197- Slap Bass Tone (6 Things Everybody Does WRONG)

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/3FDuEx8In 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 give you a clear picture of what to expect—and how to get the most out of the journey.

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.

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?