Well, you could "sub-brand" the SBL and call the new programme SBC - Scott Bass Classes, for example, since it's kinda a new product anyway (but still in the same family). Or some other alternative, like SBS - Scott Bass School, etc.. It would even work with the logo, just changing one letter.
My wife and I did the same thing with the mattress.... No... Limit... Posturepedic list price was like $6300... we got the floor model for a hefty discount but still dropped like $3500 on it... Now she likes the spare bedroom mattress better and this thing has saved me multiple times from serious back injury... Though I'm in the middle on firmness, and she's the softy. More than I've spent on a bass. Worth it.
"Papa Was A Rolling Stone" by the Temptations bass line, so great but what's even greater is the switch of the kick drum from playing off beat to on beat with it. Beyond cool
Of the names you mentioned, I like SBL Workshops. SBL Live could be confused with other live content you already offer such as the weekly mentor sessions.
Here in the Greater New Haven, CT area, the local radio station would broadcast an entire album Monday nights at 7pm. That may have been the first time that I heard Dark Side of the Moon, Close to the Edge, and more. We would gather around and listen and I would chat with other friends about what we heard who were also sitting around in their homes listening. Wonderful idea!
I have been an SBL member for 3yrs or so and have seen hours of Scotts playing in lessons, workshops, Accelerator Courses etc etc. I have to say I think Scotts sound for me is his playing on a P-Bass. The growly aggressive style of his mixed with tasteful accents (ghost notes/trills) is just killer. I could pick out his distinctive playing if tested :-)
I think relic jobs are loved (and hated) by the people that love older instruments and the aura of history that they evoke, but it is just an aesthetic and if made badly it gives the shabby chic effect that fake old furniture give out. About the new course name : "SBL University" ? - I can already see the prestigious college vibe on the hoodie :) Thanks for the episode, loved it
My secondary bass has P/J pickups (EMG X series) and she sounds great. The reasons she's my secondary are because my primary is a little bit higher spec and is lighter.
Scott, check out the Nordstrand Jazz Bar 4 for the bridge pickup in your possible PJ project. I think it could possibly fit the bill for what you described right around 1:04:00 - 1:05:00. No affiliation just love Nordstand stuff. Thanks for the awesome Podcast!
Re: the live classes, SBL LIVE&Learn. Also, how will you deal with the global time differences? Will you periodically do it in different time zones? Most SBL content is live during my sleep hours or workday AM. Will any be in the evening PST(California)?
Way agree! I’ve been a member for a year and have only been able to catch 1 live show. I love these guys and support them thoroughly, but I’m disappointed that I can’t be a part of the live stuff. Not they’re fault at all, it’s just not working with my grueling work schedule. Glad to hear I’m not alone. Cheers California also.
I have a 2014 Nash PB-63 that is probably the most comfortable instrument I have ever picked up in my life. When I played it in the store, I couldn’t put it down. It’s a relic instrument. I’ve never even considered buying a relic before but it didn’t bother me that much. Fast forward to this year and I noticed the bridge screw holding the D string has fused into the metal on the bridge. It’s in the repair shop currently and is getting a whole new bridge. So I guess a relic can be a problem in the future. Also. I like the name SBL Live or SBLU
Another great video guys ! ' SBL Interactive ! ' : - could possibly be a name for your new program. Ian, I'm surprised the sleazy mattress guy didn't exhibit additional variants, e.g. here's a one for the single guy (a mattress with a hole in the middle of it) ! 😂
You can drag a poly-finish bass behind a truck, still looks brand new. It’s stiffer/stronger > so, by theory it should have more sustain. Nitro is viscous, just a solid state of oil. Don’t worry about cosmetic finishes > you want “sinker wood” that has oxidized grain for great tone. Ask Stradivarius.
I GREATLY look forward to when you guys dive into G&L SB-2 and how amazing that bass is...much more than a PJ...Leo wanted "you" to turn down the volume for warmer and leave full for punch...incred!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wooo, it's the 23rd. Cant wait to see who gets the banana bass! I didn't know I liked yellow basses. That yellow MIJ jazz bass has been looking tasty lately
had it pause, was just playing my fretless P/J with a PV 63 pup in the front and Nordstrand noiseless J in the back, and found myself annoyed by the difference in output when switching between pups. I am 100 percent with Ian on the boost/active on the bridge j. I also feel like I should just put roundwounds on it, Tony Franklin style and just don't worry about the consequences...
If you really want to get ahead of the bass market, let me pitch this concept: the DOUBLE relic. You take the bass, relic it, then the money shot: you re-finish it back to brand new. The. Double. Relic.
@@amandamarinovich6164 I like it. The next bass concept I have is the "pawn shop treasure," where the manufacturer sells them all to various pawn shops, and the licensed dealers then must go to these pawn shops to acquire them.
But you miss the relic. So you pay $2,000 to get it er-re-re-re relived. But you feel guilty. So you bring I back to it original ( $2k). But 2 months later… you know the drill.
Love your podcasts, - I have a 90 min drive to work (And back) twice a week and it's the perfect listen. I'll often find myself answering and agreeing with you guys. As for the new secret business, here's my name suggestion "SBL Connect". Being in Australia I'm not sure the timing is going to work for us (Especially for us part timers with day jobs...) I recently got myself a US Fender P-Bass elite (PJ) which I'm loving actually, being a cover band bass player the versatility of the instrument makes it much easier to keep the show going without too many instrument changes (Apart from the dropped tuned bass... and the 5....) 🙂 Keep up the great work gents - Love it, see you in the shed 🙂
PJ is not best of both. You might get the Jamerson and Jaco type tones but not Marcus Miller. You might like the combo but it's a different sound than 2 single coils. You also get more magnetic pull adding the J pickup.
Dear Scott, If you go for a simple PJ bass (the way to go for in any studio situation, because you’ll be messing up their job with cheap onboard electronics whatsoever) and you don’t want to use any preamp pedal for your bridge pickup tone... ... You just might want to use the best preamps (19’’ that is) for what you’re doing out there! There’s two, if you’re asking me: 1. Trace Elliot V-type preamp (the best one I ever had, and sold in a stupid mood to get another Ashdown ABM head that went dead on me after just one year, like they all did: stoopid me, 🤣). The Trace is thé tube preamp you and Ian were talking about in an earlier podcast. It’s the best they ever did. You could use it as a pedal live. In the studio, you won’t be needing active electronics because they sound like ‘shite’ compared to the stuff studios use. (So don’t go with active bits on your new bass if you care about sound!); 2. Alembic F2B preamp: like the Trace, but less creamy. But, also a high quality tube preamp. You can use it as if it was a pedal live. I did for years for fretless (back pickup too!). Please, don’t get active shit in your bass. It will be making producers/ engineers mad, because it sounds bad and inferior to the stuff they use, always. Be wise, get some studio approved gear that will give you any sound in the highest quality thinkable: 19’’ rack gear or pedals (like the Basswitch preamp/ DI by Lehle or one of both preamps I mentioned above). You’ll be happy and FOH or engineers will be too. Don’t go for the cheap option, onboard electronics, when you’re more than able to go for the good stuff. 😉 So, say you like the preamp F basses uses in their basses you used: simple! Have them built you a pedal or a 19’’ preamp with that tone, but with better parts. Or, any brand for that matter. Pay them for it! It’ll always be way better than the onboard stuff on their basses. You want the sound you love? It’s there for the grabs. They can and will built it for you. And, when it works nicely, they will present it to us folks. And we’re gonna buy it. Big time! 😉 🖖
I think Ian’s idea’s about a PJ bass are great! Did you guys know that Vigier did it the other way around on their old Arpège and Passion basses? Two single coil Benedetti pickups, with an active circuit only on the neck pickup! Especially on the Arpège basses this circuit was killing! I had both in the early to mid ‘90’s. I do also love the old PJ EMG’s. I have an old ‘70’s Fender P fretless with those that I still love. But, this very set was a great example where the J pickup was a little low in output. The only basses I ever played where this combination worked great with active electronics were Spectors (the older, the better). I dislike active circuits most of the time (except on MusicMans and EB’s StingRays (both 2 and 3 EQ))but do still like active EMG pickups using just volume and passive tone controls. And, they work great with effects!! Hey Scott, is the new bass perhaps a bass by De Gier? 🖖
Maybe a cool option for the custom P would be just a 2 way pickup switch instead of a blend so you can quickly go between neck & bridge, since you say you wouldn't use the mid position anyway. Also maybe 2 tone controls so when you switch pickups the tones sorry dialed in for that pickup? Cos it sounds like you'd want the tone rolled back a bit for the bridge but wide open for the neck *edit* Can't believe I wrote this before finishing the pod then ian comes up with basically the same idea 😂 Well, great minds 🤷 😉
Re: mattresses, I bought one after falling asleep on it in the store. My issue with the relic thing is that my father has owned and played a Les Paul for 50 years, putting thousands of hours into that instrument, and it still looks almost like new (and yes, different finishes wear in different ways). I get the "ripped jeans" analogy but some of the relics I've seen are hugely OTT. Still, each to their own; if relics make a bass more expensive, maybe I can get a shiny one for less. ;)
Re: "PJ"s, I have to admit to being intrigued by the Sandberg basses where they have a P pickup in the middle and a humbucker on the bridge (and you just mentioned that concept around 1:04). Really want to try one, but either need to persuade a certain guitar chain to move one, or make a 400-mile round trip . . .
Scott, be careful with birdseye maple on the neck! Remember it’s wood that has been sick, really. It might be less stable... Remember all those stunning birdseye maple necks on early ‘90 Ernie Balls and even Fodera’s? They looked cool, but most of these brands stopped using this kind of maple on basses (not so much on guitars) because of stability issues. Even if only the fingerboard is birdseye, issues might occur, because it reacts very different to the environment than the ‘normal’ maple neck. They went on using just ‘plain’ hard rock maple. When you don’t like the esthetic of all those extra knobs on your new to come PJ bass, just consider a great preamp pedal to us with it. The electronics in pedals are mostly way better than on board stuff, just because there’s way more space. A person like yourself just might be able to have a custom pedal made by most big and small brands. 😉 You’ll not just be needing low end boost, but also low and high mids too. You don’t need twenty knobs on your bass, do you? 🤣
Love the live lesson convo! Although I will be terrified to play 😂 I’ve never played in front of anyone before. Would life time members get a discount 😅😸
As a lifetime member I have no objections to paying for content like the new class rooms discussed here, a) this would be a very expensive undertaking to produce and b) instructors need to be fairly compensated for value provided (kudos for providing extra income for great players and teachers) As for a name, maybe a tip of the hat to an iconic bassist and an iconic bass track...SBL's SCHOOL DAYS
Name ideas for new program: Bass Master Live (BML, SBL's BML), Bass U (hinting at a future "degree" program). Every Day Bass. (EDB), SBL U (another take on the "university" idea). Bass Academy, Live Bass Academy (LBA), Live Learning Path (LLP)...that's all I got for now!
I have a PJ, I don't play it a lot but I really like the bass. EMGs pickups plus the BTS EQ. I blend in the J bass pickup to the P just a tiny bit and it sounds killer. Then there is the pickup placement issue. 60s or 70s location? Not sure about that.
I have two P basses. I have Lollar and the PV63. Wouldn’t change a thing. I had Bart soap bars I liked a lot but am selling that bass. I’ve wanted to try the active EMGs in a jazz like Guy Pratt has.
I have a 80s jazz special. I also an underwhelmed by the tone. It has a warmoth fretless pao/ebony neck. I'm about to change the pickups. I'm sold on the fender 63 p, but I'm in the weeds in what I to go with. Y'all have any thoughts? Fender vintage? Nordy? Barts? Duncan? Aguilar?
I wonder if PJ’s would be better served with a V-V-T-T + pickup selector à la Les Paul vs. the traditional VVT J-bass layout. Hmm. I said this just before I heard Ian say switch
P/J and the neck ... I'm wondering what neck you would use if you would go to a 1,8 mil. string spacing: did you ever play a P with a Jazz neck that gave you the full P sound? (I didn't, so that's why I think that a part of the warm sound comes from the chunky neck ...)
On the relic topic, I have no strong opinion on the matter, but I do have a similar reaction to them as, as Scott also mentioned, pre-worn Jeans. Personally, if you're going to have a road-worn instrument, then put that wear on it yourself. Of course, to each his own, but the factory reliced instrument does nothing for me. For me, I'm a late boomer, bucket-list bass player, and the joy I get out of playing comes from every part of the experience; from the theory related epiphany, to the new skill I acquire, to the beauty and perfection of the work of art I am holding in my lap. It's kind of like, if I buy a new car (or bike), I will get it ceramic coated, park in remote areas in the parking lot to avoid door dings, and I will keep it as pristine as I can for as long as I can (except for the fact that I will drive the shit out of it). A musical instrument is the same for me. I spend good money on a beautiful instrument, and part if my joy in playing is my admiration of the beauty of its construction, fit, and finish. If I want a beat up car, I'll buy an old car. Same for a bass. But that's just me. There are few things in like more subjective than this.
I don’t like paying for a school and having to pay for extra content all the time, technique classes? Extra money, jazz classes? Extra money, Fretboard classes? Extra money, Slap classes? Extra money (Slap in SBL is only taught the basics, unless you pay more of course) Sometimes I feel like I’m enrolled in a Cryptobros course And now, more money with this new invention, for those who collect basses of £7,000 it will seem economical, I suppose.
I get your point but to call the current SBL offering a mere demo is ridiculous. I am a lifetime member and I am working through the Players Path along with a few other courses/programs and have almost unlimited study I am looking forward to as I develop. This sounds more like a next level that would be an alternative to music school with an exclusive focus on bass.
You’re not wrong though. I am a HUGE fan of SBL and promote it often. However, it does seem like there are an ever increasing amount of extras to pay for now, which kind of depreciates what the already offer. I’ve been buying the extras, but when are they just gonna be loyal to those that are loyal to them. Someone please prove me wrong. I don’t like seeing anything from SBL as negative because I’ve been such a huge fan.
On the PJ topic, Scott, wasn't the bass you used to produce the bulk of the "Player's Path" content ar PJ F-Bass? What's your opinion of the overall tone quality and variety on that bass?
P/Js are very hit and miss from my experience- the pickups can sound too nasal on the D and G because they're close together and the P overpowers often. Let a P be a P I reckon. I'm not sure if basses improve with playing or if I just learn how to best extract the tone from experience with them. Wood does dry out and older basses seem to have a specific appealing quality wether they're nitro finished or 70s poly- finished Fenders.
I feel like you have to be consistent with the p/j take and also not like laklands. And, I've never seen anyone say anything bad about those basses. The schecter stiletto is another that people like that has a cool mix of pickups (if the pro model had stainless frets I'd pick one up)
Scott's and Ian's friendship is why I'm here. Talkin' about matresses and stuffs 😆
I love my P/J.
Tone down, old flats, full P and roll the J up 10-20%. I like how it tightens the sound without messing around with the tone of the P.
The P/J is such a great combo that cuts through and sits in a mix so well. IMHO
Oh, with concentric knobs like a real 1960 Jazz Bass
Well, you could "sub-brand" the SBL and call the new programme SBC - Scott Bass Classes, for example, since it's kinda a new product anyway (but still in the same family). Or some other alternative, like SBS - Scott Bass School, etc.. It would even work with the logo, just changing one letter.
My wife and I did the same thing with the mattress.... No... Limit... Posturepedic list price was like $6300... we got the floor model for a hefty discount but still dropped like $3500 on it... Now she likes the spare bedroom mattress better and this thing has saved me multiple times from serious back injury... Though I'm in the middle on firmness, and she's the softy. More than I've spent on a bass. Worth it.
I'd try the G&L L2000.
Their pickups and electronics are among the most versatile out there, with a strong identity though.
I look forward to these every Sunday! You guys provide outstanding content and the SBL Live idea is revolutionary. SBL is the "Keeper of the Bass".
"Papa Was A Rolling Stone" by the Temptations bass line, so great but what's even greater is the switch of the kick drum from playing off beat to on beat with it. Beyond cool
Of the names you mentioned, I like SBL Workshops. SBL Live could be confused with other live content you already offer such as the weekly mentor sessions.
Daaaamn!! For whole episode I feel like the guy in front of the class waving hand like crazy😅😅
Ian and Scott. If you are looking for that dual pickup sound with a little more under the hood for the bridge pickup, try the G&L L-2000.
The best PJ format is with a reverse P
I simply love these conversations. Can't wait to see how all this projects will go
Here in the Greater New Haven, CT area, the local radio station would broadcast an entire album Monday nights at 7pm. That may have been the first time that I heard Dark Side of the Moon, Close to the Edge, and more. We would gather around and listen and I would chat with other friends about what we heard who were also sitting around in their homes listening. Wonderful idea!
The name for the new affair idea: SBL Learning Circle, or At The Kitchen Table
I have to admit I do miss the London bass guitar show it was awesome. I met Guy Pratt at I think it was around 2011 - 2013 what a great time it was.
I have been an SBL member for 3yrs or so and have seen hours of Scotts playing in lessons, workshops, Accelerator Courses etc etc. I have to say I think Scotts sound for me is his playing on a P-Bass. The growly aggressive style of his mixed with tasteful accents (ghost notes/trills) is just killer. I could pick out his distinctive playing if tested :-)
I think relic jobs are loved (and hated) by the people that love older instruments and the aura of history that they evoke, but it is just an aesthetic and if made badly it gives the shabby chic effect that fake old furniture give out.
About the new course name : "SBL University" ? - I can already see the prestigious college vibe on the hoodie :)
Thanks for the episode, loved it
SBL University
My secondary bass has P/J pickups (EMG X series) and she sounds great. The reasons she's my secondary are because my primary is a little bit higher spec and is lighter.
The upsell reveal was hilarious!
I would go with "SBL classroom", I'm sure someone said that already. cheers!
Scott, check out the Nordstrand Jazz Bar 4 for the bridge pickup in your possible PJ project. I think it could possibly fit the bill for what you described right around 1:04:00 - 1:05:00. No affiliation just love Nordstand stuff. Thanks for the awesome Podcast!
Re: the live classes, SBL LIVE&Learn.
Also, how will you deal with the global time differences? Will you periodically do it in different time zones? Most SBL content is live during my sleep hours or workday AM. Will any be in the evening PST(California)?
Way agree! I’ve been a member for a year and have only been able to catch 1 live show. I love these guys and support them thoroughly, but I’m disappointed that I can’t be a part of the live stuff. Not they’re fault at all, it’s just not working with my grueling work schedule. Glad to hear I’m not alone. Cheers
California also.
I have a 2014 Nash PB-63 that is probably the most comfortable instrument I have ever picked up in my life. When I played it in the store, I couldn’t put it down. It’s a relic instrument. I’ve never even considered buying a relic before but it didn’t bother me that much. Fast forward to this year and I noticed the bridge screw holding the D string has fused into the metal on the bridge. It’s in the repair shop currently and is getting a whole new bridge. So I guess a relic can be a problem in the future.
Also. I like the name SBL Live or SBLU
I added a booster to my J pickup. Just like you are talking about. EMG makes it, and it works, no more big volume drop on the J pickup
get Steve Lawson in the boat
Another great video guys ! ' SBL Interactive ! ' : - could possibly be a name for your new program.
Ian, I'm surprised the sleazy mattress guy didn't exhibit additional variants, e.g. here's a one for the single guy (a mattress with a hole in the middle of it) ! 😂
You can drag a poly-finish bass behind a truck, still looks brand new. It’s stiffer/stronger > so, by theory it should have more sustain. Nitro is viscous, just a solid state of oil. Don’t worry about cosmetic finishes > you want “sinker wood” that has oxidized grain for great tone. Ask Stradivarius.
I GREATLY look forward to when you guys dive into G&L SB-2 and how amazing that bass is...much more than a PJ...Leo wanted "you" to turn down the volume for warmer and leave full for punch...incred!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SBL EXtreme or Xtreme!
Ultra Bass, with you local Bass Sovereignouyrs, Scott and Ian! 🤘🖖💫
Brought to you by Spaulding Beef. Red Lodge Montana. Love you and miss you Brett!
The SBL Inner Circle or THE SBL Secret Club
SBL Secret Society?
Wooo, it's the 23rd. Cant wait to see who gets the banana bass! I didn't know I liked yellow basses. That yellow MIJ jazz bass has been looking tasty lately
I would totally preorder this hypothetical PJ with bass boost bridge preamp. Relic or not.
Bravo, guys! Always fun and informative!
had it pause, was just playing my fretless P/J with a PV 63 pup in the front and Nordstrand noiseless J in the back, and found myself annoyed by the difference in output when switching between pups. I am 100 percent with Ian on the boost/active on the bridge j. I also feel like I should just put roundwounds on it, Tony Franklin style and just don't worry about the consequences...
Proposed name for new spin-off: SBL workshops. Best relics on Reverb: Alnus Bass by Luca
If you really want to get ahead of the bass market, let me pitch this concept: the DOUBLE relic. You take the bass, relic it, then the money shot: you re-finish it back to brand new. The. Double. Relic.
The resto-relic.
Relic-resto?
@@YTPartyTonight Perfect!
Then, you use it for 20-30 years... triple relic 🫨
@@amandamarinovich6164 I like it. The next bass concept I have is the "pawn shop treasure," where the manufacturer sells them all to various pawn shops, and the licensed dealers then must go to these pawn shops to acquire them.
But you miss the relic. So you pay $2,000 to get it er-re-re-re relived. But you feel guilty. So you bring I back to it original ( $2k). But 2 months later… you know the drill.
This PJ bass sounds cool, I would go for 2 volume knobs
Hahaha an SBL cruise sounds fun! 3000 bassists and not a single drummer 😆
My fav PJ bass is my 80s Pedulla with EMGs … such a rich sound…
For a name. What about 'SBL Interactive'?
Name for the new program: SB Elevate
Love your podcasts, - I have a 90 min drive to work (And back) twice a week and it's the perfect listen. I'll often find myself answering and agreeing with you guys. As for the new secret business, here's my name suggestion "SBL Connect". Being in Australia I'm not sure the timing is going to work for us (Especially for us part timers with day jobs...)
I recently got myself a US Fender P-Bass elite (PJ) which I'm loving actually, being a cover band bass player the versatility of the instrument makes it much easier to keep the show going without too many instrument changes (Apart from the dropped tuned bass... and the 5....) 🙂
Keep up the great work gents - Love it, see you in the shed 🙂
PJ is not best of both. You might get the Jamerson and Jaco type tones but not Marcus Miller. You might like the combo but it's a different sound than 2 single coils. You also get more magnetic pull adding the J pickup.
Dear Scott,
If you go for a simple PJ bass (the way to go for in any studio situation, because you’ll be messing up their job with cheap onboard electronics whatsoever) and you don’t want to use any preamp pedal for your bridge pickup tone...
... You just might want to use the best preamps (19’’ that is) for what you’re doing out there!
There’s two, if you’re asking me:
1. Trace Elliot V-type preamp (the best one I ever had, and sold in a stupid mood to get another Ashdown ABM head that went dead on me after just one year, like they all did: stoopid me, 🤣). The Trace is thé tube preamp you and Ian were talking about in an earlier podcast. It’s the best they ever did. You could use it as a pedal live. In the studio, you won’t be needing active electronics because they sound like ‘shite’ compared to the stuff studios use. (So don’t go with active bits on your new bass if you care about sound!);
2. Alembic F2B preamp: like the Trace, but less creamy. But, also a high quality tube preamp. You can use it as if it was a pedal live. I did for years for fretless (back pickup too!).
Please, don’t get active shit in your bass. It will be making producers/ engineers mad, because it sounds bad and inferior to the stuff they use, always.
Be wise, get some studio approved gear that will give you any sound in the highest quality thinkable: 19’’ rack gear or pedals (like the Basswitch preamp/ DI by Lehle or one of both preamps I mentioned above).
You’ll be happy and FOH or engineers will be too.
Don’t go for the cheap option, onboard electronics, when you’re more than able to go for the good stuff. 😉
So, say you like the preamp F basses uses in their basses you used: simple! Have them built you a pedal or a 19’’ preamp with that tone, but with better parts. Or, any brand for that matter. Pay them for it! It’ll always be way better than the onboard stuff on their basses.
You want the sound you love? It’s there for the grabs. They can and will built it for you.
And, when it works nicely, they will present it to us folks. And we’re gonna buy it. Big time! 😉
🖖
jazz neck pickup P in the middle and a soapbar(stingray) in the bridge with the selectors and blend for all three blend tone bass controls
I think Ian’s idea’s about a PJ bass are great!
Did you guys know that Vigier did it the other way around on their old Arpège and Passion basses? Two single coil Benedetti pickups, with an active circuit only on the neck pickup! Especially on the Arpège basses this circuit was killing! I had both in the early to mid ‘90’s.
I do also love the old PJ EMG’s. I have an old ‘70’s Fender P fretless with those that I still love. But, this very set was a great example where the J pickup was a little low in output.
The only basses I ever played where this combination worked great with active electronics were Spectors (the older, the better). I dislike active circuits most of the time (except on MusicMans and EB’s StingRays (both 2 and 3 EQ))but do still like active EMG pickups using just volume and passive tone controls. And, they work great with effects!!
Hey Scott, is the new bass perhaps a bass by De Gier?
🖖
Maybe a cool option for the custom P would be just a 2 way pickup switch instead of a blend so you can quickly go between neck & bridge, since you say you wouldn't use the mid position anyway. Also maybe 2 tone controls so when you switch pickups the tones sorry dialed in for that pickup? Cos it sounds like you'd want the tone rolled back a bit for the bridge but wide open for the neck
*edit*
Can't believe I wrote this before finishing the pod then ian comes up with basically the same idea 😂
Well, great minds 🤷 😉
Re: mattresses, I bought one after falling asleep on it in the store.
My issue with the relic thing is that my father has owned and played a Les Paul for 50 years, putting thousands of hours into that instrument, and it still looks almost like new (and yes, different finishes wear in different ways). I get the "ripped jeans" analogy but some of the relics I've seen are hugely OTT. Still, each to their own; if relics make a bass more expensive, maybe I can get a shiny one for less. ;)
Re: "PJ"s, I have to admit to being intrigued by the Sandberg basses where they have a P pickup in the middle and a humbucker on the bridge (and you just mentioned that concept around 1:04). Really want to try one, but either need to persuade a certain guitar chain to move one, or make a 400-mile round trip . . .
SBL 2: This Time It’s Personal
Or SBL 2.0
Scott, be careful with birdseye maple on the neck! Remember it’s wood that has been sick, really.
It might be less stable...
Remember all those stunning birdseye maple necks on early ‘90 Ernie Balls and even Fodera’s? They looked cool, but most of these brands stopped using this kind of maple on basses (not so much on guitars) because of stability issues. Even if only the fingerboard is birdseye, issues might occur, because it reacts very different to the environment than the ‘normal’ maple neck.
They went on using just ‘plain’ hard rock maple.
When you don’t like the esthetic of all those extra knobs on your new to come PJ bass, just consider a great preamp pedal to us with it. The electronics in pedals are mostly way better than on board stuff, just because there’s way more space. A person like yourself just might be able to have a custom pedal made by most big and small brands. 😉 You’ll not just be needing low end boost, but also low and high mids too. You don’t need twenty knobs on your bass, do you? 🤣
Scott’s Bass Communion
that’s a sick name right
Love the live lesson convo! Although I will be terrified to play 😂 I’ve never played in front of anyone before. Would life time members get a discount 😅😸
As a lifetime member I have no objections to paying for content like the new class rooms discussed here, a) this would be a very expensive undertaking to produce and b) instructors need to be fairly compensated for value provided (kudos for providing extra income for great players and teachers) As for a name, maybe a tip of the hat to an iconic bassist and an iconic bass track...SBL's SCHOOL DAYS
Name ideas for new program: Bass Master Live (BML, SBL's BML), Bass U (hinting at a future "degree" program). Every Day Bass. (EDB), SBL U (another take on the "university" idea). Bass Academy, Live Bass Academy (LBA), Live Learning Path (LLP)...that's all I got for now!
Ian has the best thumbnail expressions 🤣
My bass has 94 EMG P/J setup. I will never need anything else personally
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I have a PJ, I don't play it a lot but I really like the bass. EMGs pickups plus the BTS EQ. I blend in the J bass pickup to the P just a tiny bit and it sounds killer. Then there is the pickup placement issue. 60s or 70s location? Not sure about that.
What about SBL Academy?
Look at Dimarzio pickups Scott! They have that new pj design that was inspired by their relentless pickups.
I have two P basses. I have Lollar and the PV63. Wouldn’t change a thing. I had Bart soap bars I liked a lot but am selling that bass. I’ve wanted to try the active EMGs in a jazz like Guy Pratt has.
SBL: Intimate
I saw this title and just ☹️ I’m building a relic P bass!!! 😂
Amazing idea... Call it SBL Academy. and think of diploma at the end.. or any sort of certification :)
I have a 80s jazz special. I also an underwhelmed by the tone. It has a warmoth fretless pao/ebony neck. I'm about to change the pickups. I'm sold on the fender 63 p, but I'm in the weeds in what I to go with. Y'all have any thoughts? Fender vintage? Nordy? Barts? Duncan? Aguilar?
Ian " using 3 innudenos i was ready for fisticuffs"
Also ian "i had a happy ending though" 😂
SBL Deep! It’s what it is :)
Well…actually you might gravitate to a Gary Willis Bass with an additional Precision PU including a ramp 😊
I like the Bluesman Vintage relics
You should call it SBL the next level with added sauce
AWWW I MISS THE STATE FAIR. I did not know you could buy a mattress there. Wow.
Oh wait. Stearns? The life jacket manufacturer?
For me the classic P/J sound is Victor Wooten's tone from the 90's.
Name the course:
SBL Jazz Class
I wonder if PJ’s would be better served with a V-V-T-T + pickup selector à la Les Paul vs. the traditional VVT J-bass layout. Hmm.
I said this just before I heard Ian say switch
In things worth going to the budget limit I add glasses. It will be in use 2/3 of the day, every day.
I had a Fender Aerodyne and upgraded the pickups to Geezer Butler EMGs and it ripped…
I absolutely loved this!
P/J and the neck ... I'm wondering what neck you would use if you would go to a 1,8 mil. string spacing: did you ever play a P with a Jazz neck that gave you the full P sound? (I didn't, so that's why I think that a part of the warm sound comes from the chunky neck ...)
On the relic topic, I have no strong opinion on the matter, but I do have a similar reaction to them as, as Scott also mentioned, pre-worn Jeans. Personally, if you're going to have a road-worn instrument, then put that wear on it yourself. Of course, to each his own, but the factory reliced instrument does nothing for me.
For me, I'm a late boomer, bucket-list bass player, and the joy I get out of playing comes from every part of the experience; from the theory related epiphany, to the new skill I acquire, to the beauty and perfection of the work of art I am holding in my lap.
It's kind of like, if I buy a new car (or bike), I will get it ceramic coated, park in remote areas in the parking lot to avoid door dings, and I will keep it as pristine as I can for as long as I can (except for the fact that I will drive the shit out of it). A musical instrument is the same for me. I spend good money on a beautiful instrument, and part if my joy in playing is my admiration of the beauty of its construction, fit, and finish.
If I want a beat up car, I'll buy an old car. Same for a bass.
But that's just me. There are few things in like more subjective than this.
Will we we be able to buy access to one class here and there, like my local yoga drop in?
Not sure if it's mentioned already but how about "SBL X" as in Extra, or 10 because you've been around 10 years?
Scott’s Bass Academy
I don’t like paying for a school and having to pay for extra content all the time, technique classes? Extra money, jazz classes? Extra money, Fretboard classes? Extra money, Slap classes? Extra money (Slap in SBL is only taught the basics, unless you pay more of course)
Sometimes I feel like I’m enrolled in a Cryptobros course
And now, more money with this new invention, for those who collect basses of £7,000 it will seem economical, I suppose.
I get your point but to call the current SBL offering a mere demo is ridiculous. I am a lifetime member and I am working through the Players Path along with a few other courses/programs and have almost unlimited study I am looking forward to as I develop. This sounds more like a next level that would be an alternative to music school with an exclusive focus on bass.
@@Macna333 You are right, I edit my comment because it is not fair to say that it is a demo.
You’re not wrong though. I am a HUGE fan of SBL and promote it often. However, it does seem like there are an ever increasing amount of extras to pay for now, which kind of depreciates what the already offer. I’ve been buying the extras, but when are they just gonna be loyal to those that are loyal to them. Someone please prove me wrong. I don’t like seeing anything from SBL as negative because I’ve been such a huge fan.
Jeff Andrews played a P with a J/J pickup set, not a PJ!
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SBL In the Shed
Scott, Ian, just suck it up and call it Scott's Bass Lessons. No Pro, not Live just SBL and let people pick their classes or track. I have spoken.
On the PJ topic, Scott, wasn't the bass you used to produce the bulk of the "Player's Path" content ar PJ F-Bass?
What's your opinion of the overall tone quality and variety on that bass?
P/Js are very hit and miss from my experience- the pickups can sound too nasal on the D and G because they're close together and the P overpowers often. Let a P be a P I reckon. I'm not sure if basses improve with playing or if I just learn how to best extract the tone from experience with them. Wood does dry out and older basses seem to have a specific appealing quality wether they're nitro finished or 70s poly- finished Fenders.
Reverse P fixes that to some extent
Juan and Tony have some pretty cool p basses.
Call it "SBL Your Turn"
How about "Hands-On Real Time SBL"
@46:57 Guys, it's just the french spelling of guitar.
Ultimate SBL
I feel like you have to be consistent with the p/j take and also not like laklands. And, I've never seen anyone say anything bad about those basses. The schecter stiletto is another that people like that has a cool mix of pickups (if the pro model had stainless frets I'd pick one up)
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