If you could only have 5 Basses…

In this video, I share my 5 most used recording basses, and explain what I believe are their strengths and weaknesses in the recording studio. I believe your gear choice is a part of the creative process, and we should allow the gear to help inform our musical decisions.

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While you may not be able to buy my basses new as some of them are one of a kind/vintage, I found some great options for you that you can buy new that will be very close. I included a pro version and a solid budget version for each. These affiliate links directly support this channel:

Precision Bass

J Bass

Mustang Bass

Semihollow/Hollowbody Bass

Synth Bass

[scottplaysbass]

Music Man! My number 1 for over 20 years is a EBMM Sterling, and it's my favorite bass I've ever played. Keep up the good work!

[BikerEgg]

I have multiple instruments. But, you only need one. The one that is consistent, reliable and (most importantly) you love to play. Options are nice to have, but you really don't need to have 10's of thousands of dollars of gear in order to successfully record in the studio or play live across multiple genres.

[chrischilton]

P bass all day long for me on this song. What a great video, as always. Love the idea of a pick vid.

[KurtisStoops]

Phil, just want to say thanks for being a consistent source of positivity and intelligence on the internet. I feel like your channel is the equivalent of a quiet, unknown basement bar in the middle of a loud and bustling city where everyone is yelling about their 'grindset'.

[drewroze]

Your video drops are my favorite on YouTube. Please don’t stop doing what you’re doing, Brotha. 🙏🏼

[noyd]

I was initially thinking the Jazz Bass or the Precision Bass, but when you turned the Mustang Bass way down, it instantly morphed into the sort of invisible but influential force that every bass part wants to be. The Moog sound came close to doing that as well.

[sharnoldpapa]

I agree on most, but I got to have a 5er. That low B in a large band brings a whole different dynamic range that when used well really helps a band. That being said, the first time I did real studio time I found that all my fancy active stuff struggled to find a mix spot and my P just instantly worked. A P is really all you need, but I like my options.

[MrSlacker]

I would like to see a video about stage presence and your thoughts about it. I struggle with looking like I fit in. Keep up the good work and awesome content!

[theaaronimal]

Ooo yes! A video about different picks!

[sirfultonbishop]

Great video and great comments, too. I’d recommend this bass channel to all bass players not matter what level, or style, of player you are!

[ericschuppert]

I would thoroughly enjoy a deep dive on picks, thanks Philip.

[moarbutterythantoast]

I just want to say that I completely disagree with the whole, "the P-bass is not versatile" argument. I see this a lot, so it's not just you. You said it's the most recorded bass ever, which is true. It may even be the most recorded guitar ever. The P-Bass has been used in every genre of music since it's inception, from pop to death metal. You can easily change the tone of the instrument with your technique. It sounds great with any string type. It sounds great with any amp type. It sounds great with pedals. The P-bass does it all.

[jefmaslan]

Current set up of 3:
1) Fender MIM Mustang PJ (flats)
2) Fender MIM Jazz (round)
3) Squier Rascal (tuned to BEAD, round)

But to expand some tonal options am looking to add a proper mustang bass, potentially a Gretsch hollow body bass, and a fretless U-bass.

Not sure which one I'd cut from the list to get down to 5 though.

[django]

The Dunlop Prime Tone 1.5 is my recommendation. I switched to it after struggling with all kinds of picks. I don't know why, but I always had problems with the grip, the sound they give you, the feel, and the look. Before that I played for 4 years with a pick similar to the Fender Heavy you showed in the video. I play p bas single coil with flats, and use prime tone pick, and am absolutely happy with the feel, clear sound prime tone gives me. It is just a good and modern pick for p bas as for me 👌. Highly recommended for everyone to try

[abeladams]

I really enjoy your videos, especially the modification vids. You have a pleasant voice and vocal mannerism.

[marcrosenwald]

you’re amazing thank you for making the literally best bass related videos

[jakeadams]

Beautiful. For me, precision, jazz, synth bass, mustang, semi hollow. All sound incredible

[alexcerezo]

great video! And yessss, do de pick differences! I'm in a pick crisis at the moment and that would be very helpful. Thanks, Philip!

[larrygillie]

Philip, love the channel and just found it so I’m excited to explore!

Excuse the likely poor searching skills, but I’d love a video talking about high pass filters - and not just for recording/editing but also for playing in a room with friends with a box before the amp.

Also, would love more exploration of synth for bassists. I just started that journey myself and would love more bass synth content. I’m a hobbyist, and a “recovering guitarist” and think more folks like me would benefit from learning how keys is a great compliment. Cheers!

[Tenoken]

Huge fan of your channel! Fellow gigging bassist here. Love your insights and commentary.