The SBL Podcast

If you crave pedal power it can be tough deciding where to begin - let alone where to go from there. There’s an astonishing array of stompboxes out there; despite the rise of more affordable multi-effects units, but what do they all do? Will they improve your sound, or just turn it to mush? In today’s episode, we examine the secrets behind our own effects setups, explore Ian's octave pedal collection and round off the whole shebang with a delve into our gear of the week! In this episode: • What’s on Scott’s pedalboard? • How Ian got to grips with the HX Stomp • Scott’s go-to looper pedal • Stompboxes vs Multi-FX: The pros and cons. • And much more!

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!

In this episode, we delve into Sharon's latest acquisition: her brand-new fretless RKM bass from NAMM 2024 (and discuss whether perhaps they're Mexico's take on Fodera?). 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!

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 greatest basses of 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!

So, what makes a particular bass guitar iconic? While some basses are undoubtedly born great (it’s a testament to Leo Fender that the P-Bass is still one of the most played instruments ever): some achieve greatness over time and some have greatness thrust upon them (Rickenbacker have long enjoyed the star power of Lemmy, Geddy Lee and Chris Squire, for example). And so, for your viewing pleasure, we’ve put a spotlight on 5 of the most iconic bass guitars of all time. In this episode: • Why Scott’s never owned a Rickenbacker. • What sucks about a Hofner Club Bass? • If you’ve never played a P-Bass – you simply have to! • What kept a Thunderbird at the top of Ian’s wish list? • Will Scott pass our blindfold test? • And much, much more!

In this episode, we’re sorting through our pick of boutique basses from F Bass, Ken Smith, Olinto, Overwater and more. We’re also going to delve into some of the questions that often come along, namely: why are they so expensive? How are they built? And are they really worth it? The answers are often a matter of opinion, but we shall ponder them nonetheless!

U2 has officially finished their residency in Las Vegas – the history-making shows saw over 700,000 fans descend on Sin City, from September 2023 through March 2024. In today’s episode, fresh from a weekend trip to Las Vegas, we take a trip inside The Sphere to uncover how Adam Clayton and U2 redefined live music at the city’s new high-tech venue. In this episode Was U2 at the Sphere worth it? What makes Adam Clayton’s signature sound? Which U2 track made Ian weep? Who did Scott meet at the show? What’s the SBL YouTube agreement? And much, much more!

So which is better – a long scale or a short scale bass guitar? If you’ve ever wondered which is the right scale length for you, you’ve come to the right place! In today’s episode, we’re taking a closer look at the key differences between short-scale and long-scale basses, the pros and cons of each, and we’ll give you a few recommendations of short-scale basses to check out for yourself. In this episode What is a short scale bass? Who plays one? Which is better, short-scale or long-scale? How does the scale length affect the sound? What short-scale basses does Ian recommend? And much, much more!

A few months back, we got into the argument that all bass players get into – what are the coolest, grooviest bass lines of all time? After hours of heated debate, we decided to get Nick Campbell to help make that decision for us. In today’s video, Nick Campbell reels off the bass lines that shaped his sound. It’s the perfect way to introduce yourself to the worlds of Rocco Prestia, Ray Brown, James Jamerson and Colin Greenwood.

The hate that some bass players have for jazz can transcend space, time, and the laws of nature. It can feel like your band mates are speaking another language & you feel kind of left out. But learning jazz can give you musical superpowers with practice. In this episode, we’re here to reveal why you should take the leap! In this episode: • Scott’s worst audition story. • Why the best musicians play jazz. • How it can be a bass player’s best friend. • Should non-jazz musicians study jazz? • Check out Ian’s new Olinto Jazz Bass. • And much, much more!

Bass guitars are beautiful and they can make anyone look good, but during its 70-year history there have been a few that are gloriously gaudy or just plain ugly (Precision Bass Lyte, anyone?!) In this episode we’ve set out to name and shame some of the ugliest bass guitars of all time! ???? In this episode: Does Ernie Ball make the world’s ugliest bass guitar? Why aren’t Rickenbacker basses more popular? Some history behind Fender’s Antigua finish. Why Scott loves the Ovation Magnum bass. The Spector NS-2 - love it or hate it? And much, much more!

AI is already here, tempting everyone in music with a previously unimaginable menu of cheat codes. As the potential continues to unfold, Sharon and Ian reveal their newfound love for Logic Pro’s latest AI features.