Many of us love old bass guitars because of the almost indefinable cool that comes with a vintage instrument. A bass that’s been artificially aged, however – the type we often call a relic – gives you the freedom to play, without the fear of damaging a vintage collectible. But a relic is not just about random scratches or dents. In today’s episode, we dig into the pros and cons of both.

In this episode

• Keep up with all the latest news from SBL.
• Why is Scott still searching for his sound?
• A relic vs. A battle-worn P-Bass.
• Where to find our latest FREE eBook.
• And much, much more!

Our next track from The Devine King Project, Vol. 1 is a nod to the cyclic chord pattern of Giant Steps by jazz saxophonist John Coltrane. Luckily, you don't need to know a major third from an augmented ninth to dive into this track and jam it loud. We’ve created a free Ebook with all the TAB and notation!

In this episode

• What makes this Scott’s favorite track on the album.
• How he unlocked the perfect bass tone.
• Where to find the FREE album eBook.
• Scott’s formula to figure out time signatures.
• And much, much more!

For gear-savvy musicians, California’s Winter NAMM Show is the biggest event of the year, but is it the best? So on to this episode, and having crossed the Atlantic earlier in the year Ian brings you his report from Guitar Summit 2023. This three day event is Europe’s biggest guitar show, and a true walhalla for any bass guitar lover. Now there’s a thought!

In this episode

• Guitar Summit 2023 vs. The NAMM Show
• How you can join our latest giveaway.
• Vintage basses: worth the hype?
• Are all Fender Jazz basses the same?
• And much, much more!

Wired Telemetry is the second track from The Devine King Project, Vol. 1. It’s a classic fusion instrumental, which makes it a great vehicle for anyone looking to experiment with improvising. In this episode, you’ll hear Scott’s own analysis of the song, including his tips and tricks for you to experiment with while playing along.

• Scott maps out the track Wired Telemetry.
• Including the Brecker Brothers-inspired melody.
• Where you can lean on a C minor pentatonic scale.
• You’ll hear him pivot to a warmer bass tone.
• And borrow a lick from Jaco Pastorius!
• And much, much more!

Clever use of a stompbox can transform even the most ordinary bass guitar part into a classic. In this episode, we run through our guide to the best and most desirable effects pedals ever to brave a sticky stage.

In this episode we cover...

• An introduction to the major effects types.
• Our pick of the most exciting stomboxes out there.
• Why the Boss OC-5 is still going strong.
• How you can win Scott’s Ken Smith White Tiger.
• And much, much more!

The Devine King Project, Vol. 1 has finally arrived! The album was recorded back in May and features a star-studded line up of award-winning musicians, including Gergo Borlai, Nate Werth, Scott Kinsey and David Binney! In today’s episode, find out what we were striving for with each section of Game Theory – and what happened along the way…

In this episode

• I dive into the first track from the new album.
• Learn how I dialled in my bass tone.
• How I tackled the odd time signature.
• Where you can find all of the tab and notation.
• And much, much more!

Fender’s Custom Shop and its sub-brand Squier are two of the biggest names in the bass world, but many of the instruments they make can look the same, and in some cases actually sound very similar too. In today’s episode, Sharon and Ian dive into some history. Tune in, if only to hear what happened when Sharon met Vinny Fodera! Happy listening.

In this podcast you're going to learn:

• How Stuart Hamm helped kickstart the Fender Custom Shop.
• Why the perfect P Bass does not exist!
• What happened when Sharon visited Fodera Guitars.
• Why she turned down an artist deal!
• And much, much more!

When it comes to recording, everyone has their own way of getting in the zone. Sure, spontaneous magic can sometimes happen, but being prepared for what you're about to do is the best way to really get fired up! In today’s episode, I look back at what I learned and what I did (my creative process) when I went in to record my upcoming solo album. From dealing with pre-studio jitters, to my one big regret. 

In this podcast you're going to learn:

• What to expect from my new album.
• How I learnt the tunes. 
• The one thing I wish I’d done differently.
• Why I’m giving away the bass I recorded with.
• And much, much more!

Back in May, we went to the studio to record the first SBL album project. Originally it was going to be a pretty straightforward release… but having read through a bunch of comments, we decided to change things up. In today’s episode, I reveal some key takeaways from that first studio session, what you can expect over the coming weeks, and how you could win the bass I used to record with!

In this podcast you're going to learn:

• Why Scott’s a massive “jazz fusion nerd.”
• How he chose the right bass for the studio.
• How you could win it!
• What happened to his pedalboard?
• Why he hates using headphones.
• And much, much more!

What a stupid question, right? As bass players, there are few things more satisfying than pulling the trigger on a new bass, but would we be better served expanding our amp collections instead? Will a new amp really make your bass sound any better? In today’s episode Ian and Scott talk you through a couple of different viewpoints that will help you determine how you might spend your hard-earned money. A new bass, or a better amp?

In this podcast you're going to learn:

• Why every studio has an Ampeg B-15
• How Ian became amp obsessed.
• Why Scott’s not a huge fan of combo amps.
• Whether a good amp can really make any bass sound good?
• Why some players insist on using tube amps.
• And much, much more!