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!

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!

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!

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!

Blu DeTiger, bassist and social media star with 1.4 million fans on TikTok, recently took to the stage to announce her first full-length album, which is due to drop later this year. Bursting with talent, Blu has amassed millions of views with thumping bass covers of hits by Prince and Megan Thee Stallion. In this episode, we sit down with Blu to uncover her story, how she got started and her upcoming partnership with Fender. 

In this episode you’re going to learn:

• Why Blu left New York University to pursue a career in music.
• What happened when she started taking her bass to her DJ sets.
• How she became famous on TikTok.
• What has Blu been working on with Fender?
• And much more!

If you’re a bass player and you feel ready to earn some extra cash by passing on your skills to others, setting up as a teacher could be a really good move. But how do you become a bass teacher? What credentials do you need? In this episode, we walk you through the minimum requirements for teaching as well as some steps to get you started.

In this episode you’re going to learn:

• Why you should become a bass teacher.
• Do you need a qualification?
• How do you get students?
• What’s the first thing you should teach them?
• And much more!

Is a signature instrument still a standard perk of modern bass stardom? Janek Gwizdala has attracted his fair share of signature models over the years, including basses for Fodera in 2012 and Mattisson Basses in 2017. In this episode, Janek explains why he has since turned his back on endorsement deals, and why he’ll never make music just for social likes.

In this episode you’re going to learn:

• All about Janek’s new F Bass
• How he became ‘the pedal guy’
• Why Janek deleted all of his social media
• What happened to his daily vlog?
• And why he refuses to play a signature bass (ever again)

Whether you're in the market for an active 5-string or a custom-built classic, choosing the right bass guitar can be difficult. How do you know what’s the right one for you? In today’s episode, we list what we think are the 5 best bass guitars you can get your hands on. 

In this episode you’re going to learn:

• Why every bassist needs a Jazz Bass
• When you might need an active 5-string
• Why a P Bass might be a better option for studio players
• Should Scott buy a Rickenbacker?
• And much, much more.

NYC-based singer, songwriter Adi Oasis is also an incredible bassist. Her performance for music platform Colors has racked up an astounding 1.5 million views on YouTube! What you might not know is that Adi started out on guitar and then jumped to bass later in life. In today’s episode we get the backstory on her biggest and best career moments so far.

In this episode you’re going to learn:

• How Adi got her start on bass.
• Why she’s a huge fan of Curtis Mayfield’s music.
• What it was like opening for Anderson .Paak.
• How Bootsy Collins inspired her to jam with an envelope filter.
• And much, much more.

The role of artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a part of everyday life, but what can bass players expect from the rapid growth of apps like ChatGPT? The AI can be directed to impersonate the style of specific individuals, and even used to write a bass line “in the style of Paul McCartney”. In this episode, we’re going to explore the potential impact of AI on the music industry and what it means for bass players everywhere!

In this episode you’re going to learn:

• The implications of artificial intelligence.
• What it means for creative individuals.
• Will data-driven music replace musicians for good? 
• The AI chatbot everyone’s talking about.
• How Ian got hooked on a Japanese anime TV series.
• And much, much more.