The most recorded bass in music history? Yep. Probably. (Bass Tales Ep.9)
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- Опубліковано 14 чер 2024
- There are few sights in the bass world more iconic than Lee Sklar and his planet-sized beard! Lee has played with so many artists and recorded on so many hit records that his bass playing has literally dominated the airwaves for decades.
In today’s video, Lee reveals the secrets behind his ‘Old Frankenstein’ bass, which he’s used to cut something like 2,500 recordings. It’s also been autographed by a bunch of world-famous celebrities, athletes, and musicians including BB King and Star Wars creator, George Lucas!
As always, see you in the shed…
Scott :)
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This dude played bass on the soundtrack to my entire life.
Yikes! 😲
ditto.
The discography is very long, tons of big stars from the US & UK, stuff with super popular artists from the Spanish speaking world, stuff that is very popular among musicians as well. Definitely one of the hardest working musicians. His CV is just turning on any classic hits radio anywhere in the world, it wouldn't take long for them to play a song with Lee playing bass.
Must be a bit strange to be him in public and hearing his bass playing pretty much everywhere he goes.
@@mejsjalv And sadly virtually no one would recognize him, know him by name, or have any idea who is!
I played many of his tunes without knowing it was him...
That brings tears to my eyes...
I loved his basswork on phil Collins tunes❤❤❤
Seriously are you kidding me? I feel like he is the guy sitting alone, cross legged on the top of a mountain who you journey to to find out the true meaning of Bass!
I wonder if Leland was Crumb's inspiration for Mr. Natural?
He is, and you do go to his presence for the meaning of bass.
YESS!!!!
At the base of the mountain
One of the most famous bassists in history, and has only four basses because they do everything he needs. That's wisdom.
-Original charvel body from the man himself
-Hand carved neck
-First generation of EMGs
-Hipsot prototype
-Signed by legends
And most importantly
-Recorded on thousands of albums by Mr. Leland Sklar!
No surprises that the bass has such mojo - the sum of the parts almost destines it for greatness.
Don't Forget The Badass Bridge!!
Yeah, and in 10 years it will get sold to a rich fuck
Wondering how much it would make if it goes to an auction ...
Not enough. If this was a guitar would be the most expensive ever.
Hey Fender, honor this man with a signature Precision bass!
That's what Frankenstein is.
@@truckerkevthepaidtourist 😂 I see what you did there! Nice!
The blacktop jazz has the same configuration
Fender would ruin it. They'd charge an arm and a leg for an overpriced bass, just like all Fenders.
@@michaelb.42112 just like any kind of a custom shop in my opinion.
Doesn't matter what it is
....he's so generous with his time on his UA-cam channel. Such a treasure
and don't forget all the travelling on 24th December!
great storys great bass man thanks. what do you think a new bassist i say new meaning 5 yrs should practice to get. real good ?
@@DETROITBULLET crazy little thing called love, billy jean and stir it up. They are fantastic bass lines for different reasons which you will figure out after a few bars.
@@eyesopen1244 😂
Leeland is 74 years old, still mentally sharp as a tac, and still an incredible bass player to boot!
These days 74 is not old.. 94 ..ya....it's all a state of mind
Odd to hear someone say a person is still mentally with it in their 70s. Why wouldn't they be?
@@lastnamefirst4035 Honestly, I've seen some people start declining mentally as early as their 50's, but that's often more isolated and sedentary folks, I think. Leland gets around a lot, and appears to still be very socially active, both of which are essential for people beyond 50 to keep doing to ensure they don't quickly go downhill. Here's hoping he's around a lot longer and is still living the musician's dream.
@@lastnamefirst4035 Good to hear you're doing all right at this point, I think declining that early really only affects folks if they're heavily isolated and not in great mental states, which can both deteriorate the mind (and body) at surprisingly young ages. I'm 28 myself so I've got a ways to go before I hit the decline (I hope), and you're absolutely right, I've seen some younger folks talk down to older folks based purely on age, but I've met people well into their 70s that are as sharp as I am right now. I wouldn't dare treat anyone older than me like a child, even if they weren't as mentally bright as they once were. Everyone deserves respect.
He’s a cool ass guy. I’d be more than glad to go out and have a beer and just talk with him! He’s really chill.
It's comforting to see a giant of modern music such as him, sitting in an ordinary room piled up with stuff, much like my own. Just a normal guy, who happens to be a legend also. I've admired him for decades. What an awesome guy.
I dont know how ordinary it is, check out that weird dummy in the back
@@lucasgeorge8687 What, doesn't everybody have a dummy sitting in the front room?
@@camgreer point taken
Sitting and playing a partscaster....
I love it.....
I was honored to meet Leland at a NAMM show back in the early 90’s. Really, all I wanted to do was just say “hi” to him, but we ended up talking for almost 25 minutes. A very nice, friendly and warm guy.
He said "2400 albums" ... not sessions, not songs ... "albums". That's mind boggling, wow! I've always been a huge fan since he played with drummer Russ Kunkel in "The Section. Awesome, legendary and as tasty as bass player can get :)
Mind-blowing
I heard that and came here to say the same thing, until i saw your comment. I dont know if ive ever even heard 2400 albums. Wow.
You both know... Mind blowing were the words I meant to write here, too...
Isn't it like 25,000 separate tracks? And a HUGE amount of tv; he did a lot of Mike Post theme songs. He did/does cartoons and commercials, if I'm not mistaken. He works the awards shows. He was bandleader for the Zappas' tv show. The man is tireless.
Yes!!!! The Section! Fantastic musicians.
You see Lee behind James Taylor, with his “unique” look, to put it mildly, and think he’s maybe an odd guy. Then he speaks, and you hear his huge heart - for music, for musicians, for the whole human race, and his own tremendous modesty. Wow.
Was really surprised with his voice. Not as wizardly as I was expecting.
@@jeremyphillips3087 Ha ! Exactly! Is he the world’s oldest Hobbit ?
@@CasperLCat ? Hobbit are halflings by any other property. They are a diminutive race, the wizards in Tolkien are tall, old Men. He fits that description, minus long pipe, staff, and hat/cloak.
@@caiusmadison2996 I know, I was just riffing on LOTR in general. I stand corrected.
Not only that, he knows his tools
That combination of total self confidence but also remaining completely humble and without arrogance - true class ☺️
Lee Sklar is one of those guys where there should be an exception and he is allowed to live forever, or at least as long as he wants to. It makes me sad that so many people have heard and been moved by his playing but don't know who he is.
That was the fastest 12:40, I've ever experienced. I could listen to Lee for hours, great story teller
I didnt even realize the video was that long till i read this comment lol
Leland is not only an excellent bass player, he is also a very entertaining storyteller. Great video!
Im happy that the internet has made a space for this man and his contributions to the history of rock and roll to become more known, especially to younger up and coming bassist.
He only shows off one bass, yet it’s such a story that it’s worth the entire video. Loved it
Been playing and working on bass for 50 years and have learnt more from this clip then those 50 years. Dude!!
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr Skylar while he was on tour with Toto in Philadelphia. Very awesome and down to earth man; he was also very encouraging to me in my bass playing, since I'm new to the instrument. I said to him, "I'm a student of the instrument," his response, "Aren't we all students of the instrument, we are always learning." A very humble man. God Bless you Lee.
I've played that bass! No Joke! Back in 1983. I was surprised to find that the action was quite high. But the sound is legendary!
Such a wonderful gentleman! This was like watching my favorite uncle sit and share his life as a bassist with all the amazing stories that came along the way. Arguably my favorite anecdote he ever told in the past was how when he played on Billy Cobham's "Spectrum" record, he just hunkered down and did his thing while everybody else was going off madly all around him and apparently Billy really liked that. Simply sitting between Billy's kick drums on his huge rig with his amplifier in front of him and doing his thing. This man is a national treasure!
I could listen to him talk and play for hours! What a human being, what a legend 👏👏👏
The tone on that bass is perfection. That's the tone I've been chasing my whole life. Total clarity, bright but full.
Exactly the first thing that crossed my mind!
I’m about to skip work, go home, and flip the bridge pickup on my Jazz and see what sounds I get.
@@Rollin_7s Did you do it?
When he says, "there's Jeff Porcaro, right next to my heart".... Absolute class
Definitely a man who is in it for the love of the music, the instrument and humbled with the talents of others.
Truly a down to earth man.
Bass made of scrap parts, no fancy boutique stuff, active pickups, no false relic and then 2400 recordings done. Man, this kind of interviews are pure gold and a good antidote against the BS you always read here and there.
Priceless as always.
Not to burst your bubble, but he literally says that each of the P pick ups are powered by batteries lol
@@creamwarrior That's what active pickups are...
@@garlicbread5320 the way he wrote it implies it doesn't have active pickups.
@@creamwarrior They way he wrote it literally says that it has active pickups
@@creamwarrior if you watch him describe it on his channel, he explains that the pickups are some of the earliest EMG active pickups.
"which artists has he recorded with?"
"yes"
"Not Primus"
Faster to list the artists, he did not record with. 😉
@@ThePhantomNetwork Here is how jokes work.... since Semper Fi answered his own question with "yes" he's insinuating that Lee has recorded with everyone. It's a funny.
Yes had Chris Squire. 🤣
@@crazeyjoe I made that mistake the other night before a gig. Someone asked me what genres of music we played. I said Yes. He didn't bat an eye and said, oh, good, do I've Seen All Good People. I said touche'!
While Lee Sklar is an absolute giant in the industry, the most recorded bassist of all time still has to be Carol Kaye, doesn’t it? Her dead-rubber-band bass tone is on almost every hit in the 60’s and 70’s, as well as on many popular TV show themes. She claims over 10,000 session dates in her career.
Don't forget James Jamerson from Motown!
i think they mean the specific instrument
Chuck Rainey could be included in this discussion.
Carol Kaye was a legend session player
No one is better than Carol Kaye!
Lee has his own UA-cam channel now and he uploads a lot. Lots of stories and music sharing .
Legendary beardist Who also plays bass
@Dimebag Hetfield Gandalf plays very well for a priest
Sklar should form a bearded rhythm section with Liam Genockey
Fit right in ZZ Top.
@@sturs100 Well, they need him now
ZZ Top needs a new bass player.... (too soon?)
I have a picture of me holding Frankenstein in that room. Love Lee, he is a great dude!
Lucky you, treadhead! I’m jealous! 😁
I’ve seen that picture, Jason-that’s awesome. I’d have it printed, autographed and framed…and sleep with it under my pillow!
The bit about using Mandolin frets was really fascinating.
I could listen to this gentleman talk all day long.
Me too! He's fascinating and a giant in the music bizz, but yet a very humble person.
Mr. Leland is such special and wonderful human being and a brilliant bass player! Always enjoy listening to his "let's all gather around the fire" stories. His bass skills need no comment. 😊
It’s a pleasure hearing a musician explains the creation of his instrument.
incredible pure / clean bass sound with the p-pick next to the neck
I would love to sit and have coffee with Lee Sklar. What a history the man has!
Lee Sklar is just a national - no - a worldwide treasure
I love his storytelling
WoW! What an eloquent told story about a bass and it's history. Sharp. Love it!
Thank you Mr. Sklar for always being so down to earth and generous with your time.
Jeff Porcaro's signature hit me hard! What a fantastic video
Could hear his voice choke a bit
Yeah. His signature is close to his heart. Man that hit.
The rosewood on that fretboard is absolutely epic. Look at the sheen, from all that mileage.
There is nothing cooler in music history than Bass stories.
That was deep....😁
Lee Sklar is THE MAN. So soft spoken and just a musician and professional. He speaks so clearly through his instruments that he rarely needs his human voice to express how he's doing. Quite the instrument that 'Frankenstein' bass. Dual flopped P pickups? Wow. Never even thought that was a thing. Cool stuff.
Love love love this video. The idea of switching positions of pickups so the bass strings are brighter and the smaller strings closer to neck makes a warmer and balanced sound. Lee this is a truly SIGNATURE bass.God bless you for sharing your honest life stories. Thanks
Lee's one of my favorites. So thankful for him.
And he's still going strong. He seems to be one of the kindest, most generous people in the music business. He's just amazing. so busy NOT being full of himself. LOVE you, Leland.
I love his producer switch on one of his basses 😂😂😂😂😂
One of the best interviews I've ever seen.
Man, that is a huge swath of music history wrapped up in one guy, one guitar, and one squeaky chair.
Lee is an absolute treasure. Saw you play many times with Phil Collins, and I still can't believe you actually replied to lil' ol me commenting on your UA-cam channel. Good on ya man!
This gave me goosebumps! Straight up, the level of musical integrity, the oceans of depth this man's vibe puts off, real deal humility, man, I could go on, and on, and on!! And you just let the man speak, a master at his craft just sharing knowledge. An obvious aura of mutual respect. This was top notch stuff, well done! (I'm still butthurt over not winning that 5 string, but keep putting out this level of quality content and MAYBE I'll get over it!)
A really nice tribute to the drummers that he's worked with to have their signatures on the upper bout near his heart!
Man this video was over before I knew it. One of the coolest things I've seen in a while
Such a beautiful sounding bass.
Lee is the smartest, well-spoken and talented bassist! This was right from the heart. What a neat gentleman.
It's interesting how this Legend is quite old but speaks so clearly with the passion of someone young! Impressive!
Yeah he’s 73 i think.
@@EphemeralProductions He just turned 74.
@@Winston01 kk
Quite old huh? And yet not feeble…..😏. Funny how as you get older, quite old keeps getting moved. Since I’m Lee’s age, quite old is now over 80….
@@w.geoffreyspaulding6588 and new pediatricians look more and more like their patients!!!
Enjoyed that as much as his own vlogs. An absolute legend and what a genuine human. Great insight. We should all be creating our own Frankenstein's that capture our moments, our inspirations. Amazing to have such an object. G x
Just goes to show, you don't need a hugely expensive custom shop bass... this thing is a thrown-together, beat-to-crap piece-of-shit workhorse, and it sounds AMAZING. Just magic.
That is one of the cleanest bass sounds I’ve ever heard.
Brilliant! Lee Sklar is truly an interesting and impressive dude. I never really followed him, however, I've seen him in bands and shows for 50 years. Listening to him describe how he developed his top 'Frankenstein' Bass guitar, is nothing more than fascinating... Good health Lee! Thanks for the vid Scott!
Love you Lee Sklar, as a musician and as a human!!
Not only is he one of the greatest bass players ever, he also has a twin turbocharged hot rod t-bucket that makes 900hp. He lays tracks in the studio, and on the street.
That man is a true musical icon - thanks for sharing this Scott!!!
The most valuable Bass in the world as far as I'm concerned and one of the best bassist to walk the earth. And Lee is a fucking cool dude and still young at heart I could hang with him and listen to his stories endlessly. What a legend!
This video has absolutely made my my day, Scott. What a guy - what a bass - what a story!! I LOVE Lee Sklar :-)
Lee is the master. He's also a seriously funny guy! :D
Panoramix Rules!!!! And now seriously... Living legend :) And a great guy at all!
That dent in the bass from his thumb is insane
Dude his UA-cam channel is cool. The man is just full of stories.
And what a wonderful guy through lockdown. Totally kept me sane, with his wonderful personal breakdowns, of some of his most epic session work. Thanks Scott and leland
That Bass has to be one of the most priceless instruments on the planet.
💯💯💯
I LOVE listening to Lee talk. His power of recall is amazing. Top 5 guys I would love to sit down and have a beer with.
Thanks for this video. I started watching Lee's channel during lockdown, love his stories. He did a nice tribute to Dusty Hill but I was surprised that they had never met. He has met Billy. I have heard that Dusty had asked his guitar mechanic to take over for him in ZZ Top, so the band will be going on.
Love Lee, he is such an awesome person. Oh yeah, and an amazing bass player. 😁
"...and here is a groove where my thumb has worn it down.." what a legend, awesome to hear from an icon of the professional music scene! That Bass should be in the Smithsonian! Epic Johnny Cash style sign-off!
Dear Scott. You have many many vids, but this IS the standout, moreso than the Sheehan or Pastorius or theory/technique vids, because this contains heritage, and the warmth of humanity…. Tools for the job…. That’s a phrase of thought that will stay with me forever…
Thanks Leland, I’ve seen you for years, and follow you on social media, but this was a solid piece of magic…captured in the moment.
He really is a character with a big heart. Love his playing.
Leland is an all around nice guy and national treasure. Such a talent!
Lee is such a one-of-a-kind cat, great segment on him. Thank you. Love the shout out to Carruthers... was fortunate enough to have an instrument of mine modded by him in his Venice shop almost 20 years ago.
I'm glad to see thatn Lee digs the Hipshot Detuner and the Badass bridge. I have both of them on my jazz bass. Thank you for the interview, Scott!!!!
Wow ... thanks for featuring my bass hero Lee Sklar. He is a true legend, a very humble person and a humanist. Already my favourite video on your channel for this year!
Fascinating. I love stories like this; especially when told by the actual musician with the actual instrument being described. Just so cool.
This Bass should be in a museum somewhere!
Mr Sklar ,if I can be so bold, how many songs do you know off by heart? It must be high thousands! I am in awe of your gifts!
The true wizard of bass!
Sharp mind and younger voice that doesn't match his looks....amazing!!!
The Signatures on that bass are PRICELESS, what a story, and it is a Double P pickup Bass, GREAT VIDEO, I want to build a Bass like that!!
Winner of a major award from Italy.
I was floored when I found out his main bass was a Charvel body. Soooo COOOOL! Now I wanna try mandolin frets HAHA
And me I want to start learning bass just to try that LOL
Sklar is da man!
and he's a collector extraordinaire of the coolest stuff imaginable
This dude’s beard looks like a combination of Gandalf and God, that bass looks really cool though
You shall not bass
Did he used to play for ZZ TOP ? 😂
And maybe He is. Who knows.
I've been checking out my photos, and God's beard is deffo shorter.
@@dennispickard7743 That 3 day old comment hasn't aged well.
Hoping one of these days, you bring Ms Carol Kaye on your show.
Can you Imagine how much that Bass would be worth? For him Its priceless because of all the memories hes had with it and all the people hes come across and spent time with.. What a great story.. He seems like such a sweet , personable and all around nice guy. Not to mention an AWESOME bassist!
Can there even be a price attached to this instrument. The signatures plus the history is just unreal!!
I'll bet he is the most recorded bassist as well - irrespective of which bass he used.
His body of work is staggering.
The list of artists he has played for has got be in the thousands.
I suspect he's still behind Carol Kaye.
I can't say that you're right because there are also Ron Carter and Nathan East having a tremendous record as well.
Lee's famous bass line in Billy Cobham's track 'Stratus' was sampled by Massive Attack - you know the one.
That is absolutely the coolest, most excellent bass guitar for so many reasons.
One thing I would add to my very limited bucket list would be to plat just a few bars
of any James Taylor, ( or any) song. I’m just a 70 year old amature so I guess that
its just a dream. Better yet would be to shake the hand of that man, Mr. Leland
Skylark.
The Legend playing on the legendary bass. As beautifully as he plays he can also tell stories.
You know, I'm not usually a fan of P-Bass tones, but that modded monster sounds superb! One of the reasons I've grown to like EMG's active P-bass pickups.