The SBL Podcast

Latest Episodes:

91 - Traveling with a bass is a Nightmare! Jun 15, 2023

Show notes

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

What’s the best way to fly with your bass?
Pro tips for getting through TSA airport security.
What’s a pink tag? And why you should always ask for one.
Gig Bag vs. Hard Case?
And much, much more!

90 - Tube Amps - Heaven or Hell? Jun 08, 2023

Show notes

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

Why Scott’s a massive fan of tube amps.
The key differences between tube amps and solid state amps.
Weight - why are tube amps heavier?
And does a heavier amp mean a bigger sound?
What makes Ampeg’s SVT so popular?
And much, much more!

89 - Quintuplet or just FEEL IT?! J Dilla Time on Bass | The Rob Mullarkey & Richard Spaven Interview Jun 01, 2023

Show notes

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

In this episode you're going to learn:

How Rob approaches odd time signatures and beat displacement.
What exactly is the ‘J Dilla Feel’?
The octave pedal Rob uses for his gig with Jacob Collier.
What Richard Spaven looks for in a bass player.
And much, much more!

88 - How to get people to give a sh!t about your music in 2023 May 25, 2023

Show notes

More music is being produced today than ever before. In 2022, 22 million new singles hit Spotify. That’s a new song every 1.4 seconds! In today’s episode, we dig into some tips and tricks to help you stand out from the crowd in 2023.

In this Episode you're going to learn:

How to reward people for listening to your music.
Do you need a pre-launch strategy?
Why some fans enjoy feeling like part of the process.
How Scott and Ian are preparing for their own album projects.
And much, much more!

87 - Budget versions of the greatest basses EVER! May 18, 2023

Show notes

Unsure about how much to spend on your next bass? In this episode, we dig into the reasons why some bass guitars are so expensive and other guitars are more affordable - and what this means for the modern bass player on the hunt for a new axe.

In this Episode you're going to learn:

Are expensive bass guitars really worth it?
How simple guitar mods can transform a budget-friendly bass.
Is there an affordable alternative to a Rickenbacker?
Can a Peavey Cirrus really compete with a Ken Smith?
And much, much more!

86 - The Henrik Linder Interview: The Secret of Dirty Loops May 11, 2023

Show notes

For today’s episode, we catch up with Henrik Linder to talk about his gear, his awesome band Dirty Loops, and how he developed his monstrous bass technique!

In this episode you’re going to learn:

Some of Henrik’s trickiest bass parts from Dirty Loops!
Including Just Dance, Baby and Circus.
How he learned to slap.
Why Hadrien Feraud loves his hair!
And much more.

85 - Neck through vs bolt on . . . which is SUPERIOR? May 04, 2023

Show notes

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

In this Episode you're going to learn:

Why do most people start out with a bolt-on bass?
Why neck-through basses are more expensive.
The neck join that was popularised by Leo Fender.
Where Fodera’s deluxe (dovetail) option came from.
How Billy Sheehan modded his bolt-on Yamaha.
And much, much more!

84 - Emergency NAMM debrief (it was a blood bath!) Apr 27, 2023

Show notes

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

In this Episode you're going to learn:

What made the pick of the crop from this year’s show.
The reason Ian couldn’t test a Rickenbacker 4001.
Which Italian builder is making the lightest bass cabs EVER!
Should a film be made about Olinto basses?
Why everyone should check out Philip Conrad.
And much, much more!

83 - How He Got the Weezer Gig: Scott Shriner Apr 20, 2023

Show notes

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

How Scott got the gig with Weezer.
What it’s like sharing a stage with frontman Rivers Cuomo.
Why Scott isn’t afraid to experiment with bass tone.
What he learned from studying with Gary Willis.
Why Kemper Amps make him sad.
And much more!

82 - How to choose the PERFECT BASS Apr 13, 2023

Show notes

When it comes to bass guitars, there’s a massive scope in style and sound for you to explore. It can be subjective, sure, but certain styles of music tend to work best with certain kinds of basses. In today’s episode we delve into what makes a bass guitar perfect for the gig.

In this episode you’re going to learn:

The backstory behind Scott’s new album.
Which star-studded musicians he has invited to take part.
Why he needs a new bass for the project.
Why it has to be a 5-string!
And much more!

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