Hey, Scott here... and we’re back with another brand-new podcast for you!At some point, we all wonder what life would be like with different pickups in our bass. Yet it’s the ONE thing that most of us dare not mess with! Even to experienced bass players, terms like impedance, inductance, resonant frequency and ohmic load can make things pretty confusing. In today’s episode, we dig into some of the technical basics and get to grips with everything a bass player needs to know on the topic of pickups.In this episode you’re going to learn:Why pickups are important.How they impact your tone.Does the positioning matter?Series vs Parallel wiring.Single Coil vs. Humbucker. Which is Better?And much, much more.

Ready to win $50,000 in awesome bass prizes? Up for grabs is Scott’s Ken Smith Black Tiger 6-string, Ian’s StingRay 5 and a 1978 Fender Jazz Bass! Our latest giveaway is also a great opportunity to help us raise money for Pencils of Promise, which is a global organization that brings life-changing education to children living in poverty around the world. To date the SBL community has raised over $173,000 and this year we're trying to raise even more! Find out everything you need to know in today’s episode. In this episode you’re going to learn:Why are we giving away $50,000 worth of bass gear?From a Collector Series Jazz Bass to a Dingwall D-Roc!How you can enter (and gain bonus entries).Why Eric Clapton is still awesome!And much, much more.

Being able to sing and play bass gives you a real head start on those who only work the fretboard. Even if you think your singing voice sounds like a strangled cat doing karaoke, everyone can learn to sing, and bass players absolutely should! But it can also be a daunting challenge, whether you have a dynamite voice or can barely carry a tune. In today’s episode we dig into some top tips to maximize your magic as a singing bassist. In this episode you’re going to learn:The benefits every bassist can get from singing.Why it takes practice.How it can help you get more gigs!And much more…

Freud never put anyone from SBL on the couch, but when it comes to life as a bass player, there can often be a sense that you need to remain outwardly grateful, even if you’re struggling. In this episode, we talk through the effects of negative self-talk, the addictive nature of social media and why Scott is heading to therapy.

When Ben Williams won the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition in 2009, he did so by impressing a panel of judges that included bass greats Charlie Haden, Ron Carter and Dave Holland. Lately he’s been keeping himself busy with a host of impressive side projects with artists like Pat Metheny, Sting and vocalist Syndee Winters. In this episode, we get the lowdown on his career so far, and how he juggles life as a bandleader, singer, songwriter and bassist.In this episode you’re going to learn:How Ben got started with the double bass. Why he always wanted to be like Prince. How he approaches upright bass and bass guitar.All about his new project, Butterfly Black.And much more.

Every touring bass player’s worst nightmare is arriving at their destination only to find their precious bass case smashed to smithereens. Even with airlines allowing guitars as a carry-on, it can still be up to the crew’s discretion. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to make sure that your bass makes it in one piece. In this episode, Ian shares a TSA horror story along with some of his top travel hacks. In this episode you’re going to learn:Why you should give your bass some extra padding when you fly.Which is the best bass case to invest in.How to successfully board a plane with your bass.Why you should never check your bass in at the gate.And much more.

What makes a truly great bass guitar? Is it the way it plays? The way it sounds? How it was built? Or is it all in the hands of the player? Scott and Ian are the knights in today’s virtual round table discussion, and the first thing they’re turning their attention to is the myth that it’s all down to the wood!In this episode you’re going to learn:Why Scott is still searching for ‘excalibur’ Do basses from different eras really have a different vibe?Why you should commit to just one bass.Scott gets super geeky over fingerboard inlays and pickup placement. And much more!

Richard Bona is arguably one of the greatest bass players since Jaco. He’s someone you can learn a LOT from at any level of your playing. In this special interview recorded for Bass Space 2022, we tracked Richard down to Mark Bass HQ in Italy, to talk about his long-standing love affair with the bass. 

We all love our bass guitars, right? But what if your dream instrument sounds off? Or your longtime favorite bass isn’t playing as well as it did the day you bought it? By repairing instead of replacing, you can bask in the glory of knowing that you’re the kind of bassist who’s axe would survive an apocalypse movie. In today’s episode, Ian and Scott run through the basses they’ve transformed from duds into dream machines!In this episode you’re going to learn:Ian reveals the worst bass he’s ever bought (it’s not what you think)Why Scott’s 1974 Jazz Bass behaves like the Millennium FalconIan’s Gaffer tape hack for treating noisy pickupsWhy it’s OK to invest in a bass that isn’t perfectAnd much more.

Recording your bass at home can be a complicated process if you’re just starting out, but luckily it’s within easy reach of anyone with a smartphone! In today’s episode Scott and Ian talk through everything you need to know before you hit that red button, including what gear you need, how much it might cost, and what to expect during the process. In this episode you’re going to learn:The simplest ways to record for social mediaWhy Roland’s audio mixer for smartphones is so awesome!All about Ian’s favorite DI pedalsWhy we’re revamping the SBL YouTube channelAnd much more...

Most of us instinctively know when we need a new bass, and it’s all so easy to devote time and effort to finding the next best thing, but starting your own bass collection can easily spiral out of control and end up costing you if you don’t think it through. In this episode Scott and Ian talk through the pros and cons of guitar collecting, including the INSANE bass that’s kicked off Scott’s own habit.

To many musicians making an album has always been the epitome of their art, but with digital streaming taking a hold of the industry, do full length albums still matter? That depends on who you ask! Having recently released the first live album of his incredible career, John Patitucci has put together one of the standout recordings of 2022. In this episode, we quiz John about his need to still be making albums, the basses he’s played over the years, his chance backstage meeting with Jaco Pastorius, and his Italian tour with Chris Potter and Brian Blade!

There are scores of cool slap bass players out there, but who are the truly great ones? In today’s episode Scott and Ian finish up their talk about slap bass, and why you need to check out their brand-new slap program, the Slap Bass Accelerator. If you want to get properly geeky about all things slap bass, this episode is most certainly for you.

Slap bass is the ultimate in-joke of bassists everywhere. But it’s also an amazing rhythmic tool that can be found in everything from Flea’s thumps to the sublime grooves of Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten. In the first of a two part special, we trace the course of its Marmite appeal and pick our top 3 slap bass players that you need to hear!

Despite there being countless benefits, many bass players never think beyond learning to play their first instrument. But for the few that do, a whole world of opportunities awaits. In this episode, Scott and Ian debate over whether or not you should learn to play more than just the bass, and unravel some insights that just might convince you to go for it.

Playing bass on a cruise ship is a great chance to hone your chops, save up some money and see the world. Sounds like an amazing gig, right? Cruise ship life can also be intense with long working hours and no days off for months. Ever wondered if gigging on ships is really worth it? In today’s episode, Scott and Ian talk through the pros and cons of gigging at sea!

If you take a punt on an electric bass as a financial investment, how do you know which one to invest in? In terms of making money, big returns are far from guaranteed. But still, if you stick to the biggest names and time your purchase right, you may get lucky and have a hit on your hands. In today’s episode, Scott and Ian discuss whether you can predict which brand is going to be worth the big money.

Turning on the radio or pushing play on your favorite Spotify playlist often means a few minutes to relax, but if that's the only way you listen to music then you're missing out on an invaluable skill that every bass player should have. In today’s episode, we dive into the science behind intentional listening, and how it can give you the full sonic picture as a musician.

If you’ve got a few thousand dollars to spend on a bass, the chances are that you’re looking for more than just another bog-standard 4-string. This kind of money gets you into boutique territory and a world’s worth of luxury instruments. However, with a big budget comes a big responsibility. In this episode Scott and Ian dig into what the future holds for boutique brands like MTD, Ken Smith and Fodera Guitars.

Many of us will want to own a certain axe because it’s what our favourite bassist plays, be it Victor Wooten’s Fodera, Flea’s Fender Jazz Bass or Nathan East’s Yamaha. We’ve all done it when choosing gear. In today’s episode, Ian and I compare notes on our newly found Ken Smith basses, and discuss what makes them the most playable basses that money can buy!

Have you always been curious about effects, but just don’t know where to start? Clever use of a stompbox can transform even the most ordinary bass tone into classic. In today’s episode, Ian Allison answers your questions about how they work and some of the obscure differences between them - plus, he offers some pointers for finding your own tone. Time to get stomping!

From geeking out on Michael Jackson’s Earth Song to meeting Marcus Miller, upcoming Slap Accelerators to a dedicated SBL marketplace, in today’s episode Scott and Ian take a deep dive into SBL’s future plans. So grab your coffee, take a seat, and let’s go!

Most bass players can’t afford to shell out thousands of dollars on a wall of classic amps to do their creative bidding, yet a good amp sim can save you tons of time and money. Run your bass through one of these plugins and you’ll have hundreds of iconic bass tones at your fingertips. In this episode Ian sets out to compare the flexibility of both recording options.

As gloriously varied as it is hugely popular, playing bass on a church gig is no small feat. In this episode, Ian Allison takes a closer look at church music: what it is, what you should expect and some of the best bass players to listen to.

Tony Levin’s intuitive bass work can be heard on Peter Gabriel’s ‘Sledgehammer’ or Kate Bush’s ‘Don’t Give Up’, while his talent pool as a gifted multi-instrumentalist has also been tapped by the likes of King Crimson, John Lennon, Paul Simon and David Bowie. In this special interview for Bass Space 2022, Ian Allison looks back over his remarkable career.

In this episode Ian Allison talks to Chuck Rainey, one of the most admired bass players in popular music. Chuck has played and recorded with the likes of King Curtis, Sam Cooke, Etta James, The Supremes, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Steely Dan, Roberta Flack and Quincy Jones. This is an excerpt from Bass Space 2022.

Having 70 million songs at your fingertips has never been easier, but is Spotify evil when it comes to paying artists? There are various opinions floating around about the platform, but the opportunity for musicians to reach a larger audience and potentially get paid is surely a good thing? In this episode Scott and Ian set out to debunk the biggest myths about one of the world’s most successful streaming services.

Normally bass players are ALL chops or all groove. Hubert Eaves IV has it all. It was back in 1997 when we first discovered his bass playing thanks to Erykah Badu Live. In this episode Ian and Scott talk to Hubert about the making of that incredible album. Who said pocket has to be boring?

Every bass player is on a quest to find their perfect bass. While the stars might align for some players who find the one perfect instrument, the rationale for owning not just two, but many different bass guitars, can be pretty easy to argue, as Ian and Scott explore in this episode.

Life is a series of choices. And while there isn't an official rulebook for playing bass, there are a few tried-and-tested traditions that we often feel obliged to follow. But following a rule just because it’s there isn’t always the best step forward. In this latest episode, Ian Allison explores how breaking the rules can sometimes help make you more successful.

We’ve all had that moment when we hear a huge sounding bass solo for the first time, and it just blows us away. We’re talking Cliff Burton on Metallica’s Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth), Jaco with Weather Report or Flea with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Bass solos might be less fashionable than they were a generation ago, but they still draw us in every time. In this episode Ian and Scott talk you through all you need to know.

An integral part of Paquito D’Rivera’s band for many years, Oscar Stagnaro has been a Professor at the Berklee College of Music in Boston since 1988. He’s been largely responsible for the school’s development of Latin education, and in today’s episode he tells Scott about his move to the US and his Surf Rock roots.

Whether it’s your very first bass, or another one to add to your collection, buying a new axe should always be an exciting time. Regardless of whether you got a new bass yesterday or 50 years ago. Today, Ian and Scott come together to celebrate a ‘New Bass Day’ for Ian, and discuss some of their newly found bass heroes.

The sheer number of different revenue streams available to musicians is higher than it’s ever been in the past. But do you really need god-like knowledge to kickstart your career and grow an income as an artist? In this episode Ian and Scott tackle the topic of how to make money with your music.

5-string basses seem more popular than ever…so what’s all the fuss about? If you’ve been thinking about getting a 5-string, or maybe even a 6-string bass or beyond! There are a few things that are worth considering. In this episode Scott and Ian discuss the pros and cons. Who knew that adding an extra string could complicate things so much?

Jaco Pastorius is arguably the most ground-breaking electric bassist in history, and at some point we’ve all been propelled to chase down a way to get that sound! But have you ever worried about becoming just another Jaco-alike bass player? In today’s episode Ian and Scott discuss whether it’s time to stop listening to the greatest bass player who has ever lived.

Dodgy sound, meddling relatives, DJs who talk too much – every band has had bad wedding gigs and each one presents different annoyances and challenges to try and overcome. Yet weddings are still such a great way of earning an income for musicians. In today’s episode Ian and Scott talk you through all you need to know.

Scott always gets asked the same two questions: 'Why do you wear the glove?!' and 'Should I try wearing one?' He hasn’t always wanted to tell the full story, but he wants to tell it to you now. In today’s episode Scott reveals some of the key hurdles that he’s had to overcome as a result of a condition called Focal Dystonia, and the rehabilitation process that got him back to playing bass!

What a stupid question, right? As bass players, there are few things more satisfying than pulling the trigger on a new bass, but would we be better served expanding our amp collections instead? Will a new amp really make your bass sound any better? In today’s episode Ian and Scott talk you through a couple of different viewpoints that will help you determine how you might spend your hard-earned money. A new bass, or a better amp?

Charles Berthoud has enjoyed a rapid ascent to bass stardom largely thanks to the success of his YouTube channel (Charles currently has more than 1,000,000 subscribers, 40,000 TikTok followers and 107,000 following him on Instagram). But it’s not all about stats on social media; his virtuosic bass chops and his battles with fellow YouTuber Davie 504 continue to push the role of the bass forward. In this interview Charles sits down with Jonathan Herrera to talk about his time at Berklee, his early recollections of Victor Wooten and the power of social media.

Social Media continues to revolutionize just about everything we do - and the music industry is no exception. But one question has so far gone largely unanswered - can you still succeed without a huge following on social media? In today’s episode Ian and Scott share some pros and cons of the rise of social media.

Every bass player dreams of finding that perfect instrument, but does gear really matter? Will it get you a better gig? Or help you to become a better bassist? It’s a question that often causes a bit of a stir in the online bass community. So in this episode, Ian Allison delves deeper into when, and if, gear really matters.

Is there ever a ‘right time’ to quit your day job and follow a full-time career in music? Being a professional musician sounds amazing, but can you really make enough money? And what if it just gets old like any other job? If you are already asking yourself these questions, then you’ve probably decided that one day you want to change your life and follow a career in music. In today’s episode Scott and Ian run through some of the key things to consider before quitting your desk job.

It’s understandable when casual music fans have no idea what’s going on in jazz. No other genre divides people so greatly – but why? If you’re outside of the jazz circle looking in, wondering why it can be so intimidating, then this episode is for you.

In today’s episode Ian and Scott share some great tips that will help streamline your bass playing roadmap. Want to manage your time better? Organize your brain space? Or make some literal space in your studio? Here’s how fine-tuning your workflow can help get you there.

So, you’re wondering what the differences between a Fender Jazz and a Fender Precision really boil down to, right? They might have come off the same drawing board, but if you think they sound the same, you're wrong. They probably feel the same to play? Wrong again. In today’s episode Scott and Ian try to settle a debate that’s raged on for decades.

Did you grow up dreaming about your favorite bass players tearing it up in the recording studio, hoping you could one day do the same? Working in a recording studio is quite different to practicing at home - some of the habits that you've picked up over the years just won't apply and you need to make sure you're properly prepared. In today’s episode, Ian and Scott run through their essential studio checklist.

Reading music is a subject that can strike fear into the heart of many aspiring musicians. It’s a tough skill to learn, but do bass players REALLY need to read sheet music? If your ambition is to be in a three chord punk band then you won’t be too worried. But there are TONS of great benefits, as Ian and Scott explore in this episode.