BASSFACE 67 Instruments & GEAR
DOUBLE BASSES and
other UPRIGHT BASSES
Here are the various upright basses I use for performance and recording. A shout out to luthier Pete Lampe at Pete's Bass Shop for always keep my stand-up basses sounding great and playing smooth.
KAY BASS (DOGHOUSE) - 1942
Kay Orchestral Bass 1942 - I play this bass out often for jobs calling for both arco and pizz. It has a warm tone and speaks well both when amplified or not. It is strung with Innovations in a Doghouse style and I often use a Fishman bridge pickup and Platinum pre-amp if I need to plug in. For sessions, I often tune down to drop D.
Shiny Shiny... Kay Bass at the Winery with the Myelin Ensemble
Me with my Kay at the Moon session with Cousin Robin from Boston, MA.
Hammond Ashley DOUBLE BASS - 1981
Hammond Ashley Upright Bass - 1981 - This upright is the bass I select for orchestral ensembles as well as jazz trio work. Made right here in the NW by Hammond Ashley's shop in Seattle, this instrument is known for its unique shoulders and strong tone both in the line and when playing all pizz. I run Thomastiks on this instrument, a K&K bridge/string blend pickup and pre-amp system. I have recorded all manner of songs with this - from soundtracks to jazz and even pads for rock tunes. You can find out more at www.hammondashleyviolins.com
Adding bowed sound beds to Jeremy Wilson's wonderful compositions - With the JWB at the Secret Society.
NS DESIGNS NXT 5 string UPRIGHT
NS Designs NXT 5 string - 2012 - This is an amazing gift from the immensely big heart of Michael "Hudzilla" Hudson. This instrument is unlike anything else I play and inspires ideas just by its unique tone. This 5 string (low B) NS XT Bass can be bowed as well as pizz. Seen here with the Tiki Men in Maupin, OR. Learn more at www.thinkns.com
ELECTRIC BASSES
Various basses for the JoB...
As a working professional bassist, you get a variety of calls that may need to call for a variety of sounds and styles. I have been very fortunate to have a number of great friends and students that have helped me build my collection of instruments over time - both for use in live settings and for recording in studio. In many cases I have these basses set up for specific purposes and styles from rock to funk, jazz to soundtracks. By the way, that is my 1964 Ford Galaxie Country Sedan "Squishy" - a great ride for all that gear - like driving a couch...
STATUS SERIES II ELECTRIC BASS - 1982
Status Electric Bass - Series II - 1985 - This is an active electronics graphite through bass that is hand-made by Rob Green at Status Graphite Basses in Sussex England. Made famous by Mark King of Level 42. This is a punchy and versitle instrument that served me very well for years in and out of clubs with St. James's Gate. Used on many StJG and Bahttsi recordings. Learn more at www.status-graphite.com Amazing basses and always evolving. This instrument replaces one I had in the early 80's. Sadly, my first Status Series II was stolen off stage in 2004. It is still missing - please help me locate #81. Stolen Bass Flyer - My rare bass needs to come home!
Classic line-up of StJG playing at Biddy's with my Status headless bass. Good times...
FENDER PRecision Bass - "The Skip Willis Special - 1963
Fender Precision Bass - "The Skip Willis Special" - 1963 - This bass has been my "go-to" instrument ever since it came my way by a sincere act of kindness of a friend. You see, this bass is special - certainly because it is a wonderful instrument, but really because of this story. Skip and the Willis family came out often to celebrate and see me play. Skip's health was on the wane, and he often talked about "a bass" he had that he wanted me to play. Skip wanted his instrument to continue to be played, and he was convinced I was the one who needed to carry that on, and I didn't even really understand until later. Sadly, Skip lost his battle to cancer, and after about a year, his wife Sandy called me over because "Skip wanted you to have this..." So from under the bed, came out this bass. Rusty Blake and the team at 12th Fret brought it back to life, and in short order, this bass and the amazing tone it carries was back making music. There's so much more to the story, but it is this kind of bond amongst musicians that places the craft above all others, and my sincere thanks to Skip and his kind, thoughtful gift. This instrument has had a new life with me, appearing on hundreds of recordings and performances with so many artists and friends over the years. Skip's choice has brought the joy of music to so many. Thank you Skip - thank you so much...
Performing / Recording at the KINK FM studios for the StJG record release...
Holding it down for the band at the Galway Bay Celtic Feis... I always run flats, HotWires from Status, but sometime DR nylon wraps.