The true genius behind the modern electric bass - Leo Fender

So if I said there was one guy who changed the modern electric bass forever (as in THE most important human in the history of bass guitar)…

And then asked you to guess who it was.

I bet you’d go with guys such as Jaco, James Jamerson, Larry Graham etc…

But honestly, even though they played a huge part in the development of the bass guitar, it’s not any of them.

Think about it.

For the guys to do what they do, they needed someone to actually invent the modern day electric bass.

And it just so happens that the precision bass, the jazz bass and the Musicman Stingray were ALL invented by the same guy!

Oh, and that was along with the first production bass that had active electronics (yep, the Stingray), the Telecaster and the Stratocaster…

Needless to say, the guy I’m talking about was Leo Fender. And when you hear his story you’ll begin to understand the true impact he had on the music industry and how much of a genius he truly was.

As always, see you in the shed…

Scott :)

=================================================================

GET MORE BASS TIPS 👇
_________________________________________________________________

ABOUT SCOTT’S BASS LESSONS (SBL)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
As the largest online bass education platform in the world, with an ever-expanding course library and 40,000+ active members, Scott’s Bass Lessons (SBL) has everything you need to master the bass, all in one place.

Featuring beginner level bass lessons, engaging courses from expert instructors, step-by-step development curricula, direct feedback on your playing, real-time mentorship from A-list bassists and a thriving and incredibly supportive community, SBL is the perfect platform to uplevel your bass playing, whether you’re a total beginner, or an advanced pro-level bassist.

RECOMMENDED BASS PLAYLIST
-------------------------------------------------------------
Catch up with SBL Content you’ve missed:
#bassguitarlessons #bassforbeginners #easybasslines

LINKS
--------------
Tune in to our Weekly Podcast:
Explore our FREE courses:
Try our FREE GrooveTrainer App:

[brianzielkeii]

Proud owner of G&L guitars and basses here. Long live the Fender name!

[TheCrusader]

Leo Fender: a true genius! My favorite Bass will always be the Precision Bass! The shaping, the sound, the feel etc...just straight amazing;)

[jimmycarter]

The bass community needed this video! Thanks Scott! 🎸

[omareldeability]

Scot, thank for what you are doing. The bass players community around the world thanks you for stepping out and do the research and all to have this short documentaries. The story of our instrument must not be forgotten!

[MikeBrando]

Leo's Precision Bass has been part of my identity since 1967. Love Leo!

[johnfelser]

Scott, this is just an incredible effort on your part! At 63 and a Fender bass player for some 46 years, I thought I knew everything about Leo Fender, but I learned a great deal from your presentation!!! Truly looking forward to your next video 😁

[nicolas.grisanti]

Pbass, Jazz Bass, Stingray.... my favorites bass guitars, all masterpieces

[simonrodan]

The P-bass, which was priced at $279.50 in March 1960, adjusted for inflation would cost $2, 438.97 today.

[christopherinman]

i also liked the video (all your videos) but have a problem with your mixing. in this one, the background track seemed noticable ie a bit too loud; it didn't obliterate your speaking, but it was intrusive. not a complaint, just a suggestion. and thanks for all you do.

[dennisguidry]

Bought a G&L 1000 in the 80s. I absolutely love it and until a year ago it was my only bass. I mean, I could get a great low tone or high tone, the fret board felt like it was made for me and it is a very durable bass. Last year I bought a 5-string. A G&L 2500. I love this one too, but my 1000 is still my go to.

[sylart]

This was one of the best vid-umentaries I’ve seen all year!! What an illustrious legacy to leave the world!!! I bought my first Fender Jazz Bass in 1979 and I’ve been hooked ever since!! I bought another one, the five string American Elite, in 2017!!! Wouldn’t trade it for the world!!! This thing has serious teeth...and claws!!!! Louis Johnson said that Leo Fender invited him to his workshop to help him with a bass, and he walked out with a custom Stingray!! He committed, Leo Fender IS The Music Man!!! Thanks for posting this!!!

[gatekeeper]

What a great tribute to the man, like I've never seen. This was so missing out there. Thank you for acknowledging this mans unsung genius and contributions to the electric bass, and music in general.
Take care, and have a great day.

[marksnyder]

This is a great vid Scott! I love my 2015 American deluxe jazz bass.The sound and feel of this bass is far above many in my humble opinion. When I let others play it, they are in awe of it. Of course, I want to thank you for all you do. You are brilliant in your own right! I have leaned so much from you.
Again, Thank You

[drewjeers]

I'm sure he could play a single note,
I mean c'mon,
even by accident.

[gregmartin]

Leo was the man.a true visionary who help change music for ever.his develpment in guitars, basses and amplification is unsurpassed. I have been a huge fan of fender instruments and amplification for over 40 years.played fender almost exclusively. Nothing else compares and in my opion nother yet as ever surpassed Leo's creations in sound or performance. A absolute legend who's name will live on for as long as anyone still plays guitar or bass.

[sambourne]

An absolute legend. The jazz bass and p bass are timeless creations. The best there is as far as I'm concerned. Great vid!

[sanctus]

Nobel Award for Leo...as Inventor...he made the world a better place to live and sounds

[wftorres]

Excellent Mini Documentary of Leo Fender Basses (Precision & Active)! Very Informative!!!

[clivesmith]

G&L L1000 bass - best bass I have ever had - beats my Fender P and Jazz hands down - thanks Leo - you da man . . ..

[zr]

I would love to see you do more of this: studying some basslines and breaking them down a bit: why the player did what they did, what makes it such a well constructed bassline (the way it flows? Its simplicity? etc.), and how you can incorporate these techniques into your playing...and stuff like that. THAT would be INCREDIBLE to see more of this appear in SBL and i think so many bass players could learn so much from it!

I would also love to see Joe dart appear on bassists you should know. He's a true modern day legend, not just for his fast licks, but for the way he listens to the rest of the band and his commitment to serving the song - and he does so with such unfathomable groove!! What more could you want? Would love to see more on him and his playing, FOR SURE!

Thanks for all your hard work Scott!