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Why did Jaco use a Jazz Bass


ossie
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In his own words (from a Guitar Player interview by Bill Milkowski, Aug 1984), when asked why he likes the old Fenders so much: "the old Fenders really have a punch, and not just a treble punch either. More like clear low mids; plus, they're real quick. You can play that fretless real fast. And I feel real comfortable with these. I've had lots of people make basses for me, and I own different sorts of them. I've probably owned over a hundred in my life, but none of them sound like these old ones."

He then goes on to say " One of the main reasons I use these same old basses is because I've worked so hard and so long on the road - forever - that to get another new instrument at this point, I really feel like I would have to learn how to play it from scratch. I mean, I know everything about these basses of mine, every bit of chicken grease and drop of sweat that's ever been on them".

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[quote name='4000' post='1330936' date='Aug 7 2011, 01:54 PM']In his own words (from a Guitar Player interview by Bill Milkowski, Aug 1984), when asked why he likes the old Fenders so much: "the old Fenders really have a punch, and not just a treble punch either. More like clear low mids; plus, they're real quick. You can play that fretless real fast. And I feel real comfortable with these. I've had lots of people make basses for me, and I own different sorts of them. I've probably owned over a hundred in my life, but none of them sound like these old ones."

He then goes on to say " One of the main reasons I use these same old basses is because I've worked so hard and so long on the road - forever - that to get another new instrument at this point, I really feel like I would have to learn how to play it from scratch. I mean, I know everything about these basses of mine, every bit of chicken grease and drop of sweat that's ever been on them".[/quote]


Spot on, didn't know about this interview. Must be true about eating fried chicken before a gig and not washing his hands then. Although, he was renowned for his wind ups. I've got the Jaco book and it's a good, if somewhat tragic, read.

I have allways played by ear and done a reasonable job most of the time, however, I have just started to get my head around theory and am brushing up on my reading skills. As a result I decided to learn some of his stuff and I have to say, whilst I allways thought he was genius, I hadn't really appreciated how cleverly put together his stuff really is.

shall we start one of these on Jonas Hellborg then? (I like his playing). :)

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[quote name='ossie' post='1331462' date='Aug 7 2011, 10:18 PM']shall we start one of these on Jonas Hellborg then? (I like his playing). :)[/quote]

Well, Jonas has used a few basses over the years. Various Wal, Status, Warwick, Sound of Sweden basses etc etc. But I have to say that his Status signature model was the best sounding bass of the lot by a long shot. Absolutely incredible tone, and a massive influence on my sound.

Edited by Chris2112
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[quote name='chrismuzz' post='1329421' date='Aug 6 2011, 12:07 AM']It may not be the best gear in everyone's opinion, but in mine, it sure is! The sound, feel, and playability just work for me.[/quote]

and at the end of the day, that is the only thing that matters.

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