Touching Bass

Keith Woods · Post by **Keith Woods** » 9 Mar 2002 4:17 pm

I know this is a steel forum but there seems to be several bass players, or players who double on bass, out there. As an old fart whose been playing bass since the late 50's,
I'm curious as to what kind of old jewels you've got laying around. And no, I'm not coming to your house.

One of my best was an early 60's Fender Jazz that some rockers stole in '67 at a March of Dimes telethone here in Chattanooga. At least I have a picture of me playing it behind Roger Miller and Micheal Landon. No, Landon coundn't sing worth a hoot.: I bought another one but didn't like it as well. Later, I bought a used '69 P-Bass that I still have. Great old bass with wonderful tone. I also have a U.S.A Epiphone that a famous rock band member traded a friend for some pot. Must have been his back-up.

My son has claimed it.
For the past year I've been playing a 5 string Carvin that I really like, although the long through-body neck needs tweaking pretty often. I agree thar Carvins are often over-looked and under-rated.

Tom Campbell · Post by **Tom Campbell** » 9 Mar 2002 9:32 pm

Hi Keith

I've also played bass since the mid 50's. I presently have a 1962 Fender Precision...wouldn't trade it for the world! I recently picked up a Peavy TKO 115 Bass amp. (single 15" speaker and 75 watts). It's good for church work and average sized rooms...not like the big power I onced used. Of course I can't lift the big stuff anymore either. I've had a couple Gibson basses in past years and did/do not think much of them. I guess I'm spoiled on Fender hardware!
As for steel equipment: I play a Sierra U-12 through a Peavy N400. I'm not much of a fan for effects other than a little delay and some reverb.

Dave Birkett · Post by **Dave Birkett** » 9 Mar 2002 9:45 pm

I've got a 65 P-Bass and it's probably worth more than I am.

Jim Bob Sedgwick · Post by **Jim Bob Sedgwick** » 10 Mar 2002 10:35 pm

I have a 66 Jazz bass. I did have to replace the pickups as the old Fender's had become anemic. I put DiMarzios on. Wow what a sound the old bass has now.

erik · Post by **erik** » 11 Mar 2002 3:33 pm

Nice vintage gear everyone!

Earl Foote · Post by **Earl Foote** » 11 Mar 2002 5:45 pm

I have an old Memphis Precision copy that I should pay to have someone haul off to the local landfill!

Dave Birkett · Post by **Dave Birkett** » 11 Mar 2002 6:16 pm

I remember back in the 70s, someone told me that Joe Osborn, another P-Bass player who was probably the number one call in the LA studios, had strings that were very old, 10 years or so, and they were in part responsible for his great sound. Did anyone else hear that?

Jeremy Steele · Post by **Jeremy Steele** » 12 Mar 2002 5:16 am

Yep, LaBella flat wounds. he never changed 'em, played an old Fender Jazz with a pick. What a sound he got!

Fred Murphy · Post by **Fred Murphy** » 12 Mar 2002 5:21 am

I have a 67 clear finish Precision narrow neck, which I traded a 64 Jazz for in 1968. I love the guitar, but it is very heavy, so I usually use an Alvarez roadstar which I like really well and is not very heavy. I keep flat wound strings on the Precision for recording to keep down the slide noise. I also have a 5 string Washburn which I like pretty well. I also have a Steinberger which I use oaccasionaly.

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 14 Mar 2002 4:59 pm

I have a '62 RI Fender JBass with the stack knobs. This Bass rates as one of the finest Instruments I have ever owned thru my 35+ years of playing. It sounds great and plays better ! I recently sold my Hartke 4x10 , 350watt system which I used with this JBASS for over 5 years. This was one fine sounding rig. You could slap it silly !

PS the Bass is Black with tortouse shell pickguard , rosewood neck with an E extender.

TP