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!

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

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!

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

It may not be at the top of your to-do list, especially if you’ve only heard it in Starbucks, but if you want to become a better bass player then learning some jazz can give you musical superpowers. In today’s episode we walk through some of the key hacks that will take your bass playing to another level. 

In this episode

• Should Scott test drive a Cybertruck?
• How jazz can give you musical superpowers.
• Why Ian still has flashbacks over a C Blues.
• How he got his walking bass lines together.
• Why you should check out the SBL Jazz Accelerator.
• And much, much more!

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, 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!

In today’s episode, Scott offers insight into the final track from The Devine King Project, Vol. 1. Lost Polos is home to a lively syncopated Latin rhythm with a driving groove and some intriguing options when it comes to the bass line.

In this episode

• Scott breaks down the track Lost Polos.
• And how he honed his Latin chops.
• His love of Funkifying the Cláve by Lincoln Goines.
• The inspiration he took from Rocco Prestia.
• Where you can find the FREE album eBook.
• And much, much more!

Looking to get the bassist in your life a gift this Christmas? If you're on the hunt for stocking fillers or the budget is tight, then this episode is the perfect place to start. We've put together a list of low-cost Christmas gifts, all of which have been handpicked by Ian! Included is everything from last-minute buys to handy tools and gig bag essentials! Gifts that are guaranteed to see use, unlike that jumper that's never left the closet.

In this episode:

• What to buy the bassist who has everything.
• Sharon reveals her alternative tree decoration.
• Ian names his three favorite cable companies.
• And who sent him a drawing of Admiral Ackbar?
• And much more!

You might know Josh Paul from his time with American rock band, Daughtry, but the scope of his career goes far beyond that. Over the years, he’s also worked with the likes of Suicidal Tendencies, Everlast, Kelly Osbourne, and The Veronicas. He also finds time to host the Dunlop Bass Freqs podcast. In this special interview from Bass Space 2023, Josh talks us through the ins and outs of his journey so far.

In this episode

• Josh looks back on 15 years with Daughtry.
• What it was like joining Suicidal Tendencies. 
• His approach to social media. 
• The advice he got from the Eagle's Don Henley.
• His pointers for new bass players.
• And much, much more!