in a video somewhere, seems like a hell of a lot of fun to play. Also, good riffing on this monster, I dig your bass playing!

[@terryosborne272]

This is FAKE CRAP again NOT real give away.

[@jonathanneville7105]

Nice! I just started diving into bass and very much appreciate the focus on bass stuff. Great episode.

[@TimWinget86]

Ive seen whammies for bass online I have considered it to try. Ive even seen a floyd rose bridge for bass...Im not sure my coloring book is that age level. Neat idea for something different to bring to the table. What are the chances you can do a show on recording a live gig? Thanks again and love the show, keep up the good work.

[@ohyeah7314]

Great Video! I’d love to see some more bass videos! The first time I’ve ever seen a bass tremolo. Amagin Cliff Burton with it.

[@pure.panic.productions33]

That was sick! I love it!

[@Bob-of-Zoid]

The Kahler is fully adjustable from the top: Spring tension, bar tension and all, and there's a trick to changing the strings; pre-bending right near the ball end and keeping tension on them when winding, which BTW helps with tuning issues on any instrument: Always wind with good tension on the string! You can order one from Kahler directly, for 4, 5 and even 6 string basses I believe. Because they are expensive (well engineered) few parts dealers have them in stock, but they not only make all the different models, but they have been improved a bit too. Even replacement parts can easily be had. Whammy bass is wicked cool!

[@marianogonzalez9760]

Hy Glenn! As every Kahler tremolo type you can adjust the tension of the spring by using a screwdriver into the little hole that´s between the 2nd and 3rd string in bass or the 3rd and 4th on a guitar. New Tremolos uses allen. By adjusting clockwise it gives more tension to the springs. If tremolo it's too old and never have manteinance use some lube into that little hole (moisture, sweat and dust get in and cause corrosion), in good conditions it´s a soft adjustment

[@dogbiscuits752]

Amazing playing, Glenn!

[@mingmerci6103]

Glen single handedly changing metal music. I'm really looking forward to the bass strings. I've moved to bass and guitar due to not being able to drum anymore due to neck damage. Extension event, strings coming soon, what's next an energy drink that actually makes people try to be creative. Glen you a legend and a scholar.

[@michaelolz]

You know, not too bad, Glenn! Good job! I just recently picked bass up and I have to say it's a fun instrument.

[@ianinfinity380]

Awesome video for bass players. Really enjoyed.. Thanks to you I got the Hartke bass amp . really great review you did on it. Saludos from Puerto Rico.

[@EverythingZen01]

I can't wait for the bass strings and hopefully they could in the future make some for a 6 string bass, but I'm for sure gonna buy some for my bass and for a few of my guitars

[@kodyschmidt3306]

Thanks for the honest review. I've been looking at those for a little while now. Helped me come to the conclusion that I shouldn't put one on my daily driver, but might be cool in the future to get one for another bass. Keep the bass videos coming. Bassists are people too. Sort of.

[@openmindedillustrations7106]

🤘

[@khancolman8565]

Hi, Glen! You and I are the same age, almost to the month. This video took me back to being a twenty-something kid. The first time I heard of a Kahler bass trem-arm was from Yngwie Malmsteen, when he said he had a Tele-style bass with a Kahler bridge. The first time I heard one was on Ynqwie's "Now Your Ships Are Burned". Thank you kindly for the memories, and greetings from Japan!

[@NegoClau]

Didn't even begin to watch the video and I know I need it!!!

[@aprilkurtz1589]

Really cool idea! Thanks for the demo, very interesting. Also, when you're a bass player, you don't worry about things like a string falling off.

[@michaelthomas9511]

I had a Kahler bass trem on a custom bass, the body was cut in high school wood shop and assembled and finished at a local guitar builder, originally had EMG (with EQ switches built in) but quickly swapped to Barcus Berry pickups, which I loved.

[@TRIPFORM]

Great video! I still have my old whammy Carvin. Played it live for years. The whammy was used more often than you'd think. Tuning was never a problem nor was changing strings. My problem with it was it had a thin sound and I needed more bottom subs. Plus, the dang thing was so freakin' heavy that my back started killing me after every 4 hour gig. I bought a $100 Fender Squire P bass and immediately cut the top horn off right along the top of the pick guard. That half Squire bass has been my favorite bass for decades.

[@PingeMusic]

That was truly fun, love it I saw Thonmann had bas tremolos maybe something for my next bas. Thanks for an intresting video. Be safe and skilfu. Pinge

[@roadrunnerplaying]

Nice tone!

[@TheBudBoss]

That's neat! sounds pretty good.

[@awesomefearsome]

That was cool!

[@precise0356]

I love that bass line that you played

[@PHIllip324]

It's funny you say that because Linus Klausenitzer, probably one of the most professional metal bassists out there right now (ex-Obscura, Alkaloid, Eternity's End, Obsidious), owns one of these and not even he can figure out a musical use for it.

[@nehomarrichardson4063]

Nikki Sixx had a whammy on at least one of his striped Hamer basses back in Theater of Pain era. The great Les Claypool also has a whammy on one of his basses.

[@greybrother01]

Whammy bass used to pop up a lot in funk, and "funk metal" was a thing for a while in the early 90s, so that's probably where this thing came from.

[@jeffanderson8384]

Love the shirt!!

[@adamsteelproducer]

DAMMIT GLENN! I’ve got a 5-string whammy bass I’m making a video on and you beat me to it! Gahhh

[@HeviNova]

Love the shirt! Truth!

[@AlexeySolovievMusic]

Really impressed by your bass playing skills. Most of bass players out there must learn from you how to rock! 😀🤘🔥🔥🔥

[@garyheighway7635]

The neck reminds me of the neck I had on my old Washburn Rudy Sarzo bull’s-eye bass. And a music shop near me when I was a kid had a rocky bass with a whammy on it. Pretty cool

[@lilian896]

You're awesome on Bass!🔥

[@leehodge2415]

Your bass skills are great. Awesome

[@fortj3]

Carvin offered the Kahler trem and Sperzel locking tuners on the LB70 in the 1990s. My 1992 LB70L does not have a Kahler but it does have Sperzel locking tuners. I love locking tuners on a bass

[@EdEditz]

Love the T-Shirt. So true :)

[@vincentrandles8105]

I like the montage!

[@FairyCRat]

I'd love to have locking tuners on my bass, changing strings would be a lot easier

[@g49385]

Just cruised by to see if this channel got any better

[@landersm223]

Damn it Glenn, now I need a bass guitar with a whammy on it! 🤣

[@Dave-Rough-Diamond-Dunn]

Hey Glenn, Happy Birthday mate.

[@vincentrandles8105]

Nice; 'bass solo take one' - action there Geddy Lee!

[@theriguyayylmao3761]

My uncle has a whammy on one of his basses. It’s really fun to use but I definitely have no idea what to actually do with it when it comes to a practical application

[@michaelortiz9318]

Great video.! I have a Kahler on my PXR custom bass. Took a bit to get used to but man that thing can scream! Great with fuzz and effects. Randy Coven used to have one on his Ibanez S bass back in the 90's.

[@dickdickermon9018]

Happy birthday man

[@deadiwtd1858]

Allredy knew about these, every bassist should own one of these its soooo fun

[@ladyjulia4038]

Hey Glenn I'd love to see a fearless gear review on some more affordable bass amps. Keep killing it friend!!!

[@smoothknyte]

I'll never forget finding out about SIT strings. I had just moved to the area, I had a guitar that I needed to get some repair on and restrung, and I found this house based guitar shop and stopped in and told the guy what I needed. I wanted Elixirs, but he said "have you ever tried SITs?" and I'm like no, never heard of them. He said "let me put them on for you, I've got the gauge you want too. and they're cheaper" Money is good, so I was like sure go ahead, and when i got that guitar back, instant love of those strings. They felt incredible and I just decided to stick with them going forward.

[@andykromer3529]

Heya Glenn! Great video, would have loved to see someone like Cliff Burton rock one of these things, may he Rest In Peace. A quick bass tip, when playing octaves, especially on the lower parts of the neck, it's better to use your pinky because it puts less tension on your hands! It also helps to use your pinky for two fret stretches lower on the neck for the same reason.

[@JInfinity7]

On the guitar Kahlers you can lock the cam and turn it into a hardtail. This is useful for string changes. No idea if the bass Kahlers lock.

[@blackdogsheep5631]

I had one on a BC Rich warlock back in the late 80's. They are fun to play around with. Also Sperzel makes locking bass tuners.

[@nunyabidness5150]

Nice bass jam there Glenn!

[@Masticatius]

I'm just outside of Hamilton Ontario!! Let's go!!

[@k.peterdingain2499]

Haven't seen one of those since about 1990, man dos'e that bring back some memories, very cool that and 12 string basses Crom showing my age now, lmao.

[@matthewpierce8935]

Love your shirt.

[@igorjakobsen1694]

the whammy bar on bass is really nice if you also have distortion on the bass, as that brings you closer to guitar use of the whammy. also, this would be great for doom metal

[@marcroulier]

Replacement Springs are available, that might help give it a little move 'lively' trem action compared to the 30 year old ones on the unit.

[@nathanielmabis5803]

Wow, I'm a bassist in a gigging band and I've never heard of a bass whammy, that's impressive

[@nuclearbeige3038]

Holy shit Glenn Im Thoroughly impressed by your bass playing!

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

Ty!!

[@DaisyHead666]

I gotta say, I really love that like.. Bayou green color that bass has lol.

[@ValerioMagli]

I love the kahler tremolo, i would love to have one of those in my 6 strings spector!

[@MarkRentonreal]

Love the show. You taught me everything I know about the music industry

[@jimviola2506]

Great episode. Those bass trem units are quite cool but it takes some time to learn how to set them up and use them. Have seen some applications where the neck gets a bit of flex to it so be careful if you decide to put one on your axe. Enjoy and drop ‘em!!!!

[@Jacksabbath44]

In the 80s players like Rudy Sarzo and others bent their necks like crazy and since the 70s some other bass players did vibrato over the nut, and bends down the neck, you know, back then when bass guitar was allowed to do more than just follow the rhythm guitar xD it makes sense that someone would say "hey what about tremolo for bass?" and then Billy Sheehan arrived and shredded the hell out of his mind and it made ever more sense, ironically i think i've never seen any of those players use that kind of bridges, the only one that i remember that uses it creatively is Les Claypool from Primus

[@joseislanio8910]

Love the shirt

[@Angusmetalrules]

I remember back in the early 90’s seeing a local original band in South Jersey play a bass with a whammy. I think it was either a Carvin or BC Rich

[@martinbaker1609]

Hi Glenn love your channel. I'm currently going to college for engineering and in an upcoming class I will get to build a guitar (they have a well known guitar building program) I'm planning on building a long scale frettless "V" with a Kahler trem and Rickenbacker pickups.

[@superserioes]

Loving my Squier Bass IV with trem - invented by Leo Fender back in the days

[@michaelthomas9511]

Benjamin Orr of The Cars had a Kahler bass Tremelo and was featured in ads for it, also Matt Thorne of Rough Cutt used one

[@pipelineaudio]

Isnt one of the main benefits of that unit that it has a screw to turn in the back to lock the tremolo in place for changing strings?

[@ryangoodrow8829]

To answer Glenn’s question at 10:32, I do believe sperzel makes locking tuners for basses, not sure if many other companies do however.

[@pilummurialis6490]

I love the Whammy on bass, especially with the way Les Claypool has used it on his CT basses

[@BboyFlimsy]

I got to play a bass with a whammy at a pawn shop once. I found the bar was easier to use while plucking and not picking. I was able to keep it kind of in my hand the whole time while I played. I had fun with it, anything to make more noises out of an instrument is always a good time for me, even if it's not the most conventional or practical; for that same reason, I've always wanted to try one on a six string bass.

[@chacha134]

Might be a spring under the bridge. Is there a hex key that locks the whammy feature like a kahler on a guitar?

[@jamescrutchfield65]

from the U.S. ... Your shirt put a lump in my throat. it's not good here. So much respect to you for this important message. I never comment but this hit me. Love you bro.

[@LILbaNkz1990]

Proud bassist,, I like how to diss us bassist.. just remember we're not all musically inclined.. love your channel brother

[@Studio42dotCom-Real]

I saw a bass with the whammy on the cover of the Randy Coven Band: Sammy Says Ouch! It was some sort of Guitar Player Magazine promo thing I think. I think it was released in 1990.

[@michaelsnydermusic]

I have a Fender Bass VI which has a Jag style (plate) whammy. I never use it because of the poor tuning stability but it does come in handy for ambient style bass playing.

[@codythebassplayer5073]

I have the hipshot tremolo on my bass and it works very well 🤘

[@travisbeckner6849]

You don't need to route completely through the body to install a kahler, just a big gap on the top so the bottom of the trem can be seated properly

[@clearlysuperiorusername8404]

This would probably be sick for breakdowns

[@blakeholmes3899]

Glen is THE BEST, fucking love you.

[@jthunderbass1]

Back when I thought I was gonna be a bass player in a band I found one of those in a magazine thought it was really cool. Bass Player had an article about it promoting it

[@franckydookie]

Glenn PLEASE never stop roasting us

[@klemkadiddlehopper7361]

Dude! I just saw you on a commercial on HULU! Glad to see a familiar face!

[@Satyr000]

You know you have listened to a lot of Primus and funk when you instantly start drooling over that bass.