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If you’re a bassist — you’re in the right place. Join Scott Devine and Ian Allison from SBL as they dissect every aspect to being a bass player - professional or hobbyist - from basses and gear hacks, to musicianship and gig tips, all the way to mental health and what the future might hold for the music industry.
339 Episodes
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Scott sits down with the one and only Joe Dart to talk all things Vulfpeck. From the iconic grooves that put the band on the map to the lines that fans can’t stop playing, Joe breaks down the stories, ideas, and moments behind his most loved bass parts. Tune in for some bass wisdom and a closer look at what makes Joe’s lines so addictive.
1What happens when you’re not just handed a brand-new bass pedal, but asked to help design the sounds inside it? That’s where Ian found himself with the MXR Synth Pedal. In this episode, he and Sharon finally spill the story—from the first prototype that blew him away, to the sounds he programmed, and why this pedal left every other synth in the dust.
For the past three years, the Blueprint has quietly been helping bass players work through the same hurdles we all face. In this episode, Scott and Ian bring on the coaches who’ve been working one-on-one with students every week to talk about what the program’s really like, the common problems that keep showing up, and how players move past them. If you’ve ever felt stuck on your bass journey, this one’s for you.
Ian and Sharon swap travel horror stories and share their biggest lessons from years of touring and bass travel. From packing light to gate check debates, things get real (and occasionally frustrating). Expect strong opinions, a few surprises, and plenty of what not to do next time you fly.
Ever felt embarrassed about something you couldn’t do on bass? In this episode, Scott and Ian get real about the things that used to make them cringe, from slap bass fails to technique gaps they kept under wraps. What about you? This one’s all about getting real, dropping the shame, and finding your own way forward.
Think your slap sound is dialed in? Think again. In this episode, Scott and Ian break down six things almost everybody gets wrong when chasing a great slap sound. They dig into the impact of string type, pickup settings, and technique—plus some of the overlooked details that can make or break your setup. Whether you're just getting into slap or trying to fine-tune your sound, this one's worth a listen. Fixing just one of these might change everything.
Scott sits down with Ready Freddie Washington to talk about the bass lines that changed the game — starting with the iconic groove on Forget Me Nots by Patrice Rushen. From Herbie Hancock to Anita Baker, Freddie breaks down the mindset, the feel, and the moments behind the low end that made history.
Scott’s got his hands on a brand new Lull Jazz Bass—and this one’s custom. In this episode, he and Ian dive into the juicy details: how the idea came together, what makes a signature bass really special, and all the nerdy gear goodness you’d expect. From pickups to playability, it’s all here.
Is the Darkglass Anagram really worth the hype? In this episode, Scott and Ian dive into the new analog multi-effects unit and pit it against the ever-popular HX Stomp. Could this be the gear that finally gets Scott to ditch his pedalboard for good? They break down the strengths of each, share their own setups, and ask the big question—which one’s right for you?
Check out the Full Stack Bassist program here 👉 https://sbl.link/3FDuEx8 In this episode, Scott and Ian host a live Q&A to answer your most important questions about the Academy’s flagship 12-month program. They explain how the course is structured, what kind of time commitment you can expect, and how it’s designed to be flexible around your schedule. Whether you're wondering how to stay on track, how the live sessions work, or how much support is included, this conversation will giv...
What makes a bassist go from stuck and second-guessing… to confident, creative, and finally sounding like themselves? In this episode, Scott and Ian dive into that exact question—sharing stories from the road, Scott’s health scare, and how it all led to building the Fullstack Bassist program. Whether you’ve been playing for years but still feel behind, or you’re ready to break out of the rut, this one’s packed with insights, laughs, and a real look at what a year of focused bass playing can do.
Ever look back and cringe at your early bass choices? Scott and Ian swap stories about the mistakes they made chasing speed and flash — including the time they dismissed players like Pino Palladino, Michael League, and Jonathan Maron as “boring.” They break down how your ear (and your priorities) change over time — and why it matters.
Scott and Ian get real about the ups and downs of learning music on YouTube. It’s one of the most powerful tools available to musicians today, but it also comes with some serious pitfalls. From confusing advice to the pressure of chasing views, they break down eight common issues that can affect how we learn and teach online. The good news? When used thoughtfully, YouTube can still be an amazing place to grow as a musician.
Music theory gets thrown around a lot—but what does it really mean? In this episode, Scott and Ian break down why the term is often too broad to be helpful, sharing stories from their own journeys (including lessons with legends) and how those experiences shaped their view of theory. It’s a practical, no-fluff take on functional harmony that’ll actually stick.
Scott and Ian dive into the recent firestorm around guitarist Giacomo Turra—from miming and monetizing others’ solos to what it really means to be a musician on social media today. But this isn’t just about one creator—it’s about blurred lines, internet fame, and how we define integrity, performance, and progress in the modern music world. Miming?Copying vs. stealing?Monetizing someone else’s solo?Let’s unpack the nuance.
Scott and Ian dig into 12 common (and surprisingly relatable) reasons bassists hit a wall—and spoiler: it’s not just about not practicing. This episode gets honest (in a good way), with plenty of insights, laughs, and “wait… that’s me” moments. Even Ian felt called out by a few of these! Which ones resonate with you?
Scott and Ian take on WatchMojo’s list of the 10 Greatest Bass Lines of All Time—do they live up to the hype or fall flat? From feel and pocket to creativity, tone, and those unforgettable hooks, they’re rating what really makes a bass line legendary (and which ones get a “meh”). If you’ve ever wanted to level up and find out what skills might be holding you back, click here for the bonus quiz!
What makes a bass line cut through in a heavy band like Pantera? In this episode, Ian Allison sits down with Rex Brown to find out. Rex walks us through a few of his most iconic lines—including the growling groove of “I’m Broken” and shares what it took to hold down the low end in one of metal’s loudest, heaviest bands. If you’re into classic hard rock riffs, thunderous tone, or just want to hear a legend talk shop, this one hits hard.
What really happens when you go to one of the most famous music schools in the world? In this episode, Sharon pulls back the curtain on her time at Berklee College of Music as Scott digs into the highs, the lows, and the stuff you don’t hear in the brochures. From late-night jam sessions to lessons learned side by side with other hungry young musicians, Sharon reflects on how community—not curriculum—shaped her most. If you’ve ever wondered what it actually means to come up in a place like Be...
Scott’s got a brand new 5-string, and it’s shaking things up. In this episode, he and Ian dig into what makes it so special and why 5-strings deserve way more love. From tone and feel to gig-ready setups, it’s a deep dive into the gear, the playing, and the choices that shape your sound. Whether you’re thinking of switching it up or just curious what all the fuss is about — this one’s worth a listen.
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It would be incredibly useful to have links provided in the show notes
I believe Traynor makes not only a 100w, but also a 200w and 300w Amp.
how are the aluminum necks attached??
A wonderful perspective on playing in a band. Getting over the silly stigma opens so many doors to skill development and enjoyment. Thanks Ian. You articulate your topics so well. Jeff.
Great discussion! Thanks.
Great show. Ian, you're enthusiasm is infectious! Thanks for sharing. #AmericasBassDad, #DroppinKnowledge
"I was just filled with wonder". Yes, I was too. Love these episodes with Scott & Ian.
These chats are awesome! hats off to Scott and Ian.
Great, insightful discussion from the power duo! Thank you for these.