These guys are great and their rants are funny and endearing, but these not so representative video titles bug me a bit, if I may say so myself...starting to talk about the advertised topic so late seems to be a trend recently
Thanks for these stamps. Scott is cool, Ian isn't my cup of tea. For me, I just want to get straight to the topic, I'm not into this endless bro chat. Topic 48 mins in is ridiculous, sorry, even though these guys really know their stuff.
@@funky_monk_9796 Well, this is the podcast channel, not the content channel where they are always straight to the point in a very dynamic way. Said that, here I always watch everything (while a practice muscle memory). Valuable info, inspirations and fun in those "chit-chats". Needless to say I love both guys.
Harley Benton is very good I have a couple most are Guitars, but I do have 2 that are Bass, one is a Jazz and the other is the HB 25th Enhanced which I will mod at some point. They are not studio or professional, I would use a Marcus Miller for that if I had one, I just can't see buying a Fender.
Ian, as a long time fan I think you're too modest about your ability to play well and sing well simultaneously. After watching Down and Above shows as a young man, you're one of the reasons I was less shy to try singing my best while playing my best.
I got a G&L L2000 Tribute (Tribute = G&L Squier equivalent - made by Cort) to try to get as close to a Wal without getting one, while simultaneously being it's own distinct thing. It's basically the culmination of all of Leo Fender's bass designs. J bass pickup spacing, P bass neck, Stingray style body and tone controls. What sets it apart is 2 USA made MFD humbuckers and 3 mini toggle switches for series/parallel, active off/on/on + treble boost, and pickup selection. Probably the most versatile bass you can get for under £600
Please keep these as a catch up. It adds so much and also shows the connection of music. Maybe just let people know in the intro to skip to ... If you want to hear the topic. Your guys friendship has brought me so much joy.
You guys take forever to get to the point ...but you are right!!! My example is a Ibanez Talman TMB100 Mint Green j Bass. I bought it used for $140 w case. It cut my hands to shreds, buzzed like an AM radio in a tunnel. I took it to a proper Tech, and it came back smooth as a glass table and buzz free nice bass now. Total investment $200. I had enough left over to sign up for the SBL academy! Winning.
Bought a used 1994 Ken Smith Burner Bass about 20 years ago. My young son at the time, bent one of the posts of one of the eq pots. I contacted the company and received an email from Ken himself. Exchanged technical information on the bass and since I was working for a retail distributor of Smith products, he sent the replacement pot inside of a Ken Smith bass case with a new bass. Once our warehouse figured out what was going on, I received the pot(no charge) and had our tech do the repair. So impressed with the man for doing that. I am a Smithy for life!. Thanks for sharing. This is the way.
Funniest episode ever! I thought I was going to drive off the road listening to this on Apple podcasts, I was laughing so hard. Seriously though, you guys are describing my whole bass collection: 1990s Epiphone Accu-Bass (P-bass), SX vintage style Jazz Bass, SX 6-string fretless Jazz, Epiphone Viola Bass, a Douglas fretless viola bass, and a Dean acoustic bass guitar. I can get almost any bass sound and the whole collection was less than two grand.
Enjoyed this. I’ve had American deluxe & Marcus Miller fender jazz basses and currently take a beat up 25 year old MIM jazz & a squier classic vibe 50s P on stage with me. It’s often what’s under the fingers for me. A decent amp can make a big difference.
1:03:00 Couldn't agree more on the quality of Sterling SUB basses. I sold a custom Carvin LB70P and bought a used Sterling SUB that plays like a dream and sounds better than the Carvin for only $225. Another $200 for Hipshot tuners and a better bridge will make it nearly perfect - and still half the price of the Carvin.
I learned how to play bass on a '70s Ric copy. I can't remember the brand, but it may have been a Cort. It was a lime green snotburst. I loved that thing. I'm sorry I sold it.
Whenever my wife walks in the room while I’m watching someone play a bass guitar, usually on sbl, she says it all just sounds like Seinfeld to her lol.
Nordstrand has come out with some pickups called the Big Blademan. They were made for Justin Chancellor (who plays Wal basses) in an attempt to mimic the Wal pickup. These in any bass with MM (SUB StingRays) or EMG (Ibanez, Spector Performer, etc.) pickups sound like they get really close.
1:02:57 Talking Musicman copies. Tanglewood at some point in their history were making Musicman style passive basses. I got one from a pawn shop years ago for 90 quid and honestly it plays great.
Harley Benton RB-414 and Jackson X Series Concert Bass CBXNT DX are the closest Rick subs I'm aware of, but neither seem all that close in sound, more similar aesthetically.
I have a HB PJ - had to try it out to see if really stacks up and it's absolutely worth it. Not saying it's equal to the fender american made model in components, but damn - for the money, it's a really nice low cost bass.
Great show. I was wondering if you were ever going to get to the topic at hand. But you were having too much fun. A few years back there were a few companies selling rickenbacher kits and then suddenly they all went away. I thought maybe a stock issue but they never returned. I know GunsNGtrs likes to make his own variant
Harley Benton by Thomann in Europe do Rickenbacker looking bass for Under £300. Never played one so I have one so I have no idea what it sounds like but looks pretty cool.
Years ago, a co-worker had his gear (and other stuff) stolen, and then got to spend the insurance money. He tried both a Gibson Thunderbird and an Epiphone. He preferred the Epi, so he bought that one instead. I also like the Epi T-Birds, especially the Vintage Pro IV. Back in the '80s, I bought a 1971 Hofner (for about $450, and sold it for about the same). In the '10s, I bought one of the newer budget Hofners, and it's a perfectly good substitute.
I buy used mongrels, off the beaten path for the most part. With stories. I have an old Tokai Hardpuncher, a really cheap Epi Embassy Pro that's super fun and sounds fantastic. 81 and 85 Ibanez basses, 80 Aria Pro SB600, Hondo II Longhorn... Mostly pawn shoppy kind of stuff. I like their quirks and personality.
Hey Scott & Ian. In 1978 I was at summer NAMM at the KS booth with Ken Smith. A what we called "Nammster chicks" (Sorry Galls) came up to ken and asked if he was like a rock star or something. Ken looked at her, not answering, just staring. After some silence and KS's demonic grin shinning, Ken raised his eyebrows up and down and said "Over 2000 Broadway shows." The girls reaction ... Priceless! Cheers.
I'd love to see Scott and Ian take a Harley Benton Challenge :D Could make for a fun episode (or series of episodes, comparing them to the "full fat" versions)!
I got an open box Spector performer 5 for $400 red metallic... I really don't need another bass... it came with medium string and passive pickups... it literally vibrates and sits in the mix but can cut.
Hi guys! Always so much fun and so enlightening listening and watching you! How about the Ibanez, Warwick, ESP, Shechter, etc basses within that middle range of price, what would you recommend? Thank you! Love you guys!
Great to hear some gear talk for us "normal" people with limited budget. Seems like I never hear you guys mention Ibanez (though Scott's GW signature is one). Would love to hear your take on their stuff - I picked up a SR405E used for $250 (including an amp and case!) and am really enjoying it. Ian, it was great to hear that you spent some time singing in the choir. My two favorites, Paul McCartney and Chris Squire also did thier time as choir boys, and I often wonder how much that background affected their abillity to write bass lines. Would be an interesting topic to delve into.
I love my Fender Deluxe PJ Special, had it since 2011 and it's been my workhorse bass, I think i've only ever owned one other bass before and I gave it away. only now after playing bass for 13+ years am I considering buying a new fancier bass.
N = New Model Army Stuart Morrow. Amazing Bass skills and Tone. Vengeance and No Rest Albums are an absolute must listen. You will not be unimpressed by this ignored mast of bass and tone.
The EBMM SUB series is no longer being made. The licensed (not EBMM) Sterling by Music Man Stingrays are out there at 3 different levels of cost. You may want to replace the pickups and tuners, but you can buy a structurally decent Ray24 and replace the pickup(s), pre-amp, and tuners for less than $1000.
Always enjoy your your podcasts. Lusithand Devices makes filter based preamps. Paired with a SUB or Sterling by MM stingray HH might get you close to that Wal sound.
You guys haven't looked very well do you? Best bass bang for the buck?... it's Harley Benton! And yes they do have a Rickenbacker copy for €229 and it's great.
I got the Sub Stingray 5 for £399 UK. Very good for the money. Also, a Spector Fretless which I paid about £450 for a few years back (far eastern, definitely not European or even Korean). but, the one that is the most versatile, sonically, is a Lakland DJ4 which I got second hand, a Korean one. That thing is unbelievable. There isnt a Rickenbacker copy... but there is a Harley Benton nod to it, the RB414. It'll obviously never be a Rick, but.... pays your money, you takes your choice....
The mid priced Yamaha BBs are incredible basses for the money that sound killer. I got so many complements on my BB425x and later the BB435. Both were under $600USD. Also the Sterling By Musicman mid to upper tier are excellent basses that sound almost identical to their made in CA counterparts. Their cheapest ones don’t really get you there but the mid and top end models make it hard to justify the extra $1000+ for the real deal.
I got a Sire P5 a couple days ago and its great! Its around 500. And it has rolled fretboard edges, roasted maple neck and fingerboard, through body option!
@@llarryamrose3980 That sounds fun! I had an old bass I tried putting piccolo strings on and I didn't realize you need a blank nut to to file for the piccolo strings. The nut slots on the nut it comes with are way to wide. Doing it yourself if pretty cheap but it's not easy if you've never done it. You can take it to a tech or luthier but it's kinda expensive. I think it's like 200$ on Sweetwater to custom file a nut(I could be wrong about this price)
@@BenD_BassSo I just did it. Bought a V5R on Reverb since Sweetwater was out of stock on most Sires. Put the piccolo strings on and it's fine, even without modifying the nut. I think the Sire nut slots are tapered enough that the piccolo strings just sit a little further down in. An older bass might have squarer slots that the thinner string can slide around. Anyway, the Sire is nice and solid and plays and sounds good.
The singing and playing challenge (whole notes 😂) was so exactly true. This is so challenging on syncopated parts, was glad to hear that even these pros suffer with it!
Sire is simply the most complete budget bass brand, you can get whatever budget of whatever type u want F for fodera M for mtd or fbass V for jazz P for pbass Even shortscale And for MTD, they have kingston line which is kinda pricy too, but still less than half of like 535 or 435 And if you like relic, you can relic your own bass, with sandpaper (do it lightly cause u cant undo relic but can add more if u want) and for color just leave your bass out in the sun(beware of rain so make sure youre on stand by near it) And ultimately, just open youtube, hear the expensive bass u want, then hear the budget version, and see what u like cause its all ur personal preference Nice brands for budget: Yamaha Ibanez Cort Harley benton Schecter Squier (make sure you can try what u buy if used, cause squier qc sucks)
What about the Yamaha TRBs for a cheap Ken Smith style bass? Obviously John Patitucci went from Ken Smith to his signature Yamaha TRB - admittedly that's quite expensive, but perhaps a lower model of TRB could do the job satisfactorily.
What about Ibanez BTB premium series to compete with Peavey Cirrus. Great cheaper boutiques to Ken Smiths especially the ones that come with Nordy soap bar pickups.
Thanks for the show & the bass advice (eventually), really interesting, I would love to know if you can get a budget Warwick particularly a thumb. Oh and I have what Ian has (not the rash) the thing about allways wondering if the more expensive one is better.
Hey boys, didn't watch the whole thing but just wanted to chime in and mention the Squier 40th anniversary basses + Corts in general. The Squier 40th are amazing for the money, I'd probably take one over a fender player series + the Corts - particularly the GB Modern and A4/5 are great for an affordable modern jazz bass
played a friends 40th anniv P, the vintage one: lots of fret buzz, and the strings where not low at all ... bridge was not correct in place, but I loved the neck more than my two Fender P's, so I ordered one, hoping that I would get a good one. Mine had even more fretbuzz. I took it to a luthier: there was a twist in the neck, the nutt slots where cut out wrong, so he didn't even bother doing the fretwork, I send it back ... pitty!! I think you would have to find a good one in a shop, because the risk is to big having a bad one, ordering it online. This was my 2nd Squier with a twist in the neck
@@KrisDuerinckx ah ok fair enough, thanks for sharing. Definitely a good idea to play one first, I’ve tried 2 precisions and 2 jazz’s so far and they felt pretty good to me but it is a squier after all so the QC won’t be up to par with a higher end fender
About half the basses I've owned are/were ones I built. I've never spent more than $1250 to buy a bass. That's the one I play right now. I consider it a 'budget' bass. It is also the bass I've liked better than all but one bass I've built (or owned) in my lifetime. It is an Ibanez EHB1005-SMS. I wish this 5 string short multiscale bass was available with the Nordstrand pickups and a nice, exotic wood body, but nope, only cheap Bartolini pickups and silver paint. Still, I've had more fun playing it than anything else. Been using it for the Slap Accelerator and it sounds great with some touches from a Zoom B1 FOUR multi-effects pedal and two 'patchs' I call MarcusSlap and MarcusPhase.
Don't look at the tag. Fenders find their owners. If you play 15 fender basses 5 from each level you may find they all play different. In that group, you may find the middle of the road is your sweet spot.
Regi Wooten plays a Squier Strat model guitar, it is more what you do with what you have that is the main outcome (says an owner of a Fodera Elite bass)... LOL
Actually, Wal isn’t accepting any orders now. I tried to put in a order one last year and received a email from them saying they’re not taking any orders now or the foreseeable future. I’m on a waiting list but my understanding is that it’s about a 5 year wait.
I found Ken Smith somewhat irritated. I wanted to change the knobs from wood to aluminum on three of my basses and inquired could I purchase three sets of concentric knobs. I received a one word reply. "No". That was the reply, no explanation. I found them elsewhere but I was shocked by his reaction to someone that wanted to be a customer.
Adopt a dog, don't shop. I volunteer with a rescue here in the UK and virtually every rescue in the country is full beyond capacity. The rescue I volunteer with have started persuading people to hang on to dogs where possible while we do home checks at new homes cos we haven't got any spare kennel capacity or any spare fostering places. Obviously we're still responding to emergencies (the other week we rescued a healthy, happy 2 year old that the owner took to the vets to be put to sleep - vet refused and we were able to take the dog on). Please adopt from a rescue if you can.
I have 3 T-Bird basses, one Gibson 2018 a real BAD ASS Bass, 2 Epiphone pro Basses, one is a 2021 replica of the first ever T-Bird, the other is a 09 active T-Bird, all 3 are great, the high quality of the Gibson has a superior feel, but the 2 Epiphone Basses are really nice as well, I installed a Stellartone Tone styler on all 3 basses, they sound super amazing, 3 thunderous killer sounding Basses, and I also have a BB734A Yamaha Bass, a super versital Bass, it's mobified as well with something else, can't say it's a secret, it's My own creation and tone...MiM fenders are real good basses, lot's of 6-8 hundred dollar Basses are way more than you need, now that being said, I love My 2-3k Basses a lot and won't trade them at all. But wanna know the real secret to making cheap basses sound like high end Basses, a Noble DI box, I do not like the tone of My MiM Jaguar bass, but when it's plugged into the noble, it sounds like a 3k Bass. so a Noble is not cheap, but you will save a bundle on Basses if you get 1...
With what, 20 minutes on topic, a ton of brand options were missed. One example, Harley Benton makes a budget Rick. Maybe a guest with a broader understanding of budget basses would have helped? Ibanez (only the GW fretless gets love at SBL), G&L, Cort, ESP, Glarry, Donner, Kiesel, Schecter, Yamaha, Jackson, Rogue, kit basses, and so on. Of my 9 basses, only one is over $1K and I almost never play it. I think you two have been above the 1K line and in the Fender/high end/boutique pool too long to know what is out there.
In this day and age of mass parts and electronics and, let's not mention peddle effects, it's more than possible to create awesome bass tones. Hell, my main p and j basses are Franklin Stine guitars but they kick ass.
Late to the party on this one, but had to comment on the Ken Smith being salty conversation. I was lucky enough to go to NAMM as a guest of someone else about 20 years ago and he is the ONLY oerson i met who was a massive prick. Practically chased us away from his booth because we weren't worthy of daring to touch or look at his basses. 20 years later its the interaction i remember the most and turned me off to Ken Smoth basses forever.
It’s annoying to watch Ian’s desperate need to be liked. Complimenting everyone and everything all the time, never a negative opinion about anyone or anything, it seems disingenuous. And now being hurt by Scott not reacting to his Getty fantasy. For heaven’s sake Ian “Man Up”!
I like EB-3s and "Bass VIes" I've not found the Epiphone "SG" basses to be comparable to an EB-3 as they're long scale and don't have that 60s vintage electronics 4-position PU selector. BUT the Squier VI is every bit as fine as the Fenders. The Squiers are said to have intonation problems with their stock bridges but I've never had any issues with mine. Would love to see either EB-3s or VIs given the SBL treatment.
I love to hear there is another EB3 guy. I have mine from the 60s and NO modern bass sounds like it. It is a tone all to its own. Everybody gets excited when I play that bass.
Bass talk begins at 16:44 sort of
Main info starts around 48:02
These guys are great and their rants are funny and endearing, but these not so representative video titles bug me a bit, if I may say so myself...starting to talk about the advertised topic so late seems to be a trend recently
@Murky yeah I don't mind it but would appreciate timemarks
Thanks for these stamps. Scott is cool, Ian isn't my cup of tea. For me, I just want to get straight to the topic, I'm not into this endless bro chat. Topic 48 mins in is ridiculous, sorry, even though these guys really know their stuff.
Life is too short sometimes
@@funky_monk_9796 Well, this is the podcast channel, not the content channel where they are always straight to the point in a very dynamic way. Said that, here I always watch everything (while a practice muscle memory). Valuable info, inspirations and fun in those "chit-chats". Needless to say I love both guys.
The Harley Benton RB-414 is a budget version of a Rickenbacker-type bass for a bit over $200
Don't forget the Jackson X Series Concert Bass. They also have the P-pickup closer to the neck which makes them a bit "ricky" :D
I've got the Harley Benton version of the 2 pickup Stingray and it is beautiful and sounds brilliant 👍
(It weighs a tonne tho )😂
I have one & it was worth every penny +++
Harley Benton is very good I have a couple most are Guitars, but I do have 2 that are Bass, one is a Jazz and the other is the HB 25th Enhanced which I will mod at some point. They are not studio or professional, I would use a Marcus Miller for that if I had one, I just can't see buying a Fender.
Ian, as a long time fan I think you're too modest about your ability to play well and sing well simultaneously. After watching Down and Above shows as a young man, you're one of the reasons I was less shy to try singing my best while playing my best.
I got a G&L L2000 Tribute (Tribute = G&L Squier equivalent - made by Cort) to try to get as close to a Wal without getting one, while simultaneously being it's own distinct thing. It's basically the culmination of all of Leo Fender's bass designs. J bass pickup spacing, P bass neck, Stingray style body and tone controls. What sets it apart is 2 USA made MFD humbuckers and 3 mini toggle switches for series/parallel, active off/on/on + treble boost, and pickup selection. Probably the most versatile bass you can get for under £600
I have a USA L-2500 because it is so versatile!
Please keep these as a catch up. It adds so much and also shows the connection of music. Maybe just let people know in the intro to skip to ... If you want to hear the topic. Your guys friendship has brought me so much joy.
Just to say, the 48 minutes of off topic banter really brightened up my day. I love how unpredictable the podcasts can be.
You guys take forever to get to the point ...but you are right!!! My example is a Ibanez Talman TMB100 Mint Green j Bass.
I bought it used for $140 w case. It cut my hands to shreds, buzzed like an AM radio in a tunnel. I took it to a proper Tech, and it came back smooth as a glass table and buzz free nice bass now. Total investment $200. I had enough left over to sign up for the SBL academy! Winning.
Bought a used 1994 Ken Smith Burner Bass about 20 years ago. My young son at the time, bent one of the posts of one of the eq pots. I contacted the company and received an email from Ken himself. Exchanged technical information on the bass and since I was working for a retail distributor of Smith products, he sent the replacement pot inside of a Ken Smith bass case with a new bass. Once our warehouse figured out what was going on, I received the pot(no charge) and had our tech do the repair. So impressed with the man for doing that. I am a Smithy for life!. Thanks for sharing. This is the way.
That's so nice to hear. The of course your keeping her for life. But the market value is nuts for one of these 94 3000+
Funniest episode ever! I thought I was going to drive off the road listening to this on Apple podcasts, I was laughing so hard. Seriously though, you guys are describing my whole bass collection: 1990s Epiphone Accu-Bass (P-bass), SX vintage style Jazz Bass, SX 6-string fretless Jazz, Epiphone Viola Bass, a Douglas fretless viola bass, and a Dean acoustic bass guitar. I can get almost any bass sound and the whole collection was less than two grand.
Enjoyed this. I’ve had American deluxe & Marcus Miller fender jazz basses and currently take a beat up 25 year old MIM jazz & a squier classic vibe 50s P on stage with me. It’s often what’s under the fingers for me. A decent amp can make a big difference.
I would listen to a three hour show ten times over if y’all got Geddy Lee on the SBL Podcast!
1:03:00 Couldn't agree more on the quality of Sterling SUB basses. I sold a custom Carvin LB70P and bought a used Sterling SUB that plays like a dream and sounds better than the Carvin for only $225. Another $200 for Hipshot tuners and a better bridge will make it nearly perfect - and still half the price of the Carvin.
I’m 73 and I can play all day long. Been playing guitar 60 years (almost) and I’ve fallen in love with the bass. I’m a recordist, primarily,,,😊
Yo! This was the most entertaining, funny and informative pod yet! I was cracking up. Keep the banter and bass talk combo going! Bless up!
AFAIK the Ibanez BTB was a take on MTD. The premium lines aren’t cheap but they are a very boutiquey production bass
I learned how to play bass on a '70s Ric copy. I can't remember the brand, but it may have been a Cort. It was a lime green snotburst. I loved that thing. I'm sorry I sold it.
Harley Benton makes a Rick copy for pretty cheap.
Scott and Ian are *buddies*, one might say "room-mates", even.
Special friends, even.
Whenever my wife walks in the room while I’m watching someone play a bass guitar, usually on sbl, she says it all just sounds like Seinfeld to her lol.
Nordstrand has come out with some pickups called the Big Blademan. They were made for Justin Chancellor (who plays Wal basses) in an attempt to mimic the Wal pickup. These in any bass with MM (SUB StingRays) or EMG (Ibanez, Spector Performer, etc.) pickups sound like they get really close.
Ian I 100% have the same mental block. I have to try the ‘name’ or higher end bass , rather than the budget version.
1:02:57 Talking Musicman copies. Tanglewood at some point in their history were making Musicman style passive basses.
I got one from a pawn shop years ago for 90 quid and honestly it plays great.
YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT ABOUT THE CIRRUS!!!! The ONLY reason I sold mine was to finance my Ken Smith!!!
Harley Benton RB-414 and Jackson X Series Concert Bass CBXNT DX are the closest Rick subs I'm aware of, but neither seem all that close in sound, more similar aesthetically.
Harley benton makes some great, dirt cheap basses that are just dying to get hot-rodded🤘
I’m Astonished they didn’t talk about those, I’ve heard nothing but great things about them!
@@kane6529 my gtr player got one & loves it! I've been wanting a 5 string and I've heard nothing but good stuff about their EB knock offs.👍
I have a HB PJ - had to try it out to see if really stacks up and it's absolutely worth it. Not saying it's equal to the fender american made model in components, but damn - for the money, it's a really nice low cost bass.
This is why Harley Benton, Basslines, DiMarzio & Hipshot exist. For guys that don't want to take a $5000 bass to a bar gig!😆
Great show. I was wondering if you were ever going to get to the topic at hand. But you were having too much fun. A few years back there were a few companies selling rickenbacher kits and then suddenly they all went away. I thought maybe a stock issue but they never returned. I know GunsNGtrs likes to make his own variant
Harley Benton by Thomann in Europe do Rickenbacker looking bass for Under £300. Never played one so I have one so I have no idea what it sounds like but looks pretty cool.
Love the podcast! are basses from yamaha and ibanes not worth mention in this pricerange?
Years ago, a co-worker had his gear (and other stuff) stolen, and then got to spend the insurance money. He tried both a Gibson Thunderbird and an Epiphone. He preferred the Epi, so he bought that one instead. I also like the Epi T-Birds, especially the Vintage Pro IV.
Back in the '80s, I bought a 1971 Hofner (for about $450, and sold it for about the same). In the '10s, I bought one of the newer budget Hofners, and it's a perfectly good substitute.
I buy used mongrels, off the beaten path for the most part. With stories. I have an old Tokai Hardpuncher, a really cheap Epi Embassy Pro that's super fun and sounds fantastic. 81 and 85 Ibanez basses, 80 Aria Pro SB600, Hondo II Longhorn... Mostly pawn shoppy kind of stuff. I like their quirks and personality.
Harley Benton makes a Ric-esque bass. Not sure how it sounds but obviously an aesthetic nod
They sound about 75% like a Ric. Swap the mini-humbucker neck pickup for a Ric replacement and it should get pretty close.
Budget Ibanez Models modern and vintage are worthy of praise. Thoughts? Roadstar series II?
Hey Scott & Ian. In 1978 I was at summer NAMM at the KS booth with Ken Smith. A what we called "Nammster chicks" (Sorry Galls) came up to ken and asked if he was like a rock star or something. Ken looked at her, not answering, just staring. After some silence and KS's demonic grin shinning, Ken raised his eyebrows up and down and said "Over 2000 Broadway shows." The girls reaction ... Priceless! Cheers.
21:15 Didn't Vigier do the carbon graphite rods thing before that?
I'd love to see Scott and Ian take a Harley Benton Challenge :D Could make for a fun episode (or series of episodes, comparing them to the "full fat" versions)!
I second this
Thirdrd(?)…..
I got an open box Spector performer 5 for $400 red metallic... I really don't need another bass... it came with medium string and passive pickups... it literally vibrates and sits in the mix but can cut.
Hi guys! Always so much fun and so enlightening listening and watching you! How about the Ibanez, Warwick, ESP, Shechter, etc basses within that middle range of price, what would you recommend? Thank you! Love you guys!
The first half of this episode is sweet, sweet bromance. I'll watch the rest of it at a later time, before shopping. 😂
I watch this show because of Ian. He is the heart of the show. Nothing personal SD.😊
For Wal I have had some succes using a G&L L-2000 at least for Tool-covers. The treble boost/bright helps a loot to get there.
Great to hear some gear talk for us "normal" people with limited budget. Seems like I never hear you guys mention Ibanez (though Scott's GW signature is one). Would love to hear your take on their stuff - I picked up a SR405E used for $250 (including an amp and case!) and am really enjoying it.
Ian, it was great to hear that you spent some time singing in the choir. My two favorites, Paul McCartney and Chris Squire also did thier time as choir boys, and I often wonder how much that background affected their abillity to write bass lines. Would be an interesting topic to delve into.
Gives new meaning to "P bass" in this episode
Love the banter at the beginning! I was literally howling with laughter.
But please Scott lose those headphones 😅
I love my Fender Deluxe PJ Special, had it since 2011 and it's been my workhorse bass, I think i've only ever owned one other bass before and I gave it away. only now after playing bass for 13+ years am I considering buying a new fancier bass.
N = New Model Army Stuart Morrow. Amazing Bass skills and Tone. Vengeance and No Rest Albums are an absolute must listen. You will not be unimpressed by this ignored mast of bass and tone.
The EBMM SUB series is no longer being made. The licensed (not EBMM) Sterling by Music Man Stingrays are out there at 3 different levels of cost. You may want to replace the pickups and tuners, but you can buy a structurally decent Ray24 and replace the pickup(s), pre-amp, and tuners for less than $1000.
Always enjoy your your podcasts. Lusithand Devices makes filter based preamps. Paired with a SUB or Sterling by MM stingray HH might get you close to that Wal sound.
You guys haven't looked very well do you? Best bass bang for the buck?... it's Harley Benton! And yes they do have a Rickenbacker copy for €229 and it's great.
it is
I got the Sub Stingray 5 for £399 UK. Very good for the money. Also, a Spector Fretless which I paid about £450 for a few years back (far eastern, definitely not European or even Korean). but, the one that is the most versatile, sonically, is a Lakland DJ4 which I got second hand, a Korean one. That thing is unbelievable.
There isnt a Rickenbacker copy... but there is a Harley Benton nod to it, the RB414. It'll obviously never be a Rick, but.... pays your money, you takes your choice....
The mid priced Yamaha BBs are incredible basses for the money that sound killer. I got so many complements on my BB425x and later the BB435. Both were under $600USD. Also the Sterling By Musicman mid to upper tier are excellent basses that sound almost identical to their made in CA counterparts. Their cheapest ones don’t really get you there but the mid and top end models make it hard to justify the extra $1000+ for the real deal.
SBL should be buying some of these to use in videos, as a low budget control group to compare to the pricey stuff
I got a Sire P5 a couple days ago and its great! Its around 500. And it has rolled fretboard edges, roasted maple neck and fingerboard, through body option!
I've been thinking about a Sire to be a reasonably-priced Piccolo bass.
@@llarryamrose3980 That sounds fun! I had an old bass I tried putting piccolo strings on and I didn't realize you need a blank nut to to file for the piccolo strings. The nut slots on the nut it comes with are way to wide. Doing it yourself if pretty cheap but it's not easy if you've never done it. You can take it to a tech or luthier but it's kinda expensive. I think it's like 200$ on Sweetwater to custom file a nut(I could be wrong about this price)
@@BenD_BassSo I just did it. Bought a V5R on Reverb since Sweetwater was out of stock on most Sires. Put the piccolo strings on and it's fine, even without modifying the nut. I think the Sire nut slots are tapered enough that the piccolo strings just sit a little further down in. An older bass might have squarer slots that the thinner string can slide around. Anyway, the Sire is nice and solid and plays and sounds good.
@@llarryamrose3980 nice! I'm looking at a Fender Player or that new Sterling SB14 for my piccolo bass. How are you liking it so far?
the fender player series is great i just got a player p-bass for $629 on sale frikken awesome
hi guys....once owned a rickenbacker copy made by SHAFTSBURY.... was a great bass.
Squarepusher has a 6 string Zoot! Check out his short Guardian feature for some BEASTLY playing
The singing and playing challenge (whole notes 😂) was so exactly true. This is so challenging on syncopated parts, was glad to hear that even these pros suffer with it!
Harley Benton RB 414 - closest thing I’ve found to a Rickenbacker
"William, it was really nothing" moments abound in this wonderful ep
I’m 65, going to do gigs with a couple that are in their 60’s and plan on dying on stage at about 90…at least that is my plan…lol
hahah you forgot to show the Serek. I ordered the fretless wal-a-like it will be ready next Jan.
Sire is simply the most complete budget bass brand, you can get whatever budget of whatever type u want
F for fodera
M for mtd or fbass
V for jazz
P for pbass
Even shortscale
And for MTD, they have kingston line which is kinda pricy too, but still less than half of like 535 or 435
And if you like relic, you can relic your own bass, with sandpaper (do it lightly cause u cant undo relic but can add more if u want) and for color just leave your bass out in the sun(beware of rain so make sure youre on stand by near it)
And ultimately, just open youtube, hear the expensive bass u want, then hear the budget version, and see what u like cause its all ur personal preference
Nice brands for budget:
Yamaha
Ibanez
Cort
Harley benton
Schecter
Squier (make sure you can try what u buy if used, cause squier qc sucks)
What about the Yamaha TRBs for a cheap Ken Smith style bass? Obviously John Patitucci went from Ken Smith to his signature Yamaha TRB - admittedly that's quite expensive, but perhaps a lower model of TRB could do the job satisfactorily.
Great podcast guys!!!!
What about Ibanez BTB premium series to compete with Peavey Cirrus. Great cheaper boutiques to Ken Smiths especially the ones that come with Nordy soap bar pickups.
Thanks for the show & the bass advice (eventually), really interesting, I would love to know if you can get a budget Warwick particularly a thumb.
Oh and I have what Ian has (not the rash) the thing about allways wondering if the more expensive one is better.
There was a run of Korean Warwick Thumbs. I have one and it sounds just like you would expect from a Thumb.
58:17 my college class mates used to call my warwick Corvette the "dildo bass" cos of the top horn 😂
Hey boys, didn't watch the whole thing but just wanted to chime in and mention the Squier 40th anniversary basses + Corts in general. The Squier 40th are amazing for the money, I'd probably take one over a fender player series + the Corts - particularly the GB Modern and A4/5 are great for an affordable modern jazz bass
played a friends 40th anniv P, the vintage one: lots of fret buzz, and the strings where not low at all ... bridge was not correct in place, but I loved the neck more than my two Fender P's, so I ordered one, hoping that I would get a good one. Mine had even more fretbuzz. I took it to a luthier: there was a twist in the neck, the nutt slots where cut out wrong, so he didn't even bother doing the fretwork, I send it back ... pitty!! I think you would have to find a good one in a shop, because the risk is to big having a bad one, ordering it online. This was my 2nd Squier with a twist in the neck
@@KrisDuerinckx ah ok fair enough, thanks for sharing. Definitely a good idea to play one first, I’ve tried 2 precisions and 2 jazz’s so far and they felt pretty good to me but it is a squier after all so the QC won’t be up to par with a higher end fender
What about the Ibanez basses? Where are they on your lists? I was always a fan of the SoundGear line. and even the ATK.... :(
Have you guys ever tried the Yamaha BBNE2?
40:00 slowly meandering towards the subject
Would love to hear your guys thoughts on Yamaha BB 434
Have you guys ever played on a Carl Thompson ? I really wonder what your take on them would be ??
i had a OTP stingray for a little while and liked it it was like $200
About half the basses I've owned are/were ones I built. I've never spent more than $1250 to buy a bass. That's the one I play right now. I consider it a 'budget' bass. It is also the bass I've liked better than all but one bass I've built (or owned) in my lifetime. It is an Ibanez EHB1005-SMS. I wish this 5 string short multiscale bass was available with the Nordstrand pickups and a nice, exotic wood body, but nope, only cheap Bartolini pickups and silver paint. Still, I've had more fun playing it than anything else. Been using it for the Slap Accelerator and it sounds great with some touches from a Zoom B1 FOUR multi-effects pedal and two 'patchs' I call MarcusSlap and MarcusPhase.
Dude! I'm on the Slap Accelerator and was trying to make some good patches on my Zoom B1x Four. Could you share your pedals and settings?
@@valemadreelusername Give me your email address and I'll export the two patches and send them to you.
Don't look at the tag. Fenders find their owners. If you play 15 fender basses 5 from each level you may find they all play different. In that group, you may find the middle of the road is your sweet spot.
Squier, Sire, Sting Ray Sub, and Peavey Cirrus.
Retrovibe makes great Rickenbacker inspired basses.
Regi Wooten plays a Squier Strat model guitar, it is more what you do with what you have that is the main outcome (says an owner of a Fodera Elite bass)... LOL
Ken Smith Design?
Wolf/AIO?
Actually, Wal isn’t accepting any orders now. I tried to put in a order one last year and received a email from them saying they’re not taking any orders now or the foreseeable future. I’m on a waiting list but my understanding is that it’s about a 5 year wait.
Yeah same, I was crushed. Had the cash saved and then the rug gets pulled. That's what's driven the second hand market for them absolutely crazy
I found Ken Smith somewhat irritated. I wanted to change the knobs from wood to aluminum on three of my basses and inquired could I purchase three sets of concentric knobs. I received a one word reply. "No". That was the reply, no explanation. I found them elsewhere but I was shocked by his reaction to someone that wanted to be a customer.
Tokai made Bass VI copies called "Bottom Master".
Victor Wooten's brother plays a squire and nothing else
Adopt a dog, don't shop.
I volunteer with a rescue here in the UK and virtually every rescue in the country is full beyond capacity. The rescue I volunteer with have started persuading people to hang on to dogs where possible while we do home checks at new homes cos we haven't got any spare kennel capacity or any spare fostering places.
Obviously we're still responding to emergencies (the other week we rescued a healthy, happy 2 year old that the owner took to the vets to be put to sleep - vet refused and we were able to take the dog on).
Please adopt from a rescue if you can.
I have 3 T-Bird basses, one Gibson 2018 a real BAD ASS Bass, 2 Epiphone pro Basses, one is a 2021 replica of the first ever T-Bird, the other is a 09 active T-Bird, all 3 are great, the high quality of the Gibson has a superior feel, but the 2 Epiphone Basses are really nice as well, I installed a Stellartone Tone styler on all 3 basses, they sound super amazing, 3 thunderous killer sounding Basses, and I also have a BB734A Yamaha Bass, a super versital Bass, it's mobified as well with something else, can't say it's a secret, it's My own creation and tone...MiM fenders are real good basses, lot's of 6-8 hundred dollar Basses are way more than you need, now that being said, I love My 2-3k Basses a lot and won't trade them at all. But wanna know the real secret to making cheap basses sound like high end Basses, a Noble DI box, I do not like the tone of My MiM Jaguar bass, but when it's plugged into the noble, it sounds like a 3k Bass. so a Noble is not cheap, but you will save a bundle on Basses if you get 1...
Is there a delay when you guys talk to one another? Ian seems to talk all over Scott a lot. Just wanted to know if you guys are aware of that.
Carvin SB5000 is a really great budget alternative to every super jazz bass out there.
Harley Benton makes a very cheap version of the Rickenbacker.... anyone ever played one? How do they sound?
love the thirty minute catch up before the topic need more with you guys in the same room and the fancy podcasts with guests
expensive instruments are mostly about branding. A fender bass for example. Two pieces of wood joined together by 4 bolts cant cost 5k
With what, 20 minutes on topic, a ton of brand options were missed. One example, Harley Benton makes a budget Rick. Maybe a guest with a broader understanding of budget basses would have helped? Ibanez (only the GW fretless gets love at SBL), G&L, Cort, ESP, Glarry, Donner, Kiesel, Schecter, Yamaha, Jackson, Rogue, kit basses, and so on. Of my 9 basses, only one is over $1K and I almost never play it. I think you two have been above the 1K line and in the Fender/high end/boutique pool too long to know what is out there.
Is there no video for the episode with Henrik Linder?
The video of the interview was published on the main YT channel! th-cam.com/video/-IeJWaPZDzQ/w-d-xo.html
@@thesblpodcast thank you!!
In this day and age of mass parts and electronics and, let's not mention peddle effects, it's more than possible to create awesome bass tones. Hell, my main p and j basses are Franklin Stine guitars but they kick ass.
Yamaha trb basses 5&6 strings models are best bang for buck for build and budget. So much bass so little cash for the Indonesian models
ln the interim, laughing my arse off !
Special bass friend to Geddy: Can you look at my rash ?
Geddy : How many times ?!
lt's Rush not rash !
Late to the party on this one, but had to comment on the Ken Smith being salty conversation. I was lucky enough to go to NAMM as a guest of someone else about 20 years ago and he is the ONLY oerson i met who was a massive prick. Practically chased us away from his booth because we weren't worthy of daring to touch or look at his basses. 20 years later its the interaction i remember the most and turned me off to Ken Smoth basses forever.
My friend has Rickenbacker knock-off made in 70’s. Plays and sounds very good.
Dude I love these guys
It’s annoying to watch Ian’s desperate need to be liked. Complimenting everyone and everything all the time, never a negative opinion about anyone or anything, it seems disingenuous. And now being hurt by Scott not reacting to his Getty fantasy. For heaven’s sake Ian “Man Up”!
Do you guys know that you can buy the on board pre amp in that "Wal-a-like"? It's made by Lusithand devices in the UK.
I like EB-3s and "Bass VIes" I've not found the Epiphone "SG" basses to be comparable to an EB-3 as they're long scale and don't have that 60s vintage electronics 4-position PU selector. BUT the Squier VI is every bit as fine as the Fenders. The Squiers are said to have intonation problems with their stock bridges but I've never had any issues with mine. Would love to see either EB-3s or VIs given the SBL treatment.
I love to hear there is another EB3 guy. I have mine from the 60s and NO modern bass sounds like it. It is a tone all to its own. Everybody gets excited when I play that bass.