I agree with everyone. Sharon absolutely needs to become a regular on the podcast with you and Scott! She truly brings an entirely different side of bass to the presentation!!!
Sharon was great and I loved this episode. So, she’s played bass forever, went to Berklee, her dad went Berklee and she speaks German. Sounds like she has a super-interesting back-story and I’d love to know more about her and her music. Such a great addition to the podcast and to SBL. More Sharon please 👏
Love you guys! Being german I have to follow my inner instinct and put the welding thing right. Of course German differentiates betweeen Welding (Schweißen) and Soldering (Löten). Anyways, keep on doning what you do, stay as you are and keep creating amazing episodes! :)
What a great episode! Sharon's awesome. And yes, I do have several comments ;-) Buckle up - it's gonna be a lenghty one! 1. ADHD. Oh my. I have MASSIVE ADHD. I was diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit type - it used to be called ADD) a year ago, at the ripe age of 43. And everything fell into place. I've never understood how others actually can understand and follow procedures etc - and I lost almost every job I had because of that. Now, I'm a totally broke, half-homeless taxi driver and it's the first job I actually manage to perform (I like driving and concentrate on it natually). However, if I have to go to the office to get some papers required to continue, I get lost like a drunk toddler in the fog. 2. Android vs iPhone. I don't know about the USA but here in Poland having a stable income does NOT mean you should be able to afford an iPhone. Actually, even with a stable income, you're lucky to afford a roof over your head. I know I can't, working as a taxi driver. 3. Shattered dreams/disappointments. Well, I had that... with Warwick. I used to think Warwicks were uber cool and I really wanted one - until I played one. The unexpensive Yamaha BG5S I used to have back then needed to have a nut replaced so I took it to the luthier but I still needed a bass for a rehearsal. A friend of mine let me borrow his Thumb 5 BO. WHAT. A. DISAPPOINTMENT. That bass sounded like absolute crap (or wasn't audible at all in the band context) no matter what I did, while the Yamaha, bought for about 1/4 (or less) of the Warwick's price was always just fine, plug and play. Then I played several more Warwicks and now I know they only look cool. The sound just isn't there. Maybe it's because the MEC electronics - I truly don't know. All I know is that it ended my Warwick dream forever. On the other hand, I've always loved Alembics. And then I had the opportunity to play several. And then, when I got a really great deal on a 2nd hand Essence 5, I got my own. It was ca. 14 years ago. And you know what? I LOVE THIS BASS. I'm so glad I jumped on the opportunity because I'd never be able to afford another one again. That was the right time, and this baby is still one of 2 best basses I've ever played, the 2nd one being a Wal belonging to a pal of mine. And yes, I dream of a Wal (a fretless one, to be precise - I'm a HUGE Mick Karn and John Giblin fan) and I know I won't be able to afford one - but at least I have the Alembic and I'm happy 😊
Totally agree we need Sharon in more podcasts. Not only a pro-level bass player but an excellent vocalist. I’ve really enjoyed her videos on integrating vocals alongside bass playing (MUCH harder than singing with guitar!), also representing a new generation. Go Shaz!
Warwick was the big one for me. When I finally played a few different models, Thumb, Dolphin, Corvette (actually owned a Corvette for a bit) they just didn't hit. Same thing with Spector and Music Man Sting Ray. I wanted them because that's what my heroes played: Norwood Fisher, Flea, Tony Levin, Doug Wimbish. But none of them struck a nerve. For the most part I'm all about my "Frankenstein" jazz and P-Basses. Along with a fretless that I cobbed together. On the Squier tip, I have a Squier fretless jazz bass with an ebanol neck that I absolutely love. Point being, it's all about what feels & sounds good to you, brand means absolutely nothing.
Awesome show - thanks! We want more Sharon - excellent addition :) It's true....the more recent Squier stuff coming out of China is killer. They must have that factory just dialed IN.
I listen to the podcast over and over, I’ve listen to every episode at least 10 times (some more than others) This has been one of my favorite’s, so far. Sharon, has been almost as an amazing addition to the show as Ian, and Ian is my favorite part of SBL. Please keep this duo together for more podcasts. Loved it! Cheers
Great to see Sharon on the pod, she knocks it out the park every time! Really interesting that the conversation started with ADHD and dyslexia. I'm the same age as Scott and Ian, and so many of my friends who have professionally worked in music for 30+ years are starting to be assessed for ADHD and co-conditions. No one is really taking about it, but the hyperfocus, obsession of practicing all those hours, repetition, the micro-detailed knowledge of equipment and players etc. It all fits presentations of the neurodiverse mind. Really good of Sharon and Ian to not shy away from talking about it.
Great episode. I agree with other comments. More podcasts with Sharon and Ian, they make a great team. By the way I´m working on my singing skills after watching that Beatles episode she did, so helpfull. She is so tallented and inspirational. And Ian, that show about ear-training you did, so good. I never thought that singing could improve your playing so much. No one would ever like to here me sing but it has been an eye opener to me. So big cheers to both of you. Now for something completely different... Brand names. Could not afford a vintage Fender when I started playing bass so I bought a 70`s japaneese jazz-bass with no name on it. Since that i`ve went through some other prestigious brands witch were better instruments, no questions about that. But still, this old bass with it´s jinx and bad tuners still makes me happy. Cheers Marcus
Great episode Sharon and Ian! It was interesting for me to hear that 'The Dream Bass' is something different for everyone. The perferct bass is so very personal. Sharon also made a very wise comment about the price of a bass (Fodera) and if that is justifiable or not. I went though some basses that I could net get a good feeling with, that I missed a 'connection' with. Also, I just don't gel with a maple fingerboard. Right now I have just one bass, my perfect bass: a Sadowsky Metro with a rosewood fingerboard from 2004. I have played this bass for 20 years, I am very comfortable with and I take it everywhere.
One brand that I don't understand why it gets so little attention is Ibanez. My first bass was a "hey that looks cool in the magazine, it's on sale and I've got the money saved" 2005 SRX505. It was my first bass and I never had the opportunity to "go play" any other basses. It was a true mail order purchase. I have since purchased a 1998 Fender Jazz, have a custom short scale PJ made from a rubbish bin Strat body with a P width and thickness spec neck, at 30", and some others. All lovely instruments but everytime I go back to my SRX505 it is like coming home. I was always afraid, or ashamed, that I played Ibanez and at that time the bands I wanted to play in, in Columbus OH, wanted Fender basses. After many years of chasing gear, I finally have no regrets. I come back time and again to my SRX505. SBL should demo some Ibanez!
I LOVE my Ibanez GSR200. Neck is awesome, love the "boom" control which really works well with the DiMarzio PJ p/ups. I had the p/ups already, and the bass was on sale for $185+tax. SCORE!!
I have the dakota red version of Sharon's Squier. Fabulous P bass, especially given the satin finish all over. Was so impressed I bought the 40th anniversary Jazz Bass too and that is also excellent 😊
I'm really glad this is up. Takes my mind off the troubles. I had a Fender P bass. I lost it during this horrible economic downturn along with all my other instruments. I got a Squire P bass, the least expensive one, and installed some EMGs. The battery is still taped to the body of the guitar. The knobs are not good. It was like 400 for everything including a bag. I think with the proper setup it will play OK. I paid an extra 100 to get the Fender set up, so of course it was perfect. I miss that. I'm working on the situation now. I have to say that when the Squire arrived it was playing quite nicely in standard E. I think for 220 dollars (plus tax) that's a great opportunity to get started.
For me, the easiest way to determine if the neck and headstock (assumes one piece) are quarter-sawn is to look at the string side of the headstock. If it is quarter-sawn you should see parallel lines of the growth rings from the nut to the end of the headstock.
Sharon... it's SUPER EASY to change your gloss neck finishes to a matte finish with steel wool. It took courage, but I did it to my Carvin solid Koa and it makes all the difference!!
I can concur, yes it's a bit scary on an expensive bass but use very fine wire wool and it really will make all the difference once the gloss becomes silky smooth.
I had the high-end expectation vs reality experience when I bought my acoustic 4-string about 25 years ago. I played Guild, Taylor, Martin, etc, and ended up buying a Takamine Jasmine budget level acoustic because it sounded the best hands down. The fact that it was half the price (if not less) of the others was just a bonus. I still play it (LaBella black tapewounds are the best) and it still sounds amazing for my style of playing.
So.... I have a Fodera Monarch Deluxe PJ (1983 Reissue with the oversized headstock). I find that the bass responds differently active vs. passive. Active is more immediately present, where as passive is more "natural." I have the tone set to be more dark. I agree, people expect Fodera's to be a magical instrument, it really just tries to be a neutral canvas. Great podcast!
AWWWW I don't have a lot of my own stuff out unfortunately - there's a couple of single releases on Spotify 🥲 & some YT vids over on the main SBL channel. But, 99.9% of original stuff is in my head waiting to be fully produced and everytime I sit down.... I end up doing something else - shocking 🤣🤣🤣 IT'LL HAPPEN SOME DAY IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE
I don't think I ever had to have 'one of those' bases. At least half of my basses were made in my garage and the ones I bought were because they had 'those features', sounded and played good. My favorite is my present, late model Ibanez EHB1005-SMS. Not fancy, not exotic, unless you consider a headless 5 string short multiscale fancy and exotic.
Lovely! Two of my favorite basses in my collection are Squier Vintage Modified five strings. Now, I did basically kit bash them, buying aftermarket bodies and badass II & III bridges, but the necks and pickups are from the Squier!
For your drums, just get ezdrummer or addictive drums. Both are quick and easy to work with and sound amazing. XO by xln audio is also great for quick drum stuff too. The sample organization is the best I've ever worked with. All of these have sample and beat presets.
Y’all nailed it with the tone description of boutique basses. They all have this mid range and top end that I am not a fan of in most cases. Give me crusty quirky bass with a cool and classic tone and I am happy. Also when you were talking about Squire I am for sure one of those people who will not buy one because it does not say Fender. I know that is wrong but for whatever reason I am like that. I am starting to come around a little more these days though. Great video
I Bought a 12 string acoustic guitar d-120S-12E/N instead of the way way way more expensive takamine 12 string guitar and mannn let me tell you I’ve had people that actually play takamine guitars in bands be impressed a lot after playing it and I only paid 240 bucks for it setup had always no buzzes stays in tune for months and unlike takamine guitars I’ve never had to install a bridge doctor to prevent the bridge from peeling off from the double 10/47 strings, I know there’s good sounding cheap gear out there just a matter of finding it !!🤙🫡
This was so great loved every topic! I’m the same way I have a sire 5 string Jazz in my cart now but haven’t pulled the trigger because a huge part of me needs that Fender name and I’m like you Ian I know if I just get some cheaper like the sire I’ll beat myself up everyday and tell myself i should have just spent the extra money and would have been happier
I had the same experience. I tried a used squier at a music store and instantly loved the neck, and the low action and the overall easiness to play. So, I left, since I couldn't use a Squier for real. One minute later, II turned around in the Parking lot, went back in and had to purchase it! I would have never forgiven myself if someone else would have purchased it and I would never again be able to find it. I now had its for some years, and I completely love it. I did a few "improvements" to it. added a Fender high mass bridge and Lindy Fralin Pickups. I find it better than any Fender I played on.
My first introduction to Fodera was before I knew much about them which I think made my first impression different than Sharon’s. I had no expectations and my no-expectations mind was blown.
I have ADHD and there definitely seems to be a preponderance of it in the arts/music/electronic music. But yeah the unable to focus and then hyperfocusing is definitely a thing... it's more of a variance of attention than always a deficit of attention.
I've always thought Scott has a certain neurodivergence going on too. I'd guess that both Ian and Sharon are probably on the neurodivergence spectrum too. Note: I am not professionally qualified so take it with a pinch of salt. I do however have excellent "radar" for these things being diagnosed ADHD (type 2) and autism spectrum. EDIT: More Sharon! She's fascinating to listen to.
you can emulate the quality of a quartersawn cuting the wood in 3 pieces after that rotate the pieces in 90 degrees and glue them together, thats why most 24 basses has 3 pieces of maple necks!
Great video. Sharon has her head on right, and was certainly brought up properly. If my dad, now deceased, had offered to help me buy an Alembic (the white whale of my day) at 20, whether it worked for me or not, I'd have said "I'll take two!" Wise and practical young lady. Justifying such an expense for anyone other than professionals and the very well to do is difficult. I still love Alembics, though, but tastes do change and expand, and several other basses have made their way on to the list at this point in time. Having said that, they now share space on the list, but Alembic still stays there, 'cause I still love Alembics!
Full marks to Sharon for being tempted by the Fodera devil and having the strength of character to walk away. 1) For years I bought basses based on looks/name. Finally made a policy of trying to buy based on sound. 2) Not all P-basses sound the same... cf Tim Lefebvre's Black Star bass, which is a peach amongst peaches imho, for example. 3) I have a Squire bass and the neck is so fussy and temperamental I can never be bothered with it. 4) Maybe I'm not experienced enough, but I need to spend time with a bass before I can decide whether I like it. Even if I change the pickups on a bass I own, it may take me a while to shift my ear to the new sound. The room you play in can have an effect, the amp you play through etc. I've bought basses before to learn if I might eventually get to like it.
My #1 for decades was a Korean Squire J bass. Granted I Frankensteined the daylights out of it but what a work horse! And playing bars, I'm not leaving the house with a $1500 bass.
My Fodera Tom Kennedy Standard is a bass for everything. It's basically a Jazz Bass on Steroids. Jaco sound, 60s & 70s Jazz Slap tone. Neck pickup sounds like a Precision. Bought it new online with 72 hrs to return. It tracks very well & cuts through the mix very well. That's the Fodera Tom Kennedy Standard. I haven't tried every Fodera but, this one works for me.
Squier’s Vintage Vibe and Anniversary line are pretty good, especially the electronics they use, I’d put on the same level of Fender’s Mexico made standard stuff, I’ve always said, “get a inexpensive bass and spend your money on a solid amp and/or pedals
hey Sharon and Ian. I loved this video, its the first SBL podcast I've watched and thought you were both really engaging and fun to watch/listen to. I had a similar experience with a MIA bass. I’ve got a few MIMs and had been lusting after a MIA for ages. I loved the American Original P in Surf green and the J in Candy apple red. They were out of my price range and as they slowly went out of stock i remember thinking damn i should have got one while i could. Then a Jazz came up on some obscure site in Germany and i went for it. Super excited, but hey you guessed it - I’ve just never really got on with it, can’t explain why. I then picked up a MIJ fiesta red Jazz and this is now my go to. Funny how these things are never what they seem, or you hope them to be. Now i have the dilemma of what to do with this £1600 bass that i never play. It’s virtually gone out of production so think i should hold onto, but then never play it. GAS got the better of me :(
Ian, you are great! I’ve departed from my electric bass years ago and only an upright player, but you ignited some memories when you mentioned Lane Poor. I had a custom shop Conklin with Lane Poors and was the most desirable bass tone that I can’t forget. Are they still around?
Great episode. I’ve had the same experience with Foderas. I’ve played several and none have connected at all. People I speak to just don’t get it, but they just don’t do anything I want them to do sonically. Same with most boutiques, tbh. F Bass was another; I actually hated the ones I played. My main bass is an old Feb 1972 Rickenbacker, pre skunk stripe (it’s effectively a hang over ‘71) and I still remember the day I first picked it up. I had a ‘76 at the time, but I picked up the ‘72 and was just “OMG!!!!”. I didn’t actually have the money to buy it so thought that was it, but went back a year later to buy a new amp and it was still there and on sale. I’ve never produced money so fast in my life! I a/b’d it with my ‘76 and it was night and day. Other than the body shape it could have been an entirely different make of bass. Still have it and it’s still my favourite bass that I’ve ever played (and I’ve owned Alembics, Wals, Warwicks, Pedullas, Status, Jaydees, Fenders, custom built stuff etc). And just to prove Ian’s point about different people possibly liking different basses, the friend I sold the ‘76 to preferred that to the ‘72.
Woodworker here. You missed on the quarter sawn description. Yes, quarter sawn is more expensive because there is lower yield from the log. But quarter sawn is not cross cut across the log - that’s called a ‘cookie’. Very weak. Quarter sawn is slabs cut from the log in a way that assures very straight grain. And when you look at the end if a quarter sawn board the grain is not curved, it is straight. Google it for how they do it.
I have a Squier P-Bass and a Squire Jaguar bass. They're both excellent instruments. I don't hear $1000 plus difference between my Squire P-Bass and my s/o's 1976 Fender bass. Foderas sound great but OMG are they fugly. Please have Sharon back, she has a great spirit.
You guys managed to simultaneously confirm that Squier basses are in fact great and still push the stereotype that Squier basses are not great. Not sure how you did that! The quality of instrument manufacture across the board has gone through the roof. For me, it's much more fun to buy a cheap-ass bass and then tweak it and use amp setting, effects etc to get the tone I want. If Squier is good enough for Rocco Palladino and Mike Rutherford, it's good enough for me lol.
Hi guys, The ‘Fender Jazz Plus’ was a slightly earlier model. (‘90/‘91?) I had one in 1991. A friend of mine at the time had a yellow Factor I loved and I thought the Fender came close, wich it did not actually... 🤣. Fenders were not such good basses in 1990/‘91. And very pricey! The basses from the early ‘80’s (P special f.i.) were much better instruments! (Sleepers... 😉) The Jazz Plus did have a few things in common with Sharon’s bass. Same electronics as on Sharon’s bass. Different pickups. More of a P- bass-like body and only available in just a few boring colours. I think mine was a dark blue/blackish metallic. It’s quality wasn’t that good. The electronics were great, but the pickups weren’t. Nothing like a Factor! Later basses, like Sharon’s are way better. I think the bass in this video is also much more beautiful. Kai Eckhardt is great! Did you know he played a double neck Wal in the late ‘80’s (fretless/fretted, single Wal pickup per neck and four in line tuners) Wicked! 🖖
That was really mature and smart to make a decision like that, because everyone has Fodera as the pinnacle bass, you’ve arrived when you buy a Fodera. Good for you, there basses weren’t for you. You have to know that and stick to it. Great decision. May God continue to Bless You
Thinking about dream instruments, I was able to buy my dream bass, a Spector Euro 5 LX, but sadly it got stolen about 10 years ago, (uninsured). And I find now I kinda can't look at them in stores, like I feel a bit guilty that somehow I wasn't careful enough and replacing it would be a reminder of mistakes made. I think I also ended up thinking quite defensively about gear because of it, what can I afford to lose. But there's some lovely things out there, and I'm going through a phase of listening to new music which inspires positive thinking about new instruments, I guess/hope finally letting go of some of that baggage and able to just enjoy that old dream again.
I've got a Jazz Bass Plus 4-string - no plastic string tree, but it did have a beer opener on the headstock that the PO had put on it (it looked pretty tacky, so I took to off...). Gotta say, I'm not yet sold on it... It does feel amazing - neck like a Strat! - and I know Scott mentioned it's called the "poor man's Kubicki" because it's got those electronics in it, but I think I'm more of a P-Bass guy... 🤷♂
Ian's thoughts on FCS necks are exactly how I feel-single piece q-sawn (they have rift sawn as well) that when made in vintage neck specs like a 57' soft V-are as stable as can be. I've yet to come across their equal in feel and stability. He's also right-a P-bass is a P-bass is a P-bass for the most part 😁😁
This is my first time listening to your podcast, and I thought Sharon was amazing! She actually has the same jazz bass plus that I have. Different color, of course but the same J bass! 1:17:39
on the iPhone and MacBook issue... My husband has had Androids and have had to replace them every 18-24mo. My iPhones last YEARS until they stop supporting the OS. Same with PCs... I have a work PC that we need to replace every 4 years. Any Mac I've had has lasted years. They do hurt the pocket book for the initial purchase.
What’s wrong with being in your 50’s!?? I play guitar and planning on switching to bass. Seen Rush like 10 times. Between them and Tool, my Prog bucket is just starting. Wish me luck.
When I was coming up in the 80s, Squier was the brand that parents bought a 16 year old for Christmas. It wasn't considered a serious player's instrument. And I'm also sort of a label whore, in that I have the money at my age to buy really nice instruments, so I like to buy a bass that is "too good for me" because I want to play it more, and I'm motivated to up my game to be "worthy" of it.
I love the Prog comments BTW. I’ve said before, for me Prog (mainly ‘70s Prog for me, probably due to age!) speaks to me emotionally in a way that fusion and jazz (both of which I still love, I grew up with jazz) don’t.
I love android. I'm completely in the google ecosystem. Cool thing about android is they have options for all price ranges - from sub $300 to mid range like google pixels, up to high range premium options. That does make it much more difficult for developers since they have to support a variety of components and hardware (compared to the homogeneous ecosystem of apple). But felt kinda gross how Ian was talking down on android so much here. Just use what you like, and promote companies that allow users to make decisions instead of being forced into certain product lines. I'm not anti-iOS either. There's a lot that's great about iPhones, and I totally understand the appeal. Now that they've been forced by the EU to use a standard charger, I'd even consider getting one - but I'd be giving up the years of app purchases and google integration that I use constantly. I imagine that's the main thing stopping people from switching most often.
I think I need 2Fender Precisions (roundwounds/flats) ,one Jazz bass , a Spector Legend 5string and I need to get a Spector Legend 4string. I can’t afford many of the high end bass’s . I fell in love with Spector Legend and the good wife bought me the 5string for our 20th anniversary
I bought a Squire p bass in 80s not long after I bought a Fender it wasn't as good I sold the Fender I later found out its a Japanese import It cost me £100 used I'm still playing it I've got other basses I still go back to the Squire its an 86
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More Sharon please! She is talented, knowledgeable and charming. A great addition.
I agree with everyone. Sharon absolutely needs to become a regular on the podcast with you and Scott! She truly brings an entirely different side of bass to the presentation!!!
Love this guest host! Sharon is another complimentary voice and should totally appear more 🙌
Sharon was great and I loved this episode. So, she’s played bass forever, went to Berklee, her dad went Berklee and she speaks German. Sounds like she has a super-interesting back-story and I’d love to know more about her and her music. Such a great addition to the podcast and to SBL. More Sharon please 👏
Love you guys! Being german I have to follow my inner instinct and put the welding thing right. Of course German differentiates betweeen Welding (Schweißen) and Soldering (Löten). Anyways, keep on doning what you do, stay as you are and keep creating amazing episodes! :)
What a great episode! Sharon's awesome. And yes, I do have several comments ;-) Buckle up - it's gonna be a lenghty one!
1. ADHD. Oh my. I have MASSIVE ADHD. I was diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit type - it used to be called ADD) a year ago, at the ripe age of 43. And everything fell into place. I've never understood how others actually can understand and follow procedures etc - and I lost almost every job I had because of that. Now, I'm a totally broke, half-homeless taxi driver and it's the first job I actually manage to perform (I like driving and concentrate on it natually). However, if I have to go to the office to get some papers required to continue, I get lost like a drunk toddler in the fog.
2. Android vs iPhone. I don't know about the USA but here in Poland having a stable income does NOT mean you should be able to afford an iPhone. Actually, even with a stable income, you're lucky to afford a roof over your head. I know I can't, working as a taxi driver.
3. Shattered dreams/disappointments. Well, I had that... with Warwick. I used to think Warwicks were uber cool and I really wanted one - until I played one. The unexpensive Yamaha BG5S I used to have back then needed to have a nut replaced so I took it to the luthier but I still needed a bass for a rehearsal. A friend of mine let me borrow his Thumb 5 BO. WHAT. A. DISAPPOINTMENT. That bass sounded like absolute crap (or wasn't audible at all in the band context) no matter what I did, while the Yamaha, bought for about 1/4 (or less) of the Warwick's price was always just fine, plug and play. Then I played several more Warwicks and now I know they only look cool. The sound just isn't there. Maybe it's because the MEC electronics - I truly don't know. All I know is that it ended my Warwick dream forever. On the other hand, I've always loved Alembics. And then I had the opportunity to play several. And then, when I got a really great deal on a 2nd hand Essence 5, I got my own. It was ca. 14 years ago. And you know what? I LOVE THIS BASS. I'm so glad I jumped on the opportunity because I'd never be able to afford another one again. That was the right time, and this baby is still one of 2 best basses I've ever played, the 2nd one being a Wal belonging to a pal of mine. And yes, I dream of a Wal (a fretless one, to be precise - I'm a HUGE Mick Karn and John Giblin fan) and I know I won't be able to afford one - but at least I have the Alembic and I'm happy 😊
Totally agree we need Sharon in more podcasts. Not only a pro-level bass player but an excellent vocalist. I’ve really enjoyed her videos on integrating vocals alongside bass playing (MUCH harder than singing with guitar!), also representing a new generation. Go Shaz!
Warwick was the big one for me. When I finally played a few different models, Thumb, Dolphin, Corvette (actually owned a Corvette for a bit) they just didn't hit. Same thing with Spector and Music Man Sting Ray. I wanted them because that's what my heroes played: Norwood Fisher, Flea, Tony Levin, Doug Wimbish. But none of them struck a nerve. For the most part I'm all about my "Frankenstein" jazz and P-Basses. Along with a fretless that I cobbed together. On the Squier tip, I have a Squier fretless jazz bass with an ebanol neck that I absolutely love. Point being, it's all about what feels & sounds good to you, brand means absolutely nothing.
As a bass player/vocalist (for 56 years and counting), I couldn't agree more that brand means nada.
Awesome show - thanks! We want more Sharon - excellent addition :) It's true....the more recent Squier stuff coming out of China is killer. They must have that factory just dialed IN.
I listen to the podcast over and over, I’ve listen to every episode at least 10 times (some more than others)
This has been one of my favorite’s, so far.
Sharon, has been almost as an amazing addition to the show as Ian, and Ian is my favorite part of SBL. Please keep this duo together for more podcasts. Loved it!
Cheers
Oh my goodness! Thank ou so much!!! 🥰 - and I agree, Ian's my favorite part too. 🤩
@@sharonrenold thank YOU Sharon! You are inspirational, entertaining and so very fascinating.
Great to see Sharon on the pod, she knocks it out the park every time! Really interesting that the conversation started with ADHD and dyslexia. I'm the same age as Scott and Ian, and so many of my friends who have professionally worked in music for 30+ years are starting to be assessed for ADHD and co-conditions. No one is really taking about it, but the hyperfocus, obsession of practicing all those hours, repetition, the micro-detailed knowledge of equipment and players etc. It all fits presentations of the neurodiverse mind. Really good of Sharon and Ian to not shy away from talking about it.
More Sharon. Always more Sharon.
Great episode. I agree with other comments. More podcasts with Sharon and Ian, they make a great team. By the way I´m working on my singing skills after watching that Beatles episode she did, so helpfull. She is so tallented and inspirational. And Ian, that show about ear-training you did, so good. I never thought that singing could improve your playing so much. No one would ever like to here me sing but it has been an eye opener to me. So big cheers to both of you.
Now for something completely different...
Brand names.
Could not afford a vintage Fender when I started playing bass so I bought a 70`s japaneese jazz-bass with no name on it. Since that i`ve went through some other prestigious brands witch were better instruments, no questions about that. But still, this old bass with it´s jinx and bad tuners still makes me happy.
Cheers
Marcus
Great episode Sharon and Ian! It was interesting for me to hear that 'The Dream Bass' is something different for everyone. The perferct bass is so very personal. Sharon also made a very wise comment about the price of a bass (Fodera) and if that is justifiable or not. I went though some basses that I could net get a good feeling with, that I missed a 'connection' with. Also, I just don't gel with a maple fingerboard. Right now I have just one bass, my perfect bass: a Sadowsky Metro with a rosewood fingerboard from 2004. I have played this bass for 20 years, I am very comfortable with and I take it everywhere.
Sadowsky Metros are fantastic instruments without a doubt!
One brand that I don't understand why it gets so little attention is Ibanez. My first bass was a "hey that looks cool in the magazine, it's on sale and I've got the money saved" 2005 SRX505. It was my first bass and I never had the opportunity to "go play" any other basses. It was a true mail order purchase.
I have since purchased a 1998 Fender Jazz, have a custom short scale PJ made from a rubbish bin Strat body with a P width and thickness spec neck, at 30", and some others. All lovely instruments but everytime I go back to my SRX505 it is like coming home.
I was always afraid, or ashamed, that I played Ibanez and at that time the bands I wanted to play in, in Columbus OH, wanted Fender basses.
After many years of chasing gear, I finally have no regrets. I come back time and again to my SRX505.
SBL should demo some Ibanez!
Scott is a huge fan of the Gary Willis, and has featured it a few times.
@walmint Agree, but there is more to Ibanez than the Gary Willis signature bass, as cool as that one is.
I LOVE my Ibanez GSR200. Neck is awesome, love the "boom" control which really works well with the DiMarzio PJ p/ups. I had the p/ups already, and the bass was on sale for $185+tax. SCORE!!
I have the dakota red version of Sharon's Squier. Fabulous P bass, especially given the satin finish all over. Was so impressed I bought the 40th anniversary Jazz Bass too and that is also excellent 😊
More and more Sharon Please!!!
I'm really glad this is up. Takes my mind off the troubles. I had a Fender P bass. I lost it during this horrible economic downturn along with all my other instruments.
I got a Squire P bass, the least expensive one, and installed some EMGs. The battery is still taped to the body of the guitar. The knobs are not good. It was like 400 for everything including a bag. I think with the proper setup it will play OK. I paid an extra 100 to get the Fender set up, so of course it was perfect. I miss that. I'm working on the situation now. I have to say that when the Squire arrived it was playing quite nicely in standard E.
I think for 220 dollars (plus tax) that's a great opportunity to get started.
Thank you both this was a delight ! Your enthusiasm for music & bass is captivating !
I really like Sharon's personality. And the smile whe Sharon is discussing bass.
Great episode, Sharon was awesome. Definitely have her more on the pod. Quite refreshing! 🔥
Great Sharon! Prince loved his Hohner Telecaster! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
For me, the easiest way to determine if the neck and headstock (assumes one piece) are quarter-sawn is to look at the string side of the headstock. If it is quarter-sawn you should see parallel lines of the growth rings from the nut to the end of the headstock.
Sharon... it's SUPER EASY to change your gloss neck finishes to a matte finish with steel wool. It took courage, but I did it to my Carvin solid Koa and it makes all the difference!!
Now THAT is good to know 😏😏😏
I can concur, yes it's a bit scary on an expensive bass but use very fine wire wool and it really will make all the difference once the gloss becomes silky smooth.
Great entertainment as always - thanks for sharing your passion and nerdiness. Sharon is great.
I had the high-end expectation vs reality experience when I bought my acoustic 4-string about 25 years ago. I played Guild, Taylor, Martin, etc, and ended up buying a Takamine Jasmine budget level acoustic because it sounded the best hands down. The fact that it was half the price (if not less) of the others was just a bonus. I still play it (LaBella black tapewounds are the best) and it still sounds amazing for my style of playing.
Unfortunately for me and my wallet, I absolutely love that Fodera nasally upper mids… 😅
Great convo! I wanna talk about basses with both of you. Killer video. Thanks!
So.... I have a Fodera Monarch Deluxe PJ (1983 Reissue with the oversized headstock). I find that the bass responds differently active vs. passive. Active is more immediately present, where as passive is more "natural." I have the tone set to be more dark. I agree, people expect Fodera's to be a magical instrument, it really just tries to be a neutral canvas. Great podcast!
More pod with sharon please ! And where can we listen to her music ?
AWWWW I don't have a lot of my own stuff out unfortunately - there's a couple of single releases on Spotify 🥲 & some YT vids over on the main SBL channel. But, 99.9% of original stuff is in my head waiting to be fully produced and everytime I sit down.... I end up doing something else - shocking 🤣🤣🤣 IT'LL HAPPEN SOME DAY IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE
Love you your enthusiasm guys. I used to be a bassist, msny years ago, but haven't played for years. Something got me stuck here the whole podcast.
Sharon should be on more often. She is great. You're good too, Ian.
I don't think I ever had to have 'one of those' bases. At least half of my basses were made in my garage and the ones I bought were because they had 'those features', sounded and played good. My favorite is my present, late model Ibanez EHB1005-SMS. Not fancy, not exotic, unless you consider a headless 5 string short multiscale fancy and exotic.
Lovely! Two of my favorite basses in my collection are Squier Vintage Modified five strings. Now, I did basically kit bash them, buying aftermarket bodies and badass II & III bridges, but the necks and pickups are from the Squier!
For your drums, just get ezdrummer or addictive drums. Both are quick and easy to work with and sound amazing. XO by xln audio is also great for quick drum stuff too. The sample organization is the best I've ever worked with. All of these have sample and beat presets.
Y’all nailed it with the tone description of boutique basses. They all have this mid range and top end that I am not a fan of in most cases. Give me crusty quirky bass with a cool and classic tone and I am happy. Also when you were talking about Squire I am for sure one of those people who will not buy one because it does not say Fender. I know that is wrong but for whatever reason I am like that. I am starting to come around a little more these days though. Great video
I Bought a 12 string acoustic guitar d-120S-12E/N instead of the way way way more expensive takamine 12 string guitar and mannn let me tell you I’ve had people that actually play takamine guitars in bands be impressed a lot after playing it and I only paid 240 bucks for it setup had always no buzzes stays in tune for months and unlike takamine guitars I’ve never had to install a bridge doctor to prevent the bridge from peeling off from the double 10/47 strings, I know there’s good sounding cheap gear out there just a matter of finding it !!🤙🫡
This was so great loved every topic! I’m the same way I have a sire 5 string Jazz in my cart now but haven’t pulled the trigger because a huge part of me needs that Fender name and I’m like you Ian I know if I just get some cheaper like the sire I’ll beat myself up everyday and tell myself i should have just spent the extra money and would have been happier
I had the same experience. I tried a used squier at a music store and instantly loved the neck, and the low action and the overall easiness to play. So, I left, since I couldn't use a Squier for real. One minute later, II turned around in the Parking lot, went back in and had to purchase it! I would have never forgiven myself if someone else would have purchased it and I would never again be able to find it. I now had its for some years, and I completely love it. I did a few "improvements" to it. added a Fender high mass bridge and Lindy Fralin Pickups. I find it better than any Fender I played on.
My first introduction to Fodera was before I knew much about them which I think made my first impression different than Sharon’s. I had no expectations and my no-expectations mind was blown.
I have ADHD and there definitely seems to be a preponderance of it in the arts/music/electronic music. But yeah the unable to focus and then hyperfocusing is definitely a thing... it's more of a variance of attention than always a deficit of attention.
the pbass im holding is a 2008 American Standard with a red emg. the same bass in my picture just red emgs
I've always thought Scott has a certain neurodivergence going on too. I'd guess that both Ian and Sharon are probably on the neurodivergence spectrum too.
Note: I am not professionally qualified so take it with a pinch of salt. I do however have excellent "radar" for these things being diagnosed ADHD (type 2) and autism spectrum.
EDIT: More Sharon! She's fascinating to listen to.
😂
you can emulate the quality of a quartersawn cuting the wood in 3 pieces after that rotate the pieces in 90 degrees and glue them together, thats why most 24 basses has 3 pieces of maple necks!
Have my Warwick thumb 5 string since 2001, it’s still awesome 🍀
Oh man I love changing strings too, it's so therapeutic. More Sharon please, she's great
I love modifying and touring with Squiers. Used them heavily with my band.
Great video. Sharon has her head on right, and was certainly brought up properly. If my dad, now deceased, had offered to help me buy an Alembic (the white whale of my day) at 20, whether it worked for me or not, I'd have said "I'll take two!" Wise and practical young lady.
Justifying such an expense for anyone other than professionals and the very well to do is difficult.
I still love Alembics, though, but tastes do change and expand, and several other basses have made their way on to the list at this point in time. Having said that, they now share space on the list, but Alembic still stays there, 'cause I still love Alembics!
I loved the podcast, I also have a squire p-bass and I love it. I would love to know which fender flatwound strings Ian is talking about?
Full marks to Sharon for being tempted by the Fodera devil and having the strength of character to walk away. 1) For years I bought basses based on looks/name. Finally made a policy of trying to buy based on sound. 2) Not all P-basses sound the same... cf Tim Lefebvre's Black Star bass, which is a peach amongst peaches imho, for example. 3) I have a Squire bass and the neck is so fussy and temperamental I can never be bothered with it. 4) Maybe I'm not experienced enough, but I need to spend time with a bass before I can decide whether I like it. Even if I change the pickups on a bass I own, it may take me a while to shift my ear to the new sound. The room you play in can have an effect, the amp you play through etc. I've bought basses before to learn if I might eventually get to like it.
My #1 for decades was a Korean Squire J bass. Granted I Frankensteined the daylights out of it but what a work horse! And playing bars, I'm not leaving the house with a $1500 bass.
My Fodera Tom Kennedy Standard is a bass for everything. It's basically a Jazz Bass on Steroids. Jaco sound, 60s & 70s Jazz Slap tone. Neck pickup sounds like a Precision.
Bought it new online with 72 hrs to return. It tracks very well & cuts through the mix very well.
That's the Fodera Tom Kennedy Standard. I haven't tried every Fodera but, this one works for me.
Sorry Ian, you got the quarter sawn vs flat sawn wrong.
I love your guys' vibe together. Would love more of these chats! Also, Ian, hi from Butte, MT 👋
Squier’s Vintage Vibe and Anniversary line are pretty good, especially the electronics they use, I’d put on the same level of Fender’s Mexico made standard stuff, I’ve always said, “get a inexpensive bass and spend your money on a solid amp and/or pedals
I love Sharon's Squier P! I am looking at that bass for my first P bass possibly.
Loved this conversation. Great balance of views between you.
hey Sharon and Ian. I loved this video, its the first SBL podcast I've watched and thought you were both really engaging and fun to watch/listen to.
I had a similar experience with a MIA bass. I’ve got a few MIMs and had been lusting after a MIA for ages. I loved the American Original P in Surf green and the J in Candy apple red. They were out of my price range and as they slowly went out of stock i remember thinking damn i should have got one while i could. Then a Jazz came up on some obscure site in Germany and i went for it. Super excited, but hey you guessed it - I’ve just never really got on with it, can’t explain why. I then picked up a MIJ fiesta red Jazz and this is now my go to. Funny how these things are never what they seem, or you hope them to be. Now i have the dilemma of what to do with this £1600 bass that i never play. It’s virtually gone out of production so think i should hold onto, but then never play it. GAS got the better of me :(
Big up to Sharon, extend the SBL community
Ian, you are great! I’ve departed from my electric bass years ago and only an upright player, but you ignited some memories when you mentioned Lane Poor. I had a custom shop Conklin with Lane Poors and was the most desirable bass tone that I can’t forget. Are they still around?
Great chat... and you made me feel good about my Jazz Bass Plus... also feel a little old
Great episode. I’ve had the same experience with Foderas. I’ve played several and none have connected at all. People I speak to just don’t get it, but they just don’t do anything I want them to do sonically. Same with most boutiques, tbh. F Bass was another; I actually hated the ones I played. My main bass is an old Feb 1972 Rickenbacker, pre skunk stripe (it’s effectively a hang over ‘71) and I still remember the day I first picked it up. I had a ‘76 at the time, but I picked up the ‘72 and was just “OMG!!!!”. I didn’t actually have the money to buy it so thought that was it, but went back a year later to buy a new amp and it was still there and on sale. I’ve never produced money so fast in my life! I a/b’d it with my ‘76 and it was night and day. Other than the body shape it could have been an entirely different make of bass. Still have it and it’s still my favourite bass that I’ve ever played (and I’ve owned Alembics, Wals, Warwicks, Pedullas, Status, Jaydees, Fenders, custom built stuff etc). And just to prove Ian’s point about different people possibly liking different basses, the friend I sold the ‘76 to preferred that to the ‘72.
I like Sharon's mom. Keeping that diagnosis off of your medical was a stroke of genius.
Hahaha! Yep - she's a smart woman.
Woodworker here. You missed on the quarter sawn description. Yes, quarter sawn is more expensive because there is lower yield from the log. But quarter sawn is not cross cut across the log - that’s called a ‘cookie’. Very weak. Quarter sawn is slabs cut from the log in a way that assures very straight grain. And when you look at the end if a quarter sawn board the grain is not curved, it is straight. Google it for how they do it.
I have a Squier P-Bass and a Squire Jaguar bass. They're both excellent instruments. I don't hear $1000 plus difference between my Squire P-Bass and my s/o's 1976 Fender bass. Foderas sound great but OMG are they fugly. Please have Sharon back, she has a great spirit.
Ian, everyone knows the best P bass is the Tokai Hard Puncher.
You guys managed to simultaneously confirm that Squier basses are in fact great and still push the stereotype that Squier basses are not great. Not sure how you did that! The quality of instrument manufacture across the board has gone through the roof. For me, it's much more fun to buy a cheap-ass bass and then tweak it and use amp setting, effects etc to get the tone I want. If Squier is good enough for Rocco Palladino and Mike Rutherford, it's good enough for me lol.
Hi guys,
The ‘Fender Jazz Plus’ was a slightly earlier model. (‘90/‘91?)
I had one in 1991. A friend of mine at the time had a yellow Factor I loved and I thought the Fender came close, wich it did not actually... 🤣.
Fenders were not such good basses in 1990/‘91. And very pricey! The basses from the early ‘80’s (P special f.i.) were much better instruments! (Sleepers... 😉)
The Jazz Plus did have a few things in common with Sharon’s bass. Same electronics as on Sharon’s bass. Different pickups. More of a P- bass-like body and only available in just a few boring colours. I think mine was a dark blue/blackish metallic. It’s quality wasn’t that good. The electronics were great, but the pickups weren’t. Nothing like a Factor! Later basses, like Sharon’s are way better.
I think the bass in this video is also much more beautiful.
Kai Eckhardt is great! Did you know he played a double neck Wal in the late ‘80’s (fretless/fretted, single Wal pickup per neck and four in line tuners) Wicked!
🖖
im always tempted to get a new guitar but i best actually just play the ones i have instead of letting them gather dust haha
That was really mature and smart to make a decision like that, because everyone has Fodera as the pinnacle bass, you’ve arrived when you buy a Fodera. Good for you, there basses weren’t for you. You have to know that and stick to it. Great decision. May God continue to Bless You
Great podcast Sharon is awesome!
Sharon is bad ass. We need more of her on SBL
Thinking about dream instruments, I was able to buy my dream bass, a Spector Euro 5 LX, but sadly it got stolen about 10 years ago, (uninsured). And I find now I kinda can't look at them in stores, like I feel a bit guilty that somehow I wasn't careful enough and replacing it would be a reminder of mistakes made. I think I also ended up thinking quite defensively about gear because of it, what can I afford to lose. But there's some lovely things out there, and I'm going through a phase of listening to new music which inspires positive thinking about new instruments, I guess/hope finally letting go of some of that baggage and able to just enjoy that old dream again.
I've got a Jazz Bass Plus 4-string - no plastic string tree, but it did have a beer opener on the headstock that the PO had put on it (it looked pretty tacky, so I took to off...). Gotta say, I'm not yet sold on it... It does feel amazing - neck like a Strat! - and I know Scott mentioned it's called the "poor man's Kubicki" because it's got those electronics in it, but I think I'm more of a P-Bass guy... 🤷♂
Ian's thoughts on FCS necks are exactly how I feel-single piece q-sawn (they have rift sawn as well) that when made in vintage neck specs like a 57' soft V-are as stable as can be. I've yet to come across their equal in feel and stability. He's also right-a P-bass is a P-bass is a P-bass for the most part 😁😁
This is my first time listening to your podcast, and I thought Sharon was amazing! She actually has the same jazz bass plus that I have. Different color, of course but the same J bass! 1:17:39
on the iPhone and MacBook issue...
My husband has had Androids and have had to replace them every 18-24mo. My iPhones last YEARS until they stop supporting the OS. Same with PCs... I have a work PC that we need to replace every 4 years. Any Mac I've had has lasted years. They do hurt the pocket book for the initial purchase.
This is awesome!
Can anyone link to the baader meinhoff band sharon mentions?
What’s wrong with being in your 50’s!?? I play guitar and planning on switching to bass. Seen Rush like 10 times. Between them and Tool, my Prog bucket is just starting. Wish me luck.
OMG. Second time ever someone said Warwick on the podcast!
🤣 - We need to change that ASAP
When I was coming up in the 80s, Squier was the brand that parents bought a 16 year old for Christmas. It wasn't considered a serious player's instrument. And I'm also sort of a label whore, in that I have the money at my age to buy really nice instruments, so I like to buy a bass that is "too good for me" because I want to play it more, and I'm motivated to up my game to be "worthy" of it.
I love the Prog comments BTW. I’ve said before, for me Prog (mainly ‘70s Prog for me, probably due to age!) speaks to me emotionally in a way that fusion and jazz (both of which I still love, I grew up with jazz) don’t.
I love android. I'm completely in the google ecosystem. Cool thing about android is they have options for all price ranges - from sub $300 to mid range like google pixels, up to high range premium options. That does make it much more difficult for developers since they have to support a variety of components and hardware (compared to the homogeneous ecosystem of apple). But felt kinda gross how Ian was talking down on android so much here. Just use what you like, and promote companies that allow users to make decisions instead of being forced into certain product lines.
I'm not anti-iOS either. There's a lot that's great about iPhones, and I totally understand the appeal. Now that they've been forced by the EU to use a standard charger, I'd even consider getting one - but I'd be giving up the years of app purchases and google integration that I use constantly. I imagine that's the main thing stopping people from switching most often.
I've got the same Squier...love it.
YESSS!!!!! It's SO good!
Shaaaaronnn yeesssssss. Great episode thank you
That 40th Squier is great, I'd probably take it over a MIM/player
15% off at Fodera is not an Artist discount 😉 it’s more like a „we are kind to you“ discount 😄
The Perfect P Bass, for me, exists…..Once I install a Radio Shop ‘60s P Bass Pickup into it.
Best P Bass pickup on the market. Hands down.
I love you guys!
Drums are hard. I use Stylus RMX…which includes a lot of real drum loops, not just remixes. AND you can tweak them tons, if you want.
Winter is coming... expect epic Starwars christmas jumpers!
Ian is the only man I’ve never met I feel like I’m friends with. Such a good dude. Love your channel and playing hombre.
I think I need 2Fender Precisions (roundwounds/flats) ,one Jazz bass , a Spector Legend 5string and I need to get a Spector Legend 4string.
I can’t afford many of the high end bass’s . I fell in love with Spector Legend and the good wife bought me the 5string for our 20th anniversary
Yay Sharon!!😊
I bought a Squire p bass in 80s not long after I bought a Fender it wasn't as good I sold the Fender I later found out its a Japanese import
It cost me £100 used I'm still playing it
I've got other basses I still go back to the Squire its an 86
Shout out to Stoke pizza!
What’s the band name? Hoggel ?
My prog dudes??? The two bands are 'HAGO' and 'Distorted Harmony'
Love you both!
SHAZ!! ❤
I had a Mex Fender Jazz … and yes, the Gumby neck.