Ever wanted to sound just like your bass heroes? We all have those iconic players who shaped the way we hear and play bass. For me, it started with revisiting Voodoo by D'Angelo and getting lost in Pino Palladino’s buttery tone. That led me down the rabbit hole of dialing in his sound—and others—using the HX Stomp. The result? A custom collection of 5 HX Stomp presets inspired by five of the greatest to ever do it: Marcus Miller, Pino Palladino, Tim Lefebvre, John Patitucci, and Victor Wooten. These players have shaped entire genres—and my own musical path—with tones that are instantly recognizable yet always evolving. Rather than chase every tone they’ve ever played, I zeroed in on some of their most iconic recorded moments. These presets are my best attempt to capture those sounds—the ones that made me stop and rewind.Check out all the HX Presets I have in the store, including this new collection of Bass Legends. They’re designed as a starting point for your curiosity, and I highly recommend diving deeper into each artist’s discography to better understand their origin story. As the years unfold, the fascinating part for me is where they’ve all ended up on the journey. With John Patitucci you might be a huge fan of the 80’s/90’s Ken Smith/Yamaha records, but haven’t explored the recent albums with the hollow body instruments. Marcus Miller might mean SLAP to you, but perhaps you missed his incredibly melodic finger style playing on fretless on records like Tales and Marcus. Wherever you’re at in your listening and discovery, just remember that curiosity is key, and these sounds could open up a whole new world of music. More soon, Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
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Subbing for TONY LEVIN Was Insane
This past week has been one of the bigger musical challenges of my career when I was asked to sub for one of my all-time bass heroes Tony Levin in the band Stick Men. This episode takes a look at the process of learning their show in less than two days, transcribing and charting all the music, and playing 9 note phrases over an 11/4 time signature. It was a real highlight of my year to be trusted by these exceptional musicians, to be able to complete the assignment, and most importantly to have a fun and musically fulfilling time doing it. We of course wish Tony a speedy recovery, and the band a successful conclusion to their west coast tour this month.Be sure to check out the band and their tour dates.More soon, Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
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"Jazz Musicians Have It Easy" The Adam Neely Interview
Adam Neely is a bass player, band leader, YouTuber and much more as you're about to find out in this interview. I sat down with him recently in NYC and got into what it takes to be a bass player and artist in 2025 and beyond.We talk touring as a band leader, breaking the YouTube algorithm, and a little nerdy pedal chat thrown in for good measure. This was the first time we were meeting in person, and it will hopefully be the first of many sit-down discussions as the music business evolves in the coming years. Enjoy, Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
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Top 5 Bass Albums Every Musician Should Hear
This episode of the podcast started life a couple of days ago as a post on my newsletter, and has now become a deeper dive into the inner workings of some of the most legendary bass players we all know and love. You might have heard of these bassists, maybe heard these albums. Perhaps you've even heard these exact songs before! But if you leave with nothing else from this episode, I want you to think about all the places your mind hasn't yet wondered when you listen.Before you leave, don’t forget that our 4th of July “Independence Bass” sale is now live! Get 30% off all orders over $80, and get free shipping worldwide on books, CDs and Vinyl. No promo codes needed. It all happens automatically at checkout. More soon and happy practicing!Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
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Switching Basses?! How Hard Can It Be...?
You might be a bass player who owns more than one bass, but has had difficulty switching between them. You are not alone! This was me for the longest time. I used to be so tied to one specific instrument that I missed out on a lot of opportunities to play music. I've since shed that security blanket and am sharing the process in today's episode as I highlight how much easier it has become to switch between 4 very different basses.The Vital Information East Coast tour starts tomorrow, all dates are linked below. More soon, Janek📚 Bass Books👕 Merch🌎 My Website💿 CDs and Vinyl📅 Tour Dates🎧 Stream My MusicSUBSCRIBE OR I'LL CHAGE ALL THE SETTINGS ON YOUR PEDALS Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Dive deep into the music universe with the podcast that unveils the journey of one of the most influential bass players in the music industry – Janek Gwizdala. Designed for bass enthusiasts and musicians alike, each episode is a sonic exploration into the world of groove, gear. technique, and artistic evolution.
Janek Gwizdala, renowned for his mastery of the bass, shares his life's narrative – from the early days as a budding musician to his current status as a sought-after sideman and solo artist. Whether you're a seasoned bassist or simply appreciate the magic of live music, join us as we unravel the layers of Janek's experiences, revealing the secrets behind his signature sound.
Expect in-depth conversations with Janek and special guests, offering unique perspectives on music, composition, and the art of creating an unforgettable groove. Explore the challenges and triumphs of a professional bass player, gain insights into the creative process, and discover the stories behind some of Janek's most iconic performances.
Whether you're looking for inspiration for your own musical journey or simply want to bask in the rich tones of the bass, "The Janek Gwizdala Podcast" is your backstage pass to the world of bass and music.
Subscribe now for an intimate look at the life and legacy of Janek Gwizdala's bass-centric career. janekgwizdala.substack.com
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