What is your bass of choice? Upright? 4 String? 5 String? 6 String? Fretless or Both?? Have you ever switched instruments, only to switch back or lament the loss of the one that got away? Please let us know.
I grew up playing a mim fender pbass from middle school till college (played upright too and majored in it), took it apart and lost the neck. I have a player jazz with some apollos but I'm really enjoying the squier affinity jazz vi it's pretty amazing for 300$ almost makes me regret the player but I'll use the neck on my pbass
I've posted a more elaborate comment already, but to answer the question about the One Bass To Rule Them All - I wouldn't be able to choose one. I mean, I love my Alembic Essence 5. It's most likely my forever bass. I've recorded with it and it sounds absolutely massive. But it's fretted, and I'd feel half dead without a fretless. My current fretless bass doesn't do it for me anymore, I'd give it one more chance with a different set of pickups and if that fails - I'll just start saving for a different one (I'm dreaming of a Wal but yeeeaaah, that ain't happening, I'm not spending more than my yearly income - I'm a Polish Uber driver, lol - on a bass!). But, overall, a fretless is a must for me. Then there's my Washburn by Status S1000. My band has one certain song that is WAY easier to play on a 4 tuned DGCF than on a 5 in a standard tuning - and it sounds much better that way, too (and yeah, there's quite a lot of slapping in that one, and that's what this bass was made for)! It might sound a bit of an overkill, having a bass for a specific song, so I use it for 3 others that can be easily played in such tuning :-) And I really, really enjoy it. As for my Sire V7 5er - it's just a nice addition for me. A different, more traditional tone. I like it and use it quite a lot (e.g. I take it to gigs where I'd rather not take the Alembic to) but if one had to go, it would be that one. So, I guess, it makes me a man of 3 basses (+ an additional 1) ;-)
I just played the best bass at guitar center the other day. it's a 5 string that I had forgotten to peep the name for because I didn't recognize it. It played so well that I came back twice to play it and just loved how it felt so much that I came back to the bass I played at home it felt wrong. I would buy that bass so fast if it wasn't $800 which surpasses a single paycheck for me over 2 weeks so I don't think it'll be there long enough for me to afford it.🥲 it's an absolute beauty that captivated me and made me want to spend so much knowing that it was going to give back with its feel.
I couldnt help myself spending entire visits to guitar center noodling on those fretless Padulla''s back in the day! It's so great to see one again today! So cool!
The old days were great! You never knew what you were going to spot in any music store. These days, you almost never see a boutique bass in a big box music store.
I love playing different instruments, and find swapping between different ones helps avoid stagnation in the same way switching musical styles avoids stagnation. I do have my workhorse, my most high end, versatile bass is my MusicMan Bongo 4 string with dual humbuckers. It's hotter than hot in any mix and instantly adds a boost to whatever I'm playing. Absolutely adore it despite what people say about it's looks. Very much a case in which the moment my fingers touched it I knew it was for me.
Thanks for sharing your story! So strange. I was certain I responded to you, but after reviewing the comments to make sure, it appears my response was lost. Anyway, I do agree with you about swapping between different instruments. However, I apply this philosophy more to the guitar, keyboards and drums. When it comes to bass, I feel it’s more important to really settle in to the feel of bass that I’m going to play the most. For example, I would prefer to play 6-string guitar, rather than a 7, 8 or 12 string. I understand that this is limiting and it’s not for everyone. I think any MusicMan is a good bass. Who cares what people think about the looks. More power to you!
I respect your opinion and your path, but my path is different. When I started to play electric guitar, I became a better bass player. When I started to play synths, I became a better bass player. When I play different basses, they inspire me to play totally differently. I no longer get blocks. Where I would practice maybe 30 minutes a night, I often now do 2 hours on four different instuments. My drum machine accompanies my bass lines. I get that in theory the dividing time means less time on bass, but ultimately playing more instruments makes me play a lot more than I would otherwise. That leads to progression, and it has enriched my life.
That is an awesome way to look at it and I actually agree with you!!...I guess I kind of contradicted myself. Just 2 videos ago, I talked about my hiatus from bass in favor of the guitar several years ago and how it taught me to be a better bassist, and more importantly, a better songwriter. I've written songs with the 6-string bass that I can no longer play, unless I buy another one, which has really bummed me out.
In the case of Paul McCartney he started with Hofner then after a decade went to Rickenbacker, then later to Fender. It turned out the reason he made the switches was simply because they sent him the basses for free, and in the studio producers asked him to try his other basses on songs during recording (favouring the Ric and later the Fender), and he liked to play the songs live with the bass he recorded them with.
Beautiful pedulla buzz you've got there :) My main is a pentabuzz (though original owner, my HS orchestra teacher and bass guru, had frets inlaid) always makes me happy to see A pedulla in the wild.
@progrockjock Jim may have done the same. What's funny is yes, this also has an EMG swap ("it's what we all did at the time" according to Jim - my teacher) He also has the original long thumb rest taken out and he took a cello bridge and fashioned a pest fully matched thumb rest in between the P/J... It's a spectacular instrument, and not to make you jealous, but yes it is a purely natural finish.
I agree that we all tend to have one particular bass we play or suit us more than others. My workhorse for many years and my "sound" is a fender jazz. But I admit to owning quite a few other basses which all make me play slightly differently and inspire me. You never "need" more than 1 bass but having several is always fun & useful if you have the budget & space! ;)
I play a sterling stingray right now and it's great! I did have an 80s music man sabre bass that was incredible, that I sadly pawned to finance a relationship that went horribly wrong later. It popped up on reverb later, and I couldn't get it back in time. It is now worth about 8 times what I sold it for, and it is my one that got away.
Man, I'm so sorry. I love those Sabre basses for their sleek design. I have totally been there with past relationships. Unfortunately, more than I'd like to admit. I even sought therapy for it because I felt like I just kept pulling the same old toxic chicks, but decided to save my money and buy this book called "No More Mr. Nice Guy" by Robert Glover. I had sort out a lot of other things on my own, so I don't give all of the credit to the book, but it's good to know you're not alone. Thankfully, I'm married to a beautiful and awesome lady now 🙏
@progrockjock I'm in a great relationship now too eith a girl who totally appreciates music and actually encouraged me to pick it back up. She plays a little ukulele but sang all through school, and we go to concerts together all the time. But it took a lot of repeated mistakes for me to get there also. I think at some level we kept picking people who "put up with us" until we got fed up and picked someone who is actually excited by us
Thank you for this message! I have been looking over the fence at another bass, but my Fender Jazz felt right when I picked it up the very first time, and every time after! When I went back to buy it, the next week the shop handed me the bass and it didn't feel right. I was going to leave, then they said they had the other one behind the counter. I picked it up and it was the same one that spoke to me!
hey man, I’ve never seen your channel before, but what a great video. Thank you my brother from another mother. So much of what you said resonates with me. I had a 62 Fender jazz through the 80s and 90s … go to sleep with it on … Wake up with it still strapped on the next morning. I sold it to pay rent. Never ever found a bass that spoke to me the way that did… Until recently. I have had 4 and 5 strings… Padulla, MTD, Sadowski, Fodera, Rob Allen, Rick Turner etc…. A few months ago, I bought an Ibanez SR 4600. Hate the color. HATE ! (Solar Orange) but the love I feel when I pick it up ❤️… My hands feel at home everywhere on the neck. I’m playing like I haven’t played since the 80s (when I was in my 20s) 64 now, I have about 35 basses… But that’s “the one” Only $1,100 (used) ! literally, don’t want to put it down and practicing hours a day again. I’m feeling like I could probably start selling stuff off. on a sidenote: my buddy told me he saw Patitucci at Namm playing a solid body, six string fretless… and killing it. ✌🏼
My #1 is an LTD/ESP Vintage 204 PJ bass that my wife bought me as a holiday gift 13-14 years ago. This thing has had different pickups in it (it has had since 2020 EMG Geezer Butler pickups and Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats, and it sounds the best it ever has). I’ve used this thing on recording sessions and zillions of gigs, playing everything from original Americana to Punk, Metal to indie rock covers, you name it, I’ve played it. I’m likely gonna be buried with this thing. I have other basses I enjoy but this thing is just…it. I can’t explain it.
I have a LTD ESP as well (F-254) that I put Geezer Butlers in. I still can't believe how well it plays. Maybe because its my first bass but I've never played anything as comfortable.
I have a 92 Pedulla Penta Buzz that I played exclusively until 2005 or so. Then band mates would comment you can’t play fretless all the time. I thought,why not? But I did go and buy a Pedulla Thunderbass 5 string and then a Pedulla MVP 5 string. Love those basses, but that Pentabuzz is the bass I’d grab in a fire and, like you said, the feel is unbelievable. Most importantly you nailed it when you said sound like you and don’t try and emulate everything else. I’ll add, then you’re just a top 40 cover band player. Imagine John Schofield or Jaco (who did top 40 as a youngster) but they became their own sound. Mike Sterns is another. Anyway, great video. PS: I contacted Bartolini years ago about modding the electronics on my Buzz and they said then it will not sound like Mike Pedulla intended, is that what you want? I never modded it or contemplated it again.
Thank you for sharing your story and subscribing!! I'm sure you're glad you picked up 2 more Pedulla basses. Bartolini actually said something similar to me. I veered away from my story and forgot to tell the end of it. The guy Bartolini referred me to here in Atlanta, died before I got to bring my bass to him, so I still have yet to sort out my issue.
I dreamed of an Alembic since I started playing almost 30 years ago. And, ca. 15 years ago, I finally had an opportunity to get one - a 2nd hand Essence 5. And... I had to get used to it. But when I did, BANG. It was MY bass with MY sound. And it still is. But it's only a part of my sound (albeit an important one) because I also love playing fretless, I have owned several, and now I'm sorta fighting with my fretless 5er made by a Polish luthier Jarosław Bąk somewhere in the early 90s, as I can't get THE sound I want out of it. I'm thinking of changing the pickups to Barts - I hope that'll do the trick. The fretless sound I have in my head is, unfortunately, a Wal. Unfortunately, because they cost absolutely ungodly amounts of money. I mean, their prices are nothing short of grotesque. The prices of new Alembics are even worse (I've won a grand prize paying $2k for mine back in the day, lol!) but that’s another subject. I also have a poor man's Status, which is a Washburn S1000 headless 4, retrofitted with Bartollini soapbars and preamp. That's my slap machine :D I tune it DGCF. And, for more traditional tones, I have a Sire V7 5-string, which is basically a cheaper (but still very decent) Jazz Bass. Yeah, it does have a very elaborate preamp, 6 knobs to play with - I've NEVER turned it on. Not even once. I run it passive 100% of the time and I don't even know if the preamp works anymore, lol! As for aesthetics - just like you, I love natural finishes (or natural-looking dark stains, like in Ibanez Musician and Aria SB series basses - and I'd love to get one of those!). But I also absolutely love the black/maple combo on fenderoids - like JJ Burnel's P-Bass or Steven Severin's Stingray. It's very elegant, with a sort of a post-punk/new wave vibe to it. And my Sire's like that :-) And your Pedulla is awesome. I had an opportunity to play a Pentabuzz for several days. What a bass that was. If I were able to afford it then, I'd buy it and never let it go. It just sang - like a good fretless should.
You are so fortunate to have an Alembic. The Essence 5 is a beautiful bass! If I could swing a Wal along with an Alembic in this lifetime, I would die a happy man. I've considered Fodera, but I decided to keep searching. The Washburn S1000 isn't bad bass at all. If it feels right and gets the job done, so be it! Sire is great too! I'm certainly with you on the Ibanez and Aria. Played an old, Natural Finish Aria Pro a few months ago at GC but something was wrong with the neck. Thanks for the words about my Pedulla. I do love that bass. I just need to sort the electronics out once and for all. I used to want a Hexabuzz, but a Pentabuzz seems more like the sweet spot. Anything over 5 strings sould be fretted, in my humble opinion.
@@progrockjockI am fortunate indeed (I would gladly exchange this particular fortune for another particular one, but that’s a completely different subject). It's a beautiful bass, it's beautifully made, and it plays and sounds beautiful. A bit of an Aston Martin of the bass world - it's not for every road but on the right one, ooooohhhh. As I've said, it's most likely my forever bass, and this is the one I'd save from a burning house (or rather an apartment, in my case - along with the cat, of course, and probably an external disk with my music and unfinished videos for my YT channel; it would be a real bummer to lose that). The Washburn Status is really good, I like it a lot and have loads of fun playing it, and the Sire is just a decent, honest Jazz 5 - nothing wrong with that! But it's the Alembic I'd save, which is no surprise, I guess ;-) To be frank, all I need (apart from a better amp and cab) is a better fretless 5 (yeah, 6 is too much for me, too). Everything else is optional and/or for fun. As for the necks on old Aria basses - on early SB models, the string spacing ran straight from the nut to the bridge, and that might have been the issue. I had the opportunity to play one - an SB-700 (just like the one John Taylor used on the 1st Duran Duran album) belonging to a friend of mine - for 2 or 3 weeks, it was fantastic, sounded awesome with the band but yeah, the neck takes some time to get used to. And yeah, get your Pedulla sorted as soon as you can. It's well worth it. Those basses are gems.
Mine is an LTD B206-SM (long ass name 😂) and not the one in my profile, that was a backline bass for my first wedding gig, in Philly! But yeah man, the LTD has beautiful tonal range (with Ken Smith strings, and don't worry guys I know tone wood ain't real and the sound is in the amp 😝), built like a foreign car, heaver than the most obscure metal sub genre and I love it! I *just* got it setup after NOT playing it for a year, from being frustrated by the weight and getting a Ibanez gio 6, but now we're back and I'm sellin the gio to my homie as a studio bass. Much love from Detroit, West siiiide!
my #1 is a 6-string Dingwall. It's a big, white NG3. There's something about this bass that is just.. RIGHT, speaks to me, and allows me to play this certain way that I can't really do on any other instrument. I will be keeping this bass FOREVER because there's seriously nothing like it for me.
*@prorockjock* *Yes it has mate.* *I'm in Colorado (finishing sessions) and will be in Alabama (another project) come next week.* *Going to give a go at a solo thing playing bass (Captain Obvious here) Korg Volcas.* *Progressive, Industrial, Groove I suppose.*
Great topic and this really resonated. Early in my playing I felt drawn to the P Bass, but never found the right one - yes, every instrument really is different. I then stumbled over an unloved and beat up 80s Japanese P bass that just sang when I played. Fast forward over 25 years and many hundreds of gigs and it still the only bass I have ever bonded with. I have other instruments, but they are tools to get specific tones that bands and artists ask for. My P Bass isn't particularly valuable commercially, but it just feels "right" when I play it....that is where the real value lies.
Thank you! Your Ric sounds like an awesome bass! The Mapleglo and Walnut are my absolute favorite finishes for the 4003. I'm still in the hunt for one, despite what anyone else may think or say.
Lemmy's Ric is an Iconic bass for sure. I like the carving and would love to have a model just to hang on my wall. Not sure I would want to play one, but would love to have one on display.
For chordal stuff my 7 string fretted. My 6 string fretless is my go-to for most everything because I have had it the longest and played it the most. Upright obviously for orchestral stuff. My 8 string fretless basses are becoming my favorites. . I share your feeling about natural finishes , and, bending just sounds bad on fretless. Bailey is the only guy I think sounds good on upright and fretless.. I agree that at some point you have to commit to fretless and not play anything else. I went 20+ years before getting my 7 string(my only fretted bass) a few years ago..
Thanks for sharing your story!! Is that 7-string a BTB 747 by any chance? I absolutely fell in love with that bass when I played it and contemplated buying it. However, I had just purchased an Ibanez SR 506e, which I have now sold.
Absolutley agree on going "All In". I went though the same problem when I transitioned from 4 string fretted to 5 string fretted. I would go back and forth between them on the same gig and screw up royaly. I eventualy went all in on the 5 string - pratcied all the time and then giged all the time with it. I still have a few 4 strings that I play with at home for the fun of it. I bought a 5 string fretless Ibanez, with the lines on the finger board ( Itried one without lines and couldn't play in tune!). But I only use it for a original band that gigs maybe twice a year, and only on 2 songs, so I don't think my proficiency is going to be great anytime soon. Great video - I enjoyed hearing you talk about the things I've gone through. ( I'll assume most of us have )
Sorry for the delayed response. Thanks for sharing your experience and the kind words about the video! I’ve never owned a 5-string bass. I always felt like the 6 suited me better. However, I thought it would be cool to have a 5-string that was set up D to C. I think Chris Squire did this. I honestly believe this would be the sweet spot because of the string spacing. Speaking of that, a 5-String fretted Pedulla showed up exactly the way I wanted it, but it sold so quickly, it made my head spin. I’m not sure if I want to mess with my Buzz Bass by adding frets to it, so I’ll just keep searching until I find the right one…
I really enjoy this kind of content. Great job with the storytelling. And helpful perspective for sure. Finding what works and sticking to it! Question from the story: How did you get the electronics sorted? Or did you?
Thank you very much! I was rambling and hopping subjects so much that I had to cut some of the story in the timeline and connect it in earlier parts. Yet I still forgot to finish the story - I had a heart attack and the guy Bartolini connected me with died before I could meet up with him! So, sadly, no, the electronic are still not sorted out yet.
I live in a very rural, country area and thus have been forced into learning my own setups, adjustments, and bass repairs. If you took it to people and they couldn't figure out the popping, then maybe I need to go into business lol Last time I tried to take a bass to someone local, i took it back after 7 months and finished the upgrade myself. Now I know soldering. Your bass has an awesome color. You've just gotten used to/bored of it.
I'm not joking - you should go into business. I think it's a great profession because there aren't many people around who are available. I forgot to conclude the story in the video, but the guy Bartolini referred me to, died before I could get the bass to him. Believe me, I've considering getting trained to become a luthier or at least a bass/guitar tech myself, but it never went any further than me buying a toolkit. Thank you about the color of my Pedulla. I'm definitely not bored with its appearance, but I sadly confess to letting my peers get into my head decades ago. I still prefer a natural finish, though. Sounds like you've got a good thing with being able to sort instruments on your own. I wish you all the best with it, should you decide to go into that type of business.
I don't have a #1. Instead, I have a few instruments that meet different needs. All of them are 5 strings. I have a long scale Schecter C-5 with soapbars, a Godin A5 Ultra fretless, and a Yamaha BBP35 P/J. Each teaches me something about technique and musicianship. I never feel like my attention is "divided": it's all part of my trajectory as a musician (as limited as that trajectory is).
You make a great point! Since posting this video, I've noticed that some of my statements came off the wrong way. I'm definitely not opinionated when it comes to how others play bass, but I feel that I overestimated my own skill by trying to take on so many different basses before truly finding my one bass and playing it to the best of my ability. I fiddle with guitar, keyboards, and recently, I finally bought a drum set. I certainly don't regret buying all of the different basses over the year. I just regret letting some of the good ones get away.
I’m mainly a fretless playing myself and feel uncomfortable with a fretted bass. Every time I get a fretted bass I always end up selling/trading it for a fretless. I did have the opportunity to play a Pedulla and loved it. Last year I got the same MusicMan with all the paperwork. I was surprised by the weight because other MM I played were really heavy to me for some reason. Pedulla is one of the basses on my bucket list. Btw, my main bass is a Tony Franklin Pbass in Lake Placid blue.
I go back & forth, but originally, from the moment I played my Pedulla, I felt like I had found the perfect bass for me. The main issue I had was not every band cared for it. How do you feel about that fretless Stingray? I LOVE that Tony Franklin P/J bass. I finally got to play one and thought it was a lot of fun!
@ I’m really digging the Stingray. It’s in my go to when playing fusion. It really cuts through and it’s a nice preamp that doesn’t color the tone too much. And I like the single pickup, like a P-bass, it’s in the sweet spot for the bass.
I have a 5 string fretless ebmm stingray I love it even though I don't play it as much as I should. I prefer pbasses though so I can see where you're coming from with this, I added a brass nut to it to make it sound more like a bass guitar than upright, it looks like yours has one too
My Schecter Studio 4 as my primary and my Schecter Studio 5 when the lower register of a B string is needed. Super comfortable basses for me, they sound great, and reliable. I love my Schecter’s and just feel at home when I play them.
That's awesome!! Man, I really dig Schecter basses! I played this really cool Frankenstein pickup model called the Diamond Plus in one of my videos. Even though I prefer the traditional Schecter head stock that's on your bass, I still wanted to buy it, but someone else snatched it up.
@ that’s awesome, I’ll have to check that out. Yeah man, Schecter basses are honestly slept on. They definitely punch above their price range. I’ve tried a bunch of high end basses (Warwick, Fender, Ricks, etc) and although they were really nice for the most part, when I play my Schecter’s they just feel like home. Also to note, I can’t recall a time where I tried a Schecter on the wall at a store and wasn’t impressed by it. Fender’s on the other hand, even the “high end ones” definitely had some QC issues.
Grab from a fire? My Steinberger XL2 that I purchased new (Newburgh build) because of the history with it and how we had to scrape to pay it off. My preference now? My Ibanez SR206, just in front of my SR706. They feel very similar in my hands, but the 206 is lighter. If they were to be lost, they can be replaced. The 706 is getting new electronics, because I can, and I can do all the work myself as I have an EE background. Then I'll decide which one I'm going to make a new nut for and string E-E like a large Bass VI. This morning I nearly bought an SR 5 string because it was such a good deal, but realised what you were feeling with the one bass idea (also from Keith Williams of Five Watt World). I'll have 2 main units, but they're similar enough to me that they should present no problems swapping between. If they do, more woodshedding is needed until they don't. I can see applications for both, and 7s are too wide for me to find one single bass.
You kiddin' ??? That green stain on your Pedula is awesome! My never-let-go or always-go-back-to bass is my '93 EBMM Stingray that got new Also can't get rid of my '86 Spector NS-2A (the first Korean batch) Was my first "real" bass. Sadly het neck has a terrible backbow that I can't seem to fix Have some other basses, including a recently bought fretless Squire Jazz, but these are just to change thing up every now and then or to tinker with (pickups, electronics, etc.)
Thank you!! I love those terms (never-let-go or always-go-back-to) and I know what you mean about the '93 EBMM Stingray. I had a pair of 1994 ones that I miss dearly. I know I've said it a thousand times throughout my videos, but I want people to think before letting go of their precious gear. I always wanted a Spector bass, ever since seeing Sting play one back in the Synchronicity days. I have an '86 Ibanez Pro Line Series I feel that way about. It still plays great but the pickups are dead. I refuse to let it go because it was my first bass. My Pedulla was my second and first fretless. Thanks for sharing about your gear, man!
i feel like this video really speaks to my recent experience... but not in a way that's completely parallel. i've always been a stingray guy... and a fretless guy. i've been exclusively playing a 5-string fretless 50s p-bass for years now (i also only play 5-strings). i feel like i've neglected the stingray lover in me for so long. recently, i bought a 5-string stingray and love it. i have to ask myself, "why did i ever quit playing stingrays?" the answer is that i wanted a 5-string fretless and all the stingrays were too expensive. now--because i DO still love the 5-string fretless p-bass, especially in terms of neck feel--i'm considering trying to slap that neck onto a stingray. it's like... playing a 5-string fretless stingray was always my destiny; how'd it take me so long to realize that? the p-bass was perfect for me in every aspect except sound, so i "settled" and rolled with it. i guess the difference with me is that there was never one bass i've played that was really MY perfect bass, but there was an obvious amalgamation of my tastes that i kept thinking i could find a substitute for... but ultimately could not.
At my college I’m In orchestra playing an upright and I’m also in our show band and I play on my 5 string sire m2, and it takes me at least an hour every time I switch to get used to playing either again because they’re so different in almost every way. I’ve had to learn the hard way that I can’t just switch between the two without slowly warming up else my wrists and arms will be out of commission for a bit
I agree about the individuality of instruments. My first bass was and still is my love at first sight. Almost two years of layaway payments later, Excalibur was MINE! She's a 1984 Vigier Marilyn Monroe Passion. I've never seen another like her and I've played many. Mine is different... She looks different, plays different, feels different, and sounds different. Mines the only one that makes my fingers tingle when I pick it up... After 40 + years of scars on both of us, that's saying something.
Man, I'm pretty sure I had never heard of this brand until you mentioned it. The Passion is just stunning!! I also just saw an Arpege Series that almost made me melt. Thanks for sharing your story!
For a long time it was a 5 string Squier VM P bass with Nordstrand pickups and Labella flats that I gravitated to. However, it just seemed to be too warm with not enough traditional P bass woody sound. I tried a Sterling 5 string MM but lately it's been a Squier 5 string VM jazz with DiMarzio Ultra Jazz pickups and Ernie Ball Cobalt flats. The EB's feel more like rounds. I do get more bite but a jazz bass always sounded compressed to me. It certainly doesn't give me that woody sound so for now the jury is still out on my desert island bass.
I always wanted a Pedulla without fretlines. That's an gorgeous bass. I love my purple Pedulla hexabuzz with purple fret lines. It was a very unexpected and special gift from a student. I love the way it feels and I play very differently on it compared to any other bass I have played. Unfortunately I'm not super happy with the electronics/pickups. Thinking about messing with other preamps and maybe pickups to hopefully make this the number one it should be, The last seven years my number one has been my orchestra upright and I played electric very little. Sadly my arthritis may be bringing my orchestra playing to a close. I'm reevaluating what kind of bass playing I can do and it will probably be focused on my pedulla or my fretless jazz bass. I think the 35inch scale 7string is going to be the one that gets away. I love it but its more than my arthritic hands can deal with.
Hi! It's great to hear from you - How have you been?? Sorry to hear about your arthritis. Thanks for your words about my Pedulla. Yours sound amazing too. For quite a while, purple used to be one of my favorite colors, so I would've been all of your bass if I had spotted it in the music store. So cool that one of your students gifted it to you. That's a testament to your knowledge, mentorship and skill. It also shows you're a great person!
My two biggest regret was trading my mid 80s Pedulla and Kubicki. Luckily I have both back. I love Stingrays and have a bunch! However I’m trying to try other brands lately and have fallen in love with the Spector Euro I recently obtained. Dig your channel ;)
Kubicki??...those are as rare as the Pedulla basses! I wanted one after watching that Stu Hamm video. I'm sorry about those regrets, man. I know they hurt. Enjoy that Spector, though, because those are awesome basses too! Thanks for sharing your story and the kind words!
I had a G&L L2000 fretless played it all over , stolen in the late 90s . Never really have a replacement for it . I had many fretless with lines since then didnt like most of them too much . Bought a Sadowsky ive been liking it so far.
Thanks for sharing your experience! I'm sorry to hear about your L2000. I hope that thief has gotten or gets the karma payback of a lifetime before landing in that special place in hell. There are so many stories of stolen instruments that turn up years, even decades later. I hope you find it again, but that Sadowsky sounds like a nice replacement. All the best...
As a lefty I don't have as much choice as everyone else, but over the years I've gotten quite a good collection of basses of various configurations. I guess in the "save in the fire" scenario would have to be my 2016 midnight blue Rickenbacker and a 2023 Harley Benton P. The Rick seems an obvious choice, but why the HB? Because it not only plays awesome, it has a lot of really good memories attached to it. I love my other basses, especially the Schecter Omen Extreme 4 which plays very much the same as the HB but has a sharper sound. I've had many basses that I've sold. One particular that stands out was a Schecter Scorpion. I'd give you an entire paycheck if you could find any faults with it or find anything that needed to be improved. But I didn't vibe with it. I should have, but didn't. I think I only played it twice in 2 years. Instruments are very personal things, we like what we like. There's no right or wrong brand or color or anything, just what is right for the individual. The "one that got away" was my first bass that I bought in a pawn shop for $100. I didn't know anything about basses back then, and sold it a year later for $150 and thought I did good. Turns out it was a left hand 50th anniversary special edition Fender Jazz, white with the red marbled pickguard with only 500 having been made. It's worth the price of a used car now, if you can find one.
Great story, even though you had me at "lefty"! I'm actually a lefty myself...well, mostly, but handwriting and playing string instruments I play right handed. I'm glad you've found basses that truly connect with you and I’m right there with you, it's all about the personal connection! I still want a Rickenbacker regardless of the mixed reviews. HB and Schecter basses are terribly underrated. That's crazy about that Fender Jazz bass. I hope you score another great find like that someday.
@@progrockjock Yeah, I was also hesitant to buy the Rick because it seems that you either love it or hate it, there's no in between. But it's a very good instrument, I think people don't understand how to properly set it up or dial it in for the best tone. The best way I can describe it is to use a car analogy: Practically everyone can drive and work on a Chevy or a Ford. They are familiar, common, and understandable. They are forgiving on the road and will give you years of reliable, if somewhat boring, service. Those are your Fenders, Ibanez, Schecters, etc. A Rickenbaker is like a Ferrari: exotic, wild, takes very specialized skills to tune it up, and very squirelly to drive without some training and practice. But hooyah when it's right! As a lefty I've had to work on my own instruments and make bad ones good just to have something to play and I've gotten quite good at it. The Rick was a frustration to me: had fret buzz, low output, never found that "Rickenbacker tone" that it's famous for. Was about to chuck it when an old dude showed me how to set it up in it's own peculiar way. Now it's right and I'm never letting it go 🙂
I will need to try out a few more 6 strings before I write them off, but I think I'm a 5 string guy. After getting my G. Gould I sold off every other bass I had lol. So as it turns out my weapon of choice is a GGi5, with 17.5mm spacing. Something not a lot of people talk about is spacing but I think it's so important!
You have an awesome bass! You're right - people don't talk about this, but I will. I actually had a sit down with a local bassist who was playing a 6-String Roscoe that had 18mm spacing. We discussed the comfort that came from playing with that kind of spacing on a 6-string vs the narrower neck with a 4-string. Pedulla used to offer a 19mm spacing on their 5 string models which would be interesting to feel. I personally think the 17.5 mm spacing would be the sweet spot for me. My SR506e, which I recently sold was 16.5mm. It worked out fine but slapping on it didn't feel right.
@progrockjock oh man I got to play a 6 string Roscoe recently as well, and though it was perfectly constructed, the spacing and the weight rendered it more or less unplayable for me. I think if I get a six I might like to keep it at 17.5 or just 17. And yeah thank you lol, my GGi5 is, for me, the best instrument I've ever played. I really did like the Kiesel I had built, but it sat unused for a full year after I bought this and it was too sick to let rot lol.
The scratches on the fretboard you was showing was able to be seen in the video. looked like little cuts on the fretboard. What is the difference between Maple, Ebony, and Rosewood?
I misspoke in the video. That is a polyester coating on the neck. It does scratch but it's not supposed to be a major issue, unless the coating completely wears away. I don't know about the differences between the 3 types of fingerboards, but Maple has always been my favorite for looks. Plus it's supposed to be a softer tone. Ebony is the hardest material, I believe, while Rosewood is right in between. I love a bare, Rosewood, fretless fingerboard most of all.
Super true what you said, when the instrument has a story with you it really becomes a part of you. I have a couple basses but the one that’s been mine is my LTD AP-5, she sat in my local music store for months because no one wanted a jet black Japanese PBass, I’m not even a big fan of the PBass, yet there is as haggling the price down. She’s been my one and faithful, unbelievable feel, nothing feels like it, just like it was made for my hands
That's awesome! I'm an LTD/ESP fan all the way! I used to love their guitars and started checking out their basses many years ago. Rick Skatore from 24-7 Spyz always played ESP basses and got amazing tone from them. Thank you for sharing your bass story!
I just came across this video and could swear I've met you before. Are you by any chance from Illinois? I'm originally from there, but now live in Kenya, East Africa. As for the video, that blue on the bass totally grabs me. Incredible.
Hello! I've never lived in Illinois and I've only been to Chicago once, but during that visit, I saw one of my friends on this huge DSW billboard downtown. This was 10 years ago. I saw that same friend in the flesh, in a crowded area, while my wife and I were visiting Rome, Italy, nearly 3 years ago. The reason I say this is because I'm one of those people who believes this is a very small world. You and I have probably met somewhere and I hope we meet again. Africa is on my bucket list.
@progrockjock Oh, man! It's so cool here. Our front balcony has an amazing view of Mt. Kilimanjaro. My band gets to jam out here in the bush while preparing for our European tour in March. If you ever decide to have an African vacation, do a safari and have great food, this is the place.
I have 4 basses. One is a beater that I keep at work to practice during lunchtime. The second one is for very specific needs. The other two are 6 strings fretted, and in theory I would only need one of them to be my main bass. But I am torn between the two. Every time I pick one up, it becomes my favourite instrument in the world, until I play the other one again. They both have their strengths, and I know I would regret selling either one of them. In my opinion I have too many basses but I cannot solve this dilemma.
Hey, sorry for the delayed response! I totally know what you mean when you say every time you pick one of your instruments up, it becomes your favorite instrument in the world! I have such a deep attachment to my instruments, that it was really tough for me to make the decision to sell 7 of them off over the past year. I no longer have a 6-string in my collection and it's kind of bugging me. I would honestly be happy if I had a really solid 4-string fretted, 4-string fretless (my pedulla) and a 6-string fretted. My problem is having the attachment to my first bass, which I no longer use and my old P bass for all of the studio work and tours I did with it. The Ibanez ATK is hard to sell because it's so fun to play, sounds amazing and I got such a great deal on it ($450 USD). My fretless Stingray might be the next one I sell, but I'm really scared...
Where and how did you get an unlined fretless Pedulla???? I’ve been looking for an unlined fretless Hexabuzz. I’ve looked for 30 years on and off and never seen one. In fact the latest cursory search shows NO image of an unlined fretless Pedulla of any kind….
Hi! I bought it from a Store called "American Music Center" or something like that. It was affiliated with another music store that was bought out by Guitar Center in the late 90s. As I said in the video, no one wanted that bass because it didn't have lines, which I believe brought the price down a little bit. I've always wanted a Hexabuzz too! Over the years, I've looked for other unlined Pedulla basses but have been unsuccessful. However, I've had 3 Music Man Stingrays that were unlined, but only my 2019 has a coating on the fingerboard.
What if the happy accident turns into a system? Is it possible more people might make the jump to fretless if they had a small (but smooth edged) groove in the back of the neck where say, the dots would normally be? Might be worth pitching to somebody.
I love this idea! I feel like I've seen guitars or basses with indentations in the back of the neck for that reason before, but I can't remember where...
Nice fretless, never had the pleasure of playing one. Daughter got me an Ibanez GSR200 last year just cause I looked at it one at Guitar Center 😂 but I love it. Used to have a Yamaha I got signed by Victor Wooten years ago. Got stolen 😢 😔
Thanks, man! I dig those GSR200 basses, especially the walnut ones! I'm sorry to gear about your Ibanez. I believe there is a special place in hell for all thieves and an even darker place for instrument thieves. I put them right down there with rapists and child molesters. To end on a positive, that's great you got to meet Vic! God love that dude. Isn't he one of the most humble badasses you've ever met??
Hi, I've heard the quote and a long time ago, it meant something to me. However, I eventually learned that bass isn't a race. As long as I can play what's in my head, I'm happy.
My go-to gigging bass is my highly modified MTD Kingston Super 5. I've converted it to headless and upgraded the electronics with Turner multicoil pickups and an Underhill filter preamp. It's hands down the best playing/sounding bass that I've owned. I also have a Squier PJ with a Hoxey aluminum fretless neck that I haven't quite fallen in love with. I need to take your advice and spend more time playing it before fully ruling it out of the collection.
Thanks for sharing about your bass! I've had my eye on MTD basses for quite some time now. I always wanted a Tobias Growler or Killer B. I just love all of his designs! Sounds like your sunset bass is your Kingston Super 5. Believe it or not, I'm still searching. I've looked into a Kingston Artist 4, but want to play one in person before making any decisions through Reverb. Keep grooving!
@ I used a Nova Guitar Parts headless bridge and headpiece, had the body routed to provide access under the tuning knobs, mounted it all up, and chopped the rest of the head off. It shaved 1.3 pounds of weight and balances perfectly now!
I'm trying to find my bass. I have a Precision PJ Affinity Squire, I do not like the nut width and my next bass will be no more than 1.5 inches wide. I stick with 4 strings because less strings means less worry of unwanted ringing especially if you get a 6 string. I like Rosewood fretboards the best but want to try ebony. Not a fan of maple, which is what the squire has. I am thinking Ibanez or Schecter will be my next bass. My Epiphone Thunderbird was awesome, just didn't like the tone. I am not a fan of painted or gloss necks. I would love a King V shaped body with a 36-inch scale just so I can really boom the low string. I prefer the Precision body over the jazz body because of the more symmetrical bottom instead of how the jazz is offset. G&L actually makes a jazz bass with a precision-like body. I might have to try one of those out. I agree about natural wood look but Timmy C from Rage Against The Machine influences that. EBMM basses seem to have a nut width like my bass and that is their downfall in my opinion. Love their tone though. I like the tone used in punk, like that pingy sound. I also love the tone like the bassist from Hatebreed has. Like a very clanky, ringy sound. The other two bass tones I love is Fieldy's and Sam Rivers from LimpBizkit. I think if the bass is made of basswood painted is fine. Alder and especially Ash looks great natural. I love the color, Green, but would prefer stained if Ash or Alder.
Thank you! Actually, you just reminded me of something. I've been unable to figure out exactly why I don't click with the Stingray fretless (1.8-inch nut) the same way I click with the Pedulla (1.5-inch nut), same with my Jazz vs the Precision. I knew it was the neck but I didn't realize what a difference such a small amount of width makes. I ring off strings like a mothertrucker when I get going 😂. I like the look of a maple fingerboard, but I don't like how quickly they show dirt.The majority of my basses have had rosewood fingerboards, but the Pedulla is ebony. That's sweet that you owned a Thunderbird. What a ballsy bass! Ibanez is usually good and Schecter is one heck of a sleeper brand. When it comes to fretless, I'm totally with you about the painted and glossy necks. Unfortunately, the other 2 Stingrays I sold had bare rosewood fingerboards, which I actually loved over the lacquer coating on the 2 I currently own. The bass sound of the NuMetal bands is a love/hate thing for me, but I do love more than hate.
@@progrockjock I feel like necks are either like having a bat in your hand or a sword. Thunderbirds have different widths on the nut. Some are narrow like a jazz bass, and some are like a P bass. Crazy but true. Sterling makes some stingrays that have narrow nuts, Thier intros, 4s, 24s, and short scales are all 1.5 inches wide at the nut. However, the 34 has a 1.62 inch nut width. At least by specs. Schecter looks to have a similar neck as Ibanez, just 1mm thicker according to specs. Stainless steel frets are another reason to get a Schecter. I am looking at getting an SLS evil twin. it also has fishman fluence pickups. I would prefer an active/passive switch but can't have your cake and eat it too. I like the Multi Scale basses, 37 inch scale on the Low B sounds like it could be thunder.
I'm with you, but with 4 String. That's why I'm so torn still to this day. However, I came close to buying a 5 String Fretted Pedulla a few weeks ago, but that thing sold in less than 24 hours!
Actually... I love that color. Wish I had a bass in that color. My least fav colors are the typical (boring) sunburst and black. Natural is nice on some basses. but I'd take your aqua Pedulla over a natural any day. As for having only one instrument that "does it" for me... I've never really had that happen. I do tend to play Jazz basses and Stingrays, but I've literally had hundreds of basses over the years. Putting it simply, I get bored playing just one bass. I've tried it a few times over the years, but it never lasts. I'm a "gear slut" and there just isn't going to ever be any changing that tendency. The upside is that I've been able to play just about every bass imaginable over the years at one time or another.
I dont think Patitucci has played a Ken Smith for over 30 years... 🤔... he plays Yamaha Ptitucci Trb6 which by the way, is a monster of a bass. Those Trb 6 made in Japan have boutique quiallity for a third or a little less of the price.
Ha! I posted a video of me playing around with one of these last year. Out of all the crap I bought from Sam Ash during their closing, this was the one thing that got away, as well as, a Tascam tape deck we couldn't test. I looked into the TD-3 but decided I was just going through a phase and moved on, but man, that TB-303 is infectious!
@@progrockjock I'll look for that. I love the sound of them, although I'll concede I've never been able to make one work in the sort of music I like to make.
I was lucky and got my instrument at 17 as a birthday present. It’s an Ibanez acoustic bass and it’s very me. I write and record most of my songs with it. I’ll be 36 soon so I guess that it is 19 years. Great video!
God, dude. I found some videos and pictures of myself, friends and family when I was 36 and I wanted to cry. 37 was a fun age too! Savor life, my friend. I know you've told me this before but what model Ibanez is it, again?
I got a Rogue fretless as little over a year ago and never went back. I only have two basses, that one and my old Yamaha which I'm now converting to fretless, and no others compare. Cheap doesn't mean bad!
I totally agree with you. I don't know anything about Rogue basses but they look good to me. I've covered plenty of low budget basses on this channel and right now, my favorite fretted bass to play is my Ibanez ATK. I didn't pay much for it.
Too much gear OCD. Not enough musicianship in this world. It’s a disease. After gigs guys (it’s always guys) just want to talk gear. Most guys won’t learn to read, negotiate complex changes or study harmony. Just bang out 4 chord 4/4 rock and roll and have a garage loaded to the ceiling with gear they never use or need. I repeat…. It’s a disease.
I hear what you’re saying, man. This topic is actually on my list of 35 things I would say to myself if I could go back 35 years to when I started playing bass. The regret of not learning to read and understand music theory has haunted me throughout my career and journey as a musician. It was further down the list, but I’m considering moving it to #7 in the next video. Maybe check back in a week or so if you want. I think I will feature your comment in that video.
I'm not sure why any builder would paint a bass that ugly color in the first place. Ernie Ball Music Man has does the same thing for years. Stick with the basics and offer the wacky finishes as custom orders.
Ha! I can see why the color may be ugly to some, especially if they don't like green, but when I bought it, I didn't mind it as much as I do today. One of my old band mates took every opportunity to tell me how much he hated that Pedulla until I stopped bringing it to rehearsal. I wish Ernie Ball would always offer the natural finish or standard black always, but the Sterling line seems to have it covered pretty well and for a great price.
What is your bass of choice? Upright? 4 String? 5 String? 6 String? Fretless or Both?? Have you ever switched instruments, only to switch back or lament the loss of the one that got away? Please let us know.
I grew up playing a mim fender pbass from middle school till college (played upright too and majored in it), took it apart and lost the neck. I have a player jazz with some apollos but I'm really enjoying the squier affinity jazz vi it's pretty amazing for 300$ almost makes me regret the player but I'll use the neck on my pbass
*Your MM Singray fretless would me my one & only, take it to the grave bass.*
Yours reminds me of my Spector EurobassLX with Bartolinis. love it.
I've posted a more elaborate comment already, but to answer the question about the One Bass To Rule Them All - I wouldn't be able to choose one. I mean, I love my Alembic Essence 5. It's most likely my forever bass. I've recorded with it and it sounds absolutely massive. But it's fretted, and I'd feel half dead without a fretless. My current fretless bass doesn't do it for me anymore, I'd give it one more chance with a different set of pickups and if that fails - I'll just start saving for a different one (I'm dreaming of a Wal but yeeeaaah, that ain't happening, I'm not spending more than my yearly income - I'm a Polish Uber driver, lol - on a bass!). But, overall, a fretless is a must for me. Then there's my Washburn by Status S1000. My band has one certain song that is WAY easier to play on a 4 tuned DGCF than on a 5 in a standard tuning - and it sounds much better that way, too (and yeah, there's quite a lot of slapping in that one, and that's what this bass was made for)! It might sound a bit of an overkill, having a bass for a specific song, so I use it for 3 others that can be easily played in such tuning :-) And I really, really enjoy it. As for my Sire V7 5er - it's just a nice addition for me. A different, more traditional tone. I like it and use it quite a lot (e.g. I take it to gigs where I'd rather not take the Alembic to) but if one had to go, it would be that one. So, I guess, it makes me a man of 3 basses (+ an additional 1) ;-)
I just played the best bass at guitar center the other day. it's a 5 string that I had forgotten to peep the name for because I didn't recognize it. It played so well that I came back twice to play it and just loved how it felt so much that I came back to the bass I played at home it felt wrong. I would buy that bass so fast if it wasn't $800 which surpasses a single paycheck for me over 2 weeks so I don't think it'll be there long enough for me to afford it.🥲 it's an absolute beauty that captivated me and made me want to spend so much knowing that it was going to give back with its feel.
I couldnt help myself spending entire visits to guitar center noodling on those fretless Padulla''s back in the day! It's so great to see one again today! So cool!
The old days were great! You never knew what you were going to spot in any music store. These days, you almost never see a boutique bass in a big box music store.
I love playing different instruments, and find swapping between different ones helps avoid stagnation in the same way switching musical styles avoids stagnation.
I do have my workhorse, my most high end, versatile bass is my MusicMan Bongo 4 string with dual humbuckers. It's hotter than hot in any mix and instantly adds a boost to whatever I'm playing. Absolutely adore it despite what people say about it's looks. Very much a case in which the moment my fingers touched it I knew it was for me.
Thanks for sharing your story! So strange. I was certain I responded to you, but after reviewing the comments to make sure, it appears my response was lost. Anyway, I do agree with you about swapping between different instruments. However, I apply this philosophy more to the guitar, keyboards and drums. When it comes to bass, I feel it’s more important to really settle in to the feel of bass that I’m going to play the most. For example, I would prefer to play 6-string guitar, rather than a 7, 8 or 12 string. I understand that this is limiting and it’s not for everyone. I think any MusicMan is a good bass. Who cares what people think about the looks. More power to you!
I respect your opinion and your path, but my path is different. When I started to play electric guitar, I became a better bass player. When I started to play synths, I became a better bass player. When I play different basses, they inspire me to play totally differently. I no longer get blocks. Where I would practice maybe 30 minutes a night, I often now do 2 hours on four different instuments. My drum machine accompanies my bass lines. I get that in theory the dividing time means less time on bass, but ultimately playing more instruments makes me play a lot more than I would otherwise. That leads to progression, and it has enriched my life.
That is an awesome way to look at it and I actually agree with you!!...I guess I kind of contradicted myself. Just 2 videos ago, I talked about my hiatus from bass in favor of the guitar several years ago and how it taught me to be a better bassist, and more importantly, a better songwriter. I've written songs with the 6-string bass that I can no longer play, unless I buy another one, which has really bummed me out.
In the case of Paul McCartney he started with Hofner then after a decade went to Rickenbacker, then later to Fender. It turned out the reason he made the switches was simply because they sent him the basses for free, and in the studio producers asked him to try his other basses on songs during recording (favouring the Ric and later the Fender), and he liked to play the songs live with the bass he recorded them with.
Beautiful pedulla buzz you've got there :)
My main is a pentabuzz (though original owner, my HS orchestra teacher and bass guru, had frets inlaid) always makes me happy to see A pedulla in the wild.
Thank you! Pentabuzzes are awesome! You’re like Doug Johns. He had Michael Pedulla fret his 1985 or 86 Buzz Bass.
@progrockjock Jim may have done the same.
What's funny is yes, this also has an EMG swap ("it's what we all did at the time" according to Jim - my teacher)
He also has the original long thumb rest taken out and he took a cello bridge and fashioned a pest fully matched thumb rest in between the P/J... It's a spectacular instrument, and not to make you jealous, but yes it is a purely natural finish.
I agree that we all tend to have one particular bass we play or suit us more than others. My workhorse for many years and my "sound" is a fender jazz. But I admit to owning quite a few other basses which all make me play slightly differently and inspire me. You never "need" more than 1 bass but having several is always fun & useful if you have the budget & space! ;)
Well said! I do miss having a 6-string.
I'm a natural wood bassist too but that Padulla of yours is beautiful. Hold on to it!!
I play a sterling stingray right now and it's great! I did have an 80s music man sabre bass that was incredible, that I sadly pawned to finance a relationship that went horribly wrong later. It popped up on reverb later, and I couldn't get it back in time. It is now worth about 8 times what I sold it for, and it is my one that got away.
Man, I'm so sorry. I love those Sabre basses for their sleek design. I have totally been there with past relationships. Unfortunately, more than I'd like to admit. I even sought therapy for it because I felt like I just kept pulling the same old toxic chicks, but decided to save my money and buy this book called "No More Mr. Nice Guy" by Robert Glover. I had sort out a lot of other things on my own, so I don't give all of the credit to the book, but it's good to know you're not alone. Thankfully, I'm married to a beautiful and awesome lady now 🙏
@progrockjock I'm in a great relationship now too eith a girl who totally appreciates music and actually encouraged me to pick it back up. She plays a little ukulele but sang all through school, and we go to concerts together all the time. But it took a lot of repeated mistakes for me to get there also. I think at some level we kept picking people who "put up with us" until we got fed up and picked someone who is actually excited by us
Well said! I'm really glad to hear it.
@@progrockjock same brother!
Thank you for this message! I have been looking over the fence at another bass, but my Fender Jazz felt right when I picked it up the very first time, and every time after!
When I went back to buy it, the next week the shop handed me the bass and it didn't feel right. I was going to leave, then they said they had the other one behind the counter. I picked it up and it was the same one that spoke to me!
That's an awesome story! It reminds me of the Rickenbacker 4003 I allowed to get away. Glad you got the bass that speaks to you. Thanks for sharing!
hey man, I’ve never seen your channel before, but what a great video. Thank you my brother from another mother. So much of what you said resonates with me. I had a 62 Fender jazz through the 80s and 90s … go to sleep with it on … Wake up with it still strapped on the next morning. I sold it to pay rent. Never ever found a bass that spoke to me the way that did… Until recently. I have had 4 and 5 strings… Padulla, MTD, Sadowski, Fodera, Rob Allen, Rick Turner etc…. A few months ago, I bought an Ibanez SR 4600. Hate the color. HATE ! (Solar Orange) but the love I feel when I pick it up ❤️… My hands feel at home everywhere on the neck. I’m playing like I haven’t played since the 80s (when I was in my 20s) 64 now, I have about 35 basses… But that’s “the one” Only $1,100 (used) ! literally, don’t want to put it down and practicing hours a day again. I’m feeling like I could probably start selling stuff off.
on a sidenote: my buddy told me he saw Patitucci at Namm playing a solid body, six string fretless… and killing it. ✌🏼
I built a 6-string bass in high-school(26 years ago) and have been playing ever since.
Wow! That's amazing that you did such a great job with it that it's still your main bass!
14:25 preach it! Natural is always my favorite, but I can settle with sunbursts.
I'm right there with you!
@@progrockjock Me too!
@@spookysocks5914 I'm the opposite: I want colors, nice happy colors. Good news is that there's plenty of variety to satisfy everyone's tastes.
My #1 is an LTD/ESP Vintage 204 PJ bass that my wife bought me as a holiday gift 13-14 years ago. This thing has had different pickups in it (it has had since 2020 EMG Geezer Butler pickups and Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats, and it sounds the best it ever has).
I’ve used this thing on recording sessions and zillions of gigs, playing everything from original Americana to Punk, Metal to indie rock covers, you name it, I’ve played it. I’m likely gonna be buried with this thing. I have other basses I enjoy but this thing is just…it. I can’t explain it.
I have a LTD ESP as well (F-254) that I put Geezer Butlers in. I still can't believe how well it plays. Maybe because its my first bass but I've never played anything as comfortable.
I have a 92 Pedulla Penta Buzz that I played exclusively until 2005 or so. Then band mates would comment you can’t play fretless all the time. I thought,why not? But I did go and buy a Pedulla Thunderbass 5 string and then a Pedulla MVP 5 string. Love those basses, but that Pentabuzz is the bass I’d grab in a fire and, like you said, the feel is unbelievable.
Most importantly you nailed it when you said sound like you and don’t try and emulate everything else. I’ll add, then you’re just a top 40 cover band player. Imagine John Schofield or Jaco (who did top 40 as a youngster) but they became their own sound. Mike Sterns is another. Anyway, great video.
PS: I contacted Bartolini years ago about modding the electronics on my Buzz and they said then it will not sound like Mike Pedulla intended, is that what you want? I never modded it or contemplated it again.
Thank you for sharing your story and subscribing!! I'm sure you're glad you picked up 2 more Pedulla basses. Bartolini actually said something similar to me. I veered away from my story and forgot to tell the end of it. The guy Bartolini referred me to here in Atlanta, died before I got to bring my bass to him, so I still have yet to sort out my issue.
I dreamed of an Alembic since I started playing almost 30 years ago. And, ca. 15 years ago, I finally had an opportunity to get one - a 2nd hand Essence 5. And... I had to get used to it. But when I did, BANG. It was MY bass with MY sound. And it still is. But it's only a part of my sound (albeit an important one) because I also love playing fretless, I have owned several, and now I'm sorta fighting with my fretless 5er made by a Polish luthier Jarosław Bąk somewhere in the early 90s, as I can't get THE sound I want out of it. I'm thinking of changing the pickups to Barts - I hope that'll do the trick. The fretless sound I have in my head is, unfortunately, a Wal. Unfortunately, because they cost absolutely ungodly amounts of money. I mean, their prices are nothing short of grotesque. The prices of new Alembics are even worse (I've won a grand prize paying $2k for mine back in the day, lol!) but that’s another subject. I also have a poor man's Status, which is a Washburn S1000 headless 4, retrofitted with Bartollini soapbars and preamp. That's my slap machine :D I tune it DGCF. And, for more traditional tones, I have a Sire V7 5-string, which is basically a cheaper (but still very decent) Jazz Bass. Yeah, it does have a very elaborate preamp, 6 knobs to play with - I've NEVER turned it on. Not even once. I run it passive 100% of the time and I don't even know if the preamp works anymore, lol!
As for aesthetics - just like you, I love natural finishes (or natural-looking dark stains, like in Ibanez Musician and Aria SB series basses - and I'd love to get one of those!). But I also absolutely love the black/maple combo on fenderoids - like JJ Burnel's P-Bass or Steven Severin's Stingray. It's very elegant, with a sort of a post-punk/new wave vibe to it. And my Sire's like that :-)
And your Pedulla is awesome. I had an opportunity to play a Pentabuzz for several days. What a bass that was. If I were able to afford it then, I'd buy it and never let it go. It just sang - like a good fretless should.
You are so fortunate to have an Alembic. The Essence 5 is a beautiful bass! If I could swing a Wal along with an Alembic in this lifetime, I would die a happy man. I've considered Fodera, but I decided to keep searching. The Washburn S1000 isn't bad bass at all. If it feels right and gets the job done, so be it! Sire is great too!
I'm certainly with you on the Ibanez and Aria. Played an old, Natural Finish Aria Pro a few months ago at GC but something was wrong with the neck.
Thanks for the words about my Pedulla. I do love that bass. I just need to sort the electronics out once and for all. I used to want a Hexabuzz, but a Pentabuzz seems more like the sweet spot. Anything over 5 strings sould be fretted, in my humble opinion.
@@progrockjockI am fortunate indeed (I would gladly exchange this particular fortune for another particular one, but that’s a completely different subject). It's a beautiful bass, it's beautifully made, and it plays and sounds beautiful. A bit of an Aston Martin of the bass world - it's not for every road but on the right one, ooooohhhh. As I've said, it's most likely my forever bass, and this is the one I'd save from a burning house (or rather an apartment, in my case - along with the cat, of course, and probably an external disk with my music and unfinished videos for my YT channel; it would be a real bummer to lose that). The Washburn Status is really good, I like it a lot and have loads of fun playing it, and the Sire is just a decent, honest Jazz 5 - nothing wrong with that! But it's the Alembic I'd save, which is no surprise, I guess ;-) To be frank, all I need (apart from a better amp and cab) is a better fretless 5 (yeah, 6 is too much for me, too). Everything else is optional and/or for fun.
As for the necks on old Aria basses - on early SB models, the string spacing ran straight from the nut to the bridge, and that might have been the issue. I had the opportunity to play one - an SB-700 (just like the one John Taylor used on the 1st Duran Duran album) belonging to a friend of mine - for 2 or 3 weeks, it was fantastic, sounded awesome with the band but yeah, the neck takes some time to get used to.
And yeah, get your Pedulla sorted as soon as you can. It's well worth it. Those basses are gems.
Mine is an LTD B206-SM (long ass name 😂) and not the one in my profile, that was a backline bass for my first wedding gig, in Philly! But yeah man, the LTD has beautiful tonal range (with Ken Smith strings, and don't worry guys I know tone wood ain't real and the sound is in the amp 😝), built like a foreign car, heaver than the most obscure metal sub genre and I love it! I *just* got it setup after NOT playing it for a year, from being frustrated by the weight and getting a Ibanez gio 6, but now we're back and I'm sellin the gio to my homie as a studio bass. Much love from Detroit, West siiiide!
my #1 is a 6-string Dingwall. It's a big, white NG3. There's something about this bass that is just.. RIGHT, speaks to me, and allows me to play this certain way that I can't really do on any other instrument. I will be keeping this bass FOREVER because there's seriously nothing like it for me.
.
*Always chuffed to bits seeing your videos mate...*
*...especially when you get the fretlesses out.*
Hey, it's been a long time! How have you been??
*@prorockjock*
*Yes it has mate.*
*I'm in Colorado (finishing sessions) and will be in Alabama (another project) come next week.*
*Going to give a go at a solo thing playing bass (Captain Obvious here) Korg Volcas.*
*Progressive, Industrial, Groove I suppose.*
Great topic and this really resonated. Early in my playing I felt drawn to the P Bass, but never found the right one - yes, every instrument really is different.
I then stumbled over an unloved and beat up 80s Japanese P bass that just sang when I played.
Fast forward over 25 years and many hundreds of gigs and it still the only bass I have ever bonded with.
I have other instruments, but they are tools to get specific tones that bands and artists ask for.
My P Bass isn't particularly valuable commercially, but it just feels "right" when I play it....that is where the real value lies.
I also love a natural finish. I like it the most, and I think they look good no matter what you're wearing
Great point! I actually used to say that to people back in the day. Sunburst or tobacco burst is the next best thing...then silver or black.
Beautiful Pedulla! My bass of choice is a mapleglo Rickenbacker 4003S that I got 6 years ago.
Thank you! Your Ric sounds like an awesome bass! The Mapleglo and Walnut are my absolute favorite finishes for the 4003. I'm still in the hunt for one, despite what anyone else may think or say.
Lemmy's Ric is an Iconic bass for sure. I like the carving and would love to have a model just to hang on my wall. Not sure I would want to play one, but would love to have one on display.
For chordal stuff my 7 string fretted. My 6 string fretless is my go-to for most everything because I have had it the longest and played it the most. Upright obviously for orchestral stuff. My 8 string fretless basses are becoming my favorites. .
I share your feeling about natural finishes , and, bending just sounds bad on fretless. Bailey is the only guy I think sounds good on upright and fretless..
I agree that at some point you have to commit to fretless and not play anything else. I went 20+ years before getting my 7 string(my only fretted bass) a few years ago..
Thanks for sharing your story!! Is that 7-string a BTB 747 by any chance? I absolutely fell in love with that bass when I played it and contemplated buying it. However, I had just purchased an Ibanez SR 506e, which I have now sold.
Absolutley agree on going "All In". I went though the same problem when I transitioned from 4 string fretted to 5 string fretted. I would go back and forth between them on the same gig and screw up royaly. I eventualy went all in on the 5 string - pratcied all the time and then giged all the time with it. I still have a few 4 strings that I play with at home for the fun of it. I bought a 5 string fretless Ibanez, with the lines on the finger board ( Itried one without lines and couldn't play in tune!). But I only use it for a original band that gigs maybe twice a year, and only on 2 songs, so I don't think my proficiency is going to be great anytime soon. Great video - I enjoyed hearing you talk about the things I've gone through. ( I'll assume most of us have )
Sorry for the delayed response. Thanks for sharing your experience and the kind words about the video! I’ve never owned a 5-string bass. I always felt like the 6 suited me better. However, I thought it would be cool to have a 5-string that was set up D to C. I think Chris Squire did this. I honestly believe this would be the sweet spot because of the string spacing. Speaking of that, a 5-String fretted Pedulla showed up exactly the way I wanted it, but it sold so quickly, it made my head spin. I’m not sure if I want to mess with my Buzz Bass by adding frets to it, so I’ll just keep searching until I find the right one…
I really enjoy this kind of content. Great job with the storytelling. And helpful perspective for sure. Finding what works and sticking to it!
Question from the story: How did you get the electronics sorted? Or did you?
Thank you very much! I was rambling and hopping subjects so much that I had to cut some of the story in the timeline and connect it in earlier parts. Yet I still forgot to finish the story - I had a heart attack and the guy Bartolini connected me with died before I could meet up with him! So, sadly, no, the electronic are still not sorted out yet.
Jb-2 is my main . Its so simple and clean, does all i want. I just change the strings if i want different tone
Thanks for the stories
I live in a very rural, country area and thus have been forced into learning my own setups, adjustments, and bass repairs. If you took it to people and they couldn't figure out the popping, then maybe I need to go into business lol
Last time I tried to take a bass to someone local, i took it back after 7 months and finished the upgrade myself. Now I know soldering.
Your bass has an awesome color. You've just gotten used to/bored of it.
I'm not joking - you should go into business. I think it's a great profession because there aren't many people around who are available. I forgot to conclude the story in the video, but the guy Bartolini referred me to, died before I could get the bass to him.
Believe me, I've considering getting trained to become a luthier or at least a bass/guitar tech myself, but it never went any further than me buying a toolkit.
Thank you about the color of my Pedulla. I'm definitely not bored with its appearance, but I sadly confess to letting my peers get into my head decades ago. I still prefer a natural finish, though.
Sounds like you've got a good thing with being able to sort instruments on your own. I wish you all the best with it, should you decide to go into that type of business.
I don't have a #1. Instead, I have a few instruments that meet different needs. All of them are 5 strings. I have a long scale Schecter C-5 with soapbars, a Godin A5 Ultra fretless, and a Yamaha BBP35 P/J. Each teaches me something about technique and musicianship. I never feel like my attention is "divided": it's all part of my trajectory as a musician (as limited as that trajectory is).
You make a great point! Since posting this video, I've noticed that some of my statements came off the wrong way. I'm definitely not opinionated when it comes to how others play bass, but I feel that I overestimated my own skill by trying to take on so many different basses before truly finding my one bass and playing it to the best of my ability. I fiddle with guitar, keyboards, and recently, I finally bought a drum set. I certainly don't regret buying all of the different basses over the year. I just regret letting some of the good ones get away.
I’m mainly a fretless playing myself and feel uncomfortable with a fretted bass. Every time I get a fretted bass I always end up selling/trading it for a fretless. I did have the opportunity to play a Pedulla and loved it. Last year I got the same MusicMan with all the paperwork. I was surprised by the weight because other MM I played were really heavy to me for some reason. Pedulla is one of the basses on my bucket list. Btw, my main bass is a Tony Franklin Pbass in Lake Placid blue.
I go back & forth, but originally, from the moment I played my Pedulla, I felt like I had found the perfect bass for me. The main issue I had was not every band cared for it. How do you feel about that fretless Stingray? I LOVE that Tony Franklin P/J bass. I finally got to play one and thought it was a lot of fun!
@ I’m really digging the Stingray. It’s in my go to when playing fusion. It really cuts through and it’s a nice preamp that doesn’t color the tone too much. And I like the single pickup, like a P-bass, it’s in the sweet spot for the bass.
I have a 5 string fretless ebmm stingray I love it even though I don't play it as much as I should. I prefer pbasses though so I can see where you're coming from with this, I added a brass nut to it to make it sound more like a bass guitar than upright, it looks like yours has one too
My Schecter Studio 4 as my primary and my Schecter Studio 5 when the lower register of a B string is needed.
Super comfortable basses for me, they sound great, and reliable.
I love my Schecter’s and just feel at home when I play them.
That's awesome!! Man, I really dig Schecter basses! I played this really cool Frankenstein pickup model called the Diamond Plus in one of my videos. Even though I prefer the traditional Schecter head stock that's on your bass, I still wanted to buy it, but someone else snatched it up.
@ that’s awesome, I’ll have to check that out.
Yeah man, Schecter basses are honestly slept on. They definitely punch above their price range. I’ve tried a bunch of high end basses (Warwick, Fender, Ricks, etc) and although they were really nice for the most part, when I play my Schecter’s they just feel like home.
Also to note, I can’t recall a time where I tried a Schecter on the wall at a store and wasn’t impressed by it. Fender’s on the other hand, even the “high end ones” definitely had some QC issues.
Grab from a fire? My Steinberger XL2 that I purchased new (Newburgh build) because of the history with it and how we had to scrape to pay it off.
My preference now? My Ibanez SR206, just in front of my SR706. They feel very similar in my hands, but the 206 is lighter. If they were to be lost, they can be replaced.
The 706 is getting new electronics, because I can, and I can do all the work myself as I have an EE background. Then I'll decide which one I'm going to make a new nut for and string E-E like a large Bass VI.
This morning I nearly bought an SR 5 string because it was such a good deal, but realised what you were feeling with the one bass idea (also from Keith Williams of Five Watt World). I'll have 2 main units, but they're similar enough to me that they should present no problems swapping between. If they do, more woodshedding is needed until they don't.
I can see applications for both, and 7s are too wide for me to find one single bass.
You kiddin' ??? That green stain on your Pedula is awesome!
My never-let-go or always-go-back-to bass is my '93 EBMM Stingray that got new
Also can't get rid of my '86 Spector NS-2A (the first Korean batch)
Was my first "real" bass. Sadly het neck has a terrible backbow that I can't seem to fix
Have some other basses, including a recently bought fretless Squire Jazz, but these are just to change thing up every now and then or to tinker with (pickups, electronics, etc.)
Thank you!! I love those terms (never-let-go or always-go-back-to) and I know what you mean about the '93 EBMM Stingray. I had a pair of 1994 ones that I miss dearly. I know I've said it a thousand times throughout my videos, but I want people to think before letting go of their precious gear. I always wanted a Spector bass, ever since seeing Sting play one back in the Synchronicity days. I have an '86 Ibanez Pro Line Series I feel that way about. It still plays great but the pickups are dead. I refuse to let it go because it was my first bass. My Pedulla was my second and first fretless. Thanks for sharing about your gear, man!
i feel like this video really speaks to my recent experience... but not in a way that's completely parallel.
i've always been a stingray guy... and a fretless guy. i've been exclusively playing a 5-string fretless 50s p-bass for years now (i also only play 5-strings). i feel like i've neglected the stingray lover in me for so long. recently, i bought a 5-string stingray and love it. i have to ask myself, "why did i ever quit playing stingrays?" the answer is that i wanted a 5-string fretless and all the stingrays were too expensive. now--because i DO still love the 5-string fretless p-bass, especially in terms of neck feel--i'm considering trying to slap that neck onto a stingray. it's like... playing a 5-string fretless stingray was always my destiny; how'd it take me so long to realize that? the p-bass was perfect for me in every aspect except sound, so i "settled" and rolled with it. i guess the difference with me is that there was never one bass i've played that was really MY perfect bass, but there was an obvious amalgamation of my tastes that i kept thinking i could find a substitute for... but ultimately could not.
At my college I’m In orchestra playing an upright and I’m also in our show band and I play on my 5 string sire m2, and it takes me at least an hour every time I switch to get used to playing either again because they’re so different in almost every way. I’ve had to learn the hard way that I can’t just switch between the two without slowly warming up else my wrists and arms will be out of commission for a bit
I agree about the individuality of instruments. My first bass was and still is my love at first sight. Almost two years of layaway payments later, Excalibur was MINE! She's a 1984 Vigier Marilyn Monroe Passion. I've never seen another like her and I've played many. Mine is different... She looks different, plays different, feels different, and sounds different. Mines the only one that makes my fingers tingle when I pick it up... After 40 + years of scars on both of us, that's saying something.
Man, I'm pretty sure I had never heard of this brand until you mentioned it. The Passion is just stunning!! I also just saw an Arpege Series that almost made me melt. Thanks for sharing your story!
For a long time it was a 5 string Squier VM P bass with Nordstrand pickups and Labella flats that I gravitated to. However, it just seemed to be too warm with not enough traditional P bass woody sound. I tried a Sterling 5 string MM but lately it's been a Squier 5 string VM jazz with DiMarzio Ultra Jazz pickups and Ernie Ball Cobalt flats. The EB's feel more like rounds. I do get more bite but a jazz bass always sounded compressed to me. It certainly doesn't give me that woody sound so for now the jury is still out on my desert island bass.
I always wanted a Pedulla without fretlines. That's an gorgeous bass. I love my purple Pedulla hexabuzz with purple fret lines. It was a very unexpected and special gift from a student. I love the way it feels and I play very differently on it compared to any other bass I have played. Unfortunately I'm not super happy with the electronics/pickups. Thinking about messing with other preamps and maybe pickups to hopefully make this the number one it should be,
The last seven years my number one has been my orchestra upright and I played electric very little. Sadly my arthritis may be bringing my orchestra playing to a close. I'm reevaluating what kind of bass playing I can do and it will probably be focused on my pedulla or my fretless jazz bass. I think the 35inch scale 7string is going to be the one that gets away. I love it but its more than my arthritic hands can deal with.
Hi! It's great to hear from you - How have you been?? Sorry to hear about your arthritis. Thanks for your words about my Pedulla. Yours sound amazing too. For quite a while, purple used to be one of my favorite colors, so I would've been all of your bass if I had spotted it in the music store. So cool that one of your students gifted it to you. That's a testament to your knowledge, mentorship and skill. It also shows you're a great person!
My two biggest regret was trading my mid 80s Pedulla and Kubicki. Luckily I have both back. I love Stingrays and have a bunch! However I’m trying to try other brands lately and have fallen in love with the Spector Euro I recently obtained. Dig your channel ;)
Kubicki??...those are as rare as the Pedulla basses! I wanted one after watching that Stu Hamm video. I'm sorry about those regrets, man. I know they hurt. Enjoy that Spector, though, because those are awesome basses too! Thanks for sharing your story and the kind words!
Geddy signature I had a rickenbacker neck pickup installed between the neck pickup and the neck.
That's awesome -- I didn't know this!! Thank you for the education!
I’m definitely an Ibanez BTB guy now! I have a BTB806MS for metal related stuff. I definitely want a Dingwall though
So cool! The BTB is, hands down, my favorite of the Ibanez basses now. I fell in love with the BTB747. Dingwall makes great instruments too!
My main bass is a Dingwall 6. I love, love it and I definitely recommend!
Yep I always have a 4 and a 5 that are my main instruments. The other ones are there just incase I break a string, or out of rotation for some issue.
Hi, trying to explain this to people who don’t play is maddening, isn’t it??
I had a G&L L2000 fretless played it all over , stolen in the late 90s . Never really have a replacement for it . I had many fretless with lines since then didnt like most of them too much . Bought a Sadowsky ive been liking it so far.
Thanks for sharing your experience! I'm sorry to hear about your L2000. I hope that thief has gotten or gets the karma payback of a lifetime before landing in that special place in hell. There are so many stories of stolen instruments that turn up years, even decades later. I hope you find it again, but that Sadowsky sounds like a nice replacement. All the best...
As a lefty I don't have as much choice as everyone else, but over the years I've gotten quite a good collection of basses of various configurations. I guess in the "save in the fire" scenario would have to be my 2016 midnight blue Rickenbacker and a 2023 Harley Benton P. The Rick seems an obvious choice, but why the HB? Because it not only plays awesome, it has a lot of really good memories attached to it. I love my other basses, especially the Schecter Omen Extreme 4 which plays very much the same as the HB but has a sharper sound.
I've had many basses that I've sold. One particular that stands out was a Schecter Scorpion. I'd give you an entire paycheck if you could find any faults with it or find anything that needed to be improved. But I didn't vibe with it. I should have, but didn't. I think I only played it twice in 2 years. Instruments are very personal things, we like what we like. There's no right or wrong brand or color or anything, just what is right for the individual.
The "one that got away" was my first bass that I bought in a pawn shop for $100. I didn't know anything about basses back then, and sold it a year later for $150 and thought I did good. Turns out it was a left hand 50th anniversary special edition Fender Jazz, white with the red marbled pickguard with only 500 having been made. It's worth the price of a used car now, if you can find one.
Great story, even though you had me at "lefty"! I'm actually a lefty myself...well, mostly, but handwriting and playing string instruments I play right handed. I'm glad you've found basses that truly connect with you and I’m right there with you, it's all about the personal connection! I still want a Rickenbacker regardless of the mixed reviews. HB and Schecter basses are terribly underrated. That's crazy about that Fender Jazz bass. I hope you score another great find like that someday.
@@progrockjock Yeah, I was also hesitant to buy the Rick because it seems that you either love it or hate it, there's no in between. But it's a very good instrument, I think people don't understand how to properly set it up or dial it in for the best tone. The best way I can describe it is to use a car analogy: Practically everyone can drive and work on a Chevy or a Ford. They are familiar, common, and understandable. They are forgiving on the road and will give you years of reliable, if somewhat boring, service. Those are your Fenders, Ibanez, Schecters, etc. A Rickenbaker is like a Ferrari: exotic, wild, takes very specialized skills to tune it up, and very squirelly to drive without some training and practice. But hooyah when it's right!
As a lefty I've had to work on my own instruments and make bad ones good just to have something to play and I've gotten quite good at it. The Rick was a frustration to me: had fret buzz, low output, never found that "Rickenbacker tone" that it's famous for. Was about to chuck it when an old dude showed me how to set it up in it's own peculiar way. Now it's right and I'm never letting it go 🙂
Well said and great analogies!! I only wish I could work on instruments as well as I work on cars.
I will need to try out a few more 6 strings before I write them off, but I think I'm a 5 string guy. After getting my G. Gould I sold off every other bass I had lol.
So as it turns out my weapon of choice is a GGi5, with 17.5mm spacing. Something not a lot of people talk about is spacing but I think it's so important!
You have an awesome bass! You're right - people don't talk about this, but I will. I actually had a sit down with a local bassist who was playing a 6-String Roscoe that had 18mm spacing. We discussed the comfort that came from playing with that kind of spacing on a 6-string vs the narrower neck with a 4-string. Pedulla used to offer a 19mm spacing on their 5 string models which would be interesting to feel. I personally think the 17.5 mm spacing would be the sweet spot for me. My SR506e, which I recently sold was 16.5mm. It worked out fine but slapping on it didn't feel right.
@progrockjock oh man I got to play a 6 string Roscoe recently as well, and though it was perfectly constructed, the spacing and the weight rendered it more or less unplayable for me. I think if I get a six I might like to keep it at 17.5 or just 17.
And yeah thank you lol, my GGi5 is, for me, the best instrument I've ever played. I really did like the Kiesel I had built, but it sat unused for a full year after I bought this and it was too sick to let rot lol.
The scratches on the fretboard you was showing was able to be seen in the video. looked like little cuts on the fretboard. What is the difference between Maple, Ebony, and Rosewood?
I misspoke in the video. That is a polyester coating on the neck. It does scratch but it's not supposed to be a major issue, unless the coating completely wears away. I don't know about the differences between the 3 types of fingerboards, but Maple has always been my favorite for looks. Plus it's supposed to be a softer tone. Ebony is the hardest material, I believe, while Rosewood is right in between. I love a bare, Rosewood, fretless fingerboard most of all.
Super true what you said, when the instrument has a story with you it really becomes a part of you. I have a couple basses but the one that’s been mine is my LTD AP-5, she sat in my local music store for months because no one wanted a jet black Japanese PBass, I’m not even a big fan of the PBass, yet there is as haggling the price down. She’s been my one and faithful, unbelievable feel, nothing feels like it, just like it was made for my hands
That's awesome! I'm an LTD/ESP fan all the way! I used to love their guitars and started checking out their basses many years ago.
Rick Skatore from 24-7 Spyz always played ESP basses and got amazing tone from them. Thank you for sharing your bass story!
@@mattwinchester the LTD was clearly waiting for you and nobody else. Like a cat: you don't own them, in reality they've chosen you.
I just came across this video and could swear I've met you before. Are you by any chance from Illinois? I'm originally from there, but now live in Kenya, East Africa.
As for the video, that blue on the bass totally grabs me. Incredible.
Hello! I've never lived in Illinois and I've only been to Chicago once, but during that visit, I saw one of my friends on this huge DSW billboard downtown. This was 10 years ago. I saw that same friend in the flesh, in a crowded area, while my wife and I were visiting Rome, Italy, nearly 3 years ago. The reason I say this is because I'm one of those people who believes this is a very small world. You and I have probably met somewhere and I hope we meet again. Africa is on my bucket list.
@progrockjock Oh, man! It's so cool here. Our front balcony has an amazing view of Mt. Kilimanjaro. My band gets to jam out here in the bush while preparing for our European tour in March.
If you ever decide to have an African vacation, do a safari and have great food, this is the place.
I have 4 basses. One is a beater that I keep at work to practice during lunchtime. The second one is for very specific needs. The other two are 6 strings fretted, and in theory I would only need one of them to be my main bass. But I am torn between the two. Every time I pick one up, it becomes my favourite instrument in the world, until I play the other one again. They both have their strengths, and I know I would regret selling either one of them. In my opinion I have too many basses but I cannot solve this dilemma.
Hey, sorry for the delayed response! I totally know what you mean when you say every time you pick one of your instruments up, it becomes your favorite instrument in the world! I have such a deep attachment to my instruments, that it was really tough for me to make the decision to sell 7 of them off over the past year. I no longer have a 6-string in my collection and it's kind of bugging me. I would honestly be happy if I had a really solid 4-string fretted, 4-string fretless (my pedulla) and a 6-string fretted. My problem is having the attachment to my first bass, which I no longer use and my old P bass for all of the studio work and tours I did with it. The Ibanez ATK is hard to sell because it's so fun to play, sounds amazing and I got such a great deal on it ($450 USD). My fretless Stingray might be the next one I sell, but I'm really scared...
Where and how did you get an unlined fretless Pedulla???? I’ve been looking for an unlined fretless Hexabuzz. I’ve looked for 30 years on and off and never seen one. In fact the latest cursory search shows NO image of an unlined fretless Pedulla of any kind….
Hi! I bought it from a Store called "American Music Center" or something like that. It was affiliated with another music store that was bought out by Guitar Center in the late 90s. As I said in the video, no one wanted that bass because it didn't have lines, which I believe brought the price down a little bit. I've always wanted a Hexabuzz too!
Over the years, I've looked for other unlined Pedulla basses but have been unsuccessful. However, I've had 3 Music Man Stingrays that were unlined, but only my 2019 has a coating on the fingerboard.
I’ve got an LTD F205 that’s one of my main workhorses. Also have an 02 USA J that I play A LOT
taking me a little time to find mines im pretty sure its classic musicman natural
What if the happy accident turns into a system? Is it possible more people might make the jump to fretless if they had a small (but smooth edged) groove in the back of the neck where say, the dots would normally be? Might be worth pitching to somebody.
I love this idea! I feel like I've seen guitars or basses with indentations in the back of the neck for that reason before, but I can't remember where...
Nice fretless, never had the pleasure of playing one. Daughter got me an Ibanez GSR200 last year just cause I looked at it one at Guitar Center 😂 but I love it. Used to have a Yamaha I got signed by Victor Wooten years ago. Got stolen 😢 😔
Thanks, man! I dig those GSR200 basses, especially the walnut ones! I'm sorry to gear about your Ibanez. I believe there is a special place in hell for all thieves and an even darker place for instrument thieves. I put them right down there with rapists and child molesters. To end on a positive, that's great you got to meet Vic! God love that dude. Isn't he one of the most humble badasses you've ever met??
@@progrockjockcoolest guy ever no doubt, yep got the walnut one
Ay man, how do you feel about the qoute "when you're not practicing, someone else is"? your thoughts please
Hi, I've heard the quote and a long time ago, it meant something to me. However, I eventually learned that bass isn't a race. As long as I can play what's in my head, I'm happy.
My go-to gigging bass is my highly modified MTD Kingston Super 5. I've converted it to headless and upgraded the electronics with Turner multicoil pickups and an Underhill filter preamp. It's hands down the best playing/sounding bass that I've owned. I also have a Squier PJ with a Hoxey aluminum fretless neck that I haven't quite fallen in love with. I need to take your advice and spend more time playing it before fully ruling it out of the collection.
Thanks for sharing about your bass! I've had my eye on MTD basses for quite some time now. I always wanted a Tobias Growler or Killer B. I just love all of his designs! Sounds like your sunset bass is your Kingston Super 5. Believe it or not, I'm still searching. I've looked into a Kingston Artist 4, but want to play one in person before making any decisions through Reverb. Keep grooving!
How did you do the headless mod?
@ I used a Nova Guitar Parts headless bridge and headpiece, had the body routed to provide access under the tuning knobs, mounted it all up, and chopped the rest of the head off. It shaved 1.3 pounds of weight and balances perfectly now!
I'm trying to find my bass. I have a Precision PJ Affinity Squire, I do not like the nut width and my next bass will be no more than 1.5 inches wide. I stick with 4 strings because less strings means less worry of unwanted ringing especially if you get a 6 string. I like Rosewood fretboards the best but want to try ebony. Not a fan of maple, which is what the squire has. I am thinking Ibanez or Schecter will be my next bass. My Epiphone Thunderbird was awesome, just didn't like the tone. I am not a fan of painted or gloss necks. I would love a King V shaped body with a 36-inch scale just so I can really boom the low string. I prefer the Precision body over the jazz body because of the more symmetrical bottom instead of how the jazz is offset. G&L actually makes a jazz bass with a precision-like body. I might have to try one of those out. I agree about natural wood look but Timmy C from Rage Against The Machine influences that. EBMM basses seem to have a nut width like my bass and that is their downfall in my opinion. Love their tone though. I like the tone used in punk, like that pingy sound. I also love the tone like the bassist from Hatebreed has. Like a very clanky, ringy sound. The other two bass tones I love is Fieldy's and Sam Rivers from LimpBizkit. I think if the bass is made of basswood painted is fine. Alder and especially Ash looks great natural. I love the color, Green, but would prefer stained if Ash or Alder.
Thank you! Actually, you just reminded me of something. I've been unable to figure out exactly why I don't click with the Stingray fretless (1.8-inch nut) the same way I click with the Pedulla (1.5-inch nut), same with my Jazz vs the Precision. I knew it was the neck but I didn't realize what a difference such a small amount of width makes. I ring off strings like a mothertrucker when I get going 😂.
I like the look of a maple fingerboard, but I don't like how quickly they show dirt.The majority of my basses have had rosewood fingerboards, but the Pedulla is ebony. That's sweet that you owned a Thunderbird. What a ballsy bass! Ibanez is usually good and Schecter is one heck of a sleeper brand. When it comes to fretless, I'm totally with you about the painted and glossy necks. Unfortunately, the other 2 Stingrays I sold had bare rosewood fingerboards, which I actually loved over the lacquer coating on the 2 I currently own.
The bass sound of the NuMetal bands is a love/hate thing for me, but I do love more than hate.
@@progrockjock I feel like necks are either like having a bat in your hand or a sword. Thunderbirds have different widths on the nut. Some are narrow like a jazz bass, and some are like a P bass. Crazy but true. Sterling makes some stingrays that have narrow nuts, Thier intros, 4s, 24s, and short scales are all 1.5 inches wide at the nut. However, the 34 has a 1.62 inch nut width. At least by specs. Schecter looks to have a similar neck as Ibanez, just 1mm thicker according to specs. Stainless steel frets are another reason to get a Schecter. I am looking at getting an SLS evil twin. it also has fishman fluence pickups. I would prefer an active/passive switch but can't have your cake and eat it too. I like the Multi Scale basses, 37 inch scale on the Low B sounds like it could be thunder.
Well for me its 5 string and I like both fretted and fretless.
I'm with you, but with 4 String. That's why I'm so torn still to this day. However, I came close to buying a 5 String Fretted Pedulla a few weeks ago, but that thing sold in less than 24 hours!
That's a classic Pedulla.
Thank you!
Actually... I love that color. Wish I had a bass in that color. My least fav colors are the typical (boring) sunburst and black. Natural is nice on some basses. but I'd take your aqua Pedulla over a natural any day.
As for having only one instrument that "does it" for me... I've never really had that happen. I do tend to play Jazz basses and Stingrays, but I've literally had hundreds of basses over the years. Putting it simply, I get bored playing just one bass. I've tried it a few times over the years, but it never lasts. I'm a "gear slut" and there just isn't going to ever be any changing that tendency. The upside is that I've been able to play just about every bass imaginable over the years at one time or another.
I had a Pedulla fretless. I ended up selling it. I just couldn't get along with it. Something about the neck i didn't like.
I understand. Sometimes a bass just isn't right for you, and you have to move on to find what feels right. I appreciate you sharing your experience.
I dont think Patitucci has played a Ken Smith for over 30 years... 🤔... he plays Yamaha Ptitucci Trb6 which by the way, is a monster of a bass. Those Trb 6 made in Japan have boutique quiallity for a third or a little less of the price.
Yep, I've noticed it's been a while since he endorsed Ken Smith. I'm sure he got tired of what it was doing to his neck, shoulders and back!
I have to pick a four string bass have a great day also last night was my friend birthday January 14th ❤😊😊
You'll have to pry my fretless Bossa OB-5 from my cold, lifeless fingers.
Hey, I hear that!! Those are beautiful basses!
My # 1 is my lakland 55-02 but love my sires
The right bass for me is probably a TB-303.
Ha! I posted a video of me playing around with one of these last year. Out of all the crap I bought from Sam Ash during their closing, this was the one thing that got away, as well as, a Tascam tape deck we couldn't test. I looked into the TD-3 but decided I was just going through a phase and moved on, but man, that TB-303 is infectious!
@@progrockjock I'll look for that. I love the sound of them, although I'll concede I've never been able to make one work in the sort of music I like to make.
Eight years ago I sold my 1991 Tobias Basic 6. after playing it exclusively for 15 years. WORST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE! 😭
Oh, man! I was telling someone yesterday how much I love Tobias basses. I hope you find another one very close if not better than the one you had.
I was lucky and got my instrument at 17 as a birthday present.
It’s an Ibanez acoustic bass and it’s very me. I write and record most of my songs with it. I’ll be 36 soon so I guess that it is 19 years.
Great video!
God, dude. I found some videos and pictures of myself, friends and family when I was 36 and I wanted to cry. 37 was a fun age too!
Savor life, my friend. I know you've told me this before but what model Ibanez is it, again?
It’s an Ibanez: AEB30-LG-OP-02
It’s nothing too special to most people but I love it
I'm familiar with that one and I dig it too.
I got a Rogue fretless as little over a year ago and never went back. I only have two basses, that one and my old Yamaha which I'm now converting to fretless, and no others compare. Cheap doesn't mean bad!
I totally agree with you. I don't know anything about Rogue basses but they look good to me. I've covered plenty of low budget basses on this channel and right now, my favorite fretted bass to play is my Ibanez ATK. I didn't pay much for it.
I regret selling my Alembic epic bass.
Dude, I'm sorry.
Too much gear OCD. Not enough musicianship in this world. It’s a disease. After gigs guys (it’s always guys) just want to talk gear. Most guys won’t learn to read, negotiate complex changes or study harmony. Just bang out 4 chord 4/4 rock and roll and have a garage loaded to the ceiling with gear they never use or need. I repeat…. It’s a disease.
I hear what you’re saying, man. This topic is actually on my list of 35 things I would say to myself if I could go back 35 years to when I started playing bass. The regret of not learning to read and understand music theory has haunted me throughout my career and journey as a musician. It was further down the list, but I’m considering moving it to #7 in the next video. Maybe check back in a week or so if you want. I think I will feature your comment in that video.
@ Sorry mate. I just had a rant. Cool. 👍
I'm not sure why any builder would paint a bass that ugly color in the first place. Ernie Ball Music Man has does the same thing for years. Stick with the basics and offer the wacky finishes as custom orders.
Ha! I can see why the color may be ugly to some, especially if they don't like green, but when I bought it, I didn't mind it as much as I do today. One of my old band mates took every opportunity to tell me how much he hated that Pedulla until I stopped bringing it to rehearsal. I wish Ernie Ball would always offer the natural finish or standard black always, but the Sterling line seems to have it covered pretty well and for a great price.