I'm a bass player & my name is Billy Sheehan. I'm making a RU-vid site to offer videos of myself, my playing, and the bands I've been in, to anyone who would like to see them. I'll try to expand the content as much as possible. I have video archives with tons of footage (4 750 GB drives full) from Talas, UFO, David Lee Roth, Mr. Big, Niacin, Steve Vai; jams with Kings X, Ed Van Halen & many more, plus a zillion clinics & seminars. I may have to hire someone to help me post it all due to time constraints, but I'll get at it ASAP. Yours, Billy
Hi Billy, thank you so much for these instructional videos. I bought an Attitude bass that arrives next friday August 9th (can't wait). It's a used one I found in Japan for a fair price. I'd like to know how wide your straps are. I use leather straps that are 4 inches wide and padded. I do not bend my basses so the stiffness is less important. But maybe I will try to make my own strap one day or another and this video will clearly help. Cheers from Switzerland
Absolutely amazing Billy, thank you so much, such brilliant tips, going to go get some tools to replicate your strap making technique. absolutely right, with that twisty strap problem is a pain😊💜.
Really informative video on set up and up keep. Really easy to understand. Such an awesome guy! Loving "Hell to pay - Niacin" playing in the background!
Hey, Billy, you are not only the best bass- player in the world, you are an experienced craftsman either…. Love it…. GREAT!!!! Greetings from northern Germany Manfred
Crazy you mention that in the end, it’s your hands. Thats what I tell my students when I’m teaching photography. It’s all in the eyes. This was a fun video. I got several good tips. See ya at NAMM. 😎✨🤙🏼
I was probably the only guy using plastic bread bag clips to lock my straps. I know that's not the wisest thing, but it worked better than nothing. I wouldn't have done that if I played Les Pauls instead of strats. Then I started using washers.
What I love about Billy is how hands-on he is about working on his gear. Most people his level would just have a tech. I love he has his own workshop. I've seen him do incredible things with attaching a strap too.
Listening to you talking about bases, straps, music, technique, with SO MUCH FUCKING PASSION. Hah, it is easy to understand why you have been in the top of the hill for so long. You love music and everything around it and WE LOVE YOU. Thanks for all living LEGEND!!
how to make a bass play better at home...... my luthier came over...... :). i own a 2006 american deluxe p-bass....... i think basses are VERY hard to adjust..... i spent 90 $ for a factory set up and OMG does it sound good...... and in my mind i know it is factory perfect..... it's fun to watch dude work on a bass but i say, spend the money and get it done right.....ESPECIALLY bass
It's so inspiring and important to see a highly esteemed professional take the time and do this work himself. It shows us we don't always need the expensive instruments and pro techs. Thank you Mr Sheehan!
I recently went into business as a guitar setup/repair technician, and this video is part of what made me decide to do it. It removed the mystery and gave me confidence that I could do it myself. Thank you!
the thing i like most about Billy is how he never forgets about beginners or those on a tight budget. not just an incredible player but also a great teacher:)
Can someone (perheps the author himself) clarify what the 'spacers' used here are originally for? I'm having hard time finding anything similar here in Finland, because of the language barrier. I thought that it would narrow down the search if I know what they are for officially. :D
What a great guy! I’m just an amateur bassist and watching Billy is inspirational. I’ll never be as good as Billy but that’s ok. It’s about the connection between the instrument and the player. And if the audience likes what you’re playing - it’s a win!!😊
It’s so great to see you again in these videos Billy. You’re a very good speaker and instructor. And the info you give is invaluable to this new generation of young thumpers. Thank you and keep up the good work brother. So good to see you again! 🫵🏻👀✨
Getting the neck straight? That is very bad advice, a backbow in a neck can destroy the neck, please set neck relief as the manufacturer recommends, DO NOT set it straight! It has a great risk of back bowing the neck!