The SBL Podcast

Latest Episodes:

141 - The ONE thing that TRANSFORMED my bass playing Feb 23, 2024

Show notes

There’s a reason more people listen to Guns N’ Roses than Victor Wooten, and it’s not because Duff McKagan is better at playing arpeggios! But still, good technique is something that every bassist should add to their skill set, and in this episode, I’m answering all of your questions surrounding our Technique Accelerator. I hope it gives you a little extra time to check out the course – and to find your next breakthrough on the bass!
Learn more about the Technique Accelerator here → https://sbl.link/42OvqhG
In this episode you're going to learn:

Why are we talking up our Technique Accelerator?
How I developed my own technique (with a little help from Gary Willis).
Why we’ve included a bunch of free bonuses with the course.
Why might it not be for you?
And much, much more!

140 - Bass ICON for a NEW Generation? The Charles Berthoud Interview Feb 20, 2024

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Charles Berthoud’s YouTube channel is loaded with clips of him absolutely ripping. His virtuosic bass chops, epic bass battles and his penchant for killer bass gear has earned him more than 1,750,000 subscribers, making him one of the most visible bass players to come from the social media generation.

In this week’s podcast episode, we sit down with Charles and dive deep into some of his favorite videos, his approach to Victor Wooten’s Classical Thump, and the hidden genius of Cliff Burton.

139 - The 5 Greatest Basses of the 1980s Feb 12, 2024

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Be afraid, be very afraid: the ‘80s are back. This was a time when synth keyboards ruled, when sequencers were rapidly making ground, and bass players feared for their jobs! Trends and innovations in bass design were not exactly scarce either, and to prove it, we’ve collared together five of the very best bass guitars from the 1980s.

In this episode

Why Scott bought a Yamaha BB.
What makes the Wal bass circuit so wacky?
Ken Smith and the first wide-necked 6-string bass.
Who’s taken Scott’s Kubicki X Factor?
Should Scott and Ian start an ‘80s bass duo?
And much, much more!

138 - Is this Mexico’s answer to Fodera? ($3K+) Feb 08, 2024

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In this episode, we delve into Sharon's latest acquisition: her brand-new fretless RKM bass from NAMM. We unpack the journey of acquiring the bass and delve into its standout features & discuss the highs and lows of NAMM 2024. Everything from Steel Caster guitars, the exquisite craftsmanship of L.E.H basses to navigating the NAMM labyrinth!

In this episode

Why Sharon LOVES her new RKM fretless bass
Why you should check out Steel Caster guitars.
How to navigate the NAMM numbers system.
Why the Neural booth was a disappointment.
The importance of recognising craftsmanship in musical instruments.
And much, much more!

137 - Doubling down on ROCK / Dealing with H8RS / Why Spector Basses RULE with Daisy Pepper Feb 05, 2024

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You might know Daisy Pepper from her SBL LiveClass workshops, or from her ascent to bass stardom via her Instagram channel (Daisy currently has more than 55,000 followers). In this episode, we sit down with Daisy to dive into all things rock, including how she got started, how she deals with haters online, and her awesome collaboration with Spector.

In this episode

The bands Daisy listened to during her emo phase.
What makes her Spector bass rock.
How Ian grew up on Guns N’ Roses.
Why Darkglass pedals just kick ass.
How else to tap into some classic rock tones.
And much, much more!

136 - P Basses are for OLD PPL?! / Ferocious SLAP technique / Finding Your Lane with Steve Jenkins Jan 29, 2024

Show notes

Best known for his stints with Vernon Reid (Living Colour) and Dave Fiuczynski in Screaming Headless Torsos, Steve Jenkins fits into a diverse range of musical situations that have run the gamut from face-melting prog-metal to experimental microtonal jazz-funk. In this episode, we sit down with Steve to uncover more about his story, how music has shaped his outlook on life, and why he’s recently switched up his Fender Jazz for a 6-string Dingwall?!

In this episode

Why Steve could never play like Matthew Garrison.
What he learned from guitarist David Fiuczynski.
How he broke free from other people's expectations.
Do you really need an AARP card to play a P Bass?
And much, much more!

135 - The Mysterious World of Bass Pickups (Explained!) Jan 23, 2024

Show notes

Put simply, pickups capture the vibrations of a string and turn it into an electrical signal, but there’s a whole world of minutiae regarding magnets, windings and pole pieces that can drag you deep into anorak territory! In today’s episode, we’re shedding some light on the different types that are available, and the advantages and disadvantages of each one.

In this episode

Series vs. Parallel explained
What’s the difference between a soapbar and a humbucker?
What's a pickup pole? And why is It important?
Active vs. Passive pickups
And much, much more!

134 - Should you go to music school? Jan 15, 2024

Show notes

Nothing feels better than actively engaging with your bass teacher and other SBL students. That’s why we’re super excited to announce a brand-new addition to Scott's Bass Lessons.
In today’s episode, Ian Martin Allison and Sharon Renold answer all of your burning gear questions and reveal the launch of the most exciting program to ever hit SBL. Drumroll please!
In this episode

What’s your bass story?
Get ready for a BIG announcement.
Sharon unravels her experiences at Berklee.
What to expect from an Ian Allison solo album.
And much, much more!

To learn more about our new program, LiveClass, head here: https://sbl.link/423jQ1Z

133 - The Michael League Interview: The Secret of Snarky Puppy Jan 08, 2024

Show notes

In our latest episode of our series ‘Behind The Bass Lines’ with none other than Michael League, bassist of the Grammy-nominated band Snarky Puppy, we go over his history of basses and how he found his way to the PBass, some of his most iconic solos, his take on effects and gear and so much more!

132 - Best Gear of 2023 / SBL end of year round up! Jan 01, 2024

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As we wave goodbye to 2023 Scott & Ian take the opportunity to go back and look at their personal ups and downs of the year, and dive into our favourite bass gear. Join us in this special episode where we unpack what's happened in the bass world over the last year, and give you a sneak preview of what’s to come for SBL in 2024.

In this episode

How Scott approaches goalsetting
Why it is a great time to be a musician
Scott & Ian’s successes and failures of 2023
Scott & Ian’s goals for 2024
What’s in store for SBL next year

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