Question for the bassists
Question for the bassists
I hope this turns out to be an interesting topic. What equipment do you use, what's your favorite, and why? I currently own a frosty white Yamaha BBG4S II, a 1998 American Fender P in natural finish, and I just bought a white Jap Fender Jazz Special. I think the Yamaha would be my all around pick of the group. It has two active soapbar pickups which gives it a killer punch and a very wide tonal range. Also, the battery life is extreme and the action is superb. The Fender is also a very good player. I don't know about everyone else, but I think the stock Fender bridges and pickups suck. I replaced the pickup with a Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounder and replaced the bridge with a Fender solid brass bridge which is designed differently than the stock bridge. It has a lot of mass and sustain for days. With this bass I use a Yamaha Nathan East NE 1 parametric EQ. These either are, or are soon to be discontinued so you can get them fairly cheap. Less than 50.00. A simple little box with three controls and makes a BIG difference. Kind of a poor man's SANSAMP. I use a Peavey Nitrobass head which is descent for the money. For speakers I have three cabs with one 15" in each. Two Carvins and one Eminence. One cab with two 10" Eminence and one cab with four 10" Eminence. I build all my own cabs. I usually take a combination of two of them. Whichever I feel like carrying. Now I have another question. I'm doing a bass project and I am trying to find one of those rub-on window decals of Earnhardt's #3. It has to be about 8"x10". I searched the net but haven't been able to find one that size. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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bassist_25
- Senior Member
- Posts: 6815
- Joined: Monday Dec 09, 2002
- Location: Indiana
Hey Witchhunt, what do you think about the Carvin speaker? I've heard mixed reviews about their speakers/cabs. I almost bought one of their Red Heads about a year ago. Of course, I usually let my own ears decide what piece of equipment I like; Ampeg is pretty much considered the standard for bass amplification and I was never really much of an Ampeg fan at all. They do have that old school tone to them, but if I wanted that tone, I think I would be more happy with something like a GK or a Sunn. I find that once you get past the reliability issues with gear, it's all pretty much personal taste.
My setup is nothing spectacular; just a small combo (that is usually miked through the mains) and a variety of Ibanez basses. One is a 5 string and one is a fretless. Both are active. I also have a Precision that doesn't make it out of the case much and an old Fender Musicmaster. My father also plays and his main ax is a Rickenbacker 4001. As far as strings, I like Fender, GHS, and Ken Smith. Robert M. Sides sells this brand of strings called "Dr. Ducks" I believe that sound just like Fenders. I think a 4 string set can be had for around 15 dollars. I was on a big nickle kick before, but I have a set of steels on my bass right. I really went through a string journey when it came to my fretless; I liked the brightness I got with roundwound strings but thought they left my tone a little bit thin. I thought flats sounded, well.........flat. I finally bought a set of the nylon-coated tapewounds that Fender makes and the effect was amazing. I could get every tone I imagined from a fat upright sound, to a punchy Jaco sound. They're not quite as bright as rounds, but have more character than flats. Best of all, they have a very full sound. A good hint I like to pass onto other bassist is dipping their strings in alchohol. You can revive the life of strings but putting them in alchohol for about an hour. (you're suppose to use denatured, but rubbing alchohol works fine also) Just be sure you don't forget about them, because alchohol does cause oxyidization. The effect will only last about a week, but it's useful if you have a gig and can't get to the music store to buy a new set of strings. It's also a lot better than boiling them.
My setup is nothing spectacular; just a small combo (that is usually miked through the mains) and a variety of Ibanez basses. One is a 5 string and one is a fretless. Both are active. I also have a Precision that doesn't make it out of the case much and an old Fender Musicmaster. My father also plays and his main ax is a Rickenbacker 4001. As far as strings, I like Fender, GHS, and Ken Smith. Robert M. Sides sells this brand of strings called "Dr. Ducks" I believe that sound just like Fenders. I think a 4 string set can be had for around 15 dollars. I was on a big nickle kick before, but I have a set of steels on my bass right. I really went through a string journey when it came to my fretless; I liked the brightness I got with roundwound strings but thought they left my tone a little bit thin. I thought flats sounded, well.........flat. I finally bought a set of the nylon-coated tapewounds that Fender makes and the effect was amazing. I could get every tone I imagined from a fat upright sound, to a punchy Jaco sound. They're not quite as bright as rounds, but have more character than flats. Best of all, they have a very full sound. A good hint I like to pass onto other bassist is dipping their strings in alchohol. You can revive the life of strings but putting them in alchohol for about an hour. (you're suppose to use denatured, but rubbing alchohol works fine also) Just be sure you don't forget about them, because alchohol does cause oxyidization. The effect will only last about a week, but it's useful if you have a gig and can't get to the music store to buy a new set of strings. It's also a lot better than boiling them.
I'm pretty satisfied with the Carvins as far as sound and price. Mine are the stamped steel frame rated at 300 watts. They were about 80.00 each. They also make a 15" with the cast frame rated at 400 watts for about 110.00. Haven't heard them yet. Anyway, I'm pretty sure Eminence makes the Carvins. Eminence makes speakers for a lot of the top manufacturers.
I used to have a 4001. I loved that bass. By the way, is your dad's name Ned?
As far as strings, I use nothing but Rotosound flats...45-.105. You might want to try the Rotosound semi-flats. They might put you right where you want. They are a lot easier on the frets, too. I agree with the alcohol thing. It's a "quick fix". There's a product called Castrol Super Clean. Usually found in the automotive section. It does a great job on strings. I suggest removing the strings first, just to avoid getting any on the finish. This stuff about took the decals off my tractor.
You mentioned SUNN amps. A very long time ago, I used to go see a band whose bassist used a Sunn amp and had two ACOUSTIC cabs that were kind of a scoop deal. That system sounded super. Can't remember what kind of bass he played.
I used to have a 4001. I loved that bass. By the way, is your dad's name Ned?
As far as strings, I use nothing but Rotosound flats...45-.105. You might want to try the Rotosound semi-flats. They might put you right where you want. They are a lot easier on the frets, too. I agree with the alcohol thing. It's a "quick fix". There's a product called Castrol Super Clean. Usually found in the automotive section. It does a great job on strings. I suggest removing the strings first, just to avoid getting any on the finish. This stuff about took the decals off my tractor.
You mentioned SUNN amps. A very long time ago, I used to go see a band whose bassist used a Sunn amp and had two ACOUSTIC cabs that were kind of a scoop deal. That system sounded super. Can't remember what kind of bass he played.
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bassist_25
- Senior Member
- Posts: 6815
- Joined: Monday Dec 09, 2002
- Location: Indiana
No, my father's name is Paul. It's been about 6 or 7 years since he has played professionally. His 4001's pretty nice. It's a mapleglo. I tracked the manufacturing date once, and if I can remember correctly, it was made in July of 1976. He got a pretty good deal on it too; he bought it used for 300 dollars. It was pretty much in mint condition except he had to order a new horseshoe for the rear pickup and a screw for the bridge. Ric's are kind of strange, if you have bad technique it really shows up while playing one.
Speaking of Sunn, my dad has one of those too. *LOL* It's one of the old Beta combos. It's probaly one of the first solid state amps made. It's also in excellent condition. It had a blown voice coil about 2 years ago, so it needed a new speaker. (I think it has a Peavy Blackwidow in it right now)
And speaking of Peavy, I'm really impressed with some of their newer bass products. I don't really like 35 inch basses but I would like to try out one of their Cirruses. I played one of the Grind basses a while back and I thought it was an excellent bass; espcially considering the modest price tag. The BAM combos are pretty nice also. I'm very curious about their top of the line heads and cabs.
Acoustic, whatever happened to them? I know Dave from Data Music Services has an old Acoustic sitting in his studio. I'm not sure if it's one of the 360s or not.
What's the Fender Jazz like? I almost bought a MIJ Fretless Fender Jazz once, but opted to go with the Ibanez because I preferred the active electronics. (for some odd reason, the only Fender fretlesses available without the fretmarkers are the Japanese models. All of the MIMs and MIAs have fretlines
) It was odd looking for a Fender; it had like a pewter finish and no pickguard. I really don't let manufacturing locations dictate which Fenders I like though; I've played MIMs that I've liked better than MIAs, and I've played Squiers that I thought kicked the crap out of some MIMs.
Speaking of Sunn, my dad has one of those too. *LOL* It's one of the old Beta combos. It's probaly one of the first solid state amps made. It's also in excellent condition. It had a blown voice coil about 2 years ago, so it needed a new speaker. (I think it has a Peavy Blackwidow in it right now)
And speaking of Peavy, I'm really impressed with some of their newer bass products. I don't really like 35 inch basses but I would like to try out one of their Cirruses. I played one of the Grind basses a while back and I thought it was an excellent bass; espcially considering the modest price tag. The BAM combos are pretty nice also. I'm very curious about their top of the line heads and cabs.
Acoustic, whatever happened to them? I know Dave from Data Music Services has an old Acoustic sitting in his studio. I'm not sure if it's one of the 360s or not.
What's the Fender Jazz like? I almost bought a MIJ Fretless Fender Jazz once, but opted to go with the Ibanez because I preferred the active electronics. (for some odd reason, the only Fender fretlesses available without the fretmarkers are the Japanese models. All of the MIMs and MIAs have fretlines
) It was odd looking for a Fender; it had like a pewter finish and no pickguard. I really don't let manufacturing locations dictate which Fenders I like though; I've played MIMs that I've liked better than MIAs, and I've played Squiers that I thought kicked the crap out of some MIMs.
This is what I am using right now.
Schecter Elite Series Bass
Peavy 115 S TNT Amp
Samson Wireless System
DOD BassTec Preamp / FX Processor
I am not really happy with my amp, at all. However, I do not have the bones to shell out to purchase what I would like to have. Reguardless, it gets the job done like the true work horse that it is. I have put this amp through so much hell that it isn't even funny. I bought it preowned almost six years ago, and didn't even know how long it was being used before I purchased it. Everything else however, I am extremely happy with. I am still learning how to use the DOD BassTec Preamp / FX Processor, so I am not really rocking that right at the moment. The Samson Wireless hasn't failed me yet, and I couldn't be happier with my Schecter. A very, very good guitar . So good infact, that the whole band uses them.
Well, that is about it unless you want to get nit picky and also want me to tell you that I use Dunlop .73 MM Nylon Picks (when the occasion calls for it), Guitar Center straps, Elixer Strings, etc...
Muwhaha - I love being a smart ass!
Schecter Elite Series Bass
Peavy 115 S TNT Amp
Samson Wireless System
DOD BassTec Preamp / FX Processor
I am not really happy with my amp, at all. However, I do not have the bones to shell out to purchase what I would like to have. Reguardless, it gets the job done like the true work horse that it is. I have put this amp through so much hell that it isn't even funny. I bought it preowned almost six years ago, and didn't even know how long it was being used before I purchased it. Everything else however, I am extremely happy with. I am still learning how to use the DOD BassTec Preamp / FX Processor, so I am not really rocking that right at the moment. The Samson Wireless hasn't failed me yet, and I couldn't be happier with my Schecter. A very, very good guitar . So good infact, that the whole band uses them.
Well, that is about it unless you want to get nit picky and also want me to tell you that I use Dunlop .73 MM Nylon Picks (when the occasion calls for it), Guitar Center straps, Elixer Strings, etc...
Muwhaha - I love being a smart ass!Jae Smith
Root and The Fifths
www.rootandthefifths.com
www.facebook.com/rootandthefifths
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Root and The Fifths
www.rootandthefifths.com
www.facebook.com/rootandthefifths
www.twitter.com/rootfifths
www.pabands.com
Here's what I'm currently using:
MTD 535 Korina body w/Wenge neck (Very HI-FI modern tone)
Mike Lull P5 Ash body w/Maple neck and Rosewood board (Custom wound pickup to '64 specs)
Rick Turner Renaissance 4 Acoustic/Electric
Eden WT500 Amp
Eden D-410XST cab
Eden D-115 cab
Korg DTR-2000 Tuner
Shure ULXP14 Wireless
I'm a happy camper
MTD 535 Korina body w/Wenge neck (Very HI-FI modern tone)
Mike Lull P5 Ash body w/Maple neck and Rosewood board (Custom wound pickup to '64 specs)
Rick Turner Renaissance 4 Acoustic/Electric
Eden WT500 Amp
Eden D-410XST cab
Eden D-115 cab
Korg DTR-2000 Tuner
Shure ULXP14 Wireless
I'm a happy camper
bassist 25,
The reason I asked your father's name is that around 1985 I sold my RIC to a country player in Bedford. I contacted him last year to see if he'd sell it back to me. He wouldn't but he did say I had first shot if he ever did sell it. Fingers are crossed.
DMFJ03,
I agree that Peavey amps are not top of the line but they are indestructible.
TJ,
I'll bet that Eden system is sweet.
The reason I asked your father's name is that around 1985 I sold my RIC to a country player in Bedford. I contacted him last year to see if he'd sell it back to me. He wouldn't but he did say I had first shot if he ever did sell it. Fingers are crossed.
DMFJ03,
I agree that Peavey amps are not top of the line but they are indestructible.
TJ,
I'll bet that Eden system is sweet.
i use:
a peavy max bass 400w head into a 1x15 madison cabinet(great for the money by the way) a fender jazz and i prefer to use b-52 bomber strings i get them at alley cat in state college. when i play out i go directly out of my head into the system (that way i keep the same sound, usually), and then i basically have the 1x15 for a monitor for my self. works out good for me.
what do you all think of esp bass's?
a peavy max bass 400w head into a 1x15 madison cabinet(great for the money by the way) a fender jazz and i prefer to use b-52 bomber strings i get them at alley cat in state college. when i play out i go directly out of my head into the system (that way i keep the same sound, usually), and then i basically have the 1x15 for a monitor for my self. works out good for me.
what do you all think of esp bass's?
"I've always been crazy, but it's kept me from going insane" ~ Waylon Jennings
A band I was in a few years back, our singer/guitar player used an ESP and it sounded awesome. To me, the name on a guitar means nothing. It is the sound that it produces. My buddy has a Gibson Les Paul and he hates it, it sits collecting dust while he crunches on his Schecter. My Rouge 5 String bass is the bomb as well. I mean, Rouge isn't a top name brand and they catch a lot of heat for being cheap, but that bass sounds awesome. Names don't mean much, but they sound they make does. If it sounds good, play it. If it sounds bad, blame the drummer. LOL!
Jae Smith
Root and The Fifths
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www.facebook.com/rootandthefifths
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Root and The Fifths
www.rootandthefifths.com
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www.twitter.com/rootfifths
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bassist_25
- Senior Member
- Posts: 6815
- Joined: Monday Dec 09, 2002
- Location: Indiana
Agreed, I had a theory teacher from State College that's probaly one of the best guitarist in the area. He loved his Squier Tele and played it constantly while his 16 hundred dollar Peavy Wolfgang sat on a stand all the time. He offered to buy me a beer when I commented that Martin guitars are way overpriced.
The highly crafted basses like Foderas and Warriors are nice. But I've played a few of of the boutique basses and I really didn't see any difference of actual quality between them and a well made Fender or a high end Yamaha. That's not saying I would mind having a Modulus or Ritter. I think those basses are works of art. I would be frightened to take one in a bar though. My basses have dings in them from clumsy drunks already, If I had something like a Warwick Dolphin sitting on stage, I would probaly have a security laser system installed around it for when I go on break. Play what you like though. There's a bass to fit every situation. I probaly wouldn't take a BC Rich Warlock to a Country gig and I doubt I would take a Hofner Beatle Bass to a Death Metal show. Hell, Jaco played a Fender with the crap beat out of it and James Jamerson played a no-name P bass with 10 year old strings and action an inch off the neck.
Witchhunt, I think my dad bought his Ric in like 1980. He was also playing Country at the time. I saw a Country band last summer at Clearfield's Waterfront Days. The bassist was playing a white Ricky. Awesome player and awesome band. I forget their names though. He got a real deep tone (I think he was going through a Peavy rig) which isn't very indicative of Rickenbackers.
The highly crafted basses like Foderas and Warriors are nice. But I've played a few of of the boutique basses and I really didn't see any difference of actual quality between them and a well made Fender or a high end Yamaha. That's not saying I would mind having a Modulus or Ritter. I think those basses are works of art. I would be frightened to take one in a bar though. My basses have dings in them from clumsy drunks already, If I had something like a Warwick Dolphin sitting on stage, I would probaly have a security laser system installed around it for when I go on break. Play what you like though. There's a bass to fit every situation. I probaly wouldn't take a BC Rich Warlock to a Country gig and I doubt I would take a Hofner Beatle Bass to a Death Metal show. Hell, Jaco played a Fender with the crap beat out of it and James Jamerson played a no-name P bass with 10 year old strings and action an inch off the neck.
Witchhunt, I think my dad bought his Ric in like 1980. He was also playing Country at the time. I saw a Country band last summer at Clearfield's Waterfront Days. The bassist was playing a white Ricky. Awesome player and awesome band. I forget their names though. He got a real deep tone (I think he was going through a Peavy rig) which isn't very indicative of Rickenbackers.
Kent from Grimm here,
All of us "bottom feeders" are gear heads, aren't we? Must have something to do with our logical, calculating nature (and too much time hanging with drummers, lol).
I currently build my entire sound around my Spector CR Series NS-4. It's 12 beautiful pounds of solid neck through beauty....I still fall in love with it every time I look at it.....red transparent finish over flame maple. I love the EMG P/J combo...very simple, but loud, clear, and effective. I'm a big fan of the solid, massive brass bridge and nut, and I prefer the 24-fret neck.
I got tired of blowing up heads, so I built my own rig....I use a 2000-watt Yamaha PA amp with a Sans Amp Rack-mount preamp (the Sans amp is worth its weight in Ampegs any day!) and a rack-mount dbx 266 compressor. I run the whole thing mono full range through 2 4x10 cabs. Just got a Boss Gt-6B.....get one now! It is worth the list price and then some!
Here's a question: Any of you guys drop tuning AND using a five string? I hardly use mine because I can't balance the tension and action with my medium light strings (prefer D'addario .45's ). I ended up putting a hipshot on my Spector to make things easier.
Your brother in bassdom....
Kent
All of us "bottom feeders" are gear heads, aren't we? Must have something to do with our logical, calculating nature (and too much time hanging with drummers, lol).
I currently build my entire sound around my Spector CR Series NS-4. It's 12 beautiful pounds of solid neck through beauty....I still fall in love with it every time I look at it.....red transparent finish over flame maple. I love the EMG P/J combo...very simple, but loud, clear, and effective. I'm a big fan of the solid, massive brass bridge and nut, and I prefer the 24-fret neck.
I got tired of blowing up heads, so I built my own rig....I use a 2000-watt Yamaha PA amp with a Sans Amp Rack-mount preamp (the Sans amp is worth its weight in Ampegs any day!) and a rack-mount dbx 266 compressor. I run the whole thing mono full range through 2 4x10 cabs. Just got a Boss Gt-6B.....get one now! It is worth the list price and then some!
Here's a question: Any of you guys drop tuning AND using a five string? I hardly use mine because I can't balance the tension and action with my medium light strings (prefer D'addario .45's ). I ended up putting a hipshot on my Spector to make things easier.
Your brother in bassdom....
Kent
Kent, Bass, The Grimm, Lies Inc. The British Invasion
grimmbass@gmail.com
www.myspace.com/liesinc
www.myspace.com/thegrimmband
grimmbass@gmail.com
www.myspace.com/liesinc
www.myspace.com/thegrimmband
IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED, I HAVE A COUPLE HIGH-END BASSES FOR SALE-
-LADO STUDIO 604 W/ BARTOLINIS
-TOBIAS GROWLER W/ 18V BARTOLINI QUAD COIL
-TUNE 4 STRING W/ 18V TUNE GUITAR TECH PICKUPS
THEY ALL SOUND AMAZING AND CAN ACCOMPLISH ABOUT ANY TONE. THIS IS WHAT I HAVE BEEN USING AND I CANT AFFORD TO KEEP /EM ALL.
IF INTERESTED, LET ME KNOW
dpm193@psu.edu
-LADO STUDIO 604 W/ BARTOLINIS
-TOBIAS GROWLER W/ 18V BARTOLINI QUAD COIL
-TUNE 4 STRING W/ 18V TUNE GUITAR TECH PICKUPS
THEY ALL SOUND AMAZING AND CAN ACCOMPLISH ABOUT ANY TONE. THIS IS WHAT I HAVE BEEN USING AND I CANT AFFORD TO KEEP /EM ALL.
IF INTERESTED, LET ME KNOW
dpm193@psu.edu
Kent,
I when I played my 5-string regularly, I used to drop the tuning just for fun, but I never used it to play out. I know what you mean about keeping the tension right, because it sounds so bad if it isn't. I wish I could lend some advice, but I don't have any. Just um...blame the drummer!
( I am a bass player and everyone usually says "blame the bass player" well since I am not hearing that, it is the drummer's turn this time...muwahaha. )
I when I played my 5-string regularly, I used to drop the tuning just for fun, but I never used it to play out. I know what you mean about keeping the tension right, because it sounds so bad if it isn't. I wish I could lend some advice, but I don't have any. Just um...blame the drummer!
( I am a bass player and everyone usually says "blame the bass player" well since I am not hearing that, it is the drummer's turn this time...muwahaha. )
Jae Smith
Root and The Fifths
www.rootandthefifths.com
www.facebook.com/rootandthefifths
www.twitter.com/rootfifths
www.pabands.com
Root and The Fifths
www.rootandthefifths.com
www.facebook.com/rootandthefifths
www.twitter.com/rootfifths
www.pabands.com
While blaming the drummer might be convenient (they can't move behind all that STUFF!), let's face it.....the guitar players are the real problem;)
Something you may all want to check out: http://www.musicgearreview.com/article-display/814.html
Bose is trying to reduce the overall size of instrument amps (great news for anybody who lugs an 8x10 and a 40 lb head). Could be interesting.....
Another question for you all: Who do you think has the best all-around bass sound? My vote would be Tony Levin.
Lata,
Kent
Something you may all want to check out: http://www.musicgearreview.com/article-display/814.html
Bose is trying to reduce the overall size of instrument amps (great news for anybody who lugs an 8x10 and a 40 lb head). Could be interesting.....
Another question for you all: Who do you think has the best all-around bass sound? My vote would be Tony Levin.
Lata,
Kent
Kent, Bass, The Grimm, Lies Inc. The British Invasion
grimmbass@gmail.com
www.myspace.com/liesinc
www.myspace.com/thegrimmband
grimmbass@gmail.com
www.myspace.com/liesinc
www.myspace.com/thegrimmband
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bassist_25
- Senior Member
- Posts: 6815
- Joined: Monday Dec 09, 2002
- Location: Indiana
Smaller sized rigs would be great!!!! That's what has always surprised me about Bagend cabinets; they are so compact. (and sound amazing)
As far as bassist with best sound; Tony Levin does have a pretty unique sound. I have always dug Jeff Berlin's tone. Michael Manring has a great tone also. I like the sound P-nut (from 311) gets. I would say the bassist with my favorite tone though would be a local cat. I forget his name, but I saw him when I was about 15. I forget what kind of amp he was using, (some kind of combo) but I remember his bass was a Carvin LB76. His tone was Heaven; it was one of those tones that you didn't have to adjust the EQ anymore to fit a different technique, it was fat enough for finger-style, but could cut through anything. You could solo with it, slap with it, tap with it, comp chords with it. I can't think of any famous bassist that I could compare his tone to. Maybe Ed Friedland, but then Ed sort of has that mid-rangey Stanley Clarke thing going on. I guess Jaco is the best reference point, but this cat's tone was so much more rich than Jaco's. I wish I could remember his name though. I saw him playing in a Jazz combo at the CAST building in Clearfield. He was a fabulous player. His playing kind of reminded me of Bill Dickens more melodic stuff.
While we're on the subject, who are your favorite players? Mine are....
Electric Bass: Keith Horne, Michael Dimin, Paul McCartney, Tommy Shannon, Adam Nitti, Victor Wooten, Stanley Clarke, Beaver Felton, Stu Hamm, James Jamerson, Geddy Lee, Flea, Sean Malone Timothy B. Schmidt, Berry Oakley, Bakithi Khumalo, Jaco, Jeff Berlin, Steve Lawson, and Tony Choy.
Double Bass: Charles Mingus, Christian McBride, Dave Holland, whoever's playing with Wyton Marsalis, he really smokes.
As far as bassist with best sound; Tony Levin does have a pretty unique sound. I have always dug Jeff Berlin's tone. Michael Manring has a great tone also. I like the sound P-nut (from 311) gets. I would say the bassist with my favorite tone though would be a local cat. I forget his name, but I saw him when I was about 15. I forget what kind of amp he was using, (some kind of combo) but I remember his bass was a Carvin LB76. His tone was Heaven; it was one of those tones that you didn't have to adjust the EQ anymore to fit a different technique, it was fat enough for finger-style, but could cut through anything. You could solo with it, slap with it, tap with it, comp chords with it. I can't think of any famous bassist that I could compare his tone to. Maybe Ed Friedland, but then Ed sort of has that mid-rangey Stanley Clarke thing going on. I guess Jaco is the best reference point, but this cat's tone was so much more rich than Jaco's. I wish I could remember his name though. I saw him playing in a Jazz combo at the CAST building in Clearfield. He was a fabulous player. His playing kind of reminded me of Bill Dickens more melodic stuff.
While we're on the subject, who are your favorite players? Mine are....
Electric Bass: Keith Horne, Michael Dimin, Paul McCartney, Tommy Shannon, Adam Nitti, Victor Wooten, Stanley Clarke, Beaver Felton, Stu Hamm, James Jamerson, Geddy Lee, Flea, Sean Malone Timothy B. Schmidt, Berry Oakley, Bakithi Khumalo, Jaco, Jeff Berlin, Steve Lawson, and Tony Choy.
Double Bass: Charles Mingus, Christian McBride, Dave Holland, whoever's playing with Wyton Marsalis, he really smokes.
Favorite bassists? Gawd, so many to choose from.......
Prog (my absolute favs):
Michael Manring: A consumate artist who never sounds like he's wanking! I saw/met him at the Quiet Storm in Pittsburgh last fall....what a nice, unassuming guy! He even hauled his own rig!
Geddy: Need I say more?
Tony Levin: The best all-around bassist on the planet in my humble opinion. Go to Tonylevin.com and check out his CV...he's played with everyone from Alice Cooper to Peter Gabriel to Karen Carpenter!
Check out King Crimson: The Noise Live in 84 (VHS) if you dare!
Trey Gunn: Call it Warr guitar or call it bass, he rules the bottom end as one of the true masters of the genre.
Justin Chancellor: Tool did more to bring the "high treble" tone and sustained notes into the 90's and beyond than anyone in the prog rock genre. Hypnotic, evil, hot and cold all at once.
Rock/metal:
Robert Dileo: One of the most underrated rock bass players in the world. Every note is perfect for the songs he plays and his tones are great!
Geezer Butler: Black Sabath's first five albums need no further explanation.
The dude from Mudvayne: Non-conventional chord structures, texture, great tone and taste. And he plays in a metal band!
Sting: Before he was lame, his parts were perfect. They complemented the song and were vital to the overall structure.
Steve Harris: Made it cool to be a bass player in a metal band. His open Fender tone was amazing!
Duff McKegan: Laugh if you will, but his feel was awesome!
Doug Wimbish: Living Colour's new album sucks, but he is a monster of a man! Go see him lay waste live! Oh yeah, Muzz Skillings was no slouch either:).
Pop:
Mark King: Level 42 was cheesy, but God, the slap work was smooth and beautiful! His playing is often mistaken for a synth.
Bass player from New Order: Brought organic textures and simple melodies into early techno, thus ensuring a place for the bass man in a synthesizer world!
John Taylor: Love or hate the 80's, Duran Duran had a great rhythm section!
I've already gone on too long....and I'll leave the Jazz/Fusion category to someone more adept at commenting! Good bass is good bass, regardless of genre, and we're fortunate to have some great bottom feeders in our own community!
My 2 cents:)
Kent
Prog (my absolute favs):
Michael Manring: A consumate artist who never sounds like he's wanking! I saw/met him at the Quiet Storm in Pittsburgh last fall....what a nice, unassuming guy! He even hauled his own rig!
Geddy: Need I say more?
Tony Levin: The best all-around bassist on the planet in my humble opinion. Go to Tonylevin.com and check out his CV...he's played with everyone from Alice Cooper to Peter Gabriel to Karen Carpenter!
Check out King Crimson: The Noise Live in 84 (VHS) if you dare!
Trey Gunn: Call it Warr guitar or call it bass, he rules the bottom end as one of the true masters of the genre.
Justin Chancellor: Tool did more to bring the "high treble" tone and sustained notes into the 90's and beyond than anyone in the prog rock genre. Hypnotic, evil, hot and cold all at once.
Rock/metal:
Robert Dileo: One of the most underrated rock bass players in the world. Every note is perfect for the songs he plays and his tones are great!
Geezer Butler: Black Sabath's first five albums need no further explanation.
The dude from Mudvayne: Non-conventional chord structures, texture, great tone and taste. And he plays in a metal band!
Sting: Before he was lame, his parts were perfect. They complemented the song and were vital to the overall structure.
Steve Harris: Made it cool to be a bass player in a metal band. His open Fender tone was amazing!
Duff McKegan: Laugh if you will, but his feel was awesome!
Doug Wimbish: Living Colour's new album sucks, but he is a monster of a man! Go see him lay waste live! Oh yeah, Muzz Skillings was no slouch either:).
Pop:
Mark King: Level 42 was cheesy, but God, the slap work was smooth and beautiful! His playing is often mistaken for a synth.
Bass player from New Order: Brought organic textures and simple melodies into early techno, thus ensuring a place for the bass man in a synthesizer world!
John Taylor: Love or hate the 80's, Duran Duran had a great rhythm section!
I've already gone on too long....and I'll leave the Jazz/Fusion category to someone more adept at commenting! Good bass is good bass, regardless of genre, and we're fortunate to have some great bottom feeders in our own community!
My 2 cents:)
Kent
Kent, Bass, The Grimm, Lies Inc. The British Invasion
grimmbass@gmail.com
www.myspace.com/liesinc
www.myspace.com/thegrimmband
grimmbass@gmail.com
www.myspace.com/liesinc
www.myspace.com/thegrimmband
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bassist_25
- Senior Member
- Posts: 6815
- Joined: Monday Dec 09, 2002
- Location: Indiana
Kent, you should check out www.talkbass.com
It's an excellent forum for all things related to bass, and Michael Manring has his own forum (along with Steve Lawson).
I also totally agree about Robert Deleo. The bass line to Interstate Love Song blows me away. His brother, Dean, is a pretty interesting guitarist with all the unique chord voicings he does. To bad Scott Weiland had to be a jerk-off and ruin one of the best Rock bands from the 90's with his drug addiction.
It's an excellent forum for all things related to bass, and Michael Manring has his own forum (along with Steve Lawson).
I also totally agree about Robert Deleo. The bass line to Interstate Love Song blows me away. His brother, Dean, is a pretty interesting guitarist with all the unique chord voicings he does. To bad Scott Weiland had to be a jerk-off and ruin one of the best Rock bands from the 90's with his drug addiction.
I use a 73 Jazz
74 Precision
73 Rick 4001
68 Vox Super Beatle Amp for bigger gigs and my lastest brainstorm, a Vox T-15. That's right, only 15 watts. I shorted out the headphone jack making it into a lineout and put it through the PA. When I use it, I can carry out all my gear in one trip!
Kent, do you still have the 60's Kustom?
74 Precision
73 Rick 4001
68 Vox Super Beatle Amp for bigger gigs and my lastest brainstorm, a Vox T-15. That's right, only 15 watts. I shorted out the headphone jack making it into a lineout and put it through the PA. When I use it, I can carry out all my gear in one trip!
Kent, do you still have the 60's Kustom?
Ramrod!
Yes indeedy, I still have the Kustom, but right now it's out of "kommission"...I need to get the poor padded puppy to an amp doctor...it just went pop last fall. The Vox stuff sounds interesting....what are you doing these days?
Kent "I'm going to sneak into your house and steal your jazz bass" Tonkin!
Yes indeedy, I still have the Kustom, but right now it's out of "kommission"...I need to get the poor padded puppy to an amp doctor...it just went pop last fall. The Vox stuff sounds interesting....what are you doing these days?
Kent "I'm going to sneak into your house and steal your jazz bass" Tonkin!
Kent, Bass, The Grimm, Lies Inc. The British Invasion
grimmbass@gmail.com
www.myspace.com/liesinc
www.myspace.com/thegrimmband
grimmbass@gmail.com
www.myspace.com/liesinc
www.myspace.com/thegrimmband
Kent,
If I remember right, the output stage in the old Kustom solid-states isn't direct coupled, so one transistor frying won't take out the whole channel. It makes them easier to troubleshoot and fix. The first amp I ever played an electric guitar through was a padded wonder in 1980. It belonged to a classmate's father. Too bad I couldn't play a lick back then.
(I've also retired from doing repairs, so don't get any ideas)
If I remember right, the output stage in the old Kustom solid-states isn't direct coupled, so one transistor frying won't take out the whole channel. It makes them easier to troubleshoot and fix. The first amp I ever played an electric guitar through was a padded wonder in 1980. It belonged to a classmate's father. Too bad I couldn't play a lick back then.
(I've also retired from doing repairs, so don't get any ideas)
... and then the wheel fell off.
Ron,
Thanks for the tip! That old girl is one of the most beautiful sounding amps I've ever owned! I used it with a 4x10 Peavey enclosure for the first Grimm album, and I still think it gave me the best studio tone I've had yet! No direct box, no over-the-top processing....just a mike on the cab and a DoD chorus pedal. The eq is so simple (bass, treble, volume, and a "bright" switch).
I saw a Kustom 400 in State College....one of the new units issued three years ago when Kustom's original owner temporarily regained control of the company. A lot of features for the buck....built in chorus and compressor, tube pre-amp, 400 big watts....but it just lacked the tone of my old 200. If the 200 had just a little more juice, I'd still use it live....although the slight overdrive at high volume does kick a nice Geddy-style tone out. I guess I'm getting spoiled by my current high-powered rig.
Latr,
Kent
btw, any of you guys every use BBE bass pre-amps?
Thanks for the tip! That old girl is one of the most beautiful sounding amps I've ever owned! I used it with a 4x10 Peavey enclosure for the first Grimm album, and I still think it gave me the best studio tone I've had yet! No direct box, no over-the-top processing....just a mike on the cab and a DoD chorus pedal. The eq is so simple (bass, treble, volume, and a "bright" switch).
I saw a Kustom 400 in State College....one of the new units issued three years ago when Kustom's original owner temporarily regained control of the company. A lot of features for the buck....built in chorus and compressor, tube pre-amp, 400 big watts....but it just lacked the tone of my old 200. If the 200 had just a little more juice, I'd still use it live....although the slight overdrive at high volume does kick a nice Geddy-style tone out. I guess I'm getting spoiled by my current high-powered rig.
Latr,
Kent
btw, any of you guys every use BBE bass pre-amps?
Kent, Bass, The Grimm, Lies Inc. The British Invasion
grimmbass@gmail.com
www.myspace.com/liesinc
www.myspace.com/thegrimmband
grimmbass@gmail.com
www.myspace.com/liesinc
www.myspace.com/thegrimmband
Since everyone was talking about their equipment, I thought that I'd share mine for no reason other than to participate....
I bought a (so I've been told) rare G&L SB-1 back in 1990 for $50.00 (with the original hard-shell case and an old Crate practice amp that actually looked like a wooden crate). It's the best bass that I've ever played or owned, and I've used it on tour and in the studio... so take my advice and try out a G&L whenever you can. I'm not so sure how the newer ones are, but I love my old one.
As far as an amp is concerned - I've used my 250 watt Trace Elliot head with a GK 4x10 cab and a (don't laugh) JBL 15. It's awesome, in my opinion, and I only had trouble once when I was forcing bass feedback for about 15 minutes with an experiment and blew 3 of the GK speakers... They've been artfully replaced, and I still love my amp.
Now - I'm going to have to say that everyone's been naming all of the so-called greats of bass playing (and they are all technically wonderful players). But my idol has always been Mike Watt. The man is so versatile, experienced, and down-to-earth -- he puts all others to shame.
So if you love bass, pick up a DOS album and listen to Mike and Kira's bass duets... you'll fall in love. If you ask nicely, I'll rip some of the songs to MP3 and post them somewhere for you...
I bought a (so I've been told) rare G&L SB-1 back in 1990 for $50.00 (with the original hard-shell case and an old Crate practice amp that actually looked like a wooden crate). It's the best bass that I've ever played or owned, and I've used it on tour and in the studio... so take my advice and try out a G&L whenever you can. I'm not so sure how the newer ones are, but I love my old one.
As far as an amp is concerned - I've used my 250 watt Trace Elliot head with a GK 4x10 cab and a (don't laugh) JBL 15. It's awesome, in my opinion, and I only had trouble once when I was forcing bass feedback for about 15 minutes with an experiment and blew 3 of the GK speakers... They've been artfully replaced, and I still love my amp.
Now - I'm going to have to say that everyone's been naming all of the so-called greats of bass playing (and they are all technically wonderful players). But my idol has always been Mike Watt. The man is so versatile, experienced, and down-to-earth -- he puts all others to shame.
So if you love bass, pick up a DOS album and listen to Mike and Kira's bass duets... you'll fall in love. If you ask nicely, I'll rip some of the songs to MP3 and post them somewhere for you...
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Killjingle
- Diamond Member
- Posts: 1714
- Joined: Tuesday Dec 10, 2002
- Location: Elton
- Contact:
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bassist_25
- Senior Member
- Posts: 6815
- Joined: Monday Dec 09, 2002
- Location: Indiana