The 12 UGLIEST Basses of ALL TIME | The SBL Podcast Ep. 153

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  • Опубліковано 9 лют 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,5 тис.

  • @timd801
    @timd801 8 місяців тому +89

    I was in college in the late 80’s and there wasn’t really anything I wanted more than a Spector NS-2. I think they were around $2500 at the time, which was way beyond my student means. I did, however, have access to the family business - a large woodworking shop. With help from Dad, I set about copying a Spector as best as I could, going off pictures from Bass Player Magazine. I bought the active Bartolini PJ set and all the hardware from a music store in Atlanta called Metro Music. There was a clerk there who was also a bass builder, and he gave me a lot of advice. His name was Greg Curbow.
    Dad, the shop, Metro Music, and Greg Curbow are gone now, but I still have that bass that we all came together to create.

    • @WakizashiSabre
      @WakizashiSabre 8 місяців тому +6

      Great you got something which resembles the ones you loved. Lovely story, mate.

    • @chrisgardiner5952
      @chrisgardiner5952 6 місяців тому +5

      great story man that bass must be priceless to you.

    • @user-yv2cz8oj1k
      @user-yv2cz8oj1k Місяць тому

      Annoyingly I spotted a Steinberger bass with the full white guitar style body in a guitar shop for $1000 at the time, unfortunately I was completely broke.

  • @pCeLobster
    @pCeLobster 8 місяців тому +54

    Smartest decision ever bringing Ian into this channel. Such a good energy.

    • @andyronayne7947
      @andyronayne7947 8 місяців тому +2

      And Ian is an awesome talent.

    • @tomswift3835
      @tomswift3835 2 місяці тому

      Oh, piffle. I used to watch this channel for info about basses and bass playing. But I have no interest in two guys playing grabass. If I want to waste time on a comedy channel, I'll look for one which is actually funny.

  • @mattcheckleybass
    @mattcheckleybass 8 місяців тому +346

    Bought a Bongo today. Oh cool, new video from SBL.... **gets attacked**
    EDIT: Just noticed the Sphynx cat in the thumbnail. I have one of those too. I'm coming for you Scott and Ian !

    • @Kakker71
      @Kakker71 8 місяців тому +20

      The Bongo is a great bass. Had a 5 string stealth black for many years, but sold it eventually as I play in a bang with a more vintage precision kind of sound. Never had a bass with more punch though!

    • @jonsidell3338
      @jonsidell3338 8 місяців тому +8

      You’re going to love it. They sound huge.

    • @Revanant-qw5kt
      @Revanant-qw5kt 8 місяців тому +10

      It's ugly but in like a really cool way

    • @aaaaa111aaaaa
      @aaaaa111aaaaa 8 місяців тому +7

      Have fun with your toilet Seat. Jokes aside, i Hope it Serves you well

    • @sabre242
      @sabre242 8 місяців тому +7

      The tone is huge, no one can take that away!

  • @robertmessing6846
    @robertmessing6846 8 місяців тому +16

    My Berger Story. In a moment of desperation on day 1 of basic tracks (in 89) I urgently needed a bass while my Sting Ray & P-Bass were both getting serviced. I ended up borrowing a Steinberger from a local musician in town (from what I was told it actually belonged to Ned) once we plugged it in the engineer, producer, and myself were all blown away by how it sounded. So much so that the next day I called my friend who's shop I knew carried them and bought it over the phone. I had my folks drive the 2 hours from NJ up to Woodstock to deliver it to me in the studio. Over the years I took a significant amount of crap over how it looked but I never cared. I still own it and It plays great and it records even better. And yes as a bonus it is very easy to carry around. Ned Steinberger knows what he is doing and has made some amazing instruments.

    • @andyronayne7947
      @andyronayne7947 8 місяців тому

      Agree 100%. I have a sub-100 serial, 1st year production L2 and I will never sell it.

    • @grantmullings8245
      @grantmullings8245 20 днів тому

      I’ve owned 3

  • @philippes1987
    @philippes1987 8 місяців тому +272

    You guys forgot the Danelectro Longhorn bass!

    • @ZenBasses
      @ZenBasses 8 місяців тому +13

      Totally agreed ...it's a 13

    • @SrTubular
      @SrTubular 8 місяців тому +11

      I was, "ok, the Longhorn must be next", after every mention. Surprised it wasn't on this list

    • @MauriceEscargot
      @MauriceEscargot 8 місяців тому +4

      To me the Longhorn looks weird in pictures but pretty cool on stage.

    • @NVaughan81
      @NVaughan81 8 місяців тому +5

      Yep, worse than all the others

    • @electricdawn2258
      @electricdawn2258 8 місяців тому +7

      I actually give the Longhorns a 2. I really love the design, the sound and everything else about them. :D

  • @adamgreenhill110
    @adamgreenhill110 8 місяців тому +18

    Spectors are beautiful! I bought one because of the looks, it just happened to also sound good. Such a cool and sleek curve

    • @PjRjHj
      @PjRjHj 8 місяців тому +1

      Agreed

  • @mothpaste
    @mothpaste 8 місяців тому +57

    I absolutely adore the bongo! It’s polarising for sure but it’s been my dream bass since I first saw it. Goes to show a brave and unique design can really win someone’s heart (or hurt it as Ian said when he saw Myung had switched to it haha)

    • @CC-hg9un
      @CC-hg9un 8 місяців тому

      🤮

    • @bulo-.
      @bulo-. 8 місяців тому +7

      @@CC-hg9un Bongos are cool af I don't care lol

    • @DrKFC69
      @DrKFC69 7 місяців тому +1

      The Bongo actually looks great as a 6 string

    • @albomusicman85
      @albomusicman85 4 місяці тому

      some colors works better than other on the bongos and there are so many!! I adore my orange with black pickguard and ideally i'd feel the same for the mantis green! purple and black are bad-ass too!!

    • @OrbitalDeathRay
      @OrbitalDeathRay 2 місяці тому

      Those Stealth Black ones are so sick looking.

  • @paddydaddyo
    @paddydaddyo 8 місяців тому +11

    So, the Steinberger Bass was the original series, before the XL-2 shown (which I have owned not one, but two white models over the years). There was an H-1 and an H-2 (with one or two DiMarzio Model One passive “H” for “High impedance“ pickups), and an L-1 and L-2 (“L” for “Low impedance” pickups). Most people just throw L-2 out there for all the early series basses, but that’s incorrect. The basses were a carbon fiber blend (identified as a proprietary “Steinberger Blend” at the time), and had no truss rods. The pivot plate for the strap stays EXACTLY where you put it, so the bass is where you want at all times. Incredible sustain and harmonic structure, ZERO dead spots, perfect balance, and incredible ease of transport. Ned was a genius on a level with Leo, and his bass design was the first REAL original effort since the Fender Precision 30 years prior. I have owned many, still own 3, and only need one … you really looking to get an XL-2A Ian?

    • @markdaniels7174
      @markdaniels7174 8 місяців тому

      To me it’s quintessentially “80s New Wave.” I love it and I’d like one, if only because Geddy Lee is my hero. Can’t imagine it ever being my main axe, though.

  • @CrimsonQuandary
    @CrimsonQuandary 8 місяців тому +48

    No Warwicks on this list??
    Also, a lot of people hate on the Ibanez BTB basses, but I love them.

    • @mk.5706
      @mk.5706 8 місяців тому +14

      The very phallic Warwick Corvette should have been on this list for sure.

    • @cd0u50c9
      @cd0u50c9 8 місяців тому +4

      BTB at least has a presence, the Soundgear basses are godawful for having no personality...

    • @BretElkington
      @BretElkington 8 місяців тому +3

      @@mk.5706 Maybe, but the Buzzard would simply HAVE to edge it out.

    • @ideitbawxproductions1880
      @ideitbawxproductions1880 8 місяців тому

      Love my BTB6, I don't care what anyone says, I'm never getting rid of mine!
      Also, a little surprised the Warwick Alien acoustics didn't make it on the list. I love them, but I could see people thinking that they just look, well, alien

    • @Stringboiler
      @Stringboiler 7 місяців тому +1

      I have Warwick Corvette $$ 5. I know what you're thinking of, but it's JUST A BAVARIAN SAUSAGE 😁😆

  • @petercrawford5085
    @petercrawford5085 8 місяців тому +19

    Warwick Buzzard.
    JayDee thingy that Mark King used to play.

    • @PjRjHj
      @PjRjHj 8 місяців тому +1

      The Jaydee Supernatural Series i is pretty darn ungainly, but I think Jaydee got the proportions right with the Series iii, the George Anderson, and the Calibas

    • @jamesmacleod671
      @jamesmacleod671 4 місяці тому

      I agree the jaydee GA24 supernatural is bang on.

  • @jamesmorganearley
    @jamesmorganearley 8 місяців тому +12

    In the late 90's, I worked for a wholesale musical accessories distributor. Greg Curbow was one of my clients. He was funny and sweet, and brutally sarcastic. I miss that guy. He offered to build me a bass at cost, but I never took him up on it. One of my biggest bass regrets.

  • @chrischilton8455
    @chrischilton8455 8 місяців тому +9

    I'm with you on this one, Ian. The Antigua finish Jazz is freaking beautiful.

  • @hyperplayability6290
    @hyperplayability6290 8 місяців тому +106

    5 minutes of unadulterated Bongo slander
    My day has been made 🤣
    I give the Bongo a 11/10

    • @itsratso.
      @itsratso. 8 місяців тому +6

      bongos are the most polarizing bass in history. if I had a nickel for everybody who thinks saying toilet seat is clever 😂

    • @hyperplayability6290
      @hyperplayability6290 8 місяців тому +3

      @@itsratso. You'd be able to buy a bongo!
      Personally to me it looks like something you'd see at circus, silly red balloon shape and everything

    • @strat0871
      @strat0871 8 місяців тому +3

      @@itsratso. Exactly, Bongo bass looks like a toilet seat, ugliest bass for sure..

    • @itsratso.
      @itsratso. 8 місяців тому +3

      I have a friend who loves bongos like me but says they look like a bass from the 80s for cokeheads

    • @JLeppert
      @JLeppert 8 місяців тому +5

      The reason why the bongo base is polarizing is because it sounds incredible.

  • @webb264
    @webb264 8 місяців тому +12

    FYI...from the VoxShowroom website: The unique "coffin" shaped Phantom body style was developed for Vox in 1961 by the London Design Centre and the bass was originally produced by Vox in the UK. A later version was manufactured in Italy for Vox by Eko. Phil Volk played the UK version.

    • @ianchisholm9260
      @ianchisholm9260 5 місяців тому

      Friend of mine bought a Vox phantom 12 string in 1969 ( then removed the drone strings ) .. Love the finish on the Warwick that Scott’s holding

    • @SpringtimeAgain
      @SpringtimeAgain 4 місяці тому

      Ian Curtis plays a guitar version on the video for Love Will Tear Us Apart

  • @MrBeachMadness
    @MrBeachMadness 8 місяців тому +40

    I had a White Bongo in my ABBA tribute band for a couple of years. It started a few conversations about how I looked like an alien with a death ray trying to hide in the back of a pop band.
    Some of these basses are in the French Bulldog area of relative beauty.

    • @itsratso.
      @itsratso. 8 місяців тому +1

      hahahaa well put.

    • @metallsnubben
      @metallsnubben 8 місяців тому

      You'd think ABBA of all contexts would be the place to bring in strangely shaped string instruments!

    • @MrBeachMadness
      @MrBeachMadness 8 місяців тому +1

      @@metallsnubben You'd think
      ...but no.
      It was a bone of contention the entire time.
      I was actually kind of relieved when I swapped it for a Stingray. The tone was far too Hi-Fi for ABBA, and the 18 volt pre was just annoying.

    • @metallsnubben
      @metallsnubben 8 місяців тому

      @@MrBeachMadness _Sound-wise_ I can definitely see it! Rutger sure wasn't playing a Fodera!

    • @PaulHarwood-pf7dz
      @PaulHarwood-pf7dz 2 місяці тому

      My question is, why would anyone play in an ABBA tribute band???

  • @ArielIsaac8111
    @ArielIsaac8111 8 місяців тому +6

    Dude I love the bongo shape so much though 😭😂

  • @ibassnote
    @ibassnote 8 місяців тому +13

    Geddy started his relationship with Wal for Power Windows, I believe.

    • @stereoroid
      @stereoroid 8 місяців тому +2

      Geddy didn’t seek out Wal: producer Peter Collins brought his own one to the studio, and Geddy ended up using it on the whole album before ordering the black one for himself. The red “horny” Wal came later.

  • @joewillix7619
    @joewillix7619 21 день тому +1

    I proudly own a 1994 Curbow 5-string zebrawood bass. I’ve had it for 30 years and that rockwood neck has never needed adjusting. I’ve never had anyone tell me it was ugly. Heavy? Yes. Ugly? No. The most comfortable neck I’ve ever played. Greg fixed my bass for free because it took six months to get the replacement Bartolini pickups and was just a really nice dude. I was going to order a six string to match my five string but waited too long. Still regret that one. My wife will sell this one after I die, but I’m not getting rid of it before then!

  • @jamesatkin9412
    @jamesatkin9412 8 місяців тому +61

    Where's the Fodera single cut? That's up there with the Bongo for ultimate grimness to my eyes.

    • @jonessperandio
      @jonessperandio 8 місяців тому +12

      Most single-cut basses are hideous.

    • @joshuabrice3800
      @joshuabrice3800 8 місяців тому +7

      I agree. Single cuts are ugly.

    • @rws10923
      @rws10923 8 місяців тому +8

      Yeah, I'm surprised they listed the Wal and Rickenbacker here, which are both beautiful IMO (though it's fair to criticize the Rickenbacker as overly busy), but there's no Fodera Singlecut or the *shudder* Warwick Thumb Singlecut.

    • @Jesseface94
      @Jesseface94 8 місяців тому +1

      I'd say there's not enough good-looking single cut basses and too many where the body reaches a third of the way up the neck lol

    • @davidpggarrett
      @davidpggarrett 8 місяців тому

      That was on my list, too. Yuck!

  • @gkarbee1273
    @gkarbee1273 8 місяців тому +3

    My main bass for last 12 years is a 1988 Japanese made Fender P-Bass Lyte. Tobacco Sunburst.. I put passive Dimarzio pickups in it.. The thing stays in tune forever, is so lightweight and easy on my back and it sounds quiet and awesome! Sound guys love it and so do I.. I really never considered it "ugly" by any stretch.

    • @PjRjHj
      @PjRjHj 8 місяців тому +1

      They ain't at all ugly

  • @SeidellNorbel
    @SeidellNorbel 8 місяців тому +18

    Miss my two Bongos that I sold a while ago. 1 for perfection! I'd buy another flying toilet seat if I had a chance!

  • @teresaravenshaw5477
    @teresaravenshaw5477 8 місяців тому +47

    You missed the Danelectro Longhorn bass - the single worst affrontery to bass design I can think of, it's a solid 10 without a doubt. It's so bad, it's heretical to the concept a bass design. If I believed in demons and were bequeathed a Longhorn, I'd hire a necromancer to resurrect the person who gave it me so I could end them myself. I'd then hire a priest in order to exorcise the Longhorn of the demons inside it. I'd then post the bass to someone I absolutely detest.

    • @electricdawn2258
      @electricdawn2258 8 місяців тому +6

      Could you please hate me and then gift me the Longhorn? I'd take that in a heartbeat. I really like them. :D

    • @JLeppert
      @JLeppert 8 місяців тому

      Necromancers are demons... Probably not the point.

    • @force263
      @force263 8 місяців тому +2

      Now I’m definitely buying a longhorn.

    • @mikeswarbrick128
      @mikeswarbrick128 8 місяців тому +2

      I tour with a Jerry Jones longhorn VI regularly, I love em

    • @iagobroxado
      @iagobroxado 8 місяців тому +3

      I love how they look 😂

  • @ccbassc
    @ccbassc 8 місяців тому +14

    I have definitely heard of Antigua's referred to as "phlegm-burst" now it's what pops in my head Everytime I see one.

    • @marcel-jt3dy
      @marcel-jt3dy 8 місяців тому

      I call them Zombie burst.

    • @hirokokueh3541
      @hirokokueh3541 8 місяців тому

      imo it would look much better without the matching pickguard, like Ibanez Champagne Burst looks much better

  • @pCeLobster
    @pCeLobster 8 місяців тому +3

    Music Man can take comfort in the fact that the Stingray is THE coolest looking musical instrument ever made.

    • @TenFalconsMusic
      @TenFalconsMusic 4 місяці тому

      Luv how Leo made the most iconic guitars & bases that are both aesthetically brilliant, yet ergonomically functional.
      He never said "let's make something crazy looking, just because."

    • @skepticsinister
      @skepticsinister 2 дні тому

      MM Sterling, US made series, is an excellent look as well.

  • @jacobpawelk218
    @jacobpawelk218 8 місяців тому +37

    Mr. Ian Allison, I sir bought an electric blue Cort Carbow from you at Mars Music.

    • @unduloid
      @unduloid 8 місяців тому +2

      I have owned a Cort Curbow, but I never heard of Carbow. Is it perhaps car-shaped?

    • @wanderer314
      @wanderer314 8 місяців тому +3

      Maybe this is the reason he was selling it.... :P

  • @eriziasbasses
    @eriziasbasses 8 місяців тому +2

    John Myung didn't play Tune Basses, but he did play Tung Basses. :)

  • @Bassdriver
    @Bassdriver 8 місяців тому +26

    Wal Basses are actually beautiful. Especially the headstock - GOD, I love it. They get a 1.5 - 2 on your scale from me, although I do prefer the Mk2. I also like the Steinberger - although I prefer full-bodied headless basses (like a Status - I have a Washburn by Status S-1000 with Bartollinis and I absolutely LOVE it). The XL gets, say, a 3.5, maybe a 4. It's ok - not beautiful, not ugly, but really cool. The Rick - are you kidding me? Absolutely iconic design with some Art Deco influences. 2-2.5 for me. And the Antigua (I call it slimeburst) is my 2nd favourite Fender finish (after black/black/maple, like JJ Burnel's P-Bass) which is absolutely beautiful. An Antigua Jazz with maple board (I prefer maple on Fenderoids) and rectangular pearloid markers easily gets a 2.
    As for basses I *hate* visually - yup, the Bongo. Easily 9.5 out of 10 on fugliness scale. God, I can't stand these things. And the BMW contribution isn't surprising - remember the absolutely disgusting E65 7-series came out around the same time and might have been designed by the same people. The Big Al is one ugly bastard, too. 7.5 out of 10. The Ovation - UGH. What were they thinking?! 8.5-9/10. Same with the Vox. Horrid, horrid idea.
    I have no strong feelings about the rest though.

    • @andrewpappas9311
      @andrewpappas9311 8 місяців тому

      I was surprised by the mention of the Rick as well, I have a 4003S that I bought back in the summer of 2020 and it's been my number one bass for recording and stuff as well as what I play in my band and it's definitely one of the best basses I've ever played. Not to mention that it's also up there with the P Bass, Jazz Bass, StingRay and Gibson Thunderbird as being one of the most iconic basses of all time as well as how versatile it could be (been used from rock players like Paul McCartney, Geddy Lee and Roger Glover from Deep Purple to metal with Lemmy and Cliff Burton to everything in between) so it definitely baffles me that there are some people that think it looks hideous lol

  • @omarmoreira86
    @omarmoreira86 8 місяців тому +3

    Nice to see Scott without gloves! :)
    Here is my list.
    MM Bongo - 4
    Wal Mk1 - 2
    Ovation Magnum Mk1 - 9
    Gibson RD - 4
    Rickenbacker - 3
    Antigua Finish - 5
    Steinberger XL2 - 8
    Vox - 10
    MM Big Al - 9
    Fender Performer - 9
    Spector NS2 - 3
    Curbow Petite - 7

  • @krzychood
    @krzychood 8 місяців тому +13

    I love the bongo, the only thing that sucks about this instrument is the price.

  • @kevinmauch5622
    @kevinmauch5622 8 місяців тому +6

    Someone has probably already pointed this out but the Vox Phantom bass originally came out around 1964.

    • @ianchisholm9260
      @ianchisholm9260 8 місяців тому

      Friend of mine bought a Vox 12 string in that shape around 1969 .. ( he took 6 of the strings off like Johnny Winter did to his Fender 12 at Woodstock )

  • @JA679e55
    @JA679e55 8 місяців тому +15

    Talkbass is extremely sensitive. They're also extremely biased on certain topics.

    • @thecolourrose9022
      @thecolourrose9022 4 місяці тому +1

      Could you elaborate? Where are they biased and or sensitive? (Not disagreeing with you i just would like to be more educated on the matter)

  • @ShadeCandle
    @ShadeCandle 2 місяці тому

    It makes me so unreasonably happy whenever anyone mentions Mick Karn. Man I love that guy. He was my inspiration for picking up the bass, and I haven't touched frets since! RIP

  • @JoFrankHe
    @JoFrankHe 8 місяців тому +12

    Geddy played a Steinberger in the 80ies. Saw him in Frankfurt, Germany.

    • @TenFalconsMusic
      @TenFalconsMusic 4 місяці тому

      Grace Under Pressure (album, videos & tour).
      He decided on a Stein because it was easier to move around on stage with.

    • @jacobsmith1877
      @jacobsmith1877 10 днів тому

      ⁠and then I think went to Wal basses for the next album and tour

  • @PeterSKrause
    @PeterSKrause 4 місяці тому +1

    Bongo Bass is cool! The idea that it seems to be a straight cut from the top to the bottom horn. And the 24 fret neck makes it a great improvement over the original MM.

  • @DaddyStoat
    @DaddyStoat 8 місяців тому +7

    The Bongo is a curious looking beast, for sure. But they sound immense and feel great. And the looks grow on you. :) At one point, I owned four of them, and loved them all.

  • @andrewpinner3181
    @andrewpinner3181 8 місяців тому +1

    Thanks guys, great fun as always !

  • @warehausrecordingstudiollc6648
    @warehausrecordingstudiollc6648 8 місяців тому +8

    I beleive that Geddy is palying the WAL bass in the 'Time Stand Still" video.

    • @och70
      @och70 8 місяців тому

      Had to double check that. You're correct. My first thought was a Steinberger, but it's the black Wal.

    • @markdaniels7174
      @markdaniels7174 8 місяців тому +1

      Also the “Big Money” and “Show Don’t Tell” videos.

    • @k.h.1587
      @k.h.1587 8 місяців тому +1

      Geddy played wal basses from power windows all the way to roll the bones.
      But actually the show don't tell video was the jazz bass, even though the wal was what was on the recording

  • @rome8180
    @rome8180 8 місяців тому +28

    I'm amazed that anyone could ever find the Rickenbacker ugly. For me, it's the most beautiful instrument ever made.

    • @eldoctordeltac
      @eldoctordeltac 8 місяців тому +2

      I own a 4003 jetglo, and every single gig I play, I get comments about how beautiful is that bass. I Don’t think there’s a more beautiful bass ever.

    • @markdaniels7174
      @markdaniels7174 8 місяців тому +2

      I’m with you, and so are Scott & Ian. It’s the best! Haters are crazy; bring them on.

    • @scottdeakes8494
      @scottdeakes8494 8 місяців тому +3

      I hate them. Especially in punk rock. Sorry.

    • @eldoctordeltac
      @eldoctordeltac 8 місяців тому

      @@scottdeakes8494 it’s ok, man. I hate the Jazz bass, don’t ask me why ;)

    • @TenFalconsMusic
      @TenFalconsMusic 4 місяці тому

      It's definitely got a cool look but as a bass, it's atrocious.
      Disclaimer: I own a 4003 JetGlo.

  • @kevinnewsham7934
    @kevinnewsham7934 8 місяців тому +6

    Sorry, but the Big Al looks almost identical to an old Electra westone bass I had in the mid eighties. It had a panel on the back with effects cartridges that could be snapped in the routing, and controlled by switches and pots on the front.it was called the outlaw bass, nearly identical, all mahogany body and neck, and sounded like a rickenbacker.

    • @tiltil9442
      @tiltil9442 8 місяців тому

      Unreal! Want one!

  • @clat63
    @clat63 5 місяців тому +1

    I own a 1979 RD and I love it. Yes, it's damn heavy but easy to play. I would never bargain it for another

  • @Gmacdrums
    @Gmacdrums 8 місяців тому +3

    Music Man's Bongo is a complete divorce from all things good and an abomination before God. Not a single soul involved in its design should remain unpunished.
    11/10 - looks like hot garbage

  • @davidclaassen2448
    @davidclaassen2448 8 місяців тому +2

    Owned an RD Artist. ..the (playing position) RH switch is bass boost (down) and bright mode. The LH switch is Compression (up) and Expansion (down). Drove pedals crazy. The bass also acted as a big radio receiver for CB signals...not good when your gig is right off the motorway in the 80"s. Great bass though...sorry I sold it on.

  • @TwoBadBassist
    @TwoBadBassist 8 місяців тому +4

    Super fun! Thanks for the video!

    • @devinebass
      @devinebass  8 місяців тому +1

      Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @Jim_S.
    @Jim_S. 8 місяців тому

    I used to subscribe to Bass Player magazine in the early 2000's and every issue had a classified ad for Wish Basses...oof. I can't imagine anybody seeing one of those ads and saying "I need to get one of those!"

  • @jasontrebilcock6496
    @jasontrebilcock6496 8 місяців тому +4

    Part of this feels like a "Pick on Jason's bass choices" video.
    Bongo? Check. Love my Bongo. I'd love to get another one...but, they're kinda 'spensive. Y'know?
    Steinberger? Check, check, and check. (Have to account for all three basses I own.)
    Wal? Never owned one nor have I played one...but, I have desired one ever since Geddy picked one up in the 80's. (Btw, what's with picking on Geddy's bass choices?)
    Rickenbacker? Similar to the Wal, I've never owned/played one...but, yeah, I want one. Or two.
    As far as ranking/grades goes, I'd give the Bongo a 1...the Steinbergers...well, yeah, they're not exactly pretty instruments...and I'll leave it at that, for now.
    Side note: Color me slightly amused by Ian's hat with the Minnesota flag. Not sure how I feel about the new flag yet. Kind of wish it had a little more color...perhaps a little red, similar to the MN Aurora logo.

    • @geepike
      @geepike 8 місяців тому

      They tackled Bongos, Steinberger, Rickenbacker, Wal, Spector, and Cort Curbow.
      Me: “You sure about that?!” Lol Granted Steinberger is kinda bland and the Wal in question looks like it was made from an old door…but I feel like those companies are some of the coolest innovators, though Fender purists will definitely disagree.

  • @RennieXosa
    @RennieXosa 5 місяців тому +1

    You guys got me crying laughing at this. Great Podcast . . . again!

  • @koravable
    @koravable 8 місяців тому +4

    Ian’s got the best taste

  • @Seadogstudio
    @Seadogstudio 8 місяців тому +2

    Bongo headstock looks like Peppa pig.

  • @WilDBeestMF
    @WilDBeestMF 8 місяців тому +12

    As a former TB user (note, former) you're not even WRONG about that, Ian. We were not allowed to draw the obvious connection between the Bongo and a toilet seat. It just wasnt allowed and your post would get eaten. It must have been seriously widespread. 😆
    That forum is Boomertown, though. That's your explanation.

    • @CrockettsCabin
      @CrockettsCabin 8 місяців тому

      Yes. I was there too. Also a former member.

  • @jamesthomson7047
    @jamesthomson7047 Місяць тому

    Always laugh.my arse off when I watch you guys together 😂 great work guys ❤

  • @MeatballCereal
    @MeatballCereal 8 місяців тому +7

    Myung played a Tung Wingbass, made by a former luthier at Tobias, not a Tune. Easy mistake.

    • @ifgwelf
      @ifgwelf 8 місяців тому +1

      And he also used Tobias basses for awhile.

  • @wolfwarren6376
    @wolfwarren6376 8 місяців тому

    My first bass was a Vox Phantom. The originals were made in the early 60s in England, then by about 1965 they moved to Italy. Mine is from 1965/1966, during the Italian production run.
    They’re very unique, extremely subby for single coils, and surprisingly comfortable. However, they neck dive like crazy, the neck is very long for being a 34” scale length, and the pickup selector only allows you to run either the front pickup or the back pickup.
    Quirks and all, it’s actually a very fun instrument to play, and if you can re-balance the front strap button so that the neck dive is less, it’s actually a pretty comfortable instrument to play as well. Be warned, though, the reproductions don’t hold a candle to the original. If you want a good, modern recreation, go to Phantom Guitarworks. He makes versions of the instrument based on the UK version of the Phantom guitars and basses, and from all accounts, they’re quite good.

  • @copasetic1
    @copasetic1 8 місяців тому +38

    Scott’s hate on the Bongo is peculiar when you consider that his most often featured bass looks like someone shit on a p-bass and then threw it down a rocky hillside.

    • @cd0u50c9
      @cd0u50c9 8 місяців тому +2

      THIS.

    • @speelbergoMF
      @speelbergoMF 8 місяців тому +1

      That has nothing to do with body shape

    • @rhoodj
      @rhoodj 8 місяців тому +1

      The Bongo Stealth black 6 HH is an unbeaten king. The first choice😅❤❤

  • @Whos-That-Guy
    @Whos-That-Guy 8 місяців тому +1

    First time I saw an Antigua jazz i had a Wayne's world moment.... I now have a 78 and F'ing love it.

  • @Andreas_K_III
    @Andreas_K_III 8 місяців тому +10

    How is Rickenbacker even on the ugly list? It’s one of the most iconic and beautiful bass shapes 🙌🏻
    Any day I would prefer the RB over a jazz or preci bass

    • @TenFalconsMusic
      @TenFalconsMusic 4 місяці тому

      I desperately wanted one since I was a kid, but no way could I afford one.
      A few years ago I found myself able to afford one and decided to get one for an upcoming tour.
      Ordered a 4003 Jetglo through my local music shop and it arrived a couple of weeks later.
      Had to send it back due to several QC issues.
      They sent another that had even more issues.
      Third one, the neck pickup died after a week.
      4th one finally got it right, but it turned out to be the most uncomfortable bass to play (both sitting & standing).
      Output was so weak, my sound engineer told me to warn him if I was going to use it.
      "Don't use that pig unless you let me know the day before."
      I haven't played it for a few years, but decided to keep it (for display purposes only) because it's aesthetically pleasing.
      As for everything else, it's definitely a waste of space.

    • @panzerlieb
      @panzerlieb 4 місяці тому

      Could have something to do with that big ginormous toaster pick up near the bridge. It was never aesthetically pleasing. Yes I know they sound great, but they are just clunky looking

  • @rossmiller7778
    @rossmiller7778 6 місяців тому

    As the proud owner of a white XL2 Stienberger Bass. Was my main instrument for years. If you want a big attitude piano-like tone, this is for you. No dead spots lowest action you can imagine. The neck is Jazz bass width. It can mellow up with the bridge PU for nice finger articulation. But it wants to clank.

  • @pauledwdz
    @pauledwdz 8 місяців тому +13

    I don't like the look of Stingrays with two pickups either

    • @basscoup
      @basscoup 8 місяців тому +1

      I have one but agree - single HH looks butter

    • @robertmessing6846
      @robertmessing6846 8 місяців тому

      The 2 pickup Musicman Bases were not Stingrays. I believe they were called the Sabre. Not that it matters. They were not nearly as popular as the Stingray.

  • @JLeppert
    @JLeppert Місяць тому

    I have significant physical issues which makes the Bongo a favorite for me.
    The unorthodox shape is what makes it so comfortable. Combine that with how great that things sounds and it's a beautiful instrument.

  • @l.e.bassdesign
    @l.e.bassdesign 8 місяців тому +17

    Violin bass and the Danelectro Longhorn 🤢

    • @PjRjHj
      @PjRjHj 8 місяців тому

      Absolutely

    • @d3lt452
      @d3lt452 8 місяців тому +2

      ​@@PjRjHj absolutely not!

  • @adrianmcgrath1984
    @adrianmcgrath1984 Місяць тому

    Steinbergers first popped up in the early '80s, and I think had an advantage with their styling. This was another big historical change in music, Peter Gabriel got his first Fairlight delivered in 1979 and made sure that Kate Bush was made one too. Although they cost more than a nice house, they were the first programmable synths with sampling. In fact there was a brief period where the first time you'd see things like Fairlight was on science shows like BBCs "Tomorrows World". When the Art of Noise made the first record that was 100% Fairlight created (Close to the Edit) i seem to remember the TV show 'the Tube' doing a whole feature on the instrument. And when Paul Hardcastle (?) came out with the song '19' Top of the Pops did a feature on him and then brought him back over multiple weeks to play a new edit.
    There were 'keytars' to play, but the “rock band" look was seriously out of style - but with the Steinburger, a bass player could have an instrument that was boxy and futuristic. With the Steinberger and a good haircut, they could probably keep their job in band.
    The strange thing is, even after the synth era, they did continue to pop up, often in places you would expect them - and very often doing things you didn’t know they could do

    • @adrianmcgrath1984
      @adrianmcgrath1984 Місяць тому

      ua-cam.com/video/_JGPIBO5vZ4/v-deo.htmlsi=8c2JIJ6cwtgruuYu

  • @munkygrip1977
    @munkygrip1977 8 місяців тому +8

    Honourable mention for the original Warwick Adam Clayton Sig model. Like a reverse Explorer shape and simply hideous!

  • @matthewwithanm
    @matthewwithanm 8 місяців тому

    The whole time Scott was talking about these "ugly" basses, I couldn't help but think of that episode where he talked about how much he loved his ugly dog 😂

  • @BassPlayerNcl
    @BassPlayerNcl 8 місяців тому +5

    Surprised the aluminium necked Kramer and Travis Bean basses from the 70s didn’t appear on this list!

    • @Nanooky
      @Nanooky 8 місяців тому +1

      A friend had one of those Kramers. Very heavy and not fun to play. Probably why they keep moving between pawn shops.

    • @andyronayne7947
      @andyronayne7947 8 місяців тому

      They’re gorgeous basses imho. Just wish they weren’t so expensive.

  • @YouCanCallMeXoe
    @YouCanCallMeXoe 3 місяці тому

    I'll be honest, my dream bass is a Bongo 6 tuned E to E.
    I felt that way before I saw John Myung take a liking to them, and long before I decided I wanted to play bass. I love the way they look, and I would kill for a Sterling model!

  • @peterschraubzwinge6102
    @peterschraubzwinge6102 8 місяців тому +4

    Bongo looks great.

    • @devinebass
      @devinebass  8 місяців тому

      They're a real love/hate bass!

  • @TheWashboardResonators
    @TheWashboardResonators 5 місяців тому

    ‘Horseshoe theory’ is the idea of extremes moulding into each other.
    🎼🎯🎼

  • @BenMifsudJoslin
    @BenMifsudJoslin 8 місяців тому +12

    Ibanez EDA basses by a COUNTRY MILE

    • @VeitLehmann
      @VeitLehmann 8 місяців тому +2

      Yep, definitely missing from the list. They might be incredibly comfortable, they have a unique sound, but they just look so aweful that I'd never play one in public.

    • @tiltil9442
      @tiltil9442 8 місяців тому +1

      Aria Sinsonido following rather closely

    • @VeitLehmann
      @VeitLehmann 8 місяців тому

      @@tiltil9442 Oh yes, I didn't think of this one. But another headless Japanese beauty without meat on the ribs comes to my mind: Westone The Rail Bass! Ugly, but brilliant, but... ugly AF

    • @VeitLehmann
      @VeitLehmann 8 місяців тому +1

      ​@@tiltil9442 Oh, absolutely, I didn't think of this one. And another headless Japanese beauty without meat on the ribs comes to my mind: Westone The Rail Bass. Ugly, but brilliant, but... ugly AF!

    • @metallsnubben
      @metallsnubben 8 місяців тому

      I expected what a further google revealed was called the EHB (headless). But the EDA was a real jumpscare haha

  • @OdhranDevlinMusic
    @OdhranDevlinMusic 8 місяців тому +1

    The bongo was my first serious bass, was firmly in the this thing is the most stupid looking thing I’ve ever seen, and kept going on about how much I hate it, slowly realised I was spending way too much time talking about it and then realised I actually love it. Mostly play my P bass these days but my bongo gets a bit of love for my covers gig, super versatile

  • @klausgarten2050
    @klausgarten2050 8 місяців тому +4

    i missed the JENS RITTER BASSES! 😁The Wal bass is so nice!

    • @stuckinarabbithole
      @stuckinarabbithole 8 місяців тому +1

      I too was surprised there was not a Ritter included in this list.

  • @mrjmcrowson
    @mrjmcrowson 8 місяців тому

    LOL! super enjoyed this one, guys! According to the criteria of your scale, here's my take...
    1. Spector NS2
    2. Wal MK1
    3. Antigua Finish
    4. Rickenbacker, Steinberger XL2, Curbow Petite
    5. Music Man Big Al, Bongo
    7. Gibson RD, Fender Performer
    9. Ovation Magnum MK1
    10. Vox Phantom

  • @damonoleary3929
    @damonoleary3929 8 місяців тому +1

    You forgot the Warwick buzzard… that thing looks like a steamrolled thanksgiving turkey…

  • @tommullarkey1955
    @tommullarkey1955 8 місяців тому

    You need more Steinberger love! Steinberger’s represented the 1980’s and many of the top players had one.
    I saw The Police play at Madison Square Garden in 1982 for the Ghost in the Machine tour (with Go-Go’s warming up). Sting played a Steinberger and absolutely slayed the place, one of the best shows i’ve ever seen.

  • @Macna333
    @Macna333 8 місяців тому +1

    Outstanding episode! Love you guys. Thank you

  • @BassCovers90
    @BassCovers90 2 місяці тому +1

    John played Tung basses on awake btw! He also played a 90’s Tobias 6 string during the tour of Images in words.. it might have been a Growler?

    • @devinebass
      @devinebass  2 місяці тому

      I believe it was Tobias Basic 6ers that he played on the Images tour before he switched to Tung, then on to Yamaha!

  • @primate68
    @primate68 3 місяці тому +1

    my first bass was a Steinberger copy made by Marathon. Wrong fret spacing and medium scale. I got a Squier Jazz bass later which made me happy, and 5 years later a Sting Ray I still play

  • @ProfessorBStudios
    @ProfessorBStudios 2 місяці тому

    was going back through some old episodes and was watching this one while editing... and then I heard... MARs Music. Dude, that took me back

  • @optiTHOMAS
    @optiTHOMAS 8 місяців тому +1

    Hmmm. Maybe I'm the crazy one, but I don't really think any of these are ugly! 😅🤣👌🏻 any thing art deco or retro futuristic I automatically love as those are my favorite kinda styles! I quite like the Rickenbacker! It kinda has an art deco vibe like Ian said! Good stuff, man! I can usually find something about an instrument that I like! 😅😎👍🏻 also, yeah, that finish is glorious!

  • @bassandhotrods
    @bassandhotrods 6 місяців тому

    The NS2 is my favorite bass for many reasons, not the least of which because I've been battling chronic elbow tendinitis for several years. The NS shape repositioned my right arm just enough to stop aggravating my issue and saved my playing career

  • @nvp323
    @nvp323 5 місяців тому

    My wife refers to all stringrays as toilet seat basses because of the pickguard shape. Can't unsee it

  • @splishsplashtv9765
    @splishsplashtv9765 4 місяці тому

    when i 1st saw Ian on the channel i thought "Why ?" But have to say really enjoying him being on the channel... Top bloke :)

  • @andyronayne7947
    @andyronayne7947 8 місяців тому

    I owned a 1st year 5-string Bongi and imported it from a seller on TalkBass. Great bass, but not for me.
    I also own a 1st year of production Steinberger L2 with a sub-100 serial number. The early L2 basses had a plug in leg rest. With fresh double ball end strings it sounds like a grand piano. The neck is very similar to a modern Warwick bass. It is heavy on a strap, but effortless to play and the tone and sustain are to die for. So much ergonomic design was applied. The rear mounted output Jack makes complete sense and the screws holding the boomerang strap holder and the battery cover are designed to be turned using nothing more than a coin. The two ends of the body are designed to allow the bass to be propped up without using a guitar stand. The high ratio turners are incredibly good too, and the tuning is rock solid and insanely stable. I check the tuning often, but the last time I had to tune in was 2008 when I put new strings on it.

  • @eduluke2010
    @eduluke2010 8 місяців тому

    Hilarious EP! ❤‍🔥😆 Love it. Can't agree more on the Bongo. And yes, my perception as audience perspective: Warwick (and Fodera) are blacklisted at SBL, just saying LOL

  • @BraydenM014
    @BraydenM014 4 місяці тому

    My first view of the bongo bass was with Bullet for my Valentine live at Rock am Ring 2010. Jason played this and was doing most of the screaming. I also hated it at first but its grown on me

  • @aaronsawyer4599
    @aaronsawyer4599 Місяць тому

    As far as the Antigua finish is concerned, I just got over a really bad stomach virus. That color reminds me of a frequent event that I dealt with for 48 hours

  • @sixxtwo4785
    @sixxtwo4785 3 місяці тому

    Having 2 or 3 on the list already and wanting a Spector or Wal I love this! If you are gonna do the Steinberg, see the Kramer Duke. Hell, do a whole video on the Kramer/Spector/Stienberg/ESP party, and Warwick stealing designs which they still pay a fee for today. Also, just got my CME Antiqua Bass6, LOVE IT.

  • @lundsweden
    @lundsweden 3 місяці тому +1

    Yamaha TRBX series has to be in there, Steinberger, Ibanez Gio looks let's say, interesting IMO.

  • @2dazetake
    @2dazetake 8 місяців тому +1

    You two gentlemen are great together, I haven't had this good of a belly laugh in quite awhile,plus your knowledge and laughter is infectious, always such a good time on this channel, thumbs up.🤣👍

  • @dstarling61
    @dstarling61 4 місяці тому +1

    I always thought the oval pickguard on MMs make them look like toilet seats.

  • @phillipcross9375
    @phillipcross9375 26 днів тому

    The Martin eb series definitely deserves mention

  • @davidallen6014
    @davidallen6014 3 місяці тому

    I bitterly, bitterly regret selling my Big Al. EBMM stopped making them a few months later and my Big Al tripled in price on the reseller market, that is if you can ever get one. Ed Friedlander ADORED it and called it a P-Bass Killer.

  • @kennethyoung430
    @kennethyoung430 8 місяців тому +1

    Warwick stopped paying Spector for the license once He sold to Kramer. What's the difference between Lull, Sadowsky, Lakland, Ect. All use the Fender design? Love the pod, I watch every episode.

  • @kristallbasses8382
    @kristallbasses8382 8 місяців тому

    😁 big fun watching you. I can feel almost everything both of you say .... 🙃

  • @och70
    @och70 8 місяців тому +1

    The Ovation Magnum looks like a high school woodshop scrap project from a kid who wanted a bass but couldn't afford one.

    • @geraldfriend256
      @geraldfriend256 8 місяців тому

      Is that the Don’tStop Believing bass shaped like potato?

    • @och70
      @och70 8 місяців тому

      @@geraldfriend256 I know the one you mean, but I don't know the model number for that one. You can see a picture of the Magnum @ 11 minutes in.

  • @BobbyColorado
    @BobbyColorado 8 місяців тому +2

    Fender Aerodyne, Ibanez BTB, Ibanez Ergodyne, ESP F models, Conklin basses, Gibson Thunderbird, Dan electro longhorn

    • @TenFalconsMusic
      @TenFalconsMusic 4 місяці тому +1

      The Aerodyne is quite polarizing.
      I bought one in 2020 (export model) and I love it's playability, though I can definitely see how some find it aesthetically unpleasant.
      Very minimalist and an absolute fingerprint magnet too.
      ...but oh that neck & contoured body make it my go-to for stage & studio.
      Soo comfortable and with that p/j configuration, extremely versatile.
      Disclaimer: I did swap the stock pickups for Bartolinis and the bridge for a Babicz.

    • @bmstylee
      @bmstylee 3 місяці тому

      The Ergodyne was pretty cool. It came out about a year after I started playing and I thought it felt and sounded good. Conklin 8 strings are crazy instruments. They were like playing a piece of 2x8 lumber.

  • @tomdotcom0520
    @tomdotcom0520 4 місяці тому

    That Steinberger 😍 1/10. I've owned 2 of these through the years. I learned on one I bought from my friend in HS for $60, then bought a in 2008 I bought one brand new. So awesome! OH, I'm 46 now.

  • @copasetic1
    @copasetic1 8 місяців тому +2

    The Bongo is so fucking ugly it’s awesome. It’s like a Warhol print: nobody is really going to sincerely argue that it’s beautiful, but every time someone takes a moment to stare at it and wonder what the artist had in mind, it’s clear that something meaningful is going on with its design.

  • @lallytshabalala3678
    @lallytshabalala3678 8 місяців тому

    I've never thought I'd laugh so much watching an SBL video🤣🤣🤣I mean I just took a break from a Bill Burr stand up and came this side only to find myself cracking my lungs🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

    • @lallytshabalala3678
      @lallytshabalala3678 8 місяців тому

      I really love how Ian tries by all means s
      so be positive with most of these Basses🤣🤣🤣🤣Until he got to the Vox🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

  • @utkuhancer4206
    @utkuhancer4206 8 місяців тому +1

    Great video again. Waiting for city pop

  • @Sphynx76
    @Sphynx76 8 місяців тому +1

    I have always craved that beautiful Bongo. One day…

    • @rhoodj
      @rhoodj 8 місяців тому

      I will never sell my Bongo 6 HH stealth black.

  • @nobrainsnoheadache2434
    @nobrainsnoheadache2434 Місяць тому

    25:30 Geddy Lee had a black Steinberger back in the day, he used it for a pretty long time iirc, he uses it in the Distant Early Warning video