Why Janek REFUSES to play a signature bass (ever again) | EP79 | The SBL Podcast #79

Why Janek REFUSES to play a signature bass (ever again) | EP79 | The SBL Podcast #79
Is a signature instrument still a standard perk of modern bass stardom? Janek Gwizdala has attracted his fair share of signature models over the years, including basses for Fodera in 2012 and Mattisson Basses in 2017. In this episode, Janek explains why he has since turned his back on endorsement deals, and why he’ll never make music just for social likes.
In this episode you’re going to learn:
All about Janek’s new F Bass
How he became ‘the pedal guy’
Why Janek deleted all of his social media
What happened to his daily vlog?
And why he refuses to play a signature bass (ever again)
[ - PODCAST - ]
► iTunes: apple.co/1O6P2oZ
► Spotify: spoti.fi/3M7ZlbY
► Stitcher: bit.ly/3BZNc4m
[ - SOCIAL - ]
► Facebook: / scottsbasslessons
► Instagram: / scottsbasslessons
► TikTok: / scottsbasslessons.com

[@JanVanderKuylen]

You youngsters, says a old bassist born in 1959 ;-). I remember me trying to imitate all the rockstars of the sixties and the seventies. I started at the age of 13 on guitar but fall in love with the bass at the age of 17. The way you all talk with great passion about your journey in the music world. Great respect to you all. I love you guys. Let the good musical vibes carry on. Cheers Jan from Belgium.

[@Cliffswanson]

I watch these SBL podcasts pretty regularly and I have to say this is my favorite one to date. The frank and open discussion about creative goals and how the three of you orient to the available media is super interesting and thought provoking. I appreciate that you got into it and also gave some historical perspective as to how the basis and mechanism for "making it" in the past has changed to what it is today. This is great content!

[@robwakelin5559]

It's 29 years since my first child came along. I can remember like it was yesterday, how the world pivoted when he was born. He became EVERYTHING, as my paternal instincts kicked in. You can't explain how that feels to people.

[@kevinsavo718]

Great to see a council of bass Dads. I’m a pro bass dad and my first daughter was born last week! This is such a valuable resource for bass dads.

[@HPur]

Got a daughter in feb. Bassdads unite!

[@admarhermans1]

Great discussion guys, with great points by all three of you. I have such warm memories from the time Janek was doing his day vlogs: I was deeply in a hard time back than in a mental institution for six months. Each night I watched his video’s, even watched him play tennis for almost half an hour. I still dislike tennis, but it did help me. Thanks, Janek!! 🙏 (🎵 ‘Anyone for tennis!’ 🎵, 😄)

[@alicevandenboogaard4278]

I am rewatching this podcast. I was such a fan of Janek's daily podcast, and his Last-Minute World Tour. That was bold. Still watching Janek's podcast, and the SBL one offcourse. Total fan girl!

[@Sokolemon]

The video we've been waiting for, my 3 favorite online bass educators in one video!! Thanks so much.

[@IvanovBR]

I had the honor to interview Janek and Ian for my KZbin Channel! They are fantastic!!!!

[@IanMartinAllison]

Loved getting to hang with you Ivan!

[@raichoo]

Finally. I was hoping this would happen. Heard it on Janek's podcast that he did the interview, glad to see that it remained uncut 😸

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Yea I remember when he said that and was waiting to see it drop Janek has a great channel!

[@chrisbrazierx]

I thought this would never happen as I heard there was some tension between the two bass platforms. Positivity has prevailed and now we get this amazing content. Thanks so much to all of you for doing this 💪🏻

[@IanMartinAllison]

Just to be very clear, there has never been tension from me or SBL. Only respect and admiration.

[@raichoo]

@@IanMartinAllison People love the drama and sometimes things get blown out of proportion because of that. It's great that this happened and I hope there will be more. I don't care if there was anything in the past or not. The world is already complicated enough 😸

[@chrisbrazierx]

@@IanMartinAllison it's probably just rumours, I've never heard either side say anything about the other. You guys rock! Thanks for making this awesome content 💪🏻😎

[@jamesmarkham7489]

Janek has said unpleasant things about a lot of other players and it’s one of the reasons I unsubbed from him years ago. I see his channel has tried to renew itself and be a different character. I wonder if it’s genuine.

[@raichoo]

@@jamesmarkham7489 People are complicated and we only see so much. Sometimes mean comments come from a place of frustration, at least that's it for me. Not trying to justify being mean here. The thing is that these days we have the internet and it does not forget, so basically if you say something bad people will always find it later. All of us have the ability to change, I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt. Time will tell if it's genuine.

[@kente4058]

The Collab we've all been waiting for!

[@maartenarnou]

Born in Nov. 12th, 1978. One week before Janek. SO yeah, I could very much relate to their stories about listening to music, how that changed, and artists vs. content creators. Also: how great to see 3 of my bass heroes in 1 video. Awesome!!!

[@KeithCopeland778]

Janek is a FANTASTIC BASS PLAYER who works hard to constantly hone his craft and it shows!!! Yeah, Janek's first album is excellent!! Thank you for a fantastic and very revealing interview!!!

[@PushSueAside]

Awesome!!! I’m so looking forward to to this long podcast. This will be epic. Cheers

[@ctodd122]

Ah this podcast was so good! I love the chemistry between all of you guys and all the different topics you covered! Also I am so glad it was as long as it was.

[@liamgaliano]

Love the extra length of this one. Keep these great podcasts coming!

[@GrizzlysEye]

Hey Janek! Here's another positive feedback. When I found your Vlog on youtube some 6 or 7 years ago, what inspired me was your winning attitude of staying in shape and putting in the work. I basically own all your books and I for the life of me have been putting in the work and it is paying off. Thank you for all of it.

[@oliplaysbass]

Love it. I was waiting for this day, thanks for making it happen

[@matto9734]

I´m sooo happy you guys do this together!!! It is good to have different approaches to one topic and the two of you do amazing work for us! Thank you heaps!!! Greetz from Berlin/Germany.

[@ilkkakilpelainen6482]

Janek is right about social media and instant gratification. I was diagnosed with ADHD and phasing out social media, because I really have to in order to survive. Instead I'm focusing long content that inspires me to do thing myself whether it is bass playing, songwriting, photography, pottery etc. Life's really too short, especially when you have children to grow up with

[@danielabada2868]

Such a great time listening to you all really being yourselves. It was truly fascinating. Even with intense ADHD I watched the whole thing over 3 days. Keep it up and keep ‘em coming!!

[@robertpace4913]

I'm a brand designer and Ian is correct. Brand is how you feel about a product, person, or organization.

[@mdbntl]

Such a great interview. Thanks for this!

[@eazlacfam]

Excellent episode. Lots of important topics covered in this episode, and sometimes with varying views represented. A discussion on modern bass publishing has to include the nuances of the channels available today. Great to hear perspectives from a group of qualified musicians in the forefront of the evolution.

[@keziahj]

Imho one of the most interesting things I’ve seen on KZbin whatsoever! Thanks!! 💘

[@cameronbradley9828]

So glad to see my two bass KZbin favourites together!

[@stuartpotter4923]

This is absolutely fascinating. Loving this chat and the frank reality of it all.

[@steinhalvorsen_]

Been learning from Janek and SBL for a long time. Thanks for this conversation!

[@IgorOdaryuk]

Finally! Waits this episode for so long, thanks!

[@bryanperez4505]

Great interview!! Janek, you've been a great inspiration for all of us! Thank you!

[@jazzbrew68]

This was fantastic. As many have already stated - 3 of our favorite creators (music, content, etc) gathered together and having an honest and respectful conversation. We ALL benefit from this. Massive love to you. Know that we appreciate you.

[@WCruttenden]

Very happy to see this happen, on so many levels.

[@kellyvibert7861]

Excellent watch, really appreciate this content.

[@bartgelin]

Great chat guys...some really smart commentary around some very relevant topics. Most refreshingly honest :)

[@GaryBouch]

This is like my two bass planets colliding! Looking forward to the listen

[@andrewpinner3181]

Thanks guys for a great interview ! Saw Mr. Cottle & his Legacy Band at Ronnie Scott's Oct '21 - so so good - stomping ! Loved the story about the Ford Sierra - Brown ! 😂 Great all round stuff. Will sign on to Janek's channel.

[@andrewpinner3181]

This is great ! Will continue watching in a day or so.

[@michaelokane6065]

Wonderful. Thanks Genie, my second wish is.... Have IMA & Janek colab with JHS

[@mdspman000]

Very thoughtful discussion that covers some of the dilemmas facing musicians today coming from 3 people who have done a wonderful job trying to balance the pure music as art approach with the need to have social media presence. Oddly enough one of the few of the more recent SBL videos I didn't come out thinking "Do I need to buy another bass?" :) Keep up the good work guys!

[@gumo4446]

WHOLE LEE SHIT! SCOTT, IAN! Janek needs be a regular on The SBL Podcast. Great episode!

[@IceyFlame500]

This is a very fascinating interview, really enjoyed it

[@SquareWaveSymphonies]

Such a great episode of the podcast! I love Janek! The three of you should do more stuff together! ❤

[@markcorradetti]

That was a good video. Very honest and real.

[@clark1bass993]

Janek's unique melodic & harmonic style on the bass would a fascinating topic for a regular SBL video or two.

[@wren23_bass-synths]

This. Was. Awesome 👏🏾

[@EliezerMercado1975]

Great podcast. Would love to see more of Janek Gwizdala.

[@musictimewithjoel3020]

This conversation was fascinating, but also Ian should start a parenting advice podcast! 🔥

[@pine3737]

It took me a month to digest this podcast!

[@mrmsmdjp]

Hey Scott & Ian. Really great pod cast. SBL I dig you guys the most. Cheers!

[@mrmsmdjp]

Hey Ian, Scott said to message you on Instagram. How do I do that? Thanks. Again Great podcast.

[@nilsensantin5351]

this is a great video!!!!!!!!thank you

[@lislearnitalianwithsongs]

I seldom comment on bass videos, but there was so much that resonated with me in this one that I just had to. This is gonna be a long read, so introductions are in order. Hi Scott and hi Ian, I don’t know you personally, but I’m an SBL lifetime member, and I have watched so many of your lessons and podcast that I think I can say with utmost certainty that you are two super cool and pure-to-the-core guys! Hi Janek , We’ve met before. It was about a century ago (2009-ish?), in Gorizia, Italy. You taught a master class at the local music school where I used to teach bass and I was the interpreter from English to Italian during the master class . You then proceeded to go on a central European tour with guitarist Jan Sturiale, but before that we went to Trieste to Listen to Norma Winston singing with pianist Glauco Venier and saxophone player Klaus gesing . -- -- -- I’m about the same age as you guys. I’m a double bass player and I started studying music quite late in life. At 23. When I met you Janek, you were so focused on the “promotional“ aspect of music. I clearly remember that at the seminar you were kind of surprised that no one was asking you about how to promote our music and how to navigate the options that Internet offered to musicians at the time. I totally got your point, but I was still at a stage where I gave full priority to learning and practicing. I was already gigging a lot and teaching music, but I was a late-comer to the bass playing game and I wanted to make up for it with extra practice, so no time for me for extra activities! Now, after almost two decades of playing a lot of concerts and recording in the studio, and after two kids, my gigging activity has slowed down significantly and I have come up with the idea of a KZbin channel that puts together my two abilities: music and language teaching. On a MUCH reduced scale than you guys I too face the same aches and pains involved in creating content (yes, I don’t like that word either) . Coming up with an idea, scripting, shooting, mixing, editing, creating thumbnail, writing title… that’s a LOT of work. On top of my day job, that is. I too avoid all the “five-second-rule” social medias and I’m just on KZbin. Although I understand that other social medias are a good way to attract attention, I don’t want to contribute in nurturing a generation of people who will inevitably have problems following articulate reasoning, and consequently being articulate and thorough themselves in expressing their own thoughts. Yet, as Ian points out: can I keep my 11yo daughter away from that BIG slice of social life that only happens on kids’ cellphones? Despite your differences in views I really do think that you touched on some key points on how people “utilize” KZbin and other platforms, and how this influences the way people live music (don’t get me started on the death of the beloved album). This open heart discussion is good food for thought, thank you guys for this and everything you do. All three of you! Grazie!

[@iancunningham9641]

Thanks for providing a forum for expressing and respecting different points of view and perspectives from subject matter experts that I respect! Thanks for being the 'adults' on the platform. PS, I realize now that 'OC2' pedal hoarding is the new bassist's 'OCD'. PPS, I have it, too!

[@obidibidou6933]

Brilliant !!!

[@greenwallpaper7745]

nice glad you got him on the pod

[@antonioprosper7584]

Really cool to see Janek here!

[@alanwadey2848]

Well this is an unexpected, yet welcome developement.

[@CamiloDiaz]

The approach to releasing his music BLEW MY MIND

[@cheewaiyuen4237]

Being waiting this interview for yeaaars, at lastt🎉

[@christophercheney1006]

Janek is one of my "mentors". I have most of his books. Thanks to Juan Alderete, I know who Janek is. The man is the goddamn shit. His brutal honesty and work ethic are a constant motivation and inspiration.

[@antonsaviozzi]

I did clinics with Janek back in the days when I was TC Electronic's sales manager. What stroke me - apart from Janek's out-of-this-world playing, musicality, and tone... - was how he always replied to people asking him about the basses he played. He would always point out that a bass (or a guitar for that matter) it's called an instrument for a reason. It's a tool a musician uses to make music and express himself. It might as well be a trombone or a kazoo...it's not THAT important as the musician's feel, the note choice, and all of that. A lot of people should seriously start considering that a lot more.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

It’s so true too!

[@antonsaviozzi]

@@bassimprovjams3772 it is indeed.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Luved this!! I really enjoy his channel! As soon as he went to take a drink I said “ I bet it’s his pink cup” and sure enough it was lol I’m the same way I got one cup that use and that’s it lol

[@cosmicevan]

Huge Janek fan…new to SBL. Love the cohost (is it Scott also?). Super real…super fan just like us…also I am a dad and team ‘78! Great chat gents

[@devinebass]

78! ;-)

[@twocats2543]

I remember Janek from ages ago when dude was grinding on MySpace. He has been around and doing his thing for a long, long time. While he can be a bit polarizing, the guy lives music. Much respect to him, Scott, and Ian.

[@MrScannermann]

What a great Vid, feels like we should be sat in the corner of the english pub with a real pint and putting the bass world to rights! love it

[@martinsbalu9947]

Janek's impressions are killing me😂 also i agree a 100% with anything he says.. hes a great man a great player and a great dad. Keep it up Janek you're the best 😎

[@neoLover23]

Let’s get Janek to gig at the Dakota !!!!!!

[@eduluke2010]

That was deep!

[@gustavoreyesponcedeleon4412]

Niceee love all guys

[@BobBlackBass]

I think that a big obstacle that Janek is facing is that he is stricktly jazz and jazz has never been mass appeal.

[@situacionando]

Janet is a beast! he also wrote the music for his daily vlogs🤙🏾

[@nilsensantin5351]

8 tracks baby that was the best year

[@nathansantos.n8]

wow i didnt know he sold all the foderas with all the extended frets ranges. im in for this 2h ride. looking forward to all the insights

[@toddanderson9111]

QUESTION/Suggestion; I usually listen to The SBL Podcast on my commute driving to or from work. Thus I am unable to take notes( names of artists mentioned or albums to check out or web site urls etc.) Would it be possible for you guys to add a list in the "Show more" area? I know that is probably a lot of work for you guys, but it would be super cool.

[@CathalOBrien2014]

Get Janek back. Could listen to these guys all day. Hell bring him back as a host, I bet he’s got a lot to say.

[@pccougar895]

There is something to be said about holding the media in your hands (more interactive) vs digital.

[@chesterfield3442]

Love you all! Thank you so much.!

[@carlosloor88]

TWINN BASS DAD HERE!

[@gregorbien1719]

Janek Gwizdala 🔥💪🏻🔥

[@nedvigbendeguz]

Beside all the awesomeness I just want to point out Janek mimicing accents... wow! :D

[@cascanicoff5763]

First of all thanks for the vid, of course. I was a bit dissapointed, though, to be honest, because my feeling is that it was more about KZbin creation than about music and bass playing. It was interesting, indeed, just not that much my thing. All the best from an amateur bass player (and full time father of two 😉) from Spain.

[@71musician]

Well Said Janek, about the BS of the Bass Market and Social Media. When I buy a Bass I want to pay for the Bass, not for High Salaries, Free Instruments for the brand Artists, NYC High Rent Prices, Business Rates, and Taxes. The Boutique Bass Market went to Far and is time to knock them down to Ground. Woods that used to be labeled as defective and thrown away they are now sold for stupid prices as exotic. Players without History or a Career and mostly without talent want the validation they may not deserve, buying expensive instruments. It all started with the Blues Dentist-Lawyers on the Guitar Market and now that infected the Bass Community making all the brands raise their prices to insane levels while the working Musician struggles to make a living from music. Musical Instruments are Tools of the trade, not Luxury goods....

[@JLeppert]

2 hours that I gladly give away.

[@dorssberube]

Janek the OG!!!

[@Jedmanuel91]

We need more of these three cats.

[@nilsensantin5351]

this is my second youtube channel

[@dtales77]

Finally he f…ing did it , janek !!!!

[@MC-fw1tz]

Janek is definitely someone to follow, his albums are amazing and all different, and I highly recommend his chordal harmony book

[@fredellacott8892]

Would really be nice to see you guts do a deep dive into the work of the late Michael Rhodes

[@farmerlister3863]

Janek throwing a bomb "in the online-first world people don't need to work hard to get validation" = Scott rushing to put out fires and save the digital community sentiment :-). Love y'all. Uber-cool podcast. But here is a fact. When I am watching you guys I am not practicing :D. Janek is 100% spot on. But people nowadays don't have "breaks".

[@amyton3043]

I enjoyed that, it was edgy, less sweet, with views being challenged if I may say so.

[@smakadace]

Omg 🎉

[@Knight_Boxx]

What's the time stamp.

[@djpinto9991]

Is it true that there was once some tensions between Janek and Scott? I thought I heard or read that at some point. It's not evident here in any case.....

[@staffansail2457]

I can’t agree with his opinion of saying you should get a custom instrument if you want to be serious about your playing. It’s great if you have too much money. But you don’t need it. I think it’s more fun to find a great Squier and make some mods than buying a predictable and overpriced 3000$+ custom built bass. My 180$ Squier Jaguar plays and sounds so much better than the more high end basses that I’ve owned. But of course that’s not gonna be the fact for any Squier that you pick up. But when you find that one… so much more fulfilling. So there are two ways of seeing it.

[@raichoo]

I don't think that he meant that you *have* to get a custom if you are serious about music. Probably more like "If you are serious about music AND want a custom bass, go for it". Of course I can't peek into his head but I don't think one can provide all the context that goes with such a statement. I mean how often do you say something that needs a bit of clarification afterwards because someone interpreted your statement differently from what you said. Certainly happens a lot to me. I recall Janek made a video about getting a cheap Squier bass himself and how he absolutely loved it.

[@nilsensantin5351]

i follow adam neely love his videos. I like to think im an intermidiate low level advance bass player self taught. Scott is my hereo bass youtuber i follow mark from talkingbass and others

[@joelcarini1796]

For what's in the title: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqKTqYSkgqqEbK8

[@Herfinnur]

Thank you!

[@davethomas30]

it is apparent from this conversation that the basic priciples / fundamentals of marketing remain mysterious to Janek. Selling a product has almost nothing to do with its percieved quality / cultural significance / aesthetic prowess / musical integrity / rarity, etc... these factors maybe instrumental in shifting product, however (at the end of the day) good marketing flourishes in the realm of the surreal ..advertisers sell dreams not reality. i.m.o...Scott and his buddy are selling us the dream of bass expertise... an effective strategy which explains their success and our engagement ...rant over, rock on

[@hrlarson]

85 likes! What the ... youtube, get your fucking algoritms straight.

[@reikoobray2573]

😌 *Promosm*

[@anthonythomasexperience]

Great content 😊 another great bass player that puts out KZbin content weekly. Is Mr Leland Sklar, he has 223K subscribers.