Why Reverb.com Sucks / Analog vs Digital pedals / YouTube Channel Update | The SBL Podcast #98

Why Reverb.com Sucks / Analog vs Digital pedals / KZbin Channel Update | The SBL Podcast #98
Is buying a bass guitar online a bad idea? If you’re anything like us, you probably browse the guitar sections of both brick-and-mortar stores and online fairly often! Also in today’s episode; we explore the pros and cons of digital and analog stompboxes, and walk you through the tactics we’re using to grow our KZbin channel.
In this episode you're going to learn:
- Buying basses online… why it sucks!
- Did Scott really choose a Tokai Jazz over a Fender?
- Analog vs digital pedals: who wins?
- Who would you love to see on our KZbin channel?
- And much, much more!
[ - PODCAST - ]
► iTunes: apple.co/1O6P2oZ
► Spotify: spoti.fi/3M7ZlbY
► Stitcher: bit.ly/3BZNc4m
[ - SOCIAL - ]
► Facebook: / scottsbasslessons
► Instagram: / scottsbasslessons
► TikTok: / scottsbasslessons.com

[@ethanlocke3604]

This summer I started listening to the pod and have gone back and listened to pretty much every episode. Really been enjoying it yall

[@IanMartinAllison]

Thank u Ethan!

[@admarhermans1]

John Taylor would be great!! Please ask him about his personal experiences with Bernard Edwards too, when they did The Power Station album and his influence on John’s playing and approach after they met. Off course, John loved Chic way before they met, but I think them actually working together and their friendship has been huge influence! John’s a fine player in a fine band, but it’s also great that through him we go back to Bernard and all the great players before. Carol Kaye would also be very, very great. Not just because of her great playing for decades with all those artists, but also because of her teaching philosophy, wich is almost the same as Scott’s, I think: learn as much as possible about chords first, learn about scales and the rest later. She’s a great teacher and a great lady. I would love something by you guys with Tina Weymouth too. She’s so great a player and an influence (still) on modern (bass) music. Like she made her ‘not so shredding like talents’ her greatest strength. Also her great tone and approach... For a while, she played in Talking Heads with an extra bassplayer! Can you imagine? How was that? She was one of the first who doubled on synth bass too, and on rhythm guitar... So much stuff! 🖖

[@leethebassplayer4902]

Would love an in depth interview with Tim Commerford. Also always really enjoyed the ‘vlog’ style videos

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Yas!!!!! I second this!! 🙏🙏🙏

[@briandowling8372]

I'd absolutely love to see Mike Dirnt from Green Day on the podcast or the channel. I don't think anyone has done an in depth bass interview with him. He has some absolutely legendary bass lines.

[@benjaminleimkuhler6812]

If you were able to get a sit down with Geddy Lee, like you did with Marcus Miller, that would be amaze-balls!

[@alexsausl]

Having Kinga Glyk would be awesome!

[@adamprado6615]

It's funny as I sold a VF 6 in a beautiful metallic grey via Reverb to Scott. I hope that experience wasn't a bummer for him!

[@fuji_z5915]

interview Justin Chancellor please

[@flaxholmelis5996]

I love these podcasts. It's something I can listen to while I'm doing other stuff around the house. I also enjoyed the Rob Mullarkey session and am looking forward to more like that. Thank you for all this free stuff - it's much appreciated.

[@liamgaliano]

Love the new direction of the channel. It’s true that I haven’t watched every video you post, but I have seen all of these interviews (and all of the podcasts) so I think you’re onto something!

[@liamgaliano]

Oh and I’d LOVE to see you interview John Ferrara and Les Claypool

[@digitalemassarbeit8596]

Love to hear you're about to extend the pro interview thing. Absolutely love the series. As a rock fan I'd love to see Mike Dirnt, Adam Clayton, Nate Mendel, Pino, Marco Mendoza, Brian Marshall... You get the idea. :) Anyway, appreciate your work and effort you put in the episodes!

[@BradleyHansonPhotography]

I always enjoy the channel. I was a fretless bass player in the late 80s/early 90s in a band in Minneapolis. Moved to Seattle and became a photographer in late 90s. Back in Minneapolis and playing bass again. Amazing how rusty I had become, and trying to learn theory after never knowing it. I now play fretted bass and am excited to learn again and get better than I used to be through practice and learning the instrument better. My bass inspirations were Mick Karn, Pino Palladino, John Taylor, Simon Raymonde (Cocteau Twins), Steve Kilbey (The Church), Paul McCartney. I agree with you re online bass purchases. Looking online, I had my heart set on the Fender Vintera Mustang bass. Playing it in the shop was a disappointment (great bass, but not the unique sound I wanted). Moments later I fell in love, unexpectedly, with a Pelham Blue Guild Starfire 1 bass, and it’s the sound I’ve been looking for my whole life (now that it has flats on it). Thanks for all the great videos.

[@keziahj]

Contentwise: 👌🤩 Clickbaitwise: 😥 As far as I know, the reverb guys, are in it with their hearts. Why not saying „buying basses/instruments online sucks…“. Would be amazing! 🙏🙏🙏

[@andrewpinner3181]

Thanks guys, always interesting & always a hoot !

[@rgw2012]

Love the interview content, really hoping you can get Sonny on there, he has such a cool style and groove - here's hoping 🤞

[@SteveBlancoMusicianWarrior]

Great conversation 🤙🏻

[@dorssberube]

SBL best podcast/youtube channel period. Keep it up Scott and Ian! ✌🏻

[@jcisme]

I bought an early 80's candy aple red MIJ Fernandes RJB-75 and a Fender 66/67 Jazz bass within a week of each other about a decade ago. Both online. I sold the Fender after a few years and made some money on it. The Fernandes is still my jazz bass. It just works so well for me.

[@amsknirb]

Very exciting stuff guys!!! I've been listening to the podcast on Spotify for a while now, and decided to check you out on youtube so I can leave a comment :) I love the interviews with famous bassists and I'm stoked to hear that you're continuing those and even expanding to the US. Love me some Sonny T and Nicole! I also love the famous riff content Ian does with Sharon! It's an exciting time to be subscribed to the SBL youtube channel. I know you haven't asked for feedback, but the only thing that sometimes stops me from clicking some of the videos is the title. It feels a bit clickbait-y. I feel like I have to remind myself in those situations that it's you guys and the content of the videos are good and informative. I get that you need some kind of extravagant title sometimes due to the algorythm and I don't have the knowledge to improve the title, but if there are any people like me, I feel that some people won't click and miss out. Finally, I wanted to say that I love Ian's HX Stomp preset pack! the sounds are amazing and the price, I think, is quite reasonable!

[@amsknirb]

I would really love some underrated, out of the ordinary bass players. Marcus is amazing, obviously, but I would love if you'd interview someone like Lou Barlow from Dinosaur Jr. He may not have the chops like a Hendrik Linder, Marcus Miller, Sonny T, or Nicole Rowe, but I find his style very unique and I think an interview with someone like him can be quite informative in a completely different way.

[@benjhutchison]

As a lefty, finding basses to play in a shop is nearly impossible. But, I've driven. 3 hours to Sweetwater twice now, and each time it was worth the trip. The first time I went my daughter made me pick up a Fender pro 2 Jazz bass in Miami Blue. Once it was in my hands I was in love! I had them ship it to me a few weeks later. Then a few weeks ago I went and got to get my hands on a lefty vintage 2 and I was afraid I would fall in love again. And... I didn't. It was just OK.

[@davidwhite1185]

Love the format as long as you guys don't run out of topics. As for interviews I would love to see Roger Glover, Norman Watt-Roy or/and Geddy Lee (not asking for much :-) ) or hows about Rick Beato? Finally, English Breakfast without Beans, is a proper English Breakfast!

[@BerndBasstronaut]

I love the behind the baslines videos !!👌

[@robertjones4766]

Love the idea for Spector from Ian here, something Alembic have been doing for as long as I can remember and really cool!

[@TwoBadBassist]

I’m curious why you guys haven’t really talked about Mayones basses? I live in metro Detroit and now own two: a Hadrien Feraud antique black satin 5, and a custom Jabba 4 classic. These basses are fantastic!!! It seems like your money goes farther in Poland. The quality, in my opinion, is as good as or better than Fodera (have owned as well). I would love to see you guys play some!!

[@h.markhorton8188]

I’d like to hear about Brian Wilson, but as a bass player, which he played a lot early on. Would he prepare bass lines for Carol Kaye to play? Thanks.

[@wren23_bass-synths]

I bought most of my basses online. Unfortunately I live in a big city that doesn’t have a music store, let alone a bass shop. I’m still crying because Wal isn’t taking anymore orders. So I’m definitely looking into Fbass. That Alain Caron model is just 🔥

[@GuiFarizeli]

"Behind the bass line" and everything Scott described is just fantastic! But allow me to make an addendum: people who have tried to produce similar content have failed by always talking about the same characters: the classics. Please talk about the weirdos, the outsiders. I really dig Jacob Collier, Jordan Rakei and I was very happy with the presence of Rob Mullarkey on the show! Talk about unknown records and artists with amazing basslines! Ian knows alternative rock/indie/metal like few others, he's the man for this mission! Talk to Incubus's Ben Kenney, Pearl Jam's Jeff Ament about their early days playing upright/fretless/12 strings… Ben Shepherd of Soundgarden and those crazy melodic lines, free from the harmony. Talk to Paul Bender from Hiatus Kaiyote, his lines are the most modern today in terms of R&B and neo soul! Bring in Stefan Lessard from the Dave Matthews Band, the guy has A LIFETIME of amazing basslines and amazing instruments to tell. You are amazing, keep daring and talking about our art. Kisses from a fellow bald-bass-brother, all the way from Brazil. ❤

[@fuji_z5915]

I'm a lefty in Canada and lets just say the options are not great if you don't want to deal with International sellers....but I found the Bass I wanted on Reverb (Sire V5) but its from a retail store not used/2nd hand so I feel OK buying through Reverb...plus the prices seemed to have dipped recently. But until I get my hands on it there's always a little apprehension buying sight unseen.

[@seraphin9162]

WE WANT THE PALLADINOS !! Father and son !! Seriously, the Mullarkey-Spaven video is the best thing you guys ever did on the SBL channel ! Thanks !

[@chellewiles5541]

Please, please do the Stuart Zender video! I’ve been playing since January and he is such an inspiration! Oh my god those Jamiroquai bass lines!!!!

[@stephenhanson3647]

First, would like see an interview with Kinga Glyk. Second, I have had some great experiences with Reverb/on-line. I have bought at least a dozen instruments plus amps, etc. My favorite basses are my 3 Fender Victor Bailey J basses. Love the Koa. Two of the basses looked like they had been dragged on a gravel road. Sent them to Drake basses for a refinish. He did a great job removing the 1/4 thick polyurethane and then applying a stain and traditional finish, resulting in a beautiful look and improved resonance. Reverb allows you to hunt for specific instruments. For example I got a Taylor AB2 acoustic bass. An incredibly beautiful and rare instrument. It’s a huge bass, and unfortunately due to a shoulder problem, I couldn’t play it anymore. Had I tried to sell it to GC, I would have gotten nothing for it. Posted it on Reverb for what I paid and it sold in ten minutes because someone was looking for one. I’ve returned a few instruments that didn’t have “it”, without problems.

[@armignac]

Always love to see and hear Leland Sklar!

[@lockharthorsburgh8601]

I've bought exactly one instrument online (a baritone, not a bass, mostly because it looked like a really good deal), but I checked the return policy very carefully beforehand. Said policy was "return within 2 weeks, undamaged and with all packaging" (edit: and you just mentioned this around 37 minutes in), so I viewed it as a week to try the thing. I got lucky and liked the instrument, so ordered a strap and a stand a week or so later . . .

[@bassimprovjams3772]

I also think Jason Newsted definitely deserves the SBL shine who doesn’t love Jason!! He seems like such a great guy to interview I’m experiencing the same GAS on Reverb right now a older stingray I’m drooling over and ready to sell my 2021 just to get it looks and seems like it’s an amazing condition bassif it’s ever meant to be it will be…

[@robertp457]

I think videos about single songs, who wrote them, what gear was used to make them, how the count the rhythm, attached tab/sheet music and or displayed in the video, and how to play the song.

[@teresaravenshaw5477]

I've bought 2 basses online,behaving spent no time on them first. Both new instruments, both Schecter's, both great. The first does have a deeper (not width) neck than I prefer but it works well in a lower tuning; the other is just so fast I love it. Both sound great too. Anderton's did me a set-up before they sent them out though, so maybe that helped.

[@mrjmcrowson]

Scott and Ian…just know you have my full support unless the content sux 😂😂😂❤️❤️❤️

[@mrjmcrowson]

It’s going to be awesome! It will likely be loose like content was years ago before people got so “good” at it. It will probably be more honest and frankly relatable 👍🏼

[@blueplateradio2]

I've only had one bad experience buying a bass online including Reverb, eBay and Craigslist. The guy more or less made good on the bad transaction on eBay. I eventually traded that bass for an ESP 2015 5 String fretless so in the end, I was happy.

[@juanclunac]

I absolutely love the interviews format! please do more!!! :O :O :O :O please please!!

[@mattrudybass]

Glad I was able to get Doom2 a few years back. Love that pedal. I want to get an HX stomp, but I'm worried about the menu diving and learning curve on it.

[@Annunaki_0517]

The HX stomp is tempting but I think you really want the full Helix. The recent updates require more processing power than the Stomp affords, so to get the most out of what the HX ecosystem offers and to build the sort of patches you’ll want to play, you really need that second processor that the full Helix has. Also, the editing is so much easier on the big unit.

[@mattrudybass]

@@Annunaki_0517 What about the bigger HX, not the stomp version?

[@SquareWaveSymphonies]

I'd love to see you do an interview with Richard Boucher of FfaF. He's a great rock bass player.

[@storymodescrublord]

I just like you two (and the rare sharon) talking about bass stuff. Simple as that.

[@pabloprimo250]

Would love to see Laura from Khruangbin and talk about the sound she takes out in a cheap SX, Tony Grey, Evan Brewer, STEVE HARRIS :), GEDDY LEE :), and of course some luthiers such as Vinny Fodera, Spencer Lull...

[@deanweld]

A few suggestions of bass players to talk to: Nikolai Fraiture from The Strokes, Mark Stoermer from The Killers, and Daniel Lorca from Nada Surf. None very well known, but all have been in their bands for a long time. All pick players, and it would be cool to spotlight a pick bassist who is also very much a “support the song” player. Mike Dirnt of course as someone previously mentioned, and Nate from Foo Fighters would be good too, especially because Scott played his signature P for a while.

[@rodolfopinheiro]

I would love to see Anibal Soares on the channel. He is a Minneapolis bassist and he is so talented. He plays with Prince’s drummer and other artists

[@stuartanguish5111]

You should do a on the road with series and spend the day with the player and his tech

[@ashkimber7881]

Liking the new format but missing a little of the preamble. Feel like there maybe needs to be a separate page for ‘Scott and Ian’s weekly catch up’ to compensate. Without putting too fine a point on it, there are some legends of the bass who it may be prudent to interview sooner rather than later. Im thinking of people like Carol Kaye, Lee Sklar, larry Graham, Paul McCartney,

[@kevinbassvocals]

You mentioned Tokai. I have a late 70's Japanese El Degas P with DiMarzio pups and updated tuners. Kills most Fender P's. It's my main live bass. If you can get a 70's/80's Tokai/ElDegas, don't dismiss them.

[@mpaige101]

Names that I would love to see you speak with (but good luck with some of them) Jeff Berlin Geddy Lee Paul McCartney John Paul Jones Bootsy Collins Jonas Hellborg Tim Commerford

[@ulib4581]

We need an Interview with Johnny B. Gayden, who played with Albert Collins, and a lot of other artists.

[@dangracia7805]

I actually had a good experience buying a 5-string back online in 2009. I needed to buy a 5-string because the group I was playing with had about 5 or 6 songs that needed those low notes on the B-string. Didn't have much money to spend on it and my budget was around $400. Wasn't going to spend a lot on it because my '82 Jazz is the best sounding Jazz I've ever heard and it plays just exactly like my '65 did that I bought in 1966 and toured with in the early 70's. So the 5-string was not going to be my "do it all" bass. I was thinking perhaps a low-end Ibanez or such. Then I had a friend on the Eden forum recommend that I get a Rogue bass. At the time Rogue basses were made in Korea and price just a little over $200. Thought that couldn't be good in that price range but this fellow had 3 different ones and loved all of them. So I bought it online with a 40-day free return policy, fully expecting to need to return it. When I received it I was amazed at how good it was. The fit and finish was spectacular. It has a 6-bolt maple neck on it with rosewood fingerboard. It has a much flatter neck than on my 4-string. But the neck was very slim, which was really important for me because my '82 Jazz has a 60's slim C-shape neck just like my '65 did. Sound is not as good as my Jazz, but it does have a good sound. It's an active bass but can be played in active or passive modes. In passive mode it the bass and treble controls don't work but the volume and the pickup blend do. I typically play it in passive mode because I get a good sound out of it by just by changing the blend slightly from the detente, and I don't have to change the gain on my amp when swapping my Jazz for this bass for just one song. In active mode I do have to lower the gain significantly. It looks good and plays great and I have zero regrets about ordering it online. Of course a fellow who had a number of basses from them gave the recommendation and it was a good one. Sad news is that Rogue moved their manufacturing first to Indonesia and now to China. I've seen a number of them since and although the design is the same, fit and finish is a crap shoot. Korea is well known for it's superb manufacturing because it has some of the most modern facilities and skilled builders, but that's no longer and option with Rogue. I wouldn't order one online anymore. If you can go to Guitar Center or another big box store that carries them and inspect the one you want to buy, you can still get one on a par with mine. But initial manufacture and quality control is just not as good as it was. Mine is a Rogue LX405 Pro (made in Korea version). They have since come out with the Pro II and the Pro III. I believe the Pro II was made in Indonesia where a lot of good basses are made. I can't speak to the quality of the Pro II, but the Pro III is made in China and I've seen some that have poorly fit necks and runs and drips in the finish. Still basically the same bass but quality of fit and finish is just not in the same league. I have seen just one so far that was as nicely made as mine so it is possible to find one. But you really need to personally inspect and play one of these instead of buying a "pig in a poke" online.

[@Oscaraha]

I buy the most of my basses online. As long its in good working order and a good price Im pretty secured of at least getting my money back.

[@JasonFerguson17t]

I'm so lucky that I live 40 minutes from Chicago Music Exchange...I had been lusting after a Dingwall 6, played it, put it back on the wall, and walked away saving a ton of money and headache. The fan frets are not my jam. I don't buy anything I haven't played anymore...

[@cynnelson1]

Would love to see Nick Beggs and Tony Franklin as well 😁

[@pine3737]

Wow! You guys covered so much it took me three days to finish.I predict how the SAG/AFTA strikes in hollywood goes will determine how we in the music biz will make a living, or not a living. GREAT JOB!

[@warwicker22]

Firstly, I’d love to see Ryan Martini on your channel. Even interview I see with him is always interesting Secondly, it’s a life goal of mine to fly out to Germany to Warwick HQ and hand select the woods for a custom bass!!!!!

[@21danny17]

+1 for Carol Kaye!

[@BackLooking]

I have only one bass and it´s Sterling by Musicman SUB 5 string black. It´s a good bass, but after almost every SBL podcast I feel I NEED a few more basses. I need a P-bass, I need a J-bass. I don´t really need, but I want another Sterling, this time just four strings and two Humbuckers and one Kubicki wouldn´t be bad either. 😀

[@DoctorIntrepid]

Geddy!

[@CamiloDiaz]

Zander AND Paul Turner talking about the material. Together

[@bassdog61]

Going to see Marcus Miller at the Casa del Jazz in Rome on Thursday!

[@matthewmisseldine4093]

Please reach out to Patrick O’Hearn for an interview. This guy is a solo artist of many years and is a multi instrumentalist but his first instrument is the bass. He played in Frank Zappa’s band in the old days. He is legit and I would love to see y’all talk to him.

[@mikaeldalgas-hansen691]

Jason Newstead for an interview would be really interesting.

[@FullumMusic]

RE: Trying basses before you buy -- I wish there was a more customer-forward instrument event like NAMM, but for the customers, and maybe specifically for bass & guitar. If there was a traveling show that was cost-effective for builders to present at, and let customers come in and try basses from these builders that they'd otherwise have no access to, it could be a win for everyone. Because, really, for A LOT of people here in the States, whose only access to a music store is Guitar Center, and even that might be a few hours drive away. They have no way of actually ever playing a boutique bass before they buy it unless they're local to that one specific luthier. And i'm not just talking the ultra-expensive boutiques. There are plenty of boutique builders who are in direct competition with the major manufacturers' price-points. But there's a lot of people who would probably consider a boutique or custom bass if they could just play one. But all they can do is pull the usual suspects off the wall at GC or order something sight-unseen and hope it plays and sounds as good as they imagine when it shows up, after paying a lot for it. Personally i have the luxury of living in NYC. I can literally walk into a half-dozen high-end builders and a handful of high-end shops and play basses others only dream of. That's what happened when i walked into La Bella/Mas Hino/Carbonetti's and played an Olinto P, fell madly in love, couldn't stop thinking about it, and went back to the shop and months later i'm impatiently waiting for my custom build. 🤣 I never would have bought one if i didn't have my hands on one first. On the flip side i had to buy my Maruszczyk Frog fretless custom sight-unseen. Man, did i get lucky. That bass is KILLER, but i just had to trust the reputation and be comfortable spending a couple grand on a bass i might not love. Of course, i have no idea of the feasibility of such a traveling instrument show. Just a dream really. 🤷‍♂😆

[@JonnyDibble]

I'd love to see Jonny Dibble on the channel. What a guy.

[@aprilkurtz1589]

More from straight up rock bassists.....if you can find any. Please and Thanks!

[@JAK0449]

the versatility of this cotet makes it the est o the yt sorry for missigs letters

[@samuelbrainsample]

An English breakfast sans beans is really just an American breakfast.

[@germansalvatierra9579]

Absolutely agree you must play the bass in the real world before you spend the money 😊😊

[@samuelbrainsample]

If you want to get Carol Kaye, get on it. Now.

[@BlackRootsUNLIMITED]

Folks, PLEASE get the Electric Bass G.O.A.T Anthony Jackson on this podcast. You'll thank me later. Him and Victor Wooten have the same Manager I believe. Greetings from Uganda 🇺🇬👊🏿🖤

[@Herfinnur]

Did you just delete my comment asking for Timestamps?

[@JAK0449]

carol kaye larry are for sure to appear such legeds

[@gerarddesmondegan1787]

"to see how a sausage is made" #IanMartinAllison 🤣😂🤣😂

[@ThibaultDelattre]

Scott, I have been subscribed to your channel for a long time. I just don't come back to it as much because of the constent hyperbole and clickbait. No, this Jaco groove was not "Hidden", no this Flea riff from a very popular song from their most acclaimed record is not "forgotten". It is annoying and really turns me off. Also, the "tone wood" stuff has got to end. It's been debunked again and again. I have been a believer in the past, but sometimes science just proves you wrong.

[@brandonmarti4476]

Please do a interview with Kelsey Gonzalez please!!!!!!!!!

[@michaelhardie9193]

One word.....Flea

[@MatthewFearnley-ym3oy]

Got to be John Taylor

[@dangracia7805]

finally at 17:56 they start talking about why Reverb sucks.

[@conorlarkin1111]

Get John Paul Jones on!!! Please god

[@stuartanguish5111]

Mark king

[@jameswyatt7382]

The book is always better than the movie

[@HIGHPOSTERtown]

😂😂😂. Reverb sucks….. You dudes are hilarious 😂

[@teresaravenshaw5477]

Yeah, try play before you pay when you're a lefty and never play a damned thing because shops rarely stock basses (in store) for you.

[@gwheat63]

I love your podcast, but I wish guys would chill with the language, especially the GD.

[@Pywacketfrog]

My bass guitars and pedals are like my medication purchases. I can only afford generic. You guys are always talking about expensive equipment and guitars. You can afford it, so good for you. But....I believe you are discouraging your core listeners, you know, the ones that want to learn how to play the bass guitar. How about you spend some time with bass guitars that cost under $500 brand new. How about some of those base pedals from Amazon that are $50 or less. And Ian......I love you buddy, but if I see your "IMA4" one more time in a SBL video I am turning you off. No disrespect to you two, you are great. You have earned the prosperity and recognition. But, your teaching philosophy is "great sound from any bass guitar" , yet you only show us using expensive guitars. SBL needs a class on the "poor man's" bass rig.

[@razielkain5458]

They mentioned good cheap basses in one episode, without showing them of course, but they did. For me staying under 1k you can't go wrong with any Sire or G&l tribute bass, passive and active options with both brands.

[@kane6529]

Reverb indeed does suck 😂