The SBL Podcast

For some bass players, there's no better way to capture the legendary sound of their idols than bagging a signature axe with their name on the headstock, but are things about to change? In today’s episode we dig into what the future holds for signature basses. In this episode you're going to learn: How signature models help manufacturers sell more basses. Who was the first bass player to...

Learning about jazz might not be at the top of your to-do-list, especially if the only time you hear it is when you go to Starbucks! BUT if you want to get really good at bass then jazz is the ultimate genre of music to learn. In this episode, Scott explains how learning some jazz can unlock a musical superpower! In this episode you're going to learn: Why all musicians should study some jazz....

Can you play heavy metal and smooth jazz and pop, all in one day? Or are you strictly the bassist for one act and one act only? It used to be taught that versatility would equal more opportunity for success in your bass playing career, but is that still the case? In today’s episode we ask if it’s actually better to flip this idea on its head and focus your energy in just one direction! In this Epi...

A bass player’s worst nightmare is traveling with their bass and having it lost or broken. Even with airlines allowing guitars as a carry-on, it can still be up to the staff to decide to allow it or not. In today’s episode, we share our air-travel horror stories and our top hacks for traveling with your bass safely!  In this episode you're going to learn: What’s the best way to fly with your...

Bootsy Collins, Robert Trujillo, Cliff Williams, Krist Novoselic, Sting – they all relied, or still rely, on tube amps for their signature bass sound. And yet, the decision between solid-state vs tube amps is not one we take lightly. In today’s episode we examine the key differences between the two, covering areas like tone, cost and practicality, to help you figure out what might be best for you....

Rob Mullarkey has mastered the worlds of groove and odd-time signatures on the bass guitar, but how do those skills translate when playing with a drummer? In today's episode, we sit down with Rob and one of the most unique drummers in hip-hop and drum ’n’ bass, Richard Spaven. And did I mention there are a few tips of the hat to J Dilla? And exclusive performances? Yep, click here to watch. ...

More music is being produced today than ever before. In 2022, 22 million new singles hit Spotify. That’s a new song every 1.4 seconds! In today’s episode, we dig into some tips and tricks to help you stand out from the crowd in 2023. In this Episode you're going to learn: How to reward people for listening to your music. Do you need a pre-launch strategy?  Why some fans enjoy feeling like par...

Unsure about how much to spend on your next bass? In this episode, we dig into the reasons why some bass guitars are so expensive and other guitars are more affordable - and what this means for the modern bass player on the hunt for a new axe. In this Episode you're going to learn: Are expensive bass guitars really worth it? How simple guitar mods can transform a budget-friendly bass. Is ther...

For today’s episode, we catch up with Henrik Linder to talk about his gear, his awesome band Dirty Loops, and how he developed his monstrous bass technique! In this episode you’re going to learn: Some of Henrik’s trickiest bass parts from Dirty Loops! Including Just Dance, Baby and Circus. How he learned to slap. Why Hadrien Feraud loves his hair! And much more.

Bolt-on? Neck-through? All bass guitars are essentially the same, right? Wrong! Many bass players say that bass guitars with bolt-on necks have a punchier attack than neck-through designs. In today’s episode, we’re going to highlight the pros and cons, so that you can decide which you prefer – or maybe you should have one of each!  In this Episode you're going to learn: Why do most people sta...

Every year, the world's rock 'n' roll music equipment manufacturers, distributors and retailers descend on the town of Anaheim, California, to attend the NAMM show. It's a pure, unadulterated gear fest, showcasing everything that's planned for the coming year. In today’s episode we talk through all the new bass gear and goings-ons you need to know about! In this Episode yo...

We could quite happily tell anyone who will listen that Weezer are our favorite band. Scott Shriner has held the bass chair since 2001 and has always stood out among the group’s history of bassists. His rock-solid pocket playing brings an extra edge to Weezer’s tone, which is why we think you’ll love this episode as we dive into Scott’s bass playing and career with Weezer. In this episode you’re g...

When it comes to bass guitars, there’s a massive scope in style and sound for you to explore. It can be subjective, sure, but certain styles of music tend to work best with certain kinds of basses. In today’s episode we delve into what makes a bass guitar perfect for the gig. In this episode you’re going to learn: The backstory behind Scott’s new album. Which star-studded musicians he has invited...

Blu DeTiger, bassist and social media star with 1.4 million fans on TikTok, recently took to the stage to announce her first full-length album, which is due to drop later this year. Bursting with talent, Blu has amassed millions of views with thumping bass covers of hits by Prince and Megan Thee Stallion. In this episode, we sit down with Blu to uncover her story, how she got started and her upcom...

If you’re a bass player and you feel ready to earn some extra cash by passing on your skills to others, setting up as a teacher could be a really good move. But how do you become a bass teacher? What credentials do you need? In this episode, we walk you through the minimum requirements for teaching as well as some steps to get you started. In this episode you’re going to learn: Why you should beco...

Is a signature instrument still a standard perk of modern bass stardom? Janek Gwizdala has attracted his fair share of signature models over the years, including basses for Fodera in 2012 and Mattisson Basses in 2017. In this episode, Janek explains why he has since turned his back on endorsement deals, and why he’ll never make music just for social likes. In this episode you’re going to learn: Al...

Whether you're in the market for an active 5-string or a custom-built classic, choosing the right bass guitar can be difficult. How do you know what’s the right one for you? In today’s episode, we list what we think are the 5 best bass guitars you can get your hands on.  In this episode you’re going to learn: Why every bassist needs a Jazz Bass When you might need an active 5-string Why a P B...

NYC-based singer, songwriter Adi Oasis is also an incredible bassist. Her performance for music platform Colors has racked up an astounding 1.5 million views on YouTube! What you might not know is that Adi started out on guitar and then jumped to bass later in life. In today’s episode we get the backstory on her biggest and best career moments so far. In this episode you’re going to learn: How Adi...

The role of artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a part of everyday life, but what can bass players expect from the rapid growth of apps like ChatGPT? The AI can be directed to impersonate the style of specific individuals, and even used to write a bass line “in the style of Paul McCartney”. In this episode, we’re going to explore the potential impact of AI on the music industry and what it...

In today’s episode Guy Pratt talks about his stint with Pink Floyd, studio dates in LA with Madonna and Michael Jackson, and the 1964 Jazz Bass that he got from The Who bassist, John Entwistle. Heads up: there’s even a cameo question from The Darkness' Justin Hawkins! In this episode you’re going to learn: How Guy landed the gig with Pink Floyd What he played on Madonna’s Like a Prayer . All...

Looking at bass pickups, but confused by all the terminology? There’s a whole world of mystery surrounding what pickups do and how they can affect your sound. Such a big subject requires a concise explanation, then, doesn’t it? In today’s episode Scott and Ian venture back into anorak territory on the topic of bass pickups. In this episode you’re going to learn: Why we’re not keen on Fender’s PJ p...

A modern master of the electric bass, Marcus Miller has been landing dream gigs for the best part of 40 years. So when he stopped by our London studio to talk about Miles Davis, playing bass on that Luther Vandross mega hit and the fallout from slapping Jaco’s Teen Town, we knew it was an interview we had to share with you. In this episode you’re going to learn: Why Marcus is a true genius of the...

Making money as a musician can be tough. The industry is constantly changing, and it can be hard to keep up with all the latest trends. But if you’re willing to try your hand at building an online audience, you’ll find a wealth of opportunities that you can tap into. In today’s episode, we look at some social media hacks that you can use to get the most engagement possible. In this episode you’re...

Hey, Scott here... and we’re back with another brand-new podcast for you! At some point, we all wonder what life would be like with different pickups in our bass. Yet it’s the ONE thing that most of us dare not mess with! Even to experienced bass players, terms like impedance, inductance, resonant frequency and ohmic load can make things pretty confusing. In today’s episode, we dig into some of th...

Ready to win $50,000 in awesome bass prizes? Up for grabs is Scott’s Ken Smith Black Tiger 6-string, Ian’s StingRay 5 and a 1978 Fender Jazz Bass! Our latest giveaway is also a great opportunity to help us raise money for Pencils of Promise, which is a global organization that brings life-changing education to children living in poverty around the world. To date the SBL community has raised over $...