What if it ISN'T a Fender? Scott Abandons the P bass! Technique is EVERYTHING! | EP102

What if it ISN'T a Fender? Scott Abandons the P bass! Technique is EVERYTHING! | EP102 | The SBL Podcast #102
Are Fenders really the best option, especially when you’re looking to play professionally? Maybe not? In today’s podcast, we’re exploring why your bass doesn’t HAVE to be a Fender and some alternatives that can come close in sound and vibe. AND why you may not want a Fender style instrument at all! Is there such a thing as the perfect sound? The perfect bass? Can you love a sound on someone else but not yourself? Does it, in fact, actually all come down to technique, rather than the bass you’re playing?!
In this episode you're going to learn:
- About some basses and bass brands that come close to the Fender style and vibe, in various budget brackets
- About where you might want to look if you’re intentionally NOT going Fender
- All kinds of ways of thinking about bass tone and how you might find YOUR OWN
- Why Scott is turning away from the P bass?
- How it all ultimately might come down to technique
- And much, much more!
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[@urmero67]

The Yamaha BB series of the 80's is so underrated..on hundreds of recordings from Paul Mcartney with the wings to Earth Wind & fire, Nathan East, Bernard Edwards etc etc.. a very vintage vibe that had the P and Jazz; all in one bass but w a tone of its own

[@gwilkinson418]

Would definitely consider a BB for my third

[@KYLETEACHESBASSYT]

The BB series is still the most underrated imo...I bought a bb434 some years back and it is a legit good axe. Plays amazing and sounds good, never had problems with it despite some extensive gigging. Yamaha is amazing when it comes to instruments.

[@papabearwinegarden]

All the Fender talk, and no mention of G&L. I need to see Scott with a Zon Sonus Special 5, an MTD Super 5, and a Pedulla PentaBuzz.

[@kingdeedee]

As a looong time Stingray enjoyer, I think it’s a bass that is really famous for a very specific sound that causes people to fall into always wanting to either replicate or overcompensate to get away from it. It’s definitely got its own strengths and weaknesses that I think many bassists seem to overlook. For example, my SR5 still has the punchiest and boomiest low B I’ve ever played. It outdoes even the 35+ scale basses I’ve tried in that regard. Roll off the treble and boost the bass and mid a bit, perhaps throw on some flats as well, and you get a real untapped low end monster which people overlook because it’s so famous for its pronounced high end

[@emmettchristie2399]

To me, Bernard Edwards had the quintessential SR sound. Cuts through well, but not super bright. That's one of my favourite sounds.

[@kingdeedee]

@@emmettchristie2399 100% man. I believe he used flats on his Ray too. He’s definitely a big example of how tone is in your fingers and I’ll tell you no bass has made me think about my technique more than my stingray

[@rrdream2400]

@@kingdeedee Flats and I think he set his EQ knobs at 50% which is something a lot of Stingray players don't do. Very tempting to crank the bass and treble but those original 2 band EQs sit perfectly in a mix when half way. You get more mid punch with less boom and clank. Another example of this is Breaking Glass by Nick Lowe.

[@bassplayer1586]

Out of all the accelerator programs I've tried out with SBL, the technique accelerator has been the best for me. It's epic!

[@JessBrisson]

My bass beginning story goes something like: I loved Nu Metal and was wanting that ultra scooped tone, my father who is a rock musician bought me a p bass copy and handed me some picks and said something along the lines of “this is all you’ll ever need” … I loathed it at the time; no scoop? No clickity poppity? No active sizzle? but man was he right. To this day I play a p bass almost exclusively and while I play finger style and more genres outside of rock, it’s truly the best one trick pony out there. Needless to say I love my p bass and while I feel the desire to use other basses, the p bass always finds its way back.

[@MrJosten72]

The point about you understanding how your technique interacts with a particular instrument and knowing how it responds to your technique is so important. I started on a Rickenbacker and have always come back to them because I know what to do to get them to react in a particular way. Plus I love the girth in the notes as you go up the neck. I’ve had so much boutique stuff that just doesn’t react the way I want it to.

[@lheggestad]

Happy to hear about diet and fasting and getting healthy. Glad I have that in common with Scott and Ian. Now if only I could play the bass like them, too.

[@mwilesbass]

I wanted to take a moment to tout Moollon basses. The wait time is quite long, and they continue to appreciate in value, but they are hands down about the best classic Fender clone, in my opinion. I’m just young enough to have missed the era of when you could score vintage Fenders on eBay, pawn shops, etc. for good prices. My 66-spec Moollon J is like stepping back in time, pulling a brand new 66 off of the shop wall, and then time traveling back to the present. It’s also amazing to get a nitro instrument that I get to relic and age myself. Love the podcast, dudes.

[@bassomatic6055]

What about yamaha bbps? Only been making those for 40 years

[@BenD_Bass]

Ian has a BB from the 80s I wanna say. He speak pretty highly of them

[@bassomatic6055]

@@BenD_Bass i just bought a 5 string bbps based on sound and reviews. It'll be my first 5 and am looking forward to digging in.

[@themosaito]

What about Sandberg for the mid range?

[@SpoonFinder]

Had lots of tendon issues in my teenage years playing bass (and I wasn't even practicing that much), cleaned up my diets in my 20's and now I have 0 problems regarding tendons inflamation. Stress is also a big factor!

[@user-ud6se5iy9i]

I love my PRS SE Kingfisher full scale bass made in South Korea. Less than $1000 vs $3000+ for the Kingfisher made in the USA. At 80 years old I do not plan to be a professional bassist, but I love backing up my 75 year old friend who plays a six string classical guitar ( with an ceramic oick-up ) and has a good voice. Age places restrictions on what one can do but clear notes ( chord tones - then scale tones - then chromatic notes ) played in key and with the correct timing can be pleasing to the ear. Keep up the great work and your friendship.

[@Bassdriver]

Here in Poland, doctors often suggest diet changes. As for the carnivore diet - ummm, no. Not for me. I don't munch on them piggies and cows and plan to quit birdies too. Piscetarian diet would be perfect for me. Plus, I really like fruit and veggies. And cheese. Gawd I love cheese. And as a guy who's been fighting some serious depression for the last 2 years, I don't think depriving myself of another thing I enjoy would be a good idea. As for Fender alternatives - Harley Benton makes really good "bang for buck" budget basses. I used to have a PB-50 which is like a 50s P-Bass copy and it was really great, especially with flatwounds. Sire really kicks some serious ass in the low-mid price range. If you're ready to pay top dollar though - the options are almost limitless. Lull, F-Bass, Alleva-Copollo - they are all spectacular. And if you don't have too much money and actually like the Fender tone but aren't crazy about the looks (like me) - well, I had an early 80s Westone Thunder 1. Basically a P-Bass that doesn't look like one. Win-win. I replaced the pickup with a Polish-made Merlin P and it ROCKED. Great solid bass with just one drawback - it's quite neck-heavy. I wish I could hunt down another one. Or maybe an early 80s Ibanez Roadster - those were great too. And, of course, old Yamaha BBs. They're spectacular but their prices go up way faster than my income ;-) And as for something completely different... my "forever" bass is my Alembic Essence 5. It definitely has its own sound. And it's THE sound I always gravitate towards when I play a fretted bass. I just love it. Absolutely, totally love it. What a bass. Try one, guys. Really. And... maybe get a 2nd hand one - because new ones cost an arm, a leg, half a brain and a testicle. I got mine used, of course, about 13 or 14 years ago, and I'm never parting with it. NEVER.

[@Bassdriver]

@kevinmichael9482 yes, definitely. In general, it seems both Mediterranean diet AND Mediterranean climate is pretty much perfect for us humans ;-)

[@christophercheney1006]

Always been a "frankensteien" bass type. I've had a Sire 5 P-J that I tune E-C for months. The fret work is absolutely delightful, I love it,. Just about ready (as Wolfgang VanHalen says) to crash test it, see how it gets nice on a gig 800 bucks

[@sonicassassin4131]

Sandberg basses are great Fender style instruments

[@xMTLKx]

53:43 I feel you Ian, I had my jazz bass for ten years and ALWAYS played with full pick ups on, then some day I realized I could play more over the bridge AND with the bridge pickup only, and now it's my go to sound, I understand it's a tough one to be comfortable with It actually works great with my band, but if you don't have the project that fits with it, you might just never use it

[@hoshisato2687]

It’s criminal that you guys didn’t mention Steinberger or NSDesign basses, or the Alembic! I know it wasn’t meant to be a accurate worldwide list, but these deserve some love!!

[@Gnarledlowend]

Great podcast as always! I’d love to hear a brainstorm around different bass amps!

[@originalgbass]

It's interesting hearing Scott talk about his digestive issues and "inflammation" in particular, I have also suffered from this since I was 18 (now 46), and turns out It led eventually to Crohns disease. When you mentioned the meat only diet, it rang a bell, I believe that when I felt my best I also was in an experimental diet phase eating meat and I also never felt better. When I get inflammation I get ankles, knees, sometimes wrists and fingers, all coming from the gut problem. Like you said Doctors don't wanna hear the diet thing, I heard somewhere they only get a couple of weeks of diet training in their whole 4 - 6yr at Uni! Currently awaiting a surgery, but once I get back to "normal" whatever that is (ha) i'm defo gonna tackle future inflammation attacks with the carnivore diet. Thanks for that Scott, you had no need to share personal stuff like that, you helped me today, not just on bass ;) Touring with all that is fun too!!

[@wren23_bass-synths]

I have a Tony Franklin fretless Pbass. When looking for a fretted one, I came across the Sire P5. Excellent build quality and awesome tone. Not crazy about the tuners(common complaint with Sire). Definitely holds up to the Fender Player Series.

[@BenD_Bass]

Yeah, man, I ordered a P5 like 6 months ago, and I still love it. I think the Sire P5 and V5 are the best basses in their price range

[@kfitz2711]

Ian, I have the late night eating addiction too. It is such a challenge to overcome and I feel your pain. I’ve been doing better these past few months and am down a good 6 lbs or so. Best of luck to you!

[@admarhermans1]

I really think this was a great podcast; seemed like the start of a much longer conversation going on here, and rightfully so. Guys, I get the technique thing big time myself, 🤣! A nice and ongoing struggle... But I do think that the both of you have beautiful left hand technique! I’ve been following Scott since the beginning, and I’ve always loved his left hand: it works just so beautifully and clear and ‘easy’ to watch/ follow! 🙏 Ian’s technique is more like the way I learned and evolved, but his is like the grownup variant, 😄. Love this man’s playing! His tones are a little bit more like I would want to play. Guys, the both of you together, and your team: just great!! Scott, you might like to grow your own chickens in the garden, the kids will love it 🐣🐣🐣🐣🐣🐣🐣🐣🐣🐣🐣🐣🐤🐤! Just might have to give a subtle explanation about where the birdies will end up in the end: dad’s belly. They’ll get it in the end, no worries. Cheers! 🖖

[@williamdeming853]

Schecter has a lot of great options, not even a Fender replica, their neck through Omens and Stilettos are great. Like Scott said, Sire is really nice.

[@bassomatic6055]

I have a '77 p bass and sire p5. I prefer the sire neck by a lot

[@madhatter7862]

I got a Schecter Model T 5 string. Ash body, maple neck. Active EMG pickups and preamp ( I even took it apart to make sure it had the same preamp EMG sells on their site). I got it open box for $600, needed a setup but it’s a great bass for the money, frets are nice, can’t complain especially I bought for my backup bass can’t put it down. Saw it from Charles Berthoud tapping with them.

[@Scapal]

Maruszczyk also deserves a mention when it comes to their Jake and Elwood basses.

[@TwoBadBassist]

You guys definitely need to try a Mayones Jabba. Fantastic sounding and ultra playable jazz bass. Definitely in the higher range.

[@MrDees6]

I concur.

[@Bassplayingypsy]

I think it's a personal preference as to what instrument is the ONE!

[@bryancorley5068]

I thought everybody abandons the P-Bass! Then comes back to it; then abandons it, then comes back to it! I’m on my third cycle, I am contemplating going from 5string active basses; back to the 4 string P-bass with EB cobalt flats!!! 😳😬😁

[@martinheath5947]

Can't go wrong with a good ole P bass with flats. Surprisingly universal and just sits in a mix like no other

[@gazfunk]

There are some good Japanese companies doing the Fender thing pretty well. FGN, Momose, Atelier Z, Bacchus.

[@liamolowend]

Have my trusty Mex Roger Waters Fender P and USA Jazz that I love. But the main gig bass these days is a Sire V7 5 string with some Seymour Duncan 1/4 Pounders in it. Affordable, lovely and a great Mod platform. Still can't 100% leave my Fenders behind

[@bassomatic6055]

I love Ian and Scott but asking these guys about basses in the 1 to 2k range is like asking a person who only eats filet mignon what the best ground beef is. So many brands that offer basses in this price range that I would have liked to hear about: yamaha bbp, cort elrick nj, sandberg, anaconda over in England. Fender mid ranges basses are wildly inconsistent which is precisely why I'm looking at alternatives. That plus value. With Fender you are in part paying for name.

[@robertp457]

I think it’s an unfair comparison. For a couple of reasons, first is their job is playing bass and they’ve been doing it for so long and have had enough success doing it to not have to worrying about paying rent. Playing bass for a living makes it easier to justify spending more money on a bass since it’s a tool they use for work. Secondly, and just a pedantic rant, filet is the worst cut of beef. It’s tender, but it’s got the least amount of flavor of any cut and if it’s overcooked it’s not worth eating, much like chicken breasts. The comparison doesn’t work because people who only eat filet don’t know any better, wait, you know what? Actually your analogy is perfect, but not for the reason I initially thought. People who only eat filet won’t know how good the cheaper cuts are, because they’ve never eaten anything else. People who haven’t played a sub $500 bass for more than a few seconds wouldn’t understand, either. I stand corrected. I think you are on to something.

[@gerdbb]

A borrowed Jazz bass got me hooked up to bass playing but I felt this wasn't my instrument. After trying several other brands like Aria etc I went for a Music Man in 1980. But NOT the Stingray, as it wasn't versatile enough, I got the Sabre with 2 pickups. Never regretted and never gonna sell it! It just got a 5 string companion 10 years later. Listening to Nathan East and his Yamaha I knew that had to be it... Still playing these two, getting all the sounds I need at great handling and playability.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

So awesome Ian said Lakland skyline I said Lakland 5502 before I even heard him say that lol want something different that is a killer killer bass “musicman Bongo”!! Best bass you’ll ever play!

[@soulstart89]

Scott it’s extremely interesting you spoke about your problems with inflammation. I had a toe injury which just wouldn’t heal after years. I “stopped” eating meat, dairy and anything that causes inflammation in the body. I basically went on a plant based diet. My toe healed within a couple months. I stayed plant based for three years after as my body was healing itself back. It’s interesting that you find eating meat has help as it should cause the opposite. Goes to show everyone is different. Any how let me carry on listening

[@originalgbass]

@ 54.00 mins ish when you're talking about liking bridge pickup when others do it, but not yourself, I totally identified with that! Also though for me I can't handle the bridge pickup playing position. I see and hear many of my favourite players doing that AND biasing the bridge pickup and its GREAT! but when I do it I shudder :D

[@hollyannkantor5703]

Lookin’ great Scott. Your diet seems to be on point 😃 Are you guys wearing the same glasses? 🤔😂 Have you guys tried the Fender Meteora bass. I’ve got one and love it! Another great podcast. Scott and Ian Rock! 🤘

[@parkerellerbeck1674]

I’d love to hear you guys talk abt ur takes on compression and ur go to pedals for it I been on the search for a good compressor

[@aprilkurtz1589]

Squire Paranormal Series basses are excellent. I've got one sitting beside me right now. It was under $500.

[@gwilkinson418]

My Jazz bass is a Harley Benton Kit, am well pleased with it for the price and nice quiet (not noisy) stock pickups too

[@gimmeagig]

I have a Moon JB 5 .Oddly enough it is not my favorite sounding bass ( 60s position) but I get more compliments on this bass that any of my others. And I have some great basses.I hate it but that what's happening. Almost every single time out someone comments on how good it sounds.

[@chriscantor6329]

Buying online can suck, but so can buying in shops. I ordered a bass from a shop. At 2 months I asked how much longer? Told all good. At 4 months I insisted the shop check where the order was at. Learnt the distributor had forgotten to place the order. At 6 months it arrived - but wrong colour. I accepted that as did not want to wait further. Drove two hours home to find the set up was virtually unplayable, despite what the shop had told me (and my quick test at the shop). Drove 2 hours back and it took all of 10 minutes to remedy, but it was beyond my average skills.

[@Spacula1]

Used Musicman hands down big fan of G&L too

[@LaurentOliveri]

Some ol' fender/Squier MIJ from end of 70/80 are to consider. They sounds and feel super great (sometimes, they re way better well made than the made in US from those area) and are in the 800 - 1500 $$$ range!

[@b21960]

Reverend.....Killer sound....outstanding build.

[@jacksonrussellband]

Do you guys have an opinion about the Fender Adam Clayton Jazz Bass?

[@mastermachetier5594]

Talking about non jazz basses I’d love to see an episode on mustang basses

[@jbass219]

Let's talk about Sandberg! I think they're actually the best Fender style basses today.

[@MatthewFearnley-ym3oy]

Currently looking at a fretless gwb205 at about £1400 for me that's high price and couldn't afford so trying to look at something lower price with same quality and sound. I love listening to you guys

[@bassplayer1586]

The Ibanez GWB35 is around $900 USD. I've heard great things about them!

[@anderslundstrom4317]

How come you never talk about Sandberg basses? Great basses in my opinion. Great episode btw ❤

[@DoctorIntrepid]

Sandberg? Serek? Anyway, I was just traveling on vacation, stopped by some shops and played a variety of Fenders. I can't find a Fender neck I like.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Definitely need this right now on my night shift!! I highly recommend a Lakland 5502 you have the J pup and MM pup and between the blend and and 3 way switch you get a killer P tone an60s and 70s J tone and a Stingray tone,

[@borgesguerardi]

best of luck out there, take care wherever you are

[@Bassdriver]

Oh, as a taxi driver I know a thing or two about night shifts ;-)

[@bassimprovjams3772]

@@Bassdriverpizza delivery lol need that extra bass gear mullah lol

[@bassimprovjams3772]

@@borgesguerardithanks homie🤘

[@jurgenhuman8417]

My issue with Fender is that I can't see myself spending €1,500+ for an American bass that is at least close to on par with a Sire of €600. And shops only stock 5-10 basses (half of them being entry level €250 basses), so going and testing them in shops isn't much of an option.

[@robertp457]

It depends on the shop. I remember Thomann having around 20 to choose from.

[@BrianBuracker]

Honestly, I fall in and out of love with all of my basses at one time or another ALL of the time, nearly daily. It's crazy that one day, my Foderas, stingrays, jazz basses, whatever I'm working with on a particular day, sounds incredible to me on one day and the very next, I can absolutely hate how they sound. As nutty as this sounds, I think a lot of it has to do with where I am emotionally. If you are an artist, you invest yourself either fully, or partially into what you are creating. Whatever chemicals are bouncing around in your brain and molding with what you are sonically creating, somehow work at that time. However, when you pick that instrument up later, whether it be days, weeks, or months, you are chemically in a different place. Sleep, diet, environmental changes, mood, all of that has an impact of who you are that day, what sounds good to you and what doesn't. Just personal experience. Therefore, if we remain as true artists and invest ourselves in that moment, or phase, it could very well be a much different palate that we communicate, and what speaks to us. So, the quest never ends until you are no longer creating art. On the topic of loving a sound on particular solos, but not in the mix, I think, the ever-changing balancing act of frequencies and tonal qualities of all instruments working together is really the factor at play. A fantastic solo bass tone let's use Victor's "Pretty Little Lady" as an example, would not sound good if his brothers didn't know what techniques and tones to use around that for it to stand out. Another example, Flea and Frusciante in BSSM, they know when to allow the other to fill what is needed even in just a matter of a few lines so their tone is exemplified in succinct musical expressions.

[@tmcwilliam01]

Tony Levin took the technique course if I remember correctly.

[@admarhermans1]

I guess Scott is thinking/ making himself ready for a MTD..., 😉. Being 58 minutes into this video, and hearing Scott remark on issues in solo sounds versus those same sounds in a bandmix (the lack of clarity and high end), he might be more after a bass by Joe Zon, really. I know that might be sounding strange, but it’s actually not. Or he might be very happy playing a modern Lull bass like Bryan Beller uses (one more guy that really knows sound, basses, amps (SWR-guy back in the day), and is a great conversationalist! Get him on the channel! 😉) I did miss the Moollon brand in the higher priced ‘Fender like’ basses: strange, since Scott ownes/ owned one... High quality alternatives to Fender for people who want to change it up a bit (if P/J basses are acceptable?): Yamaha BB’s (old and new) in all price ranges and PJ-basses by Schecter! The StingRay pickup isn’t actually in the ‘bridge position’. On ‘70’s to ‘94 basses that is more like an optical illusion, because the bridge is so huge (were the mutes were or would go). On post 1994 models you can see more easily that the pickup is almost right in between were the Jazzbass pickups would go. Sadowsky started using a preamp with added mid control quite a few years ago: same beautiful lows and high (boost), but with added midcontrol too! 🖖

[@CraYzJake1]

I went from 7.8 A1C to 5.0 in less than 90 days doing OMAD and eating 60+% calories from fat and as low carbs as possible. I also went from 129/80 to 100/70 blood pressure and 90's pulse rate to 60's pulse rate and have lost 43 lbs. Diet is everything.

[@AlexG-qv8ri]

Hey guys, that’s a mayday for Ian, but before I’m gonna try you with my geeky gear rant journey… My love for bass started when at 13 (now I’m 56) I sneaked with a friend of mine for Easter holiday to Cannes (I’m Italian) and I’ve found, in a used stuff street market, a Ramirez jazz. It was the start of the week and I had no way to bring it with us till the end, but I thought about it for the rest of our adventure, sleeping on the beach and everywhere we crashed and so on (I’ll keep it short but it was a very alternative and psychedelic week). The very last day we had a meeting with my friend’s mother to back home by car (we arrived by train and hitchhiking) and on the road to her hotel we found the same street market and the same guy, and the bass was still there! Karma? Well, after a hard negotiation Arabic style I gave him all I had (Italian, Swiss and French money, even every coin in my pockets: guess around 40 or 50 box) and we left broke but very happy. A couple years later, after lot of fun and experimenting, I took bass lessons with a pretty famous pro, we became good friends; he had a great early ‘70 sunburst fender jazz (and a sunburst stratocaster lol), and he mocked me to death for my pseudo jazz, so he pushed me to buy my first “real” instrument, one of the first G&L 1000, good tool but not the love of my life. I felt instead for an Ibanez roadster of a friend (PJ config) that I still use. Years after the teacher passed and I inherited his jazz and a monster ampli, an Orange Matamp ‘68 with 2 huge cabs with 2 15’’ spider green back each, mind blowing! In 1990 I went to NY to expose my art works in the village (I’m graduated to the art academy) and I went to the famous street where there are big instruments shops (54th ?), I’ve played a ton of basses and I felt again, a used Smith early ‘80 I identical to Scott’s one, so I asked to keep it for me one day to put together 1K. I moved mountains and oceans and the day after I was back with my cash (don’t ask me how I got it lol) and… it was fucking gone, I still cry on it. Well, after many “one night love” basses another tragedy with a miracle stroke: a friend journalist and huge fan of my band passed away, at the funeral his daughter hugged me and while mixing our tears she whispered to my ear to pass by her the day after. I went to their home and after nice memories and some more tears dropped into a glass of wine she told me to wait because dad wanted me to have something. She went upstairs and I’ve seen her stepping back with a big custody. No, it’s wasn’t the Smith, silly you :) Anyways, she put it on the table waiting me to open it. Embarrassed and sadly curious I unlock the keys and I see an incredible piece of history I never knew he had: a mint original 1967 Gibson EB2, my birth year. My mind has gone to the Yardbirds and Jimmy Page called in to play the bass by Jeff Beck (well, he played an Epiphone Rivoli that was kinda the Squier version of the same Fender model but still…). If you are reading this congrats, you are my hero :) Now the S.O.S.: I felt in love again, this time more virtually, because I’ve heard and seen the object of my desire but I can’t touch and feel it because here in EU the waiting list is at least 6 months when in the USA I see you can find it pretty easily and It’s even cheap (450 $). Perhaps it’s just a mirage but for such a price it’s wort a try. What I ask you is if you can try one and tell me about it (I trust you) and if you know a way to buy one in a reasonable time that would be the top. After all I wrote don’t laugh at me but I’m talking about a Squier, to be precise the paranormal series Rascal Sherwood Green. I know, love is blind :) Thanks and keep on the good work, sorry for my poor English. Alex.

[@rchauer]

This technique debate arises in all the arts. My grad school advisor gave me a blistering critique (many years ago) that I still think about to this day: “There is a lot of facility here, but in the service of what?” Maybe technique arises to serve the needs of the music? Plenty of technique chops courses and videos out there but technical facility isn’t the same thing as playing music. Sound: The simple fix to finding one’s sound is to buy the instrument that makes that sound you like…a hofner ain’t going to sound like the rick you like etc etc etc. The reasons Ps are ubiquitous in sessions is because that’s the sound wanted…not “your” sound or “my” sound but a P bass sound, the musician is simply there to “operate ” the bass efficiently.

[@Mitsch76]

What strings we're you talking about Ian? The new flats you mentioned? Is that the Olinto Signature from LaBella???

[@petertrotman7708]

A decent bass starts from £500 to £1000 but I have a Squire P/J which sound so 70's. I swapped the pickups for EMG's and it instantly sounded too standard. I put the stock Squire pickups back and bought a Tech 21 Q/Strip pre amp box. It's something that can add boost and EQ to any less expensive basses without having to break the bank. You can modify your bass with quality pickups or hardware but you can't do anything about cheap wood, so be careful. Cheers.

[@barreraraul]

Enrolled to the technique accelerator

[@octaviobernini9805]

What about the Sandberg Californias...? They are killer basses! Got a Lakland Skyline and dream about a Sandberg, but will probably get a passive Sire 😅

[@robertoepiscopo6558]

I have just received a Lakland skyline and I’m not super happy about it’s setup but it is a nice bass, I believe I have higher expectations… do you also find some setup issues out of box?

[@octaviobernini9805]

I got mine years ago from Sweetwater. They usually go through the factory setup on all the basses they sell I hear. On top of that, mine was a refurbished one as apparently it had problems with the original pickup. So when I got it, it had received so much love and attention that the setup was fantastic!@@robertoepiscopo6558

[@soulstart89]

i'm surprised Scott didn't mention Moollon he had one. Yamaha BB series, moon bass, Atelier Z , Bacchus, and modern vintage also.

[@CherryHaze86]

Sire person here ... Luv it!

[@c24peach]

It took a while to get to the bass talk. However, I too deal with inflammation and diet. Wow we all go through the same pains and issues.

[@owenspence]

Aren't the pups on an Fbass deluxe less fenderish?

[@GK-wz8zy]

have you ever considered Sandberg, Maruszczyk, Mensinger, or Human Base basses?

[@Rondoggy67]

In the mid-cost category I'm usually looking for a version of one of the main flavours of bass (P, J, PJ, Stingray, double humbucker) that has a playing feel that suits me better than an original Fender/MusicMan etc (usually related to neck design, weight, etc). Alternatively, I might get the cheapest original brand bass that feels right and mod it with upgrades that give me the tone I want. In the high-cost category the only thing I would want (new) is an instrument that is from a builder that has their own vision and has created something original with its own character. That means using their own bridge, pickups, electronics, design, etc. Thinking of Wal, Alembic, Smith (of old), etc. If I am paying a lot of money, I want an instrument that was designed as a whole thing, is not just a variation on any of the classic originals, and is not just a fancy shape/colour/wood with a bunch of other people's stuff in it (even if it uses are top quality parts).

[@sixstackjack]

a bit old, but Harley benton do some real good budget stuff, i bought a "Harley Benton JB-75MN SB Vintage Series" in the beginning of 2020 and i never needed to do any setup on it ouf of the box, after a few years i needed to do some thrussrod and intonation setup but it stay in tune, great intonation, easy to play on, sound great, and it went for under 200 dollar brand new, atm i play my Yamaha thou, but yea for a budget bass give HB a shot 🤘

[@emmettchristie2399]

I'm not a shredder, I love a thick fat warm bass sound, but I've spent years trying to make my bass sound warm in the mix of a band but still cut through. Strangely, my Stingray 5 has always been great at that, the pickup is closer to the neck than other bridge pups, so it's bright, but not brittle, that seems to transfer in the mix to a clear warm tone that sits well. During gigs I spend more time thinking about the sound than the songs, often to my detriment.🤦‍♂️

[@BenD_Bass]

I use to be a night owl too, but i just go to bed at 8pm and wake up at 3am everyday to play bass for 3 hours. Also i went to the doctor for the first time in 15 years last year and he didnt ask me about my diet and when i mentioned I eat a lot of sugar, he told me not to worry about it lol. More murky waters... Hospitals make more money treating illnesses than curing or preventing them 😮

[@BruceCopenLaboratories]

Harley Benton is a china built brand of Euro-Giga Retailer "Thomann" - they built great stuff for small money. In your "Midrange" you should also go for "Sandberg" as they are probably the only Luthiers that mastered the "ageing" process, which is usually only available in a comparable quality from Fender Custom Shop instruments.

[@alanadams3174]

Sire is amazing...v7 has great necks, electronics and setup out of the box...Neck edges are well done...only downfalls imo...heavy bass and battery hog. I go through two 9 volts each month of the year...

[@teresaravenshaw5477]

Scott's next bass, 5 string fanned fret headless active bass tuned down to A standard, and it's sparkle hot pink!

[@blueplateradio2]

What's the difference between the Labella Flats and the Olinto Flats?

[@urmero67]

I own a Japanese made Sadowsky maple neck and they are as good as the american ones. I always use low tension flatwounds and 90% of the time on passive I still get get pretty decent midrange....Im not missing any Fenders

[@davidwinokur2131]

I suffer from moderate chronic inflammation, too. Doctors have been on me about it for years, but I don't know what to do about it.

[@46leon46]

Anaconda basses make a great ultra bass in my humble opinion, their upper bracket basses are hand built in the uk ❤

[@el.denver6074]

First, it's crazy how different humans are. I resolved my health problems by becoming a vegan. Second, the sound you listen to versus the sound you play comment was brilliant. That's the nuggets I come here for. So in honor of Scott's diet I would like to suggest a new segment. "Scott's chicken nuggets of the week."

[@gimmeagig]

My Sire came set up like crap. I was so disappointed. I know how to set up a bass and I got the Sire to play really well, but it was not easy.

[@obidibidou6933]

Hey Ian ! Warwick Star Bass II (Semi Ac ) needs a mention... much better than the Gibson version .!

[@teresaravenshaw5477]

I really don't care for Fender, sure they're the classic but I'd likely choose something like a Schecter J Exotic or P Exotic, they look just nicer and both the Schecter's I do own were great right out the box.

[@martialboivin5172]

Scott you could make an album giving yourself a challenge to play different things even stuff you have prejudice .. ricko, 60' J bass, 70's J bass, musicman sabre, K. Smith, You best P.bass, an 5 mtd , an ibanez with nordstrand on, if there is one man in the world who could pull this out is you .. an muso would love you for it I think. you show your sound with different pallet of colours, Why not

[@travel_and_explore_with_BIP]

I don’t think I heard Yamaha mentioned?? Did Yamaha get overlooked??

[@KajVardinghus]

I've not played the bass since the eighties. I've got a bass in the closet. But wow... I just got caught up in your talk. Fantastic guys.

[@EdgetoneStudios]

The answer is G&L.

[@MrJosten72]

I also don’t get on with the ‘back pickup only’ thing. I’ve had loads of basses and have never been able to use that on any of them. But then I also don’t get on with Jazzes or Musicman basses, which I’ve never been able to get to work for me. I will say I’m a band player rather than a soloist - I can solo but it doesn’t really interest me. I tend to want a bass sound that works playing countermelodies in a band context, so I want girth across the whole spectrum. .

[@craighill3715]

I didn't care for P's till I tried a Lakland Bob Gloub. Still the best P I've ever heard. I think the best Fenders are made by someone else.

[@TheAmputeeGamer]

Scott and Ian . you're bass snobs. :)

[@RobertSassade]

You guys need to have a look at Brubaker basses.

[@harrywood702]

Scott, read ultra processed people by Chris van Tulleken and give up ultra processed ingredients. Carnivore diet kills your microbiome in the long term and doesn't give you enough fibre. Also read Food For Life by Tim Spector

[@brotherbeen1071]

What do you all think about the Fender American Ultra basses?

[@mkwaterstone]

48:34....The REVELATION : The Sound I like to hear others use...is not the one I Like to USE...TRU as FAK!!!!! Thank you YODA and BEN

[@martialboivin5172]

also with my Peavey Cirrus comment , again one thing to think about .. weight .. cos I'd love a vintage Jazz bass, but man some are just too heavy..

[@77Dragons]

I am always interested when people talk about this or that bass playing as well as something three times its price. (Yamaha and Sire spring to mind). I always think, so those expensive basses are actually playing up to the level of something a third their price. Being the proud owner of one of a cheap one, I get a certain satisfaction from that. Sad, I know. But honest.

[@Rondoggy67]

Ian is so right. 100% satisfied = smug.

[@samuelbrainsample]

About Scotts comment regarding Drs. and nutrition (and I don't know how it works in the U.K.), but just ask your doctor how much training they get in med school on nutrition. The answer will surprise you.

[@Fulltilt1973]

great chat dudes, diet is so important. One question Scott, how long have you been suffering from the inflammation?

[@queenteam74]

Scott just set your EQ pedal for either solo or mix buddy cheers..Dougie..scotland.

[@DrD04K]

low mid favorites: Schecter, Yamaha BB, and Reverend

[@blueplateradio2]

Music Man, Ernie Ball and Sterling