After years of building one of the most extensive bass pedal collections imaginable, I’ve made a big decision… I’m letting almost all of it go.

In this episode, I talk through why I’m selling over 200 pedals, what triggered the shift, and how simplifying my setup is already changing the way I make music.

This isn’t just about gear, it’s about creativity, focus, and letting go of the “collector mindset” in favor of something much more intentional.

Owning more gear doesn’t necessarily make you more creative. In fact, it can do the opposite. I reference the Generation Loss Mkii as a key component of the process. It’s about removing friction, reclaiming focus, and getting more out of less.

More soon,

Janek

The podcast returns to its own channel with a 2026 reset: a clearer lane for each part of my output so the main YouTube channel can stay focused on harmony/theory-based lessons, while the podcast and live/performance content live on their own separate channels. I outline six recording projects I'm aiming to track across the year, share a packed touring schedule (US, Japan, Europe, Asia), and talk through a more realistic approach to tour gear—from compact boards to MIDI control, flight cases, and what I actually use on gigs.

In this episode

Why the podcast is back on the podcast-dedicated YouTube channel

The 3-lane restructure for 2026:

Main channel = harmony/bass lesson content

Podcast channel = long-form conversation + gear talk

Clips channel = live performance, studio, behind-the-scenes

The “why” behind the shift: reduce stress, increase clarity, serve each audience better

The six album/projects Janek is planning to track in 2026

Touring: how the volume is increasing in 2026 and what that means with family life

A candid look at saying “yes” vs “no” as a working musician, and how that advice changes by age/career stage

Gear logistics: what’s realistic to fly with, compact boards, and why “small but powerful” wins on the road

Compact rig idea: Walrus Mantle + HX Stomp

Testing rigs on warm-up gigs before international runs

New Gator / Vertex case system and a compact board build plan

MIDI control with a Morningstar MC4

The honest truth: on many gigs, only a fraction of the pedalboard gets used

How the harmony/triads videos unexpectedly clicked, and why that success triggered the restructure

The role of Substack: the hub where people can choose what to watch/listen to

Links Mentioned in the Episode

- Main Channel Triad Video 0 and Triad Video 1

- Clips Channel

- Podcast Channel

- SBL MIchael Jackson Cover

The latest short run of basses with RKM, in three new colors, is here! Check out all the specs below and use the contact email at the bottom of the description to enquire about ordering one today.

We also get into triads on dominants chords and a recap of the comments section of the now infamous Mantle video from a couple of weeks ago.

RKM CUSTOM 5JG Collab 2Scale: 33”No. Frets: 24No. Strings: 5Distance between strings: 17mmBody wood: Mahogany selected 2 pieceNeck: Hard rock Maple w/ carbon fiber reinforcementFretboard: Birdseye maple / Gaboon Ebony (fretted / fretless)Position markers: Luminlay Side dotsPickups: Nordstrand NP5F/NP5Fa (bridge/neck)Preamp: TRICKFISH IPA 3 band 18VTuners: Hipshot Ultralite w/ Bass XtenderBridge: Hipshot Style A 17mm brassStrap buttons: Dunlop StraplokGigbag: MONO Stealth blackOptions available:Body color:Dark Green / Dark gray / Surf BlueStyle:Fretted / Fretless with reference lines / Fretless clean fretboardTuningEADGC / BEADGOrder via email here: batch2@rkmbasses.com

More soon,

Janek