This video is part of a 4 way collaboration between LowEnd Lobster, Bully Thakidd, AMPthebassplayer and I! 😍 We did a livestream reacting to eachothers best/worst basses which you can watch here: ruclips.net/video/QWiX7-z1xiY/видео.html
Very pleased to see a G&L snagged the top spot! I own 2 G&L L-2000 basses, and they're the best basses I've ever played. I'm glad you finally got the chance to see how great a G&L bass can be!
Solid list! HB usually knocks it out of the park but instead of giving us a cool Gibson or Dingwall clone they gave us the Marquess. Hope your Sire isn't delayed again!
I just ordered a G&L SB2 before I saw your review. I am so excited expecting it to arrive soon now!! I got a good deal on a demo from Sweetwater. I wasn't sure about it not having a tone control, but I usually prefer the tone up high anyway so I don't think that will matter.
I bought a G&L L1000 after watching Lobster’s review and just can’t put it down. I can see why the SB-2 must be great. Great video and great best and worst.
I bought my first G&L recently, the Tribute SB-2, and man I wish I tried these basses years ago. I’m a Fender guy, and now converted to a G & L guy. 2 weeks later I bought the Kiloton. Now I’m stocked up on G&L’s (for now😃)
Found this channel through your Squier Affinity Jaguar H Bass, picked one up and am modding it now with gold Hipshots and a Seymour Duncan🙌 love this channel. Keep up the great content!
I bought one bass in 2021. Being left handed we don’t get the range, but it was a Fender USA pro Jazz Bass in sonic grey for £999. I mulled over the not so traditional colour for about 2seconds then ‘grabbed it’. I, like you JD, like the passive and less control, aspects and the Jazz bass is as far as I’d like to go. My next bass will be a 5 string MusicMan, I think. It’s about 2 years away and it will be 2nd hand. That Gretch looked so good.
Cool list, Johnny. I can understand that the design of the Harley Benton bass wasn’t your cup of tea. I don’t think it’s that bad looking, but certainly not my kind of bass. I would say it looks better than the Parker fly bass(which is one of the ugliest basses I’ve ever seen). The best bass I’ve seen 2021 is the jackson spectra. I’ve tried one a few years ago and I thought it sounded phenomenal. It’s got good playability, unique controls, and it’s quite versatile. I also like Yamaha basses. They’re underrated and they’re totally awesome.
Nice 2021 recap Jonny! That G&L headstock looks... interesting?? Also I have never been a fan of black on black basses but I have heard some good things about them. Looking forward to the live stream with you, Lobster and the boys tonight. I will nominate both of my SBMM Stingray HHs I bought this year. I bought both a 5 string and a 4 string that I put flats on. Awesome basses, especially for the money spent!
I grew to really dig it 😝 I want a new Stingray so badly! Congrats on the new basses this year 😁 Looking forward to seeing their videos tonight. Cheers!
Those Marques Harley Bentons seem nice for people like me who like to put the instrument between their legs and rest the bottom on the inner thigh; that scoop under the bridge is actually a really attractive feature that makes we want to give the instrument a look if only for that (because it's rare to find that sort of thing on a budget instrument)
I believe the Music Man is called a "slugger" because the minimally-finished ash body resembles a "Lousiville Slugger," a famous brand of American ash baseball bats.
I've only played one single bass, this year, that was new to me and that's my Human Base Jonas 6. Definitely became one of my absolute favourites in an instance.
I only got 3 basses this year, a Jackson Spectra JS3QV, an LTD B15 and a squier P bass from the affinity series. By far, the worst one was the LTD, that thing has too many issues. And the best one was the Jackson.
Ah, really glad to hear the SB2 is your top bass if the year. I pulled the trigger on one earlier today and can't wait to get my mitts on it! I've already got a JB tribute and rate the range, so am expecting good things. Did you get around to doing the l2000 review, or have I missed it?? 🤔
I really love the JB neck and think the dimensions are the same as the SB2. However.............it does have a vintage tint gloss to it, which I love and don't think is sticky, but it might not float your boat seeing as you're not a gloss fan. Hopefully the L2k vid comes along before the P5 😜
Best: My G&L L-1000. It has all but replaced my ride or die Ibanez bass as my favorite to play and is my go to gigging bass at this point. Worst: Squier Jaguar Bass H. The neck dive on this bass, for something that shouldn't neck dive (IMO), was horrible. I didn't like playing it and I actually returned it.
Fender P bass - I just got it so it counts as for 2021 :) Wonderful sound, handling and look. I'm not even looking at any other brands since only Fenders look business :) (IMHO :) )
Jonny, have you played the Sire U5? It's basically a SS P7...obviously targeting the Mustang. It's passive, and priced between a Sq and Fener Player Mustang (and probably better than either based on reviews. Low End Lobster called it "King of the mid priced SS basses". I know you like the Gretsch, which I haven't played either.
@@JonnyDibble Yeah, they kinda look like a SS Aerodyne bass. The same pup config and also like the 1st gen P& (which are awesome!) But demos of the U5 sound thinner than the 34" P7.
Was sooooo tempted to get the Gretsch.. but opted for the G5222 Double Jet 6 string in Jade Grey. Will still probably end up getting one - Royal Blood all the way.
@@JonnyDibble bloody sublime. My friend has a 2622 Stramilner and I REALLY wanted a Gretsch. Resonant, well built, sounds great (sort of halfway house between P90's and a PAF - fat but with a clarity). Can only manage cowboy chords and a few Powerchords but it fills my Malcolm Young itchy spot - didn't go for the natural finish as it would be too obvious
@@JonnyDibble you are welcome.. it is because of your talent, you are very capable of entertaining through your videos, and keep in mind that I do not have a very high knowledge of the English language, the passion you put into it inspires me when I have to pick up an instrument (I also play the guitar, I'm much better at it) ... so, keep it up...yeah..
My fave bass would be a HH setup. Also, a PH would also do. IOW pure power. I haven't played all the diff models out there but sound wise that's where it's at. If you or anyone has any suggestions, then feel free to chime in.
P and H (bridge position) pickups are my favourite 😊 Depends on your budget I suppose! For HH I would go Sterling/Musicman, PH is more Sandbergs territory and Harley Benton
@@JonnyDibble Yeah, HB are supposed to be very good for the price. Schecter made a Diamond P w PH, but it also had a monster deck. They also had the Stage which had active HH and was NT.
@@JonnyDibble I've had 3 of them. Reg Diamond Series, Elite 4 and 5. Action can be set as low as any other brand. I mean, talk about a great mic-priced bass. But the 35 HZ pups for me don't shake the floor, LOL.
The Sire P5 has not received a bad review yet, maybe you should play it first Jonny , i understand your upset as i waited 18 month for my ebony fretboarded Jaguar PJ from Fender, beutiful built but badly wired and screened so had to re-do all the wiring, pots, sheilding etc but now worth it, Covid slowed down distribution of Sire P5's, for the price i doubt you will get a better P bass... i thought Low End Lobsters P5 sounded fantastic but it would be boring if we all liked the same bass's... depends what your lookin for from a bass i guess , i like the Charvel San Dimas PJ with D'Marzios but some/most have bad wiring and sheilding, nothing $50 and a soldering iron would not sort out... an amazing sounding bass if the wiring & screening is fixed, I'm gonna buy one and rewire & sheid it.....nice Music Man i agree... 👍
Yeah I'm just joking around with the P5, I can't wait to have it! 😄 It's a shame they aren't great out the box. I wonder how many basses are hidden gems with some simple tweaks. Thanks for tuning in! 😁
@@JonnyDibble harsh but fair…..fwiw, Gear4Music’s Oregon range of basses were really, really awful too. I’ve got one in the attic that I’ve been meaning to convert to an 8 string (thought I’d make my mistakes on a POS than a decent bass first)
In American Baseball a Slugger is a player who has the ability to hit a pitched baseball hard and for great distance on a fairly consistent basis and in critical game situations as well as the name of the most famous bat manufacturer in the Sport
The term also applies to boxing as someone who hits hard and often so I'd think they came up with the name because supposedly the bass sound hits hard just my guess
If HB isn’t gonna do the cool thing and make a Grabber/Ripper copy, then Epiphone should at least take another shot at making one but with accurate electronics and replicas of Bill Lawrence pickups.
I've been getting some serious GAS for that g&l ever since I watching your previous videos with it in! Trouble is I think my mrs would divorce me if I get it 😣
You gotta be kidding me. Rating bass guitars without even playing them? Not 1, not 2, but 3 out of 6 basses that were not played? Admittedly the "look" is important but should not be the #1 criteria. That Harley Benton might sound great - and most likely does - which might make the looks more appealing. If you haven't played an instrument it should not even ne considered unless these were the only 6 new basses of 2021? What a complete waste of time. I rate this video the worst Bass Guitar review video of 2021. At lease I've seen it. Un-freakin'-believable
@@JonnyDibble Yeah, surely didn't take the time to actually read the comment. So, I replied to a comment, now let me be clear I didn't actually read the comment!!!! What a hoot!!!
This video is part of a 4 way collaboration between LowEnd Lobster, Bully Thakidd, AMPthebassplayer and I! 😍 We did a livestream reacting to eachothers best/worst basses which you can watch here: ruclips.net/video/QWiX7-z1xiY/видео.html
Very pleased to see a G&L snagged the top spot! I own 2 G&L L-2000 basses, and they're the best basses I've ever played. I'm glad you finally got the chance to see how great a G&L bass can be!
Ah that's great! I'm looking forward to reviewing my L2000 😊 is yours American or Indonesian?
Solid list! HB usually knocks it out of the park but instead of giving us a cool Gibson or Dingwall clone they gave us the Marquess. Hope your Sire isn't delayed again!
Thabks very much! A Dingwall clone would sell SO well. Even RedSub have one 🤔
that Music Man is likely named after the Louisville Slugger, a classic wooden baseball bat that has a similar finish
Aha! That's cool! Totally missed that reference as a plucky brit 😝
The best baseball bats are made of Ash so I’m guessing that’s why it’s called the slugger
I just ordered a G&L SB2 before I saw your review. I am so excited expecting it to arrive soon now!! I got a good deal on a demo from Sweetwater. I wasn't sure about it not having a tone control, but I usually prefer the tone up high anyway so I don't think that will matter.
Ah that's awesome! Ots a great bass, for me that lack if tone knob isnt a deal breaker either!
I just found this channel. Excited to watch the videos!
I bought a G&L L1000 after watching Lobster’s review and just can’t put it down. I can see why the SB-2 must be great. Great video and great best and worst.
Amazing! I have an L2000 and I'm loving it hehe. Thanks very much 😁
I bought my first G&L recently, the Tribute SB-2, and man I wish I tried these basses years ago. I’m a Fender guy, and now converted to a G & L guy. 2 weeks later I bought the Kiloton. Now I’m stocked up on G&L’s (for now😃)
Hardly ever hear anyone being disappointed in them! I really want to try me a Kiloton!
@@JonnyDibble It’s a tight punchy sound, a cross between a Stingray and a Jazz bridge pickup 👍🏻
I got that Gretsch junior jet model this year. Super great value imo! Good for helping out the shoulder pain
Found this channel through your Squier Affinity Jaguar H Bass, picked one up and am modding it now with gold Hipshots and a Seymour Duncan🙌 love this channel. Keep up the great content!
Oh awesome. What colour one did you get? 😊 Thanks so much!
@@JonnyDibble Charcoal Mist 🔥 the finish is sick
@@spauldingcinema9607 that's my favourite one on reflection 🔥
I'm still getting over my Yamaha BB bass . . . It's smashing lol Great gear as always. Happy New Year to you Sir 👍
They are amazing. Thank-you! Happy New year to you too ☺
I bought one bass in 2021. Being left handed we don’t get the range, but it was a Fender USA pro Jazz Bass in sonic grey for £999. I mulled over the not so traditional colour for about 2seconds then ‘grabbed it’. I, like you JD, like the passive and less control, aspects and the Jazz bass is as far as I’d like to go. My next bass will be a 5 string MusicMan, I think. It’s about 2 years away and it will be 2nd hand. That Gretch looked so good.
Sucks that lefties have such limited choice, but amazing that you found the one 😁 Love that colour!
Cool list, Johnny. I can understand that the design of the Harley Benton bass wasn’t your cup of tea. I don’t think it’s that bad looking, but certainly not my kind of bass. I would say it looks better than the Parker fly bass(which is one of the ugliest basses I’ve ever seen).
The best bass I’ve seen 2021 is the jackson spectra. I’ve tried one a few years ago and I thought it sounded phenomenal. It’s got good playability, unique controls, and it’s quite versatile. I also like Yamaha basses. They’re underrated and they’re totally awesome.
Nice 2021 recap Jonny! That G&L headstock looks... interesting?? Also I have never been a fan of black on black basses but I have heard some good things about them. Looking forward to the live stream with you, Lobster and the boys tonight. I will nominate both of my SBMM Stingray HHs I bought this year. I bought both a 5 string and a 4 string that I put flats on. Awesome basses, especially for the money spent!
I grew to really dig it 😝 I want a new Stingray so badly! Congrats on the new basses this year 😁 Looking forward to seeing their videos tonight. Cheers!
Those Marques Harley Bentons seem nice for people like me who like to put the instrument between their legs and rest the bottom on the inner thigh; that scoop under the bridge is actually a really attractive feature that makes we want to give the instrument a look if only for that (because it's rare to find that sort of thing on a budget instrument)
Yeah thats fair enough! Just not attractive to me
Great videos man!!
Thanks very much! ☺
Nice roundup Jonny. Some really nice stuff in there. Great as always. 👍🏻
Thanks very much mate, for all the support this year!
@@JonnyDibble they only made 50 of the Slugger. Might be a little bit expensive. 💵💵💵💵💵
I believe the Music Man is called a "slugger" because the minimally-finished ash body resembles a "Lousiville Slugger," a famous brand of American ash baseball bats.
We don't really have baseball in the UK so that's really interesting! Thanks
Picked up the Schecter GT5 this year. It's purple, and a beast. Won't ever leave me.
Awesome! You know I LOVE a Schecter 😍
@@JonnyDibble I agree Mr. Dibbley
I've only played one single bass, this year, that was new to me and that's my Human Base Jonas 6. Definitely became one of my absolute favourites in an instance.
I've not heard of that one! Glad you've found the one 😁😁
@@JonnyDibble It's a german builder. Not exactly cheap but such great quality.
I only got 3 basses this year, a Jackson Spectra JS3QV, an LTD B15 and a squier P bass from the affinity series. By far, the worst one was the LTD, that thing has too many issues. And the best one was the Jackson.
Shame about the LTD! I've never actually tried one. That Jackson is AMAZING!
like watching your videos, keep up the good work
Thanks so much!
Ah, really glad to hear the SB2 is your top bass if the year. I pulled the trigger on one earlier today and can't wait to get my mitts on it! I've already got a JB tribute and rate the range, so am expecting good things. Did you get around to doing the l2000 review, or have I missed it?? 🤔
Awesome! I would love to try the JB too. Got another jazz bass on the way though 😝 I havent got to it yet, it will be early in the new year 😁
I really love the JB neck and think the dimensions are the same as the SB2. However.............it does have a vintage tint gloss to it, which I love and don't think is sticky, but it might not float your boat seeing as you're not a gloss fan. Hopefully the L2k vid comes along before the P5 😜
@@coldasiceunity om not totally apposed to gloss, I will often sand them down though. Love that smooth feeling. HOPEFULLY 😅
I liked your comment on simplicity. I agree 100%.
Sometimes being more limited actually helps and inspires creativity 😁
Jonny, your vids are really great and I particularly like this one! Subscribed! Keep it up !
Ahh thankyou so much! 😄
I’d totally get an SB2 but no tone knob is a bit odd. Idk. How are the sound options?
Yeah that is a sticking point for many! Definitely more of a rock bass
Best: My G&L L-1000. It has all but replaced my ride or die Ibanez bass as my favorite to play and is my go to gigging bass at this point.
Worst: Squier Jaguar Bass H. The neck dive on this bass, for something that shouldn't neck dive (IMO), was horrible. I didn't like playing it and I actually returned it.
Awesome! They look so great 😄 Yeah I wasnt the biggest fan of the Jaguar either! Shame because its a cool idea for Squier
Fender P bass - I just got it so it counts as for 2021 :) Wonderful sound, handling and look. I'm not even looking at any other brands since only Fenders look business :) (IMHO :) )
Love me a Fender P! 😍
Jonny, have you played the Sire U5? It's basically a SS P7...obviously targeting the Mustang. It's passive, and priced between a Sq and Fener Player Mustang (and probably better than either based on reviews. Low End Lobster called it "King of the mid priced SS basses". I know you like the Gretsch, which I haven't played either.
I have not played the U5! I always the the bodies look a bit weird for some reason, but I do hear how awesome they are 😍 Cheers!
@@JonnyDibble Yeah, they kinda look like a SS Aerodyne bass. The same pup config and also like the 1st gen P& (which are awesome!) But demos of the U5 sound thinner than the 34" P7.
Yes Jonny mine is lovely, thanks very much. 😂👍🏻
😆😆😆
@@JonnyDibble my wife and son got a real kick out of the mention. 🙏😀
Great video Johnny!
Thanks pal! ☺
Was sooooo tempted to get the Gretsch.. but opted for the G5222 Double Jet 6 string in Jade Grey. Will still probably end up getting one - Royal Blood all the way.
Ah nice! How is that 6 stringer??
@@JonnyDibble bloody sublime. My friend has a 2622 Stramilner and I REALLY wanted a Gretsch. Resonant, well built, sounds great (sort of halfway house between P90's and a PAF - fat but with a clarity). Can only manage cowboy chords and a few Powerchords but it fills my Malcolm Young itchy spot - didn't go for the natural finish as it would be too obvious
Jonny your videos are always interesting and brilliants.....congrats...happy holidays ...cheers...bye🙂✌😉🙂👊
Gabriele, your comments and always lovely and make me smile. Thanks so much!
@@JonnyDibble you are welcome.. it is because of your talent, you are very capable of entertaining through your videos, and keep in mind that I do not have a very high knowledge of the English language, the passion you put into it inspires me when I have to pick up an instrument (I also play the guitar, I'm much better at it) ... so, keep it up...yeah..
My fave bass would be a HH setup. Also, a PH would also do. IOW pure power. I haven't played all the diff models out there but sound wise that's where it's at. If you or anyone has any suggestions, then feel free to chime in.
P and H (bridge position) pickups are my favourite 😊 Depends on your budget I suppose! For HH I would go Sterling/Musicman, PH is more Sandbergs territory and Harley Benton
@@JonnyDibble Yeah, HB are supposed to be very good for the price. Schecter made a Diamond P w PH, but it also had a monster deck. They also had the Stage which had active HH and was NT.
@@bflo1000 how could I forget Schecter, they're 9ne of my favourite brands!
@@JonnyDibble I've had 3 of them. Reg Diamond Series, Elite 4 and 5. Action can be set as low as any other brand. I mean, talk about a great mic-priced bass. But the 35 HZ pups for me don't shake the floor, LOL.
Do you think that Harley Benton one was meant to be a multiscale, trying to rip off the Dingwall look?
If it was, they're missing the mark on that one! I think they would sell like hotcakes if they made a proper one
The Sire P5 has not received a bad review yet, maybe you should play it first Jonny , i understand your upset as i waited 18 month for my ebony fretboarded Jaguar PJ from Fender, beutiful built but badly wired and screened so had to re-do all the wiring, pots, sheilding etc but now worth it, Covid slowed down distribution of Sire P5's, for the price i doubt you will get a better P bass... i thought Low End Lobsters P5 sounded fantastic but it would be boring if we all liked the same bass's... depends what your lookin for from a bass i guess , i like the Charvel San Dimas PJ with D'Marzios but some/most have bad wiring and sheilding, nothing $50 and a soldering iron would not sort out... an amazing sounding bass if the wiring & screening is fixed, I'm gonna buy one and rewire & sheid it.....nice Music Man i agree... 👍
Yeah I'm just joking around with the P5, I can't wait to have it! 😄 It's a shame they aren't great out the box. I wonder how many basses are hidden gems with some simple tweaks. Thanks for tuning in! 😁
I’d love to see an 8 string (double course) version of that Harley Benton
I'd like to see a 0 string version
@@JonnyDibble harsh but fair…..fwiw, Gear4Music’s Oregon range of basses were really, really awful too. I’ve got one in the attic that I’ve been meaning to convert to an 8 string (thought I’d make my mistakes on a POS than a decent bass first)
Careful Jonny... Those Gear4Music knobs really know how to hold a grumpy grudge.
They'll be back for revenge
I felt like you were talking to me when you said dave haha
I was Dave, I'm sure your stingray is lovely.
In American Baseball a Slugger is a player who has the ability to hit a pitched baseball hard and for great distance on a fairly consistent basis and in critical game situations as well as the name of the most famous bat manufacturer in the Sport
You learn something new everyday! Shows what O know about across the pond! 😝 Thanks
The term also applies to boxing as someone who hits hard and often so I'd think they came up with the name because supposedly the bass sound hits hard just my guess
Murphy Chrysler, harpy hollumdaze, my good man! Love your work
Thank-you good sir! Much love 😍
Wait... bottle opener? Attached to the headstock?
Hahaha. Just saw it.
@@wharfrat8637 😜😜😜
Hearing you trying to combine the words: ball and family was difficult. :)
Talking is a daily challenge
@@JonnyDibble I know how a camera disables certain parts of your brain.
The only real put off for me (visually) of the Harley Benton is that upper horn being too short. It'll totally neck dive.
Wouldn't neck dive if it didn't have a headstock!
@@JonnyDibble Yep! I too thought it was headless, until you showed the headstock. That body seems to have been made for it.
If HB isn’t gonna do the cool thing and make a Grabber/Ripper copy, then Epiphone should at least take another shot at making one but with accurate electronics and replicas of Bill Lawrence pickups.
Epiphone NEED to bring them back!
@@JonnyDibble they’ve been crushing it with their guitars the last couple of years, so throwing bassists this bone would be a no-brainer.
The Marquess looks like a Dr. Who villain that no one cared about.
😂😂😂 This has made my day
why not cancel your P5 order and order one on Reverb?
None in the UK at the moment!
I've been getting some serious GAS for that g&l ever since I watching your previous videos with it in! Trouble is I think my mrs would divorce me if I get it 😣
Great basses! 😍 Might be worth it?
Johnny I just heard that Harley Benton you hate out of the box looks are subjective I hope you actually review one. Wear a blindfold
Looks are totally subjective, very important though in my opinion 😊 No doubt the build quality is fantastic
Jonny's English right...? He should know Marquess
mar·quess
/ˈmärkwəs/
noun
a British nobleman ranking above an earl and below a duke.
I am a British nobleman and I am ashamed I did not know such details
I want to like those Harley Bentons, just for being different. But I cannot.
I appreciate the effort for us bass players
@@JonnyDibble we do live in an age where no matter what it is, "if it's on sale, someone will buy it". So credit to them for filling up every niche
You gotta be kidding me. Rating bass guitars without even playing them? Not 1, not 2, but 3 out of 6 basses that were not played? Admittedly the "look" is important but should not be the #1 criteria. That Harley Benton might sound great - and most likely does - which might make the looks more appealing. If you haven't played an instrument it should not even ne considered unless these were the only 6 new basses of 2021? What a complete waste of time. I rate this video the worst Bass Guitar review video of 2021. At lease I've seen it. Un-freakin'-believable
Thanks for your time 😊
@@JonnyDibble Yeah, surely didn't take the time to actually read the comment. So, I replied to a comment, now let me be clear I didn't actually read the comment!!!! What a hoot!!!
Worst rating ever. How can you rate a bass by its look and without playing? It's an instrument, not furniture. Not professional.
As I explain, it's meant to be good! But it's not for me and I think looks are really important. All just my opinions and for me, that was a let down