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 th...
Feb 08, 2024•1 hr 1 min
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 ...
Feb 05, 2024•1 hr 19 min
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...
Jan 29, 2024•1 hr 34 min
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 ...
Jan 23, 2024•1 hr 42 min
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 fro...
Jan 15, 2024•1 hr 17 min
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!
Jan 08, 2024•1 hr 22 min
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 ...
Jan 01, 2024•1 hr 37 min
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...
Dec 20, 2023•1 hr 17 min
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 g...
Dec 19, 2023•1 hr 20 min
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!...
Dec 15, 2023•19 min
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 ever...
Dec 11, 2023•1 hr 14 min
Dec 08, 2023•22 min
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 Suicida...
Dec 04, 2023•58 min
So, you’ve had a bad gig. What next? We’ve all been there – the tiny stage with no power, the would-be bassist that wants to do a song. Nightmare gig stories are so commonplace there’s even a Facebook group dedicated to them! In this episode we dig into Scott’s recent hair-raising gig experience, and why every gig deserves a bit of homework. In this episode Scott’s nightmare gig story. Tips to prepare for your next gig. Charcoal Frost or Firemist Charcoal? SBL HQ is moving!? And much, much more!...
Nov 27, 2023•52 min
Did you know that a 20-fret bass guitar contains 80 notes? Which can make learning the fretboard a huge challenge that can crush both beginner and experienced bass players! In today’s episode, Scott runs through the backstory of his own fretboard woes. In this episode How Scott used geometric patterns to master the fretboard. The clues he picked up from Gary Willis. How you can unlock your own fretboard knowledge. Where you can check out the SBL Fretboard Accelerator. And much, much more!...
Nov 22, 2023•40 min
Looking for a bass guitar bargain? If you're in the market for a budget bass to add to your collection, nowadays you can get some serious bang for your buck. In today’s episode, we explore the idea of creating the ultimate budget bass, and what that might mean for the modern bass player on the hunt for a new axe… In this episode Ted Nugent and the ultimate earworm! Should SBL open a bass store? Scott’s latest impulse buy from Reverb. Do bigger headstocks equal better tone? And much, much more!...
Nov 20, 2023•41 min
In today’s episode, we dive into one of Scott’s favourite tracks from The Devine King Project, Vol. 1. In fact, Hypersphere shaped the atmosphere of the whole session. The track’s signature sound comes from a mix of Scott Kinsey’s keyboards and David Binney’s darting sax, while Scott’s bass solo helps define the freer beginning. So how did he do it? Where did the ideas come from? In this episode Where to find the FREE album eBook. Scott reveals some of his tried-and-tested soloing hacks. Includi...
Nov 17, 2023•27 min
With so much attention put on our instruments and amps, and even pedals, many bass players are quick to underestimate the importance of their strings. But your strings are the only thing between you and your bass guitar, so make them count! In today’s episode Ian focuses on the finer points of all things flatwound. In this episode Are there advantages to using flatwound strings? When did they become cool? What are tapewound strings? And what are they for? Some of the more famous players who use ...
Nov 13, 2023•1 hr
Our next take away from The Devine King Project, Vol. 1 is Electron Game. All of the previous tunes have offered their own playing challenges, but now we’re upping the shred quota even further! In this episode, you’ll hear Scott’s own song analysis, including tips and tricks for tackling the solo. In this episode Scott breaks down the track Electron Game. Including his formula for navigating the chord changes. How he locked in with the drums. The big mistake he made with his bass tone! Where to ...
Nov 10, 2023•23 min
Sign up for our Fretboard Accelerator: https://sbl.link/3FQnkdO (Last chance to lock in at this price!) Hairspray, Hamilton, Billy Elliot, Queen Rock Symphonic, Dreamgirls, Mamma Mia! You name it, Ian King’s probably played it, and in today’s episode we dig into the path he took to landing a job in London’s West End theatre district. In this episode What it takes to hold the bass chair in London’s West End. Why consistency is key. How Ian ended up playing with Wolverine star Hugh Jackman. All ab...
Nov 06, 2023•1 hr 21 min
In today’s episode, we dive into the track Scuttle Fish from The Devine King Project, Vol. 1. Learn how I tackled the time signature, and the opening slap bass riff. This track also features a saxophone solo by David Binney and it seriously shreds! In this episode Scott breaks down the track Scuttle Fish. Including his favorite solo from the entire album. How he honed his slap bass skills for the intro. What he would change about his bass tone. Where you can find the FREE album eBook. And much, ...
Nov 03, 2023•19 min
There's nothing quite like slapping on a new set of strings. It’s the quickest, easiest and cheapest way of breathing new life into your instrument. But finding the right set can take a few tries, as different players like different brands and gauges. In today’s episode, we run through our pick of the best bass strings out there, and everything you need to know about them. In this episode How often should you change your strings? Nickel Vs Stainless Steel: The pros and cons. Can different gauges...
Oct 30, 2023•50 min
As bassists we get used to writing bass lines that are grooving, but can the bass guitar also play the melody of a song or be the focal point? In today’s episode, you’ll hear Scott’s analysis of the song Glass Ceiling from The Devine King Project, Vol. 1, including the importance of being able to represent and perform a great melody on the electric bass. Shouldn’t everyone in the band get to play the melody? In this episode Scott breaks down his track Glass Ceiling. Including his route into play...
Oct 27, 2023•29 min
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...
Oct 23, 2023•1 hr 21 min
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. A...
Oct 20, 2023•25 min
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 Ja...
Oct 16, 2023•1 hr 6 min
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 ...
Oct 13, 2023•30 min
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!...
Oct 09, 2023•1 hr 14 min
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 ...
Oct 06, 2023•22 min
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...
Oct 02, 2023•1 hr 18 min
