I"m 66 years old. I started with a 64 p bass. I've had everything from Alembic to music man, and many others. p bass still rules. one bass to rule them all.
@JAMES MATYUS I don't have that album. Mine has a rosewood fingerboard. I had it replaned once because of wear, and it could use it again. So I personally wouldn't want a lacquered maple fingerboard.
@@77clem yep, actually I have it and a 59 that I bought later. These days I'm slowing down a little - I've started playing a 32 inch Warmoth P bass that I built - its a little easier on the stretches. Doesn't sound quite as good - but damn close. Currently have 62 pickup(s) on it.
I think It should be: 1. Fender Precision Bass 2. Fender Jazz Bass 3. MusicMan StingRay 4. Rickenbacker 4001 5. Gibson Thunderbird 6. Hofner 500/1 The rest...whatever you want
I have a 1962 Fender Precision bass.It cost me $200.00 back in 1967 used in a pawn shop here in SF.After all these years it's now worth $10,000.But I still can't part with it.It's been my best friend all these years.
In1963 I bought a used 62 P Bass but the neck was too chunky for my small hands, so I sold it in 1965 ..... STUPID, STUPID, STUPID !!! Today I do own a 2008 USA P Bass and a 1995 "Cowpoke" P Bass, that combines features from both the P and the J..... Plus Kubicki Electronics and stacked controls !!!!!
My top 3: 3: Music Man Stingray - amazing for slap, an absolute tone monster. So many possibilites. 2: Rickenbacker 4001 - Very distinct, punchy, and who could top the Rick-O-Sound feature? 1: The Fender Jazz Bass - The one I play is an affinity series, but all of them have so much range, tone possibility, and smoothness to them. I feel like you can use this bass to play any style of music at all, it just fits in the mix so well.
perfect assessment. I have owned all 3 although my 1977 Music man was stolen never to be replaced. Currently playing Rick 4001CS, 68 Jazz and Sector Euro LX and loving all 3.
The Rickenbacker bass is SO beautiful. It's the only instrument I'd consider buying and keeping even if I never gigged or recorded with it. I'd just want one in the house.
Rick W and like a shark he never stopped swimming. From P to J to Stingray to G&L each form was a major evolution. Terrible business man but he truly got the need to keep evolving the bass, refining necks, redesigning bridges, and over and over and over he kept pursuing the best possible electronics and how to use them.
It was iconic but it didn't have a huge wide influence and also kind of faded away. I did really like it but it's, oh yeah, whatever happened to them? thing.
Found the L2000 be have very weak presence on the G & D strings, would never cut through the mix unless all guitars cut all their top end. No adjustment ever fixed that. Neck was always unstable too. My go to now is the insanely versatile and adjustable Lakland 55-02 (or for more money the 55-14), and for a super low cost Fender Jazz Deluxe knock off the Sire Marcus Miller V7 5ST in Ash (quite heavy though).
@@bobohara3974 Interesting. I find the L-2000 to be the most powerful bass I've ever played, across all strings and range. These days I'm into customizing Squier Jazz basses to my liking. Sires seem cool, but I hate the headstock. I still have never tried a Lakland.
@@SteveBlancoMusicianWarrior Yea I was very disappointed in the G&L. Agree with the Headstock on the Sire but the sound is all Jazz Deluxe and then some. For someone on a budget that want's that Jazz sound, this is a dead ringer. I love the Lakland though after 13 basses or so this is the first that I can say can sound pretty much like any bass you choose, takes a while to get used to all the adjust-ability. Stingray 5 sound no problem, P Bass no problem, etc. Heck it even has mid-freq dip switches inside on the pre-amp board that you can play with. It's a 35" scale and it has a super sounding B string as a result. I love the 22 frets and the intonation on the upper frets is excellent to the ear and on a scope. You can also run in passive mode in case the battery goes on vacation mid song. Love the cut of the neck as well. Just a winner for me.
@@dexterc8235 Not me. I had a Ray35 that had more punch and both the Sire and definitely the Lakland have more punch than that L2000. The L2000 was honestly the worst bass I ever had. G&L replaced the neck twice, and they never could get the presence the G & D strings to come up to the level of the E & A strings. Yours may be fine but mine wasn't. I really didn't know any better until I sat in on a friend's band and he let me play his Lakland. That was a 55-14 (US version), I was in awe! Game, set, match. Sold the G & L within weeks thereafter and bought a 55-02 (Overseas version). Was looking to switch to 5 string anyway so the choice was easy.
I just bought an SR405 in quilted maple dragonburst for $499.99 brand new. Of about 5 basses I have owned over the years .....this is the most gorgeous and incredible playing and sounding bass I have ever owned.
I have almost every bass on this list. And no matter how nice 10-2 are, nothing sounds better and feels as great as the American made Fender P-bass. I knew Scott’s list would be on point. Thanks for the vid!
Incorrect, i’d bet that the most recorded would be a Korg Triton or smth like that. As for the most recorded bass - it’s Lee Sklar’s frankenbass with two P pickups and a Stingray control panel. Neither of the pickups is in the Fender P position. ruclips.net/video/clGclqQR7bw/видео.html
My top 4 (reverse order): 4.- Hofner 500/1 (a beautiful vintage and non sustained sound) 3.- Music Man Stingray (the best humbucking sound, at least the best I've played...) 2.- Fender Jazzbass (beautiful mid range articulated sound) 1.- Fender Precision (OF COURSE... but I love it more with the PJ configuration, so I can add to the mix a little extra mid-range jazzbass sounding). As you can see, I love classic basses looking and sounding...
I have a 1991 P-Bass and a Reintroduction Hofner 500/1. I got it because of McCartney, but it's lightweight and has a short neck, so it's great for playing some pretty fast runs. Added to the 4001 bassist list is Randy Meisner from the Eagles.
I bought an Aria P in 1983 at Silver Horland in NYC so my buddy, a new sales associate, could make his first sale. I'm really just playing now in my old age and LOVING it. Thanks for all the encouraging videos and your bright and cheery Brit demeanor.
I have the 72 Rickenbacker 4001 that I bought in 1978 and still love it to this day. The sound is like none other and it is soooo easy to play. And yeah, Chris Squire and Geddy Lee are still my favorite bass players. I also have a Jazz Bass and love it too but you just can't beat the punch and snarl of a Rick.
Over the years I've owned (or still do) Stanley Clarke Alembic, 4001CS, 68 Jazz, Spector Euro LX and a 77 Music Man. Fortunate to have played all and have a soft spot for each. Music Man and the Jazz were the two most versatile however the MM was so fucking heavy. The Alembic may have been the oddest bass I owned. The weight distribution made it an abortion to play onstage for if you let go of the neck the head of the bass would literally fall to the floor it was so top heavy. You spent half your effort with the left hand fingering the fret board and holding the bass up. As I was in a Yes Tribute the CS is a no-brainer and while I don't play it as much it's worth a shit-ton now so I will never sell it.
Thanks for including the Höfner 500/1. I got hold of a 1965 original in great condition a long time ago. Its My all time favorite instrument & feels better than any other instrument I've held or played. Some call it nothing more than a toy canoe paddle. For me that warm, woody thump still echoes back with all the rich heritage of Rock history.
I prefer the Jazz to the Precision but taste is taste. I admit, provided you play with a pick, the Rickenbacker 4001 sounds amazing. I'm really not much of a Yes fan but man, Chris Squire's tone (and, yes, technique) is phenomenal.
Scott's list is a great "10 Iconic Basses" list. For what it's worth, I think a decent "10 Best Basses for Working Musicians" would be: 1. Precision Bass, split coil design (I would almost consider this 2 instruments: one with a mute and flats and the other with rounds) 2. Jazz Bass 3. MusicMan Stingray (this could also be your 5-string workhorse for gigs that require the ole brown note) 4. Rickenbacker 4003 (imho the 4003 is hands-down a better bass guitar than the 4001) 5. Precision, the OG single coil design 6. Guild Starfire (with flats and pretty much exclusively played with a pick... it's such a cool sound that sits perfectly in certain settings) 7. Jazz Bass, fretless (yes, this is somewhat of a repeat, but I think the fretless factor really makes this its own instrument) 8. Hofner H500/1 9. Fender Mustang 10. Something out of left field, like a Univox, Mosrite, or Hagstrom (because there's always that one song in a recording project that needs it) Sorry, Gibson, but I have no love for your bass guitars. I appreciate that they're iconic, but I have a real hard time with them.
Id take a Fender jaguar over a mustang. I have played both. The mustang seems a little obnoxious or middy to me...a but too in your face, but I did only play it once.
I never bought a bass based on what my heroes played The 1st time I saw an ad in 1978 for a Stingray I knew that's what I wanted It just looked comfortable to play the 3 and 1 headstart made it look not neck heavy I spent 3 years looking for one I bought 1 in 1981 and It's the same one I still play today
Played my Jazzbass for a long time, then stoped playing for almost 20 years, now picked up a used G&L L2000 and are wery impressed by the versitility and, well.. plain and simple, the sound.
Where’s the Ibanez at? Surely something so versatile and built with amazing craftsmanship deserves a spot on this list. Most Metals bands either prefer Ibanez over most things. Unless they play a Fender or Warwick.
@@a_yden16 The sound on a Fender is nice and All, but The neck is a pain on the hands and It's not comfortable to play on. Ibanez has a smoother neck and It feels amazing in the hands. I will say the Fender jazz bass is my fav of all the Fender basses though.
@@Roasty420 Fender necks are far smoother than Ibanez necks. Fender necks are very thick though (I personally prefer it). Ibanez necks are very slim but theyre very wide. I hate their necks. Precision bass is my favorite Fender bass, and one of my all time favorite bass. Spector NS-2 is my all time favorite bass though
Martha Melloy It was an EB 3 and I believe that he would solo the bridge pickup most if not all of the time through two Marshall stacks to get that nasty mid-range tone.
Steinberger is missing. Sure it's a relic of the 1980's, but it was so different from everything else and sounded amazing for the time. Honorable mention at least. It was way more than a novelty and spawned a lot of new and creative designs from other manufacturers.
Hey I love your list here's why : I own 2 Fender Precisions, a Fender Jazz, a Rickenbacker 4003, and a Musicman Sterling Ray34 but my favourite is my Steve Harris Signature Fender Precision Bass
The Stingray should be in the top 3. Personally I prefer it over my Jazz bass. I have 2 rays, one with the standard neck which Is like the P bass and another with the thinner neck which is like the Jazz bass neck. But the stingray has more punch and cuts thru Better than my Jazz.
No quarrel with the P bass being top, though I prefer the J bass for the versatility. Very cool list🤘🏻 and thanks for giving some props to the Yamaha classic that tends to be forgotten many times. 👍🏻
Absolutely love this video, thanks Scott. I agree with all of your choices accept I would have put the Jazz bass second. Have a Merry Christmas, God Bless you and your Family!
Ken Smith should also be on this list, the Rickenbacker should not be on 2-nd place, not ahead of the Jazz Bass... 1 Precision, 2 Jazz Bass, 3 Stingray, ...
Totally agree on the Ken Smith, but for popularity, I can see why it didn't make the list. Ricky's are awesome but have so many issues from the pickups to the finishes, they should be lower on the list. This list should be split into two top-10's, one being "best bass" and another being "iconic basses." Ken Smith's would end up in the "best" category, where iconic would have Ricky, Hofner, Warwick, Steinberger, etc. Probably could split the lists again with price point differences, as has been discussed on other videos here. I would suggest an MSRP split at $1500US, as that seems to be the mid-cut between solid basses & the top of the line custom basses out there.
Ken Smith is a dick. He wanted to charge me $50 for a half dozen screws for my stupid expensive bass that I bought from him personally. I sold it instead.
Aria SB - yes! Where on earth was this?? - this is a personal list and no way definitive - so there are tonnes of missing classics because we all have been influenced by other makes...... me personally, would take the kinda knockoff Alembic, the Jaydee any day of the week - that is the definitive MK sound - which is waaaaay better than the shite he plays now - I think he has gone deaf or something because the status (and his weird set up) just doesnt kick ass...... See.... prattling on about my own faves ..... but to return - I have played Aria SB's for years and they are awesome!!!
Also sometimes hard to separate the bass from the player...if Victor didn't use a Fodera, how many fewer people would know about Fodera? Ditto McCartney with the Hofner. But the classics like the Jazz, the Precision, the Ric 4001, ….they transcend any of the players who use them. But lists like this are always fun because there will always be arguments about who makes the list and where.....thanks for the video, Scott!!
Chris Squire once referred to the Fender Jazz Bass as his "favorite", although the Rickenbacker 4001S was his signature instrument. Michael Rutherford was not most folks' idea of a bass hero, but he played a Rick, in the earlier days. I find that many of Rutherford's runs, while not up front and pushy, are really original, challenging, satisfying, and organic with the rare, ingenious character of the rest of Genesis' music. It has a haunting quality that other basses simply don't have. If you don't want to sound run of the mill when it comes to bass, you really need to at least experiment with one. I came into being the same year, 1957, and I that alone makes me glad I watched this all the way through. It is such a classic, like a '57 Chevy. McCartney really explored the romantic, rare qualities the 4001 could produce, but Squire explored passages that, to me, were like an LSD trip without the hazards.
He managed to break the sunburst Rick he borrowed, several times, he said. But, I always loved the visual statement of that double neck, in performances. If being a bassist sometimes being the back end of a pantomime horse, he did his job with amazing originality and subtlety. Like Squire, he seems to have often tried to approach each new song in something of a novel way. It may not have made me think, oh, that is some fine bass playing, but in retrospect, it certainly did make me think, wow, that is an amazing song that I can listen to hundreds of times and always notice something I missed, before. In concert, I could see his fingers hitting ten times as many notes as had registered with me, consciously, but there was some kind of alchemy going on. He looks and sounds like Saruman, yet they nicknamed him Gandalf. It all makes sense, fifty years later.
More love for Rutherford in the PG era Genesis here, although you knew something really special was coming when he moved on to the bass pedals for those totally overwhelming passages (Cinema Show, Suppers Ready, Firth of Fifth etc)
I enjoyed my ric while i had it. i ran the bass pup thru a Sunn Coliseum with an 18 cab and the bridge pup thru an Acoustic guitar amp (dont remember the model) with a 6 x 10 cab. Lordy the earth did move. I'd accept one as gift these days...heh or snag one if the price was right. But I'd not pay what they're asking these now. Fender baby.
Lot of people hating on Rickenbacker for some reason...they're amazing! I would have been fine with it at #3 also, but it definitely deserves it's place near the top.
I guess I can only speak the experience that I've had, and every one that I've played has played and sounded great. I will admit that I don't own one and I'm not sure that I ever will. I would still take a P bass over a Rick almost every time.
@@patrickschlies6542 Most of the studio stuff was recorded with a 72 J bass. Like moving pictures. I still like Ricks though. Just sucks you have to vice the neck to do an adjustment. Not very practical.
@@patrickschlies6542 he used jazz bass from permanent waves to current. So 1977 that would be the Rick. And farewell to kings is my favorite album BTW. Doesn't matter what album though his tone is always crushing.
Despite the order, it's a good list. Personally, I'd put a Spector ahead of a Warwick, and if you got a Yamaha BB then why not Ibanez SR? Never cared for Hofners, and I can't stand a Gibson basses... But that's me. However, there's not a bass listed doesn't have a valid argument for its place. And massive cajones points for putting a rick ahead of the Jazz (as much as I like a rick...not sure I could've pulled the trigger on that?)
Spector NS2 over Warwick , it was Ned Steinberger’s innovative design which influenced Warwick and numerous other manufacturers to adapt and recreate their own interpretations.
The P Bass is timeless. I have 2017 American Standard with SPB-3s installed and it rips. I play mostly aggressive styles of music and the P bass just sits so well in the mix and has a great growl with overdrive engaged.
Not bad a list overall, of course everyone will have their favourites depending on what they listen to! Personally, I would have put the Rick in 4th behind the P, J, and the Stingray. Also, I would have dropped the Warwick Thumb from this list and include the Wal Mk I - that's a pretty important one that was left out, in my opinion.
Yea, I mean if it were based on my tone pallet... I don’t think any fenders or ricks would make the list. In my opinion... it seems everyone that makes “fender” copies are better at it than Fender themselves. Dingwall supers, Laklands... iduno maybe the relics have some special qualities but I’ve played a 150$ squire jazz, 600$ mexi jazz and have owned a jazz deluxe V that was 1800... besides maybe a better setup, there wasn’t a significant difference to justify the price gap. I sold the fender for a Dingwall combustion and thought it was one of the better basses I’ve ever played... that’s until my Dingwall ABii 6 came in the mail. that list felt more like a popularity contest... but with that said, wouldn’t you think Lee Sklar’s bass might have Some importance/significance to a list like this?
My top 10 (no particular order): Fender Jazz Bass, Fender Precision Bass, Warwick Corvette, Warwick Thumb, Music Man Stingray Bass, Fodera Monarch, Gibson Thunderbird, Wal Mark Two, Rickenbacker 4001
I recently inherited a natural finish 1978 Music Man Stingray from my grandma that passed a few years back. I've been doing some research into playing bass and I am SO stoked to start playing it.
Like you said everyone will have an opinion. HOW COULD YOU FORGET SPECTOR!!!!? I have a 1993 NS-2 hand made by Stewart Spector. My God! Man! Changed the sound of active basses for all time. Anyway, love you man LOL
Correction - the more common "reverse T-bird" design 4:37 came 1st ('63-'65) - "reverse" because it looked like a standard design reversed (bigger horn on bottom) and the "non-reverse" (later '60s) pic that Scott showed at 4:24 came after Fender forced them to stop making the first design. That one ironically looked more like a Fender (Jaguar/Jazzmaster).
in my 41 years of playing i have had LOADS of basses. guild b103, shergold marathon, ric 4003, many a jazz, washburn, the list goes on..at any one time i usually have 2 or 3 basses in the house. at the moment, a schecter diamond series jazz and....i ALWAYS HAVE A GO TO BASS. A FENDER P. currently a roger waters signature.
SUPER happy the thumb made it in the top 10 (for a mad demo of Ryan Martinie I would recommend March of the Cephalopods - Soften the glare ((also he's using his signature fretless thumb)), I reckon this song shows much more of Ryan's musicianship and more of the Thumb's tone). Also gotta say, that was a pretty big call putting the Rickenbaker in front of the Jazz Bass hoo boy.. Great video cheers
i haven't owned ten basses in my 30+ years of playing (i think the number is around 8) but here's my list of basses that caught my eye and ear over the years. 1. Fender P-bass 2. Fender J-bass 3. Rickenbacker 4001 series 4. Music Man Sting ray (Og not ernie ball ones) 5. First model G&L bass (can't remember it's number) 6. Rickenbacker 4003 series 7. yamaha any (mid to top tier model just pick one they all sound good) 8. violin bass 9. jackson Concert XL bass 10. any Warwick bass. EDIT ; Honorable mention to Tobias basses , what ever happened to them i rarely see them any more ??? loved their tones and feel. now for insruments i have owned (that i can remember) * < indicates bass i still (currently) own. all otehrs were sold , gifted , and or traded away at some point for various reasons. 1. US fender P-bass (1995) * 2. Fender MiM Steve Harris Sig P-Bass (2015)* 3. TA-500 Tom Araya sig ESP-LTD bass (2004)* 4. Rickenbacker 4001 (1976) 5. B.C. Rich Warlock Platinum (2001) 6. Peavy T-40 (late 70's early 80's don't know exact year , what can i say it was my first bass) 7. Beat up 1991 Yamaha (unknown model) that i'm working on repairing (which is why it's on bottom of the list) neck is great, body is dinged to hell and the electronics are screwed but im gonna get this thing playing again , not sure who owned it , a freind of mine got it from some one and then gave it to me. 8. some cheap peice of crap generic brand i can't even remember , a friend sold it to me for 50 bucks i turned around and sold it for 25 bucks after a year. what many people overlook about the fender P is the fact it was basically teh birth of a compeltely enw instrument. prior to it's invention most bands used a stand up bass which tuned and played more like a violin in the cleff range it sat at. I read a biography on leo fender taht said he didn't base teh bass guitar off a stand up bass because he didn't liek how it's low's were buried by a kick drum in jazz music when recording it. so he designed it off the mid range Cello , and had it use guitar tunings (EADG). in alltechnicality ti was a compeltely new isntrument. a few electric bass attemps prior done by others were mostly variations on stand ups. that used upright bass tunings, and they never caught on.
Ibanez are to be considered; thin fast neck, fat bridge or independant bridge for each string , Bartolini and Nordstrand pickups, strong woods, excellent playability, comes stock with low action... Let's not only consider history and popularity.
The only ibanez basses I've liked were the fender copies, atks and the composite 5 string ergodynes from the 90s Everything about the Sr series feels wrong to me, skinny cramp inducing necks, horrible body shape and to me anemic tone. I really wanted to like that hybrid fretted/fretless they did too 😥 But hey, to each their own.
@@NiskRanThawll I dislike that you put this "cramp inducing neck" and "horrible body shape"as a fact, i never had cramps on the sr neck. I absolutely live for that skinny smooth neck, nothing beats it for me and many other players. Also horrible body shape, cmon man are you mad? Don't bring your opinion as a fact
@@Mr_Foeko which part of "feels wrong to me" is stating my opinion as fact? I also ended with to each their own. I prefer a real chunky neck and a solid full body like my P basses and status offer me. I find no benefit to the cramped nut width and skinny necks of ibanez Sr series. I actually find the aesthetics of Sr series basses to be disgusting also 😂 But again to each their own. If you find SR to be your go to, good for you. But for me, nope I never wanna touch one again.
My first bass (bought it in October 2021) was a Daisy Rock Stardust Elite Bass in red. From what I’ve heard they don’t make basses anymore since they never became successful enough to stay in business so I don’t know much about it but it’s pretty cool. I’ve tried to do some research and it seems to be a bass with a perloid-topped mahogany body with a rosewood fingerboard. It’s an active bass with 2 active humbuckers and it has a master volume, 12 DB bass cut/boost, 12 DB treble cut/boost and pickup pan pot. I think it’s made 2006 (which also happens to be the year I was born in). I’ve been totally obsessed with bass ever since I got that one so I actually bought a Fender P-bass in august 2022, I play on that one all the time cause it’s just so clean and nice. That one is white with a maple neck and it’s made in Mexico. Love it! Totally worth 1st place in my opinion, although I think the music man stingray bass should be higher up
I think you nailed it with this list! I've been pouring over basses lately trying to decide what to add to my small collection, still toiling. Real close to pulling the trigger on the Fender J bass. I love playing different basses in the store!
The one bass I find incredibly underrated I (and is my favorite) is the Music man Bongo. Weird design but powerful sound. Most notable player is John Myung of Dream Theater.
I mostly agree, but in all honesty, I wouldve put the Jazz Bass #1 over the P bass. But Scott you know your basses man, I love all your videos. I've learned so much from your videos, and I value your knowledge. Thanks for being such a gent, I'll always love your videos, keep it up 🤘
G&L basses are oddly hard to get hold of over here in the UK. I'm not sure if it's the same in other countries but if it is, it might explain why it didn't make the list? I'd love to try one out.
Just curious, in your opinion, why don’t people talk much about the G&L basses, overall ? I’ve been playing the L2000 and L2500 for over 20 years now. Have I fallen into a niche or do you think the G&L basses fall under another umbrella, generally speaking?
Jonathan Batchelder my personal feeling about G&L is that they don't look as "classic" as the Precision, JB and Stingray does, They look more like the Musicman Sabre, which is also not a "classic" or popular bass too.
I love Ibanez and some of the higher end BC Rich basses. But having to choose between the Rickenbacker 4001or 4003 and the Fender Jazz Bass it's like having to choose a favorite child.
I have a Warwick Corvette Std Fretless, Rickenbacker 4003, Fender P-Bass, and this year I will be adding a custom Veritas TM-Bass! That was my purchase order too.
I would remove the Thunderbird and put in the Ibenez SR line of basses! I don't think that many bass players chose a thunderbird for anything other than to look cool. (to be fair it does not REALLY cool)
BassRacerx I finally convinced myself to fork over the money for a Gibson Thunderbird. Not once did I find myself choosing it over any of my fenders. But yeah it looked awesome in my living room decor.
I don't know know about the rest or your list, Scott, but you absolutely nailed number one. As far as I'm concerned, the Fender P bass is perfection and that's why it has endured through the ages, and will continue to far into the future. Great job.
I have a 73 P Bass as well, I completely understand your point of view! I also play a Ric 4003 and an NS Design Radius CR5, which is just about the craziest sounding bass I've ever been around.
Always wanted A P-Bass, I inherited a 73 EB-0 back in 83 and bought my first bass (SG) in 87. Still play them both today. I've considered getting a P-Bass and a Ric 4003 is my holy grail, I just can't spend that kinda bread on a bass these days =/
True That... Mike Karn on the Fretless Wal was on a different level because of the way he played it... Whether it was with Japan/JBK or playing with other all artists Micks unique sound & technique made him stand out from all other's... His double tracking of his bass line on the instrumental track " Waves " is one of my all time favourites from Mick Karn...
Hell yeah, Emma! My thoughts exactly not only due to the bass being a phenomenal instrument but also due to Mick Karn (though he used a Travis Bean on many of my favorite tracks). Listening to music I always think songs would be enhanced if the bass track was recorded by Mick instead of the bassist in the band.
This is list is pretty solid. I have had the luck to play the Jazz Bass, P Bass, Stingray and recently got a BBP35. All basses are amazing; however, I am surprised with the BB, have been playing it for a while now and it has become my go to bass. If I have to pick one of the basses (for me) I would go with the BB.
I've just bought a Hoff 500/1 for £350. I'll take 6th place (of all time) for that price. I bought it for its looks mainly, it's a beautiful and interesting display piece even for visitors who aren't musicians. But those who are, know what it is and why it is such a significant Bass. It's also really light, being hollow, and it sounds and plays pretty good, too.
Okay, you listed the Precision, the Jazz (should have been #2) and the Stingray, so where is Leo's Last Love, the G&L L-2000? if the Stingray was the ultimate update to the Precision, then the L-2000 was the ultimate update to the Jazz. With those two honking MFD humbuckers and nearly infinite number of tonal possibilities, it is by far the most underrated bass guitar on the planet.
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1. Precision Bass
2. Jazz Bass
3. Stingray
4. 4001
5: reverse flying v bass with side pickups
@@SKOOBER. No! 5: Thunderbird
Severi Sukuvaara 4003sw
I totally agree!
Jazz bass 1 😭
I"m 66 years old. I started with a 64 p bass. I've had everything from Alembic to music man, and many others. p bass still rules. one bass to rule them all.
I'm 65. I upgraded to a P-fretless in '74, added a J pickup in '84, and would never trade it for anything else.
One bass to find them
@JAMES MATYUS I don't have that album. Mine has a rosewood fingerboard. I had it replaned once because of wear, and it could use it again. So I personally wouldn't want a lacquered maple fingerboard.
Do you still have the 64? If not I bet you wish you did...
@@77clem yep, actually I have it and a 59 that I bought later. These days I'm slowing down a little - I've started playing a 32 inch Warmoth P bass that I built - its a little easier on the stretches. Doesn't sound quite as good - but damn close. Currently have 62 pickup(s) on it.
I think It should be:
1. Fender Precision Bass
2. Fender Jazz Bass
3. MusicMan StingRay
4. Rickenbacker 4001
5. Gibson Thunderbird
6. Hofner 500/1
The rest...whatever you want
Stingray should be no.1!
This is true!!!
I agree
I'd put the EB-0 instead of the thunderbird.
@@you_tubeslonelyheartsclubband I prefer the EB-3.
I have a 1962 Fender Precision bass.It cost me $200.00 back in 1967 used in a pawn shop here in SF.After all these years it's now worth $10,000.But I still can't part with it.It's been my best friend all these years.
Oh you lucky bastard! I have a 2001 American Standard Precision. I prefer my Jag SS. I'm old and I shrunk!
If you ever do, I will happily give you your $200 back and give it a wonderful, wonderful home.
In1963 I bought a used 62 P Bass but the neck was too chunky for my small hands, so I sold it in 1965 ..... STUPID, STUPID, STUPID !!! Today I do own a 2008 USA P Bass and a 1995 "Cowpoke" P Bass, that combines features from both the P and the J..... Plus Kubicki Electronics and stacked controls !!!!!
Keep it!
To me, the top 3 are
1) Precision bass
2) Jazz bass
3) Stingray
Same here
i agree
@@thebassrogue Me too
Agreed
Not me
I would give a honorable mention to Spector basses. The have a completely unique and easily identifiable tone.
I agree. I had never tried one until I took a trip to Sweetwater and it blew my mind
yeah spectors are pretty sweet
Agreed. If added to the pantheon I'd then own three of the top 10....Jazz, Rick and the Spector.
Agreed. Spectors are all about thick growl, an ideal bass sound
Totally agreed. Really great bases. Unfortunately not very pretty.
My top 3:
3: Music Man Stingray - amazing for slap, an absolute tone monster. So many possibilites.
2: Rickenbacker 4001 - Very distinct, punchy, and who could top the Rick-O-Sound feature?
1: The Fender Jazz Bass - The one I play is an affinity series, but all of them have so much range, tone possibility, and smoothness to them. I feel like you can use this bass to play any style of music at all, it just fits in the mix so well.
My Top three is 1 P-Bass 2 Jazz Bass 3 Rickenbacker 4001 (that old toaster neck pickup sound was soo deep)
perfect assessment. I have owned all 3 although my 1977 Music man was stolen never to be replaced. Currently playing Rick 4001CS, 68 Jazz and Sector Euro LX and loving all 3.
I agree (mostly) with the video, but I'd put the Jazz Bass on #2, next to the P Bass. Just my opinion.
Obvious.
I adore the Ricky bass, but let's face it the Jazz Bass should be No. 2 right behind the Precision.
Exactly every true bass person knows the Precision and Jazz are 1 & 2. Scott got his pom poms cheer leading for the Ricky because he's a Brit.
Full agreement, behind the P-Bass, the Jazzbass is the next instant classic which influences bass playing much more then the Rickenbacker!!!!
yeah i really dont like the jazz but i still think it deserves the #2 spot
The Rickenbacker bass is SO beautiful. It's the only instrument I'd consider buying and keeping even if I never gigged or recorded with it. I'd just want one in the house.
I am SO HAPPY Ryan got a mention for the Warwick Thumb. He's the sole reason I play Warwick now.
Obviously Mr. Fender knew how to put a proper bass together. The man just dominates.
Rick W and like a shark he never stopped swimming. From P to J to Stingray to G&L each form was a major evolution.
Terrible business man but he truly got the need to keep evolving the bass, refining necks, redesigning bridges, and over and over and over he kept pursuing the best possible electronics and how to use them.
Pretty impressive for an old TV repairman!
I think Leo would put the entire G&L catalog ahead of this list. I do.
@@jamesbranum1062 TV electronics are actually more complicated.
@TheYummyBurrito so the fender company kept things the same way...why mess with perfection?
The Steinberger XL2 was a milestone like the Alembic. Something new and unique.
It was iconic but it didn't have a huge wide influence and also kind of faded away. I did really like it but it's, oh yeah, whatever happened to them? thing.
Have a Steinberger and a Hohner wood copy, love them both. Double ball is the way to go
I love so many different basses, but the Jazz bass always makes me so happy. G&L L-2000 is pretty sick, too.
Found the L2000 be have very weak presence on the G & D strings, would never cut through the mix unless all guitars cut all their top end. No adjustment ever fixed that. Neck was always unstable too. My go to now is the insanely versatile and adjustable Lakland 55-02 (or for more money the 55-14), and for a super low cost Fender Jazz Deluxe knock off the Sire Marcus Miller V7 5ST in Ash (quite heavy though).
@@bobohara3974 Interesting. I find the L-2000 to be the most powerful bass I've ever played, across all strings and range. These days I'm into customizing Squier Jazz basses to my liking. Sires seem cool, but I hate the headstock. I still have never tried a Lakland.
@@SteveBlancoMusicianWarrior Yea I was very disappointed in the G&L. Agree with the Headstock on the Sire but the sound is all Jazz Deluxe and then some. For someone on a budget that want's that Jazz sound, this is a dead ringer.
I love the Lakland though after 13 basses or so this is the first that I can say can sound pretty much like any bass you choose, takes a while to get used to all the adjust-ability. Stingray 5 sound no problem, P Bass no problem, etc. Heck it even has mid-freq dip switches inside on the pre-amp board that you can play with. It's a 35" scale and it has a super sounding B string as a result. I love the 22 frets and the intonation on the upper frets is excellent to the ear and on a scope. You can also run in passive mode in case the battery goes on vacation mid song. Love the cut of the neck as well. Just a winner for me.
I am with @Musicians Warrior, L2000s are the most powerful bass I have played!
@@dexterc8235 Not me. I had a Ray35 that had more punch and both the Sire and definitely the Lakland have more punch than that L2000. The L2000 was honestly the worst bass I ever had. G&L replaced the neck twice, and they never could get the presence the G & D strings to come up to the level of the E & A strings. Yours may be fine but mine wasn't. I really didn't know any better until I sat in on a friend's band and he let me play his Lakland. That was a 55-14 (US version), I was in awe! Game, set, match. Sold the G & L within weeks thereafter and bought a 55-02 (Overseas version). Was looking to switch to 5 string anyway so the choice was easy.
favourite rickenbacker 4001 player: Scott Pilgrim.
A_man_of_culture_as_well.jpg
@@mescalormavideos7767 you didn't get the joke, bro
@@mescalormavideos7767 Scott Pilgrim is an acquired taste, so I suggest you acquire some taste.
i think he used a 4003
Same, but my favorite is Haruko Haruhara
I own a 5 string Yamaha BB, and couldn't be happier. Worth every penny.
My top 5:
1. Jazz Bass
2. Stingray
3. Presicion bass
4. Hofner
5. Rickerbacker
J a z z
Wal.
I really think that Ibanez basses are super underrated. Like roadstar and soundgear sound amazing.
I'm with you. Show me a better bass for the money than an SR300e and i'll buy it but I aint seen it yet.
Show me a better shortscale than the gsrm20.
I just bought an SR405 in quilted maple dragonburst for $499.99 brand new. Of about 5 basses I have owned over the years .....this is the most gorgeous and incredible playing and sounding bass I have ever owned.
Milo Fraser the Ibanez Talman is a great sounding bass also
Yea😁👍
I've always been a Spector guy, none of the other basses I've tried felt as comfortable and sounded as great.
I have almost every bass on this list. And no matter how nice 10-2 are, nothing sounds better and feels as great as the American made Fender P-bass. I knew Scott’s list would be on point. Thanks for the vid!
The Fender "P" bass is the single most recorded instrument of ALL instruments. Something about the tone it puts out hits the ear with a perfect wave.
Incorrect, i’d bet that the most recorded would be a Korg Triton or smth like that. As for the most recorded bass - it’s Lee Sklar’s frankenbass with two P pickups and a Stingray control panel. Neither of the pickups is in the Fender P position. ruclips.net/video/clGclqQR7bw/видео.html
My top 4 (reverse order):
4.- Hofner 500/1 (a beautiful vintage and non sustained sound)
3.- Music Man Stingray (the best humbucking sound, at least the best I've played...)
2.- Fender Jazzbass (beautiful mid range articulated sound)
1.- Fender Precision (OF COURSE... but I love it more with the PJ configuration, so I can add to the mix a little extra mid-range jazzbass sounding).
As you can see, I love classic basses looking and sounding...
I'm interested in the StingRay. Is your #3 the pre- Ernie Ball or any particular year that fits near the top of the list?
@@donh5794 I don't own a Stingray, I've played it in two different moments (two different basses, I mean). I'm pretty sure both were Ernie Ball.
@@lukasromerowenz9179 Ok, thanks.
I have a 1991 P-Bass and a Reintroduction Hofner 500/1. I got it because of McCartney, but it's lightweight and has a short neck, so it's great for playing some pretty fast runs. Added to the 4001 bassist list is Randy Meisner from the Eagles.
1) P-Bass
2) J-Bass
3) Stingray
4)Rickenbacker
5) Tele Bass
I bought an Aria P in 1983 at Silver Horland in NYC so my buddy, a new sales associate, could make his first sale. I'm really just playing now in my old age and LOVING it. Thanks for all the encouraging videos and your bright and cheery Brit demeanor.
1. Jazz
2. P
3. Stingray
4. Rick
All wrong
P
J
Rick
Stingray
We have a winner !!
Stingray's are shit
P bass over jazz bass anyday
@@PillsBuryDoughBoy_ No ef u j bass over p anyday
I have the 72 Rickenbacker 4001 that I bought in 1978 and still love it to this day. The sound is like none other and it is soooo easy to play. And yeah, Chris Squire and Geddy Lee are still my favorite bass players. I also have a Jazz Bass and love it too but you just can't beat the punch and snarl of a Rick.
Yeah. Never had one. Always wanted one.
@@thomasskeren4425 I sign that...!!!!
I absolutely love the Stingray, and it’s probably my favorite bass (Though I don’t have a real one) but the P-bass definitely deserves number 1!
If you have got a sub we're on the same boat! 👌😁. Despite being cheap I find the sound exceptional
Over the years I've owned (or still do) Stanley Clarke Alembic, 4001CS, 68 Jazz, Spector Euro LX and a 77 Music Man. Fortunate to have played all and have a soft spot for each. Music Man and the Jazz were the two most versatile however the MM was so fucking heavy. The Alembic may have been the oddest bass I owned. The weight distribution made it an abortion to play onstage for if you let go of the neck the head of the bass would literally fall to the floor it was so top heavy. You spent half your effort with the left hand fingering the fret board and holding the bass up. As I was in a Yes Tribute the CS is a no-brainer and while I don't play it as much it's worth a shit-ton now so I will never sell it.
Thanks for including the Höfner 500/1. I got hold of a 1965 original in great condition a long time ago. Its My all time favorite instrument & feels better than any other instrument I've held or played. Some call it nothing more than a toy canoe paddle. For me that warm, woody thump still echoes back with all the rich heritage of Rock history.
mines pot code sep63 ;-)
I prefer the Jazz to the Precision but taste is taste. I admit, provided you play with a pick, the Rickenbacker 4001 sounds amazing. I'm really not much of a Yes fan but man, Chris Squire's tone (and, yes, technique) is phenomenal.
Scott's list is a great "10 Iconic Basses" list. For what it's worth, I think a decent "10 Best Basses for Working Musicians" would be:
1. Precision Bass, split coil design (I would almost consider this 2 instruments: one with a mute and flats and the other with rounds)
2. Jazz Bass
3. MusicMan Stingray (this could also be your 5-string workhorse for gigs that require the ole brown note)
4. Rickenbacker 4003 (imho the 4003 is hands-down a better bass guitar than the 4001)
5. Precision, the OG single coil design
6. Guild Starfire (with flats and pretty much exclusively played with a pick... it's such a cool sound that sits perfectly in certain settings)
7. Jazz Bass, fretless (yes, this is somewhat of a repeat, but I think the fretless factor really makes this its own instrument)
8. Hofner H500/1
9. Fender Mustang
10. Something out of left field, like a Univox, Mosrite, or Hagstrom (because there's always that one song in a recording project that needs it)
Sorry, Gibson, but I have no love for your bass guitars. I appreciate that they're iconic, but I have a real hard time with them.
Id take a Fender jaguar over a mustang. I have played both. The mustang seems a little obnoxious or middy to me...a but too in your face, but I did only play it once.
I never bought a bass based on what my heroes played The 1st time I saw an ad in 1978 for a Stingray I knew that's what I wanted It just looked comfortable to play the 3 and 1 headstart made it look not neck heavy I spent 3 years looking for one I bought 1 in 1981 and It's the same one I still play today
The best basses are the ones that fit the player and their play style the best.
Word 😎👍
Played my Jazzbass for a long time, then stoped playing for almost 20 years, now picked up a used G&L L2000 and are wery impressed by the versitility and, well.. plain and simple, the sound.
Where’s the Ibanez at? Surely something so versatile and built with amazing craftsmanship deserves a spot on this list. Most Metals bands either prefer Ibanez over most things. Unless they play a Fender or Warwick.
Ibanez sucks ass it’s for ass music to that’s why it’s not on there.
@@josiahbraboy6863 Right? lmao Go play your overpriced Gibson or Shitty Fender. Can't play metal music with that garbage.
@@Roasty420 Ibanez is very eh. They sound good, but they never play all that great. Spector, Warwick, and Fender rule the metal tone area best imo.
@@a_yden16 The sound on a Fender is nice and All, but The neck is a pain on the hands and It's not comfortable to play on. Ibanez has a smoother neck and It feels amazing in the hands. I will say the Fender jazz bass is my fav of all the Fender basses though.
@@Roasty420 Fender necks are far smoother than Ibanez necks. Fender necks are very thick though (I personally prefer it). Ibanez necks are very slim but theyre very wide. I hate their necks. Precision bass is my favorite Fender bass, and one of my all time favorite bass. Spector NS-2 is my all time favorite bass though
Gibson EB-2 and EB-0. 2 of my favorites
I've been using my EB 0 going on four decades now. After two rebuilds it still rocks.
Wasn't the small EB-2 Jack's bass of choice during the his Cream years?
Martha Melloy It was an EB 3 and I believe that he would solo the bridge pickup most if not all of the time through two Marshall stacks to get that nasty mid-range tone.
3
@@marthamelloy8621
@@Cap683 I have a vintage EB3 ...... classic!
I am a proud owner of P-Bass that I took from my Dad when I was 10 years old. Still use it after all these years and love it! Rest is history.
P for a background guy, Rick for a rocker, J and Stingray for soloing..... ✌️🙂
Yes that's true
Nice to see Rickenbacker recognized, pretty good list, would have liked to see the Gibson EB-3 in there though.
I sold my EB-3 it just didn't do it for me. Just a basically flawed concept. Mahogany not a suitable choice. Thin sound.
@@richardlavallee9106 Jack Bruce and Andy Fraser made it sound pretty good.
Just started playing bass after 21 years on guitar. I got a 1961 Jazz reissue. I adore it. The versatility is stunning x
Steinberger is missing. Sure it's a relic of the 1980's, but it was so different from everything else and sounded amazing for the time. Honorable mention at least. It was way more than a novelty and spawned a lot of new and creative designs from other manufacturers.
Steimberger is missing, and Tobias, and Pedulla, and Ken Smith, and Spector, and Ibanez Sr, ad some others...
Hey I love your list here's why : I own 2 Fender Precisions, a Fender Jazz, a Rickenbacker 4003, and a Musicman Sterling Ray34 but my favourite is my Steve Harris Signature Fender Precision Bass
you’re such a genuinely funny guy, keep up the good work dude
The Stingray should be in the top 3. Personally I prefer it over my Jazz bass. I have 2 rays, one with the standard neck which
Is like the P bass and another with the thinner neck which is like the Jazz bass neck. But the stingray has more punch and cuts thru
Better than my Jazz.
I've had my sting ray for 19 years now. I've had USA and Mex J and P and the sting ray is by far the best playing AND sounding. I love it.
I wanted a Stingray for years....and then I tried a second hand Sterling (not Sterling by MM, a MM Sterling made in US). Never looked back!!
Everything is up to anyone's personal taste, so here's my top 5 ( not so popular choices, i know)
1) Wal
2) Spector
3) Warwick
4) G&L
5) Music Man
No quarrel with the P bass being top, though I prefer the J bass for the versatility. Very cool list🤘🏻 and thanks for giving some props to the Yamaha classic that tends to be forgotten many times. 👍🏻
Absolutely love this video, thanks Scott. I agree with all of your choices accept I would have put the Jazz bass second. Have a Merry Christmas, God Bless you and your Family!
Ken Smith should also be on this list, the Rickenbacker should not be on 2-nd place, not ahead of the Jazz Bass... 1 Precision, 2 Jazz Bass, 3 Stingray, ...
Totally agree on the Ken Smith, but for popularity, I can see why it didn't make the list. Ricky's are awesome but have so many issues from the pickups to the finishes, they should be lower on the list. This list should be split into two top-10's, one being "best bass" and another being "iconic basses." Ken Smith's would end up in the "best" category, where iconic would have Ricky, Hofner, Warwick, Steinberger, etc. Probably could split the lists again with price point differences, as has been discussed on other videos here. I would suggest an MSRP split at $1500US, as that seems to be the mid-cut between solid basses & the top of the line custom basses out there.
1 jazz bass and 2 p bass for me
Rumba up
I gig hard. I've laid a beating on my Rick. It's never let me down. Had a Jazz...hated it...just didn't work for me. And I gig pretty much all genres.
Ken Smith is a dick. He wanted to charge me $50 for a half dozen screws for my stupid expensive bass that I bought from him personally. I sold it instead.
Precision, Rickenbacker, MusicMan, and Thunderbird, my favorites
What about Aria SB? G&L L-2000? (Precision+Jazz+Stingray in one!)
+ Spector, of course!
I've got an 82 Aria it's a great instrument and my go to bass
My first bass was an Aria Pro II. Just shy of 3octave neck, Jazz bass neck, J bass pickup config. I loved that bass. Some one stole it at a gig.
Aria SB is flat out Amazing. Been trying to get my hands on one for years now.
Aria SB - yes! Where on earth was this?? - this is a personal list and no way definitive - so there are tonnes of missing classics because we all have been influenced by other makes...... me personally, would take the kinda knockoff Alembic, the Jaydee any day of the week - that is the definitive MK sound - which is waaaaay better than the shite he plays now - I think he has gone deaf or something because the status (and his weird set up) just doesnt kick ass......
See.... prattling on about my own faves ..... but to return - I have played Aria SB's for years and they are awesome!!!
I have had several Spectors, love them all! Still have 2.
Also sometimes hard to separate the bass from the player...if Victor didn't use a Fodera, how many fewer people would know about Fodera? Ditto McCartney with the Hofner. But the classics like the Jazz, the Precision, the Ric 4001, ….they transcend any of the players who use them. But lists like this are always fun because there will always be arguments about who makes the list and where.....thanks for the video, Scott!!
honestly surprised that no Wal basses made the cut. those have such an iconic sound.
Chris Squire once referred to the Fender Jazz Bass as his "favorite", although the Rickenbacker 4001S was his signature instrument. Michael Rutherford was not most folks' idea of a bass hero, but he played a Rick, in the earlier days. I find that many of Rutherford's runs, while not up front and pushy, are really original, challenging, satisfying, and organic with the rare, ingenious character of the rest of Genesis' music. It has a haunting quality that other basses simply don't have. If you don't want to sound run of the mill when it comes to bass, you really need to at least experiment with one. I came into being the same year, 1957, and I that alone makes me glad I watched this all the way through. It is such a classic, like a '57 Chevy. McCartney really explored the romantic, rare qualities the 4001 could produce, but Squire explored passages that, to me, were like an LSD trip without the hazards.
Good to see Mike Rutherford getting some love..
He managed to break the sunburst Rick he borrowed, several times, he said. But, I always loved the visual statement of that double neck, in performances. If being a bassist sometimes being the back end of a pantomime horse, he did his job with amazing originality and subtlety. Like Squire, he seems to have often tried to approach each new song in something of a novel way. It may not have made me think, oh, that is some fine bass playing, but in retrospect, it certainly did make me think, wow, that is an amazing song that I can listen to hundreds of times and always notice something I missed, before. In concert, I could see his fingers hitting ten times as many notes as had registered with me, consciously, but there was some kind of alchemy going on. He looks and sounds like Saruman, yet they nicknamed him Gandalf. It all makes sense, fifty years later.
More love for Rutherford in the PG era Genesis here, although you knew something really special was coming when he moved on to the bass pedals for those totally overwhelming passages (Cinema Show, Suppers Ready, Firth of Fifth etc)
I enjoyed my ric while i had it. i ran the bass pup thru a Sunn Coliseum with an 18 cab and the bridge pup thru an Acoustic guitar amp (dont remember the model) with a 6 x 10 cab. Lordy the earth did move. I'd accept one as gift these days...heh or snag one if the price was right. But I'd not pay what they're asking these now. Fender baby.
Lot of people hating on Rickenbacker for some reason...they're amazing! I would have been fine with it at #3 also, but it definitely deserves it's place near the top.
@TheYummyBurrito McCartney didn't mod his out and he got some pretty awesome tones from that badboy. He just painted it then sanded it.
I guess I can only speak the experience that I've had, and every one that I've played has played and sounded great. I will admit that I don't own one and I'm not sure that I ever will. I would still take a P bass over a Rick almost every time.
@@patrickschlies6542 Most of the studio stuff was recorded with a 72 J bass. Like moving pictures. I still like Ricks though. Just sucks you have to vice the neck to do an adjustment. Not very practical.
Daniel Smith what about a Farewell To Kings? Because that’s the tone I’m referring to
@@patrickschlies6542 he used jazz bass from permanent waves to current. So 1977 that would be the Rick. And farewell to kings is my favorite album BTW. Doesn't matter what album though his tone is always crushing.
I agree that the Fender Precision Bass deserves to be number 1. Another good bassist that uses the Rickenbacker 4001 user is Bruce Foxton from The Jam
He's one of the reason I wanted to play bass. First song I learned all the way through was David Watts
Despite the order, it's a good list. Personally, I'd put a Spector ahead of a Warwick, and if you got a Yamaha BB then why not Ibanez SR? Never cared for Hofners, and I can't stand a Gibson basses... But that's me.
However, there's not a bass listed doesn't have a valid argument for its place. And massive cajones points for putting a rick ahead of the Jazz (as much as I like a rick...not sure I could've pulled the trigger on that?)
Spector NS2 over Warwick , it was Ned Steinberger’s innovative design which influenced Warwick and numerous other manufacturers to adapt and recreate their own interpretations.
Bingo!!!
totally agree on the NS2
The P Bass is timeless. I have 2017 American Standard with SPB-3s installed and it rips. I play mostly aggressive styles of music and the P bass just sits so well in the mix and has a great growl with overdrive engaged.
Not bad a list overall, of course everyone will have their favourites depending on what they listen to! Personally, I would have put the Rick in 4th behind the P, J, and the Stingray. Also, I would have dropped the Warwick Thumb from this list and include the Wal Mk I - that's a pretty important one that was left out, in my opinion.
Killer video as usual, would be cool to see maybe a top 10-15 most innovative modern basses of the current music era
Dingwall
Hell yeah, got a purple swirled ng3 and its killer
@@seansouza6694 I've got a black ng2 that I'm thinking of upgrading but I think I'll go for a 3X switch instead of the dbird
Dingwall, Spector, more Warwick, Modulus, etc.
Yea, I mean if it were based on my tone pallet... I don’t think any fenders or ricks would make the list. In my opinion... it seems everyone that makes “fender” copies are better at it than Fender themselves. Dingwall supers, Laklands... iduno maybe the relics have some special qualities but I’ve played a 150$ squire jazz, 600$ mexi jazz and have owned a jazz deluxe V that was 1800... besides maybe a better setup, there wasn’t a significant difference to justify the price gap. I sold the fender for a Dingwall combustion and thought it was one of the better basses I’ve ever played... that’s until my Dingwall ABii 6 came in the mail. that list felt more like a popularity contest... but with that said, wouldn’t you think Lee Sklar’s bass might have Some importance/significance to a list like this?
My top 10 (no particular order): Fender Jazz Bass, Fender Precision Bass, Warwick Corvette, Warwick Thumb, Music Man Stingray Bass, Fodera Monarch, Gibson Thunderbird, Wal Mark Two, Rickenbacker 4001
Yes ! Yamaha BB ! That's a great bass.
If I ever purchase another bass, it'll likely be a BB. So cool....
Which model?
Interesting fact : Lemmys Rick actually had Thunderbird pickups.
And Cliffs Rick had neck pickup from Gibson SG bass aka mudbucker :D
@@elcomberro123 yeah, he also had a single coil in the bridge.
@@jery3385 and a guitar pickup where the mute in the bride is
@@feverlma that's what je ry means
I recently inherited a natural finish 1978 Music Man Stingray from my grandma that passed a few years back. I've been doing some research into playing bass and I am SO stoked to start playing it.
The Rick ahead of the Jazz is a bold choice, but I see where you're coming from. Totally agree with the PB in first place
Like you said everyone will have an opinion. HOW COULD YOU FORGET SPECTOR!!!!? I have a 1993 NS-2 hand made by Stewart Spector. My God! Man! Changed the sound of active basses for all time. Anyway, love you man LOL
My Favorite basses
1. Hofner 61 Cavern bass
2. Rickenbacker 4001
3. Fender 50s Precision bass
Yep think i generally agree Scott, emerging classic maybe the Sire Marcus Miller V7 just for value for money perhaps
Personal list:
1. P bass
2. Jazz Bass
3. Sting Ray
4. BB2024x
5. Rick 4001
And I have them all right here :)
FENDER PRECISION BASS #1, HOFNER #2,Rickenbacker #3, Gibson SG EB III #4, The Grappler #5,G&L#6, Warwick #7,Yamaha #8, Carvin#9, Squier#10.
Leon Sylvers (of The Sylvers) mastered that Richenbacher bass with some sweet melodic lines & funky grooves! Loved that bass sound!
Correction - the more common "reverse T-bird" design 4:37 came 1st ('63-'65) - "reverse" because it looked like a standard design reversed (bigger horn on bottom) and the "non-reverse" (later
'60s) pic that Scott showed at 4:24 came after Fender forced them to stop making the first design. That one ironically looked more like a Fender (Jaguar/Jazzmaster).
in my 41 years of playing i have had LOADS of basses. guild b103, shergold marathon, ric 4003, many a jazz, washburn, the list goes on..at any one time i usually have 2 or 3 basses in the house. at the moment, a schecter diamond series jazz and....i ALWAYS HAVE A GO TO BASS. A FENDER P. currently a roger waters signature.
My guess on top 5, best to not best:
1. Jazz Bass
2. Precision Bass
3. Stingray
4. Hofner
5. Warwick Thumb
SUPER happy the thumb made it in the top 10 (for a mad demo of Ryan Martinie I would recommend March of the Cephalopods - Soften the glare ((also he's using his signature fretless thumb)), I reckon this song shows much more of Ryan's musicianship and more of the Thumb's tone).
Also gotta say, that was a pretty big call putting the Rickenbaker in front of the Jazz Bass hoo boy..
Great video cheers
What about Stingray? FNA?
i haven't owned ten basses in my 30+ years of playing (i think the number is around 8)
but here's my list of basses that caught my eye and ear over the years.
1. Fender P-bass
2. Fender J-bass
3. Rickenbacker 4001 series
4. Music Man Sting ray (Og not ernie ball ones)
5. First model G&L bass (can't remember it's number)
6. Rickenbacker 4003 series
7. yamaha any (mid to top tier model just pick one they all sound good)
8. violin bass
9. jackson Concert XL bass
10. any Warwick bass.
EDIT ; Honorable mention to Tobias basses , what ever happened to them i rarely see them any more ??? loved their tones and feel.
now for insruments i have owned (that i can remember)
* < indicates bass i still (currently) own. all otehrs were sold , gifted , and or traded away at some point for various reasons.
1. US fender P-bass (1995) *
2. Fender MiM Steve Harris Sig P-Bass (2015)*
3. TA-500 Tom Araya sig ESP-LTD bass (2004)*
4. Rickenbacker 4001 (1976)
5. B.C. Rich Warlock Platinum (2001)
6. Peavy T-40 (late 70's early 80's don't know exact year , what can i say it was my first bass)
7. Beat up 1991 Yamaha (unknown model) that i'm working on repairing (which is why it's on bottom of the list) neck is great, body is dinged to hell and the electronics are screwed but im gonna get this thing playing again , not sure who owned it , a freind of mine got it from some one and then gave it to me.
8. some cheap peice of crap generic brand i can't even remember , a friend sold it to me for 50 bucks i turned around and sold it for 25 bucks after a year.
what many people overlook about the fender P is the fact it was basically teh birth of a compeltely enw instrument. prior to it's invention most bands used a stand up bass which tuned and played more like a violin in the cleff range it sat at. I read a biography on leo fender taht said he didn't base teh bass guitar off a stand up bass because he didn't liek how it's low's were buried by a kick drum in jazz music when recording it. so he designed it off the mid range Cello , and had it use guitar tunings (EADG). in alltechnicality ti was a compeltely new isntrument. a few electric bass attemps prior done by others were mostly variations on stand ups. that used upright bass tunings, and they never caught on.
I love basses with strings 😂😂
very big ukuleles lol
I love strings with basses
Ibanez are to be considered; thin fast neck, fat bridge or independant bridge for each string , Bartolini and Nordstrand pickups, strong woods, excellent playability, comes stock with low action... Let's not only consider history and popularity.
I love my Ibanez
The only ibanez basses I've liked were the fender copies, atks and the composite 5 string ergodynes from the 90s
Everything about the Sr series feels wrong to me, skinny cramp inducing necks, horrible body shape and to me anemic tone.
I really wanted to like that hybrid fretted/fretless they did too 😥
But hey, to each their own.
@@NiskRanThawll I agree. The Atk series is a sleeper within the bass world. Tons of tone, play ability, and massive value over Music Man's.
@@NiskRanThawll I dislike that you put this "cramp inducing neck" and "horrible body shape"as a fact, i never had cramps on the sr neck. I absolutely live for that skinny smooth neck, nothing beats it for me and many other players. Also horrible body shape, cmon man are you mad? Don't bring your opinion as a fact
@@Mr_Foeko which part of "feels wrong to me" is stating my opinion as fact?
I also ended with to each their own.
I prefer a real chunky neck and a solid full body like my P basses and status offer me.
I find no benefit to the cramped nut width and skinny necks of ibanez Sr series.
I actually find the aesthetics of Sr series basses to be disgusting also 😂
But again to each their own.
If you find SR to be your go to, good for you.
But for me, nope I never wanna touch one again.
My first bass (bought it in October 2021) was a Daisy Rock Stardust Elite Bass in red. From what I’ve heard they don’t make basses anymore since they never became successful enough to stay in business so I don’t know much about it but it’s pretty cool. I’ve tried to do some research and it seems to be a bass with a perloid-topped mahogany body with a rosewood fingerboard. It’s an active bass with 2 active humbuckers and it has a master volume, 12 DB bass cut/boost, 12 DB treble cut/boost and pickup pan pot. I think it’s made 2006 (which also happens to be the year I was born in). I’ve been totally obsessed with bass ever since I got that one so I actually bought a Fender P-bass in august 2022, I play on that one all the time cause it’s just so clean and nice. That one is white with a maple neck and it’s made in Mexico. Love it! Totally worth 1st place in my opinion, although I think the music man stingray bass should be higher up
I think you nailed it with this list! I've been pouring over basses lately trying to decide what to add to my small collection, still toiling. Real close to pulling the trigger on the Fender J bass. I love playing different basses in the store!
I've always preferred the look of the Jazz to the P.
The one bass I find incredibly underrated I (and is my favorite) is the Music man Bongo. Weird design but powerful sound. Most notable player is John Myung of Dream Theater.
If I were ever to be in the market for a 5-string, I'm open to checking one out if they're still being made.
I mostly agree, but in all honesty, I wouldve put the Jazz Bass #1 over the P bass. But Scott you know your basses man, I love all your videos. I've learned so much from your videos, and I value your knowledge. Thanks for being such a gent, I'll always love your videos, keep it up 🤘
I think the G&l L2000 and 2500 should have been there
G&L basses are oddly hard to get hold of over here in the UK. I'm not sure if it's the same in other countries but if it is, it might explain why it didn't make the list? I'd love to try one out.
@@GarethFlatlands Of course not via a physical music shop, but Thomann has quite a collection online for us Europeans.
My favorite bass to play ever. You can get almost any tone out of them and as a gig bass nothing else matches it.
Just curious, in your opinion, why don’t people talk much about the G&L basses, overall ? I’ve been playing the L2000 and L2500 for over 20 years now. Have I fallen into a niche or do you think the G&L basses fall under another umbrella, generally speaking?
Jonathan Batchelder my personal feeling about G&L is that they don't look as "classic" as the Precision, JB and Stingray does, They look more like the Musicman Sabre, which is also not a "classic" or popular bass too.
09:57 Holy high action Batman!
It might really be a "Squire"!
I love Ibanez and some of the higher end BC Rich basses. But having to choose between the Rickenbacker 4001or 4003 and the Fender Jazz Bass it's like having to choose a favorite child.
Just mention : Philip Kubicki Ex Factor Bass & Steinberg - 80’s and earlie 90’s Classics !
Mário Fernando I’m surprised no one has mentioned Kubicki ex factor basses, they’re honestly a one of a kind
I have a Warwick Corvette Std Fretless, Rickenbacker 4003, Fender P-Bass, and this year I will be adding a custom Veritas TM-Bass! That was my purchase order too.
I totally agree with the list. But I miss the Gibson EB Bass guitar on that. Maybe the eleventh on the list? Cheers, low end master! ✌️🎸☮️
I would remove the Thunderbird and put in the Ibenez SR line of basses! I don't think that many bass players chose a thunderbird for anything other than to look cool. (to be fair it does not REALLY cool)
Comparing ibanez with gibson is like comparing mosquito's with elephants.
BassRacerx I finally convinced myself to fork over the money for a Gibson Thunderbird. Not once did I find myself choosing it over any of my fenders. But yeah it looked awesome in my living room decor.
I don't know know about the rest or your list, Scott, but you absolutely nailed number one. As far as I'm concerned, the Fender P bass is perfection and that's why it has endured through the ages, and will continue to far into the future. Great job.
As has the Telecaster. Because Leo Fender could do things right the first time apparently.
I have an American elite fender jazz bass deluxe It's a 2019 black and active and passive switch and pot tuners
Ok
I'm not going to quibble... I got a used P-Bass in 1973, last bass I ever bought.
I'm no bass master but I've owned a few. I made a hot rod squier p and almost never touch my schecter now.
Joejobass where is that bass today? Is it possible to see a photo?
I have a 73 P Bass as well, I completely understand your point of view! I also play a Ric 4003 and an NS Design Radius CR5, which is just about the craziest sounding bass I've ever been around.
I’ve gone through many basses since starting in the early 70’s but the one that I have kept is a gift from my parents. A 1973 Fender Precision!!!
Always wanted A P-Bass, I inherited a 73 EB-0 back in 83 and bought my first bass (SG) in 87. Still play them both today. I've considered getting a P-Bass and a Ric 4003 is my holy grail, I just can't spend that kinda bread on a bass these days =/
The Yamaha BB Series, especially the PJ ones, continue to be my favorite line of instruments out of every brand and model.
Peter Hook would agree with you!!
WAL Mk1 for me, and because of Mick Karn :)
Totally agree, I don't know how it was left out!
True That...
Mike Karn on the Fretless Wal was on a different level because of the way he played it...
Whether it was with Japan/JBK or playing with other all artists Micks unique sound & technique made him stand out from all other's...
His double tracking of his bass line on the instrumental track
" Waves " is one of my all time favourites from Mick Karn...
Hell yeah, Emma! My thoughts exactly not only due to the bass being a phenomenal instrument but also due to Mick Karn (though he used a Travis Bean on many of my favorite tracks). Listening to music I always think songs would be enhanced if the bass track was recorded by Mick instead of the bassist in the band.
Agree, underrated bass. Even Geddy Lee played one in the mid 80’s to the early 90’s
Mick Karn was the greatest bass player to ever live. Unmatched to this date.
The best bass is the one you have - Desmond moonbear
love the one your with
...nailed it!
Well I am glad that I have what I have.
I beg to differ atm
I'm a bass slut ....I have four and they are all my favorite
This is list is pretty solid. I have had the luck to play the Jazz Bass, P Bass, Stingray and recently got a BBP35. All basses are amazing; however, I am surprised with the BB, have been playing it for a while now and it has become my go to bass. If I have to pick one of the basses (for me) I would go with the BB.
I would’ve had the Ibanez Musician in there somewhere. It can also double as a boat anchor.
Got to be Fender Jazz 1. and Precision 2. Leo Fender got it spot on. Stingray 3.
I've just bought a Hoff 500/1 for £350. I'll take 6th place (of all time) for that price. I bought it for its looks mainly, it's a beautiful and interesting display piece even for visitors who aren't musicians. But those who are, know what it is and why it is such a significant Bass. It's also really light, being hollow, and it sounds and plays pretty good, too.
Okay, you listed the Precision, the Jazz (should have been #2) and the Stingray, so where is Leo's Last Love, the G&L L-2000? if the Stingray was the ultimate update to the Precision, then the L-2000 was the ultimate update to the Jazz. With those two honking MFD humbuckers and nearly infinite number of tonal possibilities, it is by far the most underrated bass guitar on the planet.
No, the final evolution of the P bass is the G&L L-1000 ... KA-BOOOMM!!
honorable mention the Musicman Sabre and G&L L1000
Gotta go with the SR by Ibanez. The neck is a little thin on modern ones but they have versatility for days.