i was wondering who is everyone's favorite bassist. mine would have to be Tim from Rage Against The Machine. He uses all kinds of styles and he is very creative.

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~*shkinnyBOB*~

Most definatly Geddy Lee from Rush.
Great sounding rythms and the complexity of what he plays sounds great. (His Rickenbacker was an added bonus too)

One of my "current" favorites is Gary Willis of Tribal Tech...if you're not real familiar with his playing/writing, check out his solo album from last year called BENT(w/ Dennis Chambers on drums).
Also, take a look at www.garywillis.com (http://www.garywillis.com)
especially the "ASK WILLIS" section; a couple questions from this month's posters & Willis' subsequent replies left me "rolling"...imagine asking Willis a question & getting an answer + a typing lesson to boot!

Hey Jim.. Have you checked out Alain Caron...
Try "Rhythm n' Jazz" e.g.
This guy is intimidating!

shkinny--
I'd also like to give Mr. Crommerford (aka Tim Bob; aka Timmy C; aka YtimK) a thumbs up!
He's got to be one of the funkiest white bassists in all of modern rock. You can't just walk away from listening to a Rage album without pickin' up what he's been throwin' down!

Larry,...yeah, I got all of Caron's solo stuff; RHYTHM 'N JAZZ is my favorite(LE BAND is a lttle "too" Fusion-y & PLAY is more of a R&B-ish vibe...both are still inspiring, though). Caron has that "Thumb down/up, Pluck 1/2" technique down...check out the 1/16th note groove he lays down during "Slam The Clown". Another guy with similiar "chops to burn" is Adam Nitti.
As far as "funky, white guys in Modern Rock", I'll stick with P-Nut of 311.
The guy in Rage is "cool"...I like how he'll machine gun the ROOT in 1/16th notes while the guitarist changes up the chords.

Props to P-Nut also! I could post in this thread everyday. Today I'm digging Jerry Scheff's work on L.A. Woman--mostly his tone. I've almost got it matched on my p-bass. I just looked him up on the AMG. He's been pretty busy since 1956.-- Used to play for Elvis!

[This message has been edited by Jason Brown (edited December 17, 1999).]

Jason...I like those Doors' albums, too(still have them all on vinyl). "Love Her Madly", "Riders On The Storm", "L.A. Woman",...all cool in my book.
BTW...Jerry's son, Jason, is the current bassist in Chicago.

My favourite basss player is Mr D. Jesse from that fine band Ben Folds Five. After seeing them live just the other night I have to say he is one of the greatest bass player around at the mo. The thing that really impressed me was the way he made up for the space usually taken up by the guitar in the sound. His replacemnet lead parts still sounded bass-y if you know what I mean. Anyway thats my 2 cents.

Jim

Im a big Geddy Lee fan also.

hi guy's,
favorite player...hmmmmm.........old school,
jack bruce/andy fraser/jerry jermont/c rainey
/gratuate school...alphonso johnson/family man barett/robbie shakespear/will lee/neil jason/ master classmen...james jamerson/anthony jackson/marcus miller.......
master of the universe......JACO!

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aloha, jerry

Jerry, no argument from me!
If any of you younger guys aren't famaliar with someone on that list...what are you waiting for?! Seriously, you owe it to your developement as a player & musician to expose yourself to as many players/styles as possible...just one man's opinion.
Later...

agree with you, jimk

Anyway, my favourite bassists (and it's quite personal !) are Robert Trujillo (Infectious Grooves), of course Flea of Red Hot and TM STEVENS.

(All are in the funk&slap stuff, there are surely better bassists in other techniques - Stu Hamm for tapping for example...)

agree with you, jimk

Anyway, my favourite bassists (and it's quite personal !) are Robert Trujillo (Infectious Grooves), of course Flea of Red Hot and TM STEVENS.

(All are in the funk&slap stuff, there are surely better bassists in other techniques - Stu Hamm for tapping for example...)

My fav has got to be Victor Woo-10.

I have seen him a couple of times and it is a religious experience

-KB

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by shkinnyBOB:
i was wondering who is everyone's favorite bassist. mine would have to be Tim from Rage Against The Machine. He uses all kinds of styles and he is very creative.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I really like the styles of the 60's British rock bass guys. How can you not like John Paul Jones. Really listen to that Fender tone on Led Zep 2. Great runs, great feel, very melodic.

My favorite bassist would have to be Mr. Terrence (GEEZER) Butler of Black Sabbath! The work he has done over the past 30 years is amazing (especially about '69 to '75). I know a lot of people don't like heavy metal/hard rock, but I think Geezer Butler with Tony Iommi on guitar practially invented it. I saw Geezer in August and he blew me away!

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"Don't let those empty people try and interfere with your mind, just live your life and leave them all behind!"--Black Sabbath

mine would be cliff burton from metallica, he did some amazing stuff.

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-the gash came, the gash saw, the gash shredded on her bass guitar

Cliff was fast, I'll tell you that. For anyone to play speed/thrash with his fingers must have some chops. My favorite all around bassists are songwriters as well as players, some are even producers. I'm talking about artists such as Charles Mingus, Bootsy Collins, Marcus Miller, and Victor Wooten. These guys have the total package- they go beyond being considered "just a bass player" they are not sidemen they are leaders and I like to see bassists gaining more and more control on the musical direction of their carrers.

I would have to say that right now it is Flea. He may be overrated by some ppl, but I think he is a very good bassist, and he has a lot of technique, and knows little to no theory. I esspecially like what he believes. One of my fav. bassit before was Mike Dirnt from Green Day, as he was my first inspiration to bass playing years ago.

I think I did this once, but it disappeared. I grew up on Geddy Lee and he'll probably always be the first name out of my mouth when this question comes up, but these days it's hard to say someone is my favorite. I've learned there are so many aspects that make players great and no one player encompasses them all.

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Paul

It's All Jaco!
Donna Lee makes me cry.

What gifted jackass he was.

Tommy Shannon, Chris Squire, James Dewar (Great vocalist as well), Geddy (Ditto on the singing).

I think John Wetton's playing in his King Crimson days is criminally underrated - not all that obscure a band but he seldom if ever gets mentioned as being in the same league as Chris Squire (another favorite of mine) or other prog rockers (Geddy Lee, say.) I think his playing was monstrous sounding, and he's one of the players who made me want to pick up the bass. Scott LaFaro, Paul Chambers, Charles Mingus are other favorites who all contibuted to me wanting to play. Wetton will always be a special player to me, even if he did go on to do some pretty unremarkable pop music with Asia.

It's a tie between Geddy and Chris Squire, for me. I love their sense of melody, "connecting" notes, and their place in their bands music is so well cut. They are why I play, and they are why I've always used a Rick.

well.....I must agree with most of the players (Squier,Lee...all those old school rockers and mowtown greats).but i must say I have been most recently inspired by Les Claypool and Trevor Dunn(Mr.Bungle)these guys are too much http://talkbass.com/ubb/smile.gif

I like the old groove guys, James Jamerson, who taught the rest of how to play, Rocco Prestia, and Tommy Shannon.

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I'd have to say Geezer Butler is my all time favorite bassist. His fills are great (and hard to transcribe!!) and he practically came up with every Black Sabbath Song, even Iron Man! But a close second would have to be Steve Harris. Most heavy metal bassists can only try and imitate his style. As for Jaco, Victor Wooten, etc. they kick butt but I don't like them.

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Has to be flea for me. His playing on early Chilis albums was amazing, but on the latest, he stands back (a little) to improve the whole band sound.

My favorite has to be, and always will be, Tony Kanal of No Doubt. Maybe he's not as popular as Flea (who's a show off anyways), but I think if somebody listens to No Doubts CDs, you notice this awesome bass player immidiately.
Jason

favorite bassist....that's a tough call.
Mike Gordon(phish)would have to be my personal fave.he has the melodic thing down,
and he's also a strong funk player. I've seen
him carry a groove for half an hour by playing one or two notes the whole time. theres a lot to be said for that.
Also, the bassist for Galactic is a groove monster! if your into funk you have to check out Galactic. Family Man and Jaco are also some of my favorites.

my favorite player is John Paul Jones. He doesn't play bass solos or make bass the lead instrument, but his bass lines always fit the song perfectly, without crossing up with the drums or guitar. He's the kind of player that can be doing something complicated, but make it fit beautifully. The Lemon Song and just about all of ZepII are great examples. Jack Bruce is also awesome to listen to. he plays like a mad man and sings too. the bass in crossroads is incredible.

My favorite bass player well I cant just say one now can I. Flea and Bootsy would are up there in my books.

I am very old school, i like John Paul Jones(he has been mentioned), but I especially Noel Redding(The Jimi Hendrix Experience), he was greatly overshadowed by Jimi, and left(he didn't play at woodstock), but he is good. http://talkbass.com/ubb/tongue.gif

Hmmmm... this is a hard one, my playing is influenced by many bassists; such as Jaco, Victor Wooten, Gary Willis, John Wetton, Percy Jones... I would say my favorite all around bassist is Victor Wooten. When it comes to unique styles and sounds, I would have to go with Percy Jones of Brand X. If you don't know who this man is, check him out; you will be pleasantly surprised

Les Claypool

There is none higher than Les Claypool. Flea is real good, but Les made me pick up bass.
He is the God of Bass.


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From the mind of In Exile

Favorite Bassist Huh? Well, let me see......
#1 All Around...JACO
#2 Everyone Else; Caron,
Patitucci
Marcus
Ray Brown
Scot LaFaro
Mingus
Clark
Wooten
Rocco
Kim Stone
***And All Of The Rest ofYou Guys!

Bassist Regards;

J D

My favorite Bass player is P-nut from 311.

My favorite Bass player is P-nut from 311.

John Myung. He is just the MAN. He knows when to lay back and reinforce the guitar, he knows when to counterpoint the vocals, and he knows when to go absolutely nuts.

Some of Dream Theater's stuff is kinda cheesy, (don't get me wrong...I like them a lot) but still....not a note is out of place in the bass lines.

Honorable mentions to Geddy Lee and Alex Webster too. http://talkbass.com/ubb/smile.gif

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I'm sorry Mr. Sound Guy. Did you just say "Too much low end"?

MY opinion on THE best bass player;
STANLEY CLARKE!!!!
Reasons;
(1) His ability to lock in and groove with any drummer,
(2) His tasteful technique on up right,
(3) His skills as a composer,
(4) His lightening fast triplettes,
(5) He's not afraid to be a bass player as well as being the melodic instrument.
You can easily identify Stanley's sound and style even before reading thr liner notes!!!
Whether on up right or his " alto" bass, Mr. Stanley Clarke is "THE MAN".
(Oh, did I open up a new can of worms or what?!?!?!?!?)
Take Care
Chuck

Chuck-I re-visited RTF's LIGHT AS A FEATHER cd today...whew, Stanley is ripping on that release("Captain Marvel" is smokin').

hey everyone, i have to give it up for flea, he is awesome. but some local canadian talent is bruce gordon of i mother earth. not too big in the states, but he's the man. my fav at least. peace out

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Brent "the Bass Man"

Geddy Lee all the way,every way,& all day
Geddy is not only a great bassist but also a very good vocalist too

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Ozzy is God,without him there would be no metal or rock as we know it today. Join me in the fight to make Ozzy our leader

Les Claypool of Primus is the absolute best bass player ever. When Metallica was searching for a bass player they didnt want him cause he was too good. And he has a friggin wammy bar on his bass.

Man everyone listed is great, how could I choose. They all have offered something, all have pushed the enevelope a bit further.

Hell, my fav is ME. Not that I'm better than anyone who has ever picked up a bass, but if I can sit alone a groove that makes happy and proud of the work I've put in to get to where I am.

And it's all about what makes YOU happy.

The problem is that I never make me smile the way I did the first time I heard "La Villa Strangiato" http://talkbass.com/ubb/smile.gif

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Paul

True, true.

But your playing at somepoint must have come from somewhere your not quite sure of, and I'm sure what you heard impressed you.

True, true...
But my playing at points has come from somewhere I'm not quite sure of, and what I heard depressed me. http://talkbass.com/ubb/smile.gif

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Paul

How about John Entwistle? Him and Keith Moon
were a great rhythm section. While Townsend was destroying guitars and amps old John just stood back so he wouldn't get hit by debris. Also what about Mike Watt? From the
Minutemen thru firehose and his solo stuff;
all great. I think he is 10x better than
flea. All his lines are played with such feeling. Every grimace on his face while he is playing, and you can see the passion he puts in every note.

How about John Entwistle? Him and Keith Moon
were a great rhythm section. While Townsend was destroying guitars and amps old John just stood back so he wouldn't get hit by debris. Also what about Mike Watt? From the
Minutemen thru firehose and his solo stuff;
all great. I think he is 10x better than
flea. All his lines are played with such feeling. Every grimace on his face while he is playing, and you can see the passion he puts in every note.

If I had to pick a favorite, I have a tight 3 way tie.

1. Steve Harris
2. Geddy Lee
3. Jaco Pastorius

take care
Constantine

Pino Palladino. The man has such a signature style on fretless that it doesn't matter who he sessions for, you can tell that it's Pino.

Hmm hard one
Stanley clarke, electric
Ron carter, acoustic

Yes Chuck you did open a new can of worms
just listen to " song to the pharoh kings"
or "spanish phases for strings and bass"

[This message has been edited by 17Hz (edited March 06, 2000).]

Well first of all JACO he has magig fingers, and a really deep soul for a bass player, his speed, accuracy and crativity makes a truly bass legend. But have we forgotten about MIKE MANRING...he´s absolutelly incredible(playing 4,5,6,8,10 string basses on those beatiful Zons). Also a litle old school: RUFUS REID. Cliff BUrton is also excellent, really fast and imaginative.
Flea is great, his spirit, stamina, accuracy and felling makes him really original, one of the best without a doubt.
Geddy Lee Rocks!! as well as that guy(don´t remember name) from Jamiroquai.
Les Claypool is also very good.

Remember it is not all about knowing every scale, every note, is about really beliving in yourself, and having a spirit to play with your soul.:]

The man who influenced me the most, was a young Paul McCartney (he's got 10 yrs on me). I remember it well, it was Sunday February 9th 1964. Up to that point I had been playing drums. And I had heard the Beatles on the radio many times but when I saw them and McCartney's bass that night, that was it. I was going to be a bass player with one of those funny violin basses. Little did I know or anyone else for that matter just how much of a influence the Beatles would have on music. The drums went and I got my Hofner (I still have it). A few of the other bass players that influenced me are James Jamerson (Motown), John Paul Jones (Led Zep), Randy Meisner (Eagles), John Lodge (Moody Blues) to name only a few.
Cheers

Hi everyone, this is my first post on this board.

My vote for Jack Bruce, my inspiration to take up bass.

2nd goes to Entwistle.

its has to be flea. his mix between funk and punk is awesome.

I have a core list of players who I believe profoundly affected my playing, mostly because of what I listened to in my formative years. They are:
Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath, of course)
Steve Harris (Iron Maiden)
John Taylor (Duran Duran)
Tony Levin (King Crimson, Pete Gabriel) for fretless work.
Extremes, but well-rounded.

My most favorite would have to be Eric Wilson(God of Thunder) of Sublime. If you listen to any of his albums especially 40oz. to Freedom, you might agree.I also like Claypool,and Flea or there catchy grooves.

I'll repeat what I have in my profile:
Cliff Burton is GOD!!!

All you metalheads out there owe him a MUCH greater debt than is generally known. Cliff, being a classically trained musician, was the one who convinced James Hetfield to simply not ape the sound of Judas Priest or Iron Maiden (two great bands BTW.) Need proof? Listen to the difference in Kill 'Em All and Ride the Lightning and notice what Cliff has writing credits on.

As for KONG, who doesn't care for him, I doubt you've dug very deep at all into an old Metallica bassline. Jason Newsted is a top-notch player, but Cliff knew how to craft a line that could follow the guitars, build tension against them or even drop a counterpoint, all in the same song! There's more to metal than just speed, a fact lost on many modern metal devotees.

Also KONG, I see you've dropped the Bass Player Advisory(i.e. Wooten, Claypool, etc) board in as your influences. Did you ever stop and REALLY ponder who has and hasn't influenced your playing? Give Cliff his due. Jaco was a genius (even if he was an arrogant prick), but Cliff helped to unleash THE band who took modern music away from the pop metal posers. Maybe if there were players like him, there would be more bands like Metallica.

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Psycho &gt;^}



[This message has been edited by Psycho Bass Guy (edited March 20, 2000).]

My personal favourite bass player at the minute is Stuart Zender, who used to play in Jamiroquai, but I'm also keen on Flea (of course) and Timmy C.

My favorite bass player of all time would have to be Nate Mendel (Sunny Day Real Estate & the Foo Fighters). He always comes up with these super nice melodic parts that totally change the way the entire song feels... really fantastic stuff, i highly recommend you check out all of SDRE's stuff and the FF's latest.
peace!
Eric

John Entwistle. Enough said!

Oh my, this is a difficult question. Well, it was Flea and Burton who actually made me feel proud to be a bassist. Then John Entwhistle and John Paul Jones showed me how to be a bassist. I'll say these four are on top of my list http://www.talkbass.com/ubb/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by Bassmonster (edited March 28, 2000).]

Hmmmm, Fav. Bassist...thats a tough one. Either Tommy Shannon or Sting

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by shkinnyBOB:
i was wondering who is everyone's favorite bassist. mine would have to be Tim from Rage Against The Machine. He uses all kinds of styles and he is very creative.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

my favourite bassists are;-
1;Flea
2;shavo odadjian (system of a down)
3;les claypool
4;tim commerford
5;nathan east

this is not on quality of bass lines, mostly personality although most of them are absolutely amazing.

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8219

i'd have to agree with everybody who says flea, though he was a bit of a show off in some of the earlier pepper's albums. In the latest though, he really augments the rhythm without showin off. He plays some intricate lines that are far more creative than just playin the root of the guitar chords.

Hmmm.....my favorite bassist is Twiggy Ramirez of Marilyn Manson
*looks around at everyone and considers running*
really, though, he is my inspiration for playing bass guitar. he is not the BEST technically (and I freely admit this) but he just has a certain style, and it's not all in how he plays.
Before I saw him on stage, I wasn't even AWARE of the bass guitar, but after I saw him on the dead to the world video, my thought was "wow! he looks so cool! that looks like so much fun"
Anyway, so Twiggy is my favorite bassist because he's, at least in my eyes, cool.
I also like Flea, but then I love the chili peppers. and the bassist from Monster Magnet is pretty cool.

Anyway, this is my first post...and um....*braces for everyone to hate her*
hehehe

e nox

jaco.

i missed out a couple.
dirk lance (incubus)
the dude from no doubt.

All i have to say is gary willis,vic woo-10 marcus miller,JACO,stanley,larry graham,geddy lee,will lee,james jamerson,bootsy,bernard edwards R.I.P(CHIC)bill dickens,nick rhoads,john pattituchi,francis rocco prestia,les claypool,michelle n'degeocello
FLEA IS A HACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JPJ,John Entwistle,John Deacon,Flea

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Hey all! Fave Bassist Les Claypool! I also like P-nut from 311 (can we say funky?.....yes very good!) Flea (3 words Ca-ray-z) Victor Wooten (sweet-merciful-crap, he's amazing, my god)
And oh yes, has anyone heard of Orin Isaacs (Canadian bassist, Open mike with mike bullard band) He's great, he plays with Vic on his solo cd (Orin's, not Vic's), I give him a five-star rating in the catagory of "FunkMasterGrooveAPotamus"

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Provided by the mysterious Bass stylings of "The Fantastapotamus"

Hey all! Fave Bassist Les Claypool! I also like P-nut from 311 (can we say funky?.....yes very good!) Flea (3 words Ca-ray-z) Victor Wooten (sweet-merciful-crap, he's amazing, my god)
And oh yes, has anyone heard of Orin Isaacs (Canadian bassist, Open mike with mike bullard band) He's great, he plays with Vic on his solo cd (Orin's, not Vic's), I give him a five-star rating in the catagory of "FunkMasterGrooveAPotamus"

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Provided by the mysterious Bass stylings of "The Fantastapotamus"

Mine would be Flea of RHCP. He is a cool cool guy and really plays the bass well. Furthermore, he plays the bass with some kind of attitude that seems like all bass player should have.
I admire D'arcy of Smashing Pumpkins also because I have known very few female bassist who had made it big. She strikes a big impression on me because of her style of play.

Sorry to those females who thought that I'm a sexist, but actually I'm not. Its just that i've known very little female bassists.

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N/A

Right On!!
I love any Bass player that comes out in front and shows those six string wuss's what a good bass sounds like. Guys like Bernard Edwards, (Yeah I know Disco) Bootsy, Paul Denmann(Sade) are the guys that first brought the Bass from the background right up front. I remember the time when James Brown was performing, and folks were yelling for "Bootsie" . These guys are the ones we should thank.

Roger Glover from Deep Purple,
Flea from red hot chile pepers
Les Claypool from primus.
And Jaco Pastorius.

My favorite is John Myung (Dream Theatre)

Much like Jerry, most of mine are old school. Jerry, was particularly happy to see you list Jerry Jemmott. Having met Jerry and spoken to him several times I can tell you he is not only a great bassist but a terrific guy. I've been listening a lot to his playing on the Live King Curtis album and have come to the conclusion that there is a reason Jaco used to sneak into Criteria Studios to listen to Jerry. He was stealing licks. (Kidding) All kidding aside, you can certainly hear Jaco 'borrowing' heavily in terms of 'feel' from Jerry.

In addition to Jerry, please add Jack Bruce. What a master musician. Perhaps the best overall musician/bassist I've ever had the pleasure of hearing. Singer, songwriter, pianist, cellist, guitar, bass, harmonic and vocalist extranaire.

Must also add, James Jamerson, Duck Dunn and Tommy Cogbill. They really started it all for me.

Wooten and Manring of the new kids on the block are just spectacular, IMO. When I hear them play I have serious doubts as to whether or not they're human.

Above all Jaco. His playing really talks to me like no other.

P.S. BTW, moldweorp, you're absolutely right about Wetton. Great bassist, great vocalist and such a great tone during his days with King Crimson. But what happened to him afterwards?

Well, for top of the list, it's a tough choice between Jack Bruce and Tony Levin, but Bruce gets the nod.
Others on my list are: Dennis Dunaway, Gary Thain, James Jamerson, John Wetton, Chris Squire, Pino Polladino (sp?), Rob Grange, Martin Turner, Flea.

My favorite bassist would have to be Royce from The Suicide Machines because he is a creative and the best underground bassist of all time and I met him last month and he is the man and a very influential bassist.

Come on guys!! Victor Wooten is the best bass player ever!! He has been elected bass player of the year several times by bass player magazine. Of the many bassists I have heard Vic has more technique, speed, stamina and groove than anyone else.

all of the players i have seen on this list definately belong in my opinion, but one of my personal favorites has been overlooked,billy sheehan. i saw him at a bass clinic in dayton, ohio and was blown away. plus, anyone who can keep up with steve via is no slouch. john myung has been a favorite since "when day and dream unite" and has become better with time. check out "metropolis ,pt 2".great concept disc.

&gt;Come on guys!! Victor Wooten is the best bass player ever!! He has been elected bass player of the year several times by bass player magazine. Of the many bassists I have heard Vic has more technique, speed, stamina and groove than anyone else.

May I suggest liberally of 'IMO' from now on. http://www.talkbass.com/ubb/smile.gif

It's impossible to argue about his technique and his talents but I'm not a fan of slap and the times I've seen his videos he seems to use it in excess. IMO. Of the NEW virtuoso's I'd perfer Michael Manring.

You're right about Billy Sheehan. I saw him at a clinic in Cincinnati last year, and he was great. One of the last remaining purists - you know, 4 strings, passive, etc. He doesn't even like changing his chord if possible. He has the most incredible technique. He really doesn't move his fingers very much, but when all of them are a co-ordinated as his are, you get a wall of sound. I still think he overplays, though, but I was in awe of what he can do.

I am of the old school also. My favorites are the ones listed in my profile:

Felix Pappalardi ( Mountain )
Jack Casady ( Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna )
Phil Lesh ( Grateful Dead )
John Lodge ( Moody Blues )

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Torfinn Mac An Bhreitheamhan



[This message has been edited by Torfinn (edited April 13, 2000).]

marcus miller and tony levin, no question about it! jamie jamerson was allso a great man!

You all have to think about John Paul Jones from Led Zeppelin when you talk about awesome bassists.

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Bassist (Doo) Superstud

There are just too many to mention. Victor Wooten is amazing but I'm burned out on the whole amazing chops thing.. no doubt though he'll go down as one of the greats. My personal favorites are Mike Watt, Karl Alvarez (Descendents, All) and Geddy Lee. If you ever want to just call it a day, listen to anything by Jamerson (and remember that he played everything with ONE right-hand finger!) And I saw Jeff Berlin at a clinic and was floored by his sheer talent and musicality. The fact is, there are probably 10 amazing bass players within a square mile of where I'm sitting right now.. ain't it cool?!?

Well my favorite bassist would have to be Tom Hamilton of Aerosmith. i love his bass lines and his inter-twined rythm. i think anyone who hasn't heard him should try his solo of "Gotta Love It" and his in the face work on the album Nine Lives. it was hamilton that inspired me to join the elite world of bass players, in part of his music and in part of this statement by him ..."I saw the bass guitar as the link between the drums and the rest of the band".
i also like the bass playing of Flea who works a damn funky bass (i love the bass on Around the World), and the ex-guns n roses bassist Duff.
this is just my opinion, so that's my bit

Well my favorite bassist would have to be Tom Hamilton of Aerosmith. i love his bass lines and his inter-twined rythm. i think anyone who hasn't heard him should try his solo of "Gotta Love It" and his in the face work on the album Nine Lives. it was hamilton that inspired me to join the elite world of bass players, in part of his music and in part of this statement by him ..."I saw the bass guitar as the link between the drums and the rest of the band".
i also like the bass playing of Flea who works a damn funky bass (i love the bass on Around the World), and the ex-guns n roses bassist Duff.
this is just my opinion, so that's my bit

My top vote has to go to the man who first inspired me to play bass - Geddy Lee. I also admire the work of Flea (whom I think has at some time in the past listed Lee as an influence)and Les Claypool.

I also agree with some of the earlier postings that reflect what I have always thought - you should always try to expand your influences by listening to as many styles/players as possible. Never limit yourself.

For me my favourite bassist is Abraham Laboriel http://www.talkbass.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

My favorite bass player? Jack Casady. Period.


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I forgot to mention...
Roger Waters of Pink Floyd fame.
Outstanding song writer and player.

I'd have to say Gene Simmons inspired me to be a bass player. So, he will always be my favorite.
But I think Leon Wilkeson, of Lynyrd Skynyrd was the one that inspired me to actually LEARN how to play bass.
I also like the way Donald "Duck" Dunn makes it look easy to play bass.
I'm almost ashamed to say I've never heard any of Jaco's stuff, but other's such as Wooten, and Marcus Miller have both mentioned Jaco as an inspiration.
I like Steve Harris of Iron Maiden also. A talented song writer as well.
There are many studio bassist on country albums I like as well (To lazy to dig for names).

One of my "local" heros here in NC, is Mark Prince of Vicious Fishes. Keep an ear to the ground for this band. They recently got signed by an indie label(with lots o' cash)
and will be touring the east coast this summer.




------------------
Michael Scott Shelton
Bass player "Medicine Stick"

Hey guys this is tough one. Like now I'm really into Wooten & Marcus Miller. However, I love what Geddy Lee does and I have always admired sting. Stanley Clarke is the reason I play the bass. When I saw him on the Midnight Special at age 12, he blew my mind. I knew I had to play bass.

As what I consider a tribute to all of these guys, I just recently finished a CD on which I only used my 1978 Fender Jazz Bass. My
goal was to not sacrifice anything as far as melody or the strength of the songs. CD. If you have time,go out to MP3.com and check it out the free tunes let me know what you think. http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/101/tony_webb.html.

Lately I've been really into Michael Manring. Not only is he an innovator on the instrument, he can play some nifty walking jazz lines.

Will C. http://www.talkbass.com/ubb/cool.gif

I AM A BIT LATE BUT IT NEEDS TO BE SAID,
JOHN ENTWISTLE! GOD, HIS WHOLE STYLE SHAPED A GENERATION OF PLAYERS , HE SHOWED US THAT WE ARE NOT DESTINED TO BE A FAINTLY HEARD BUZZ AND BROUGHT THE TRUE ART TO THE FRONT OF THE STAGE WHERE IT BELONGS.
ENTWISTLE AND MOON SHOWED HOW A 'BACKING' SHOULD BE THEY WHERE TIGHT MAN REAL TIGHT!

ANYONE ELSE APART FROM JOHN BULFIN GONNA SPEAK UP FOR THE MASTER?
IN MY OPINION ENTWISTLE IS 'THE' MAN.

by far my favorite is my buddy Victor wooten. it is humbling to see and hear the things he can do with his basses. i think he is unlike anyother and is one of the best bassists the world has ever seen. the ability to create and imbrov shows throughout all of his work.
HE IS AN ARTIST!

I absolutely LOVED Cliff Burton. He was one fast,creative,and talented bassist. If he wouldn't have died so young,he would be even better today....which would be mind blowing....

I gonna have to say Timmy C and Eric Wilson that got some of the most original and flowing basslines of all time

Sam Rivers (LIMP BiZkIt)
Flea (RHCP)
Jason Newsted (MeTaLlIcA)
Cliff Burton (metallica)

Go ahead and make fun. Go ahead and dis em. I don't care what you think.

BassIsBest, I'll have to agree on all of yours except Sam Rivers. I just don't like Limp Bizkit, no offense. Just my opinion.

I doubt anyone here will argue with Flea or Burton, but there're some here who'll have a problem w/ Newsted. I'm not one of them, BTW. He's my fav, along w/ Burton. I'm with you most of the way, man. Rock on.

Hands down:

Joe Oborn

I can't believe with over 100 posts nobody else has mentioned his name. The guy is such a fantastic player. It's no coincidence that he's played on literally hundreds of Top 40 hits. I'm not sure if he holds the record or Carol Kaye, but there certainly is a real magic about Joe's sound and attitude that I love.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Ktulu:
BassIsBest, I'll have to agree on all of yours except Sam Rivers. I just don't like Limp Bizkit, no offense. Just my opinion.

I doubt anyone here will argue with Flea or Burton, but there're some here who'll have a problem w/ Newsted. I'm not one of them, BTW. He's my fav, along w/ Burton. I'm with you most of the way, man. Rock on.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm curious....What makes 'Newsted' your favorite, please, please, please, don't tell me....."It's because he's with Metallica!" We've all heard that one!!...I really want to hear how 'GOOD' you think he is. PLEASE RESPOND!!!!!!!!----Thanx!!

------------------
Hey....Who said Ric's are for kids?.....Bye, --MR

[This message has been edited by mr2112 (edited June 15, 2000).]

Anthony Jackson. If you've heard him with Steve Khan, Al DiMeola, Steely Dan, Chaka Khan, Paul Simon or literally hundreds of other artists, you'll know what I'm talking about.

Has to be Geddy Lee for YYZ if for nothing else !

my favourite bassists are p-nut, jaco, victor wooten, flea, les claypool, bootsy collins, john myung, marcus miller, rocco prestia....

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by mr2112:
I'm curious....What makes 'Newsted' your favorite, please, please, please, don't tell me....."It's because he's with Metallica!" We've all heard that one!!...I really want to hear how 'GOOD' you think he is. PLEASE RESPOND!!!!!!!!----Thanx!!

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


Well, part of the reason is b/c I'm just a die-hard Metallica fan. I'm just being honest. Now, I'm a newbie in comparison to most of you folks, but I'm not some ignorant teen-ager who likes every new "metal" band that comes around just b/c they're popular. I.E., I'm not a Korn or Limp Bizkit fan, no offense to anyone who is.

I totally understand why a lot of the people on here don't really like Newsted, and why they don't understand why some of us do like him. He's not a great virtuoso (sp) bassist, no. But, to be honest, I don't really enjoy music like that. Now, I respect the he11 out of anyone who can play it. It impresses me, but I just don't enjoy listening to it that much. That's just me. I like the simple bass lines. They seem to me to be the most powerful. I like the ones that can crack foundations, ya know? That's part of why I like bass. The power.

So, really, I guess Newted is my favorite mainly b/c he's in Metallica. Notice I didn't say I thought he was the BEST bassist, he's just my favorite. I'm factoring in what I know of his personality, etc. If you think about it, no one in Metallica is just an incredible musician. They've said that themselves, before anyone jumps on me. It's the music that they play TOGETHER that I think is incredible. And to me, Newsted's bass lines just fit into their music very well.

Also, in Newsted's defense, you have to remember that he was really restrained for a long time, and may still be. I don't know how much truth there is to this, but a writer for Bass Player who interviewed Newsted said that he's a lot more talented than his work with Metallica shows. Just something to think about.

All of this is just my opinion. I hope I spilled a little light on my people's way of thinking, mr2112. http://www.talkbass.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Cliff Burton is one of my favorites, but I'll have to go with Sting.
I guess it's because he plays like me (he uses his thumb)...

/ http://www.talkbass.com/ubb/cool.gif\ http://www.talkbass.com/ubb/smile.gif


------------------
Never trust a man who doesn't drink - Winston Churchill

[This message has been edited by ~Loxley~ (edited June 19, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by ~Loxley~ (edited June 19, 2000).]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Ktulu:

...If you think about it, no one in Metallica is just an incredible musician... <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


I wouldn't say that... Lars Ulrich just won the title of 'best drummer in the world'. He was elected by the readers of some drummer magazine.

I agree with the fact that simple bass lines often are the best. I am a huge Metallica fan myself and most of the time, Newsted is just playin' some simple pulsing riff. It's great!

Still, he's not one of my favorites... He's a good bassist, but there are others I prefer... http://www.talkbass.com/ubb/cool.gif

~Loxley~

------------------
Never trust a man who doesn't drink - Winston Churchill

I don't like Limp Bizkit because they are popular. I like Limp Bizkit because they have talent and express fealings through music like many others cannot. Sam's sound is what attracts me to the LB. That pulsating, pounding, f#cking growling, snarling bass. Not their fans. ITS JUST ONE OF THOSE DAYS




------------------
I LIKE IT DOWN LOW...

Tony Levin's lines are GENIUS.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ~Loxley~:

I wouldn't say that... Lars Ulrich just won the title of 'best drummer in the world'. He was elected by the readers of some drummer magazine.

I agree with the fact that simple bass lines often are the best. I am a huge Metallica fan myself and most of the time, Newsted is just playin' some simple pulsing riff. It's great!

Still, he's not one of my favorites... He's a good bassist, but there are others I prefer... http://www.talkbass.com/ubb/cool.gif

~Loxley~

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You're right there. Ulrich IS one of the best drummers I've ever heard, if not the best. Actually, Hetfield and Hammett are some of the best guitarists I've heard, at least in that style of music. I don't really think you can compare musicians between different genres, anyway. My musical tastes aren't all that diverse anyway, so I figured I hadn't heard enough people to really say if Ulrich or anyone else was good or not. Glad to see that a lot of people think he is, though. You just taught me something about Metallica, Loxley. Congrats, that's pretty hard to do. http://www.talkbass.com/ubb/biggrin.gif


[This message has been edited by Ktulu (edited June 19, 2000).]

Even though I mentioned Manring earlier, I should have mentioned that groove-wise, James Jamerson is my Lord and Savior.

Will C. http://www.talkbass.com/ubb/cool.gif

MARK KING

------------------
If they put the truth in your hands, would you really want to know?

John Entwistle. Favorite of all time. I've seen him solo 4 times and with The Who 4 times, plus 1 time with Roger in Roger's 1994 tour celebrating Townshend.

I don't know if many people realize how diverse his background is. He was trained on the trumpet and piano, and got accepted to the Royal Academy of Music in England. Just couldn't afford to go so he never went. I'm guessing that just getting accepted is like getting accepted to Berklee in the states...takes some talent.

Anyway, his technique is SO diverse that you have to acknowledge him for that in itself! Did you know he uses all 5 fingers on his RIGHT hand??? He pulls off. He plucks. He strums. He taps. He picks. He brushes the strings. He...does everything except slap!

He's got such a feel. Listen to how dynamically he plays on "Who are You"...the ENTIRE album! Listen to how dynamic his playing is in "Eminence Front". Then, change over to listen to how he literally plays the entire length of the neck in "The Real Me". Or his innovations with roundwound strings, the use of bass solos in a rock song:"My Generation".

There's always the melodic approach he takes to build texture underneath Pete's rythmic work on the guitar. Then there's the question of locking in with rock's all-time craziest drummer, Keith Moon! Give "Live at Leeds" a listen.

Bottom line is, Entwistle...in my eyes, there is no better. Period!

definately has to be les claypool
many say he's overated but he definately deserves to be in my prospective.
PRIMUS SUX!

Steve Harris (Iron Maiden)
Les Claypool (Primus)
Cliff Burton (Metallica)
Dirk Lance (incubus)
and Flea (RHCP)

Well my posts from the past year don't seem to be here so i'll start again,,,,,,,,Favorite Bassman is Jack Bruce followed by a Jamming player name of Geddy Lee,,,chjris squire is in there to but the hasn't been nearly as prolific as the formewr two,,,

Please forgive my spelling in the last post,,i was in a bit of a hurry.

Hello!
My favorite player by far is Paul McCartney. Hey Bulldog, Rain, and And Your Bird Can Sing were enough to make me want to play bass...not to mention all his lines from Abbey Road (oh, the day when I learn I Want You (She's So Heavy) will be a good one). Second favorite is John Deacon

Um..this is my first post so dont get down on me to hard.

My fav bassists are
Les Claypool
Geezer Butler
Sam Rivers
Cliff Burton
Jason Newsted
Jon Myoung
Fieldy*

* I know that alot of people are gonna start to mock me about Fieldy but I dont care. As dumb as this may seem, listening to him got me into playing bass. Even though my goals are more towards Les Claypool then Fieldly now, I must give him credit for making bass seem bit more intresting.

Oh yea..alot off people think that you need a complex bass line for it to sound good. This is true for doing solo's and stuff like that but if playing on one string in a driving manor makes the song sound good, then thats all thats needed.

...Sorry for going off topic right then.

Slap:Flea
Jazz:Jaco
'nuff said

david ellefson and steve harris

Mine are Stanley Clark and Jaco...

------------------
The Only Mask I Wear is the One I was Born With..

its absurd, i cant believe i have not heard one person mention mike watt, he is frickn awesome, he was the first punk bassist, he was good too, amazing, check out anything from the minutemen, im sure youll be quite impressed, also check out the meatpuppets, even karl alvarez of the descendents, is quite impressive

whats wrong with you people? FLEA is the best ever!! DUH!!

i have to say flea is the best bassist. not only is he a great player, but the energy he has at concerts is AMAZING. he is also so good at all the improvising he does

another very good bass player is tim from rage against the machine....very creative

I don't care what you say, I think Reggie Arvizu is pretty cool.
Rana Ross is pretty easy on the eyes.

1. FLEA (RHCP)
2. Les Claypool(Primus)
3. P-Nut (311)
4. Brian Ritchie (Violent Femmes)
5. myself (just kidding)

Flea and Les would tie, but Flea seems to be able to do one major thing that I have not really heard Les do--Play with a lot of "feeling." Maybe I am the only one who thinks this, so I am open to your opinions. I picked P-Nut
because I think he is an excellent "freestyle" player. I think that is what I am trying to describe it as, anyway. And I can't believe that everyone overlooks Brian Ritchie from the Femmes. I think that he is an outstanding player.

It's almost impossible for me to list all my favorite bassists, but if I had to narrow it down to just one, that one would be Nathan East. If I could BE any bassist or play like any bassist, I would choose Nathan East. Why? Because he is so adaptable and versatile and can play for Eric Clapton, for Fourplay plus probably hundreds and hundreds of records we had no idea it was Nathan East playing. He knows what to play and when to play it. He is versatile, but not a show off. I've voted for him year after year for bass player of the year in Bass Player magazine. Well, he never wins. The mega-players like Geddy Lee, Vic Wooten, dudes like that win, but never Natahn East. It's a real pity because he represents to me what a bass player should be. Jason Oldsted

1.mike drint just cuz greenday is my fav band
2.tim from rage
3.flea from rhcp
4.me cuz i suck and will never amount to nothing so why not have some faith

#1 Les Claypool
#2 Flea
#3 Geddy Lee

i love these bassits because they dont hide backstage and they dont just play the changes and let the guitarist have all the attension. they are bassist with very creative basslines and they set a good example for all bassists. i also love victor wooten but he is too hard for me to play so i cant apresiate him.

i have to be perfectly honest. my inspiration to pick up the bass came from the simple basslines of greg kriesel of the offspring, especially "dirty magic", the first song i ever learned. from there i went on to learn the works of newsted, flea and many others. but right now im really into brian marshall of creed. this guy plays a really good bassline, but its too far in the background. its hard to pick out the the timings in "higher", even with a tab in front of me.
the line for "with arms wide open" is simple but nice.
im the first to mention marshall, but i do think he rocks.

in no order at all...
Flea
P-nut
Claypool
Fieldy
Cliff Burton
Twiggy
Geezer Butler
Paul from Tool
Peter Steele ( cuz i am afraid that he will rip me in half if i dont mention him)
Rayna (just for making me pick up the bass)
the dude from Fear Factory
Shavo of System of a Down
hell...anyone that is good on bass that i cant think of off the top of my head

sir ian "lemmy" kimister

My favorite bass player ever is definitley the late Cliff Burton. He was one of my influences and I'm sure many other people. But I also have to say Jack Bruce from Cream. These two guys are definitley among the best.

Dave

[Edited by Bassplayir on 09-01-2000 at 05:03 PM]

I was reading all these old posts and I came across a post that said "Geezer Butler is my favorite bassist" and then later as I read down the post it said "Jaco and Victor Wooten are talented, but I don't like them" I was like what idiot would write something so stupid..... the idiot was me. Holy S***! What a difference a half a year makes.

John Deacon...'nuff said.

So, yeah.. I guess that topic says it all =) Itmay be because he played for Yes, a band that even in my very young age, is a favorite of mine. Maybe it is that very cool picking-with a muting thumb technique that he uses, that in my feeble attempts I cannot get right, and something tells me that his use of harmonics in songs that really should have no bass at all.. (I know how blaspherous that must sound!) But mainly because he was one of the early rock bassists that took center stage as it were, and made people pay attention.


Yeah, and Geddy Lee is good too =)

Rickenbacher players of the world unite =)

I only wish they would tour, and have some sort of "banjo at 20 paces" duel.. Ohh.. what dreams =) LOL

William

Originally posted by ~Loxley~
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Ktulu:

...If you think about it, no one in Metallica is just an incredible musician... <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


I wouldn't say that... Lars Ulrich just won the title of 'best drummer in the world'. He was elected by the readers of some drummer magazine.

Lars is completely and totally mundane compared to Flo from Cryptopsy. The only reason he was elected "best drummer in the world" is because he also happens to be one of the most popular.

I could make an arguement for Geddy Lee. I believe that he set the example of making a melodic bassline that is intregal to the song.
But...
I am going to have to say that my personal favorite bassist is John Myung. The main reason, he has the most impeccable technique. He is soo fluid in each and every one of his actions, whether it's the left or right hand, and he's got a superb knowledge of theory. His basslines flow in and out of the fabric of DT's music, and even though he doubles some of the guitar parts (which in and of itself is amazing), he succeeds in making the bassline a seperate voice in a choir of instrumentalization.
That's just on the more progressive parts of DT's music. LOL. He's also shown, especially on the last two DT albums, that he also has a knack for rock/pop basslines, giving us images of Roger Waters or John Paul Jones.
Granted he hasn't shown a mod style of playing, such as pseudo-funk or slap, but he's a master of fingerstyle. A modern day Rocco.

BTW
This is not a knock or a diss, but I really wish you guys that are so into Flea would check out some real funk masters. Guys like Larry Graham (Sly & the Family Stone, Graham Central Station), Louis Johnson (Bros. Johnson), and even Bootsy Collins (Parlaiment, BC's Rubber Band) wrote the book that Flea is quoting from every day.

Except for perhaps Paul McCartney, John Entwistle is the greatest! I saw him and the rest of the Who play this summer and he was awesome!! I could not believe the solo he played on 5:15, as well as many other songs! The thing I really like about John Entwistle's style is that most bass players don't go beyond the "supporting role" and they are always in the background with the guitar as the prominent instrument, but if you listen to many Who songs, you will find that there are many times John plays a sort of "lead bass", with Pete's guitar either supporting or playing a lead right with it!

1. Chris Squire
2. Dave Meros
3. Geddy Lee
4. Tony Levin
5. John Myung
6. Mike Gordon
7. Andy West

favorites: Colin Moulding (XTC) and Chris Squire.

others whom I admire: Entwistle, Macca, Tony Levin, Geddy Lee, Paul Simonon, etc. etc.

This is my 1st post here so I read back to the beginning of the thread and noticed a couple of folks missing;
Tim Bogart and Lee sklar,,,,,,,,,,hmmmmmm
My favs:
Billy Sheehan, Geddy, Stu Hamm, Mike anthony, Jeff Berlin, Flea,Larry Graham, Bootsy started me into playing during the early 70's p-funk. Almost forgot,EARTH WIND AND FIRE
I guess I have varied tastes in music


[Edited by ribob1 on 09-15-2000 at 12:11 AM]

In no particular order:
John Paul Jones
Timmy C.
Geddy Lee
Tom Hamilton
Bootzilla
The bassist for the Commodores
Verdine White(Earth,Wind and Fire)
Mark King (Level 42)I can't believe he wasn't mentioned more often.
Jaco (I had the rare honor of meeting his brother,that's the closest I'll ever get.)
John Deacon of Queen
Personal friends: Mike Napier,Keith Parham, and Louis DeFabrizio
I'm sure
I left somebody out,nothing personal.

Any good thing I have ever played in the last 15 years has been in one way or another influenced by James Jamerson.

To AQUNOVA: Yup!!!

I'm not going to proclaim anyone as the 'best' bass player, or attempt to pick my number one fave. However, Melvin Gibbs (used to be in Rollins Band) has had me scratching my head going 'WHERE did that come from?' more often than most. I've managed to learn most of his RB lines since, but it's creativity and groove as well as technique (if not more) that counts.

Also Stanley Clarke for 'Captain Senor Mouse' and '500 Miles High' - Jazz Fusion isn't my bag but those lines are cool.

To Soothergroover: It is hard to single out any player when so many have contributed to our instrument.I mentioned this on another post,but I got to see Gibbs live and I kept my eyes glued on him.

Stanley!!!Can't begin to fathom his mind.I heard some of his "older" material and was blown away!!!

I have many favourite players, but I think, that Stanley Clarke beats everyone. He is so fast, and unimitatable.
I like Lemmy too!

To Hary: Stanley is badddd!!!! Totally blows me away.How does he do the things he does?
Lemmy,I remember when I saw the video for "Ace of Spades",I thought I wouldn't want to be his enemy.He is a solid bass player!!!!

my favs are:

Steve Harris
Geddy Lee
Gene Simmons
Cliff Burton
Flea

My all-time list (and I'll probably leave some off by mistake):

John Paul Jones
Willie Dixon
Jack Bruce
James Jamerson
Carol Kaye
Tommy Shannon
Geddy Lee
Bill Wyman
Duck Dunn
Marcus Miller
Jaco

....and now my lil' old pea-sized brain is starting to shut down.

P-Nut Yall!! From 311. Check him out. Hes a great rock bassist.

personally i believe that cliff burton of metallica was the best bassist out there. it was truely a tragidy how we lost him.... but he lives on in my heart and my music

Anyone ever heard of Bruce Foxton of The Jam (Not big in America admittedly)
Absolutely amazing player, and he played with a pick as well which is unusual amongst most of these names I'm seeing

Traa Daniels from POD. He's the coolest player I've ever seen. When he play's live his right hand is just a blur.


Love,
Zeb

Stu Hamm
Les Claypool
maybe some JAZZ guys I wouldn't know.
But of the none jazz guys none beats them.

Could of sworn I posted on this thead back in May, but the post is gone, so...

Geddy Lee! Certainly not the best, but definitely my favorite, and #1 influence as well.

Also, Jamerson, Jaco, Chris Squire, Stanley Clark, John Patitucci, Louis Graham, Flea.

i will say this until the day i die.... i love cliff burton and i think he is the best bassist out there....

Man i heard a lot of good things about Geddy Lee. I was very glad to get my hands on a live vhs recording of a concert with Rush. I must say the guy must be good, to sing, play bass and keyboard at the same time (umm he plays either bass or keyboard but switches frequently between the instruments). But Rush would be a much better band if he lay of the vocals! His voice, how skillful he might be, is the most annoying thing I've heard in a long time from a well acclaimed musician. Hate me if you wish, but that is my opinion. Two songs was all I could stand listening to.

[Edited by maxoges on 10-12-2000 at 03:40 AM]

I think the best bass player has got to be Y.tim.K from Rage Against The Machine!

Mine are:
1. John Myung - Dream Theater
2. Tony Levin - Independent
3. Victor Wooten - Independent
4. Flea - Red Hot Chili Peppers
5. P-Nut - 311

Hi Austin!
Welcome To talkbass! Dont forget to fill out your profile.

Well, my choices would be:

1) Michael Manring
2) John Myung
3) Tony Levin
4) Nathan East
5) Stanley Clarke

Next time.. This thread should belong to "Bassists"

Yeah, Im new, through me a friken bone here, man. :D

Welcome to TB. :D

1. Sam Rivers - Limp Bizkit
2. Chi Cheng - Deftones
3. Reggie Arvizu - KoRn
4. Shavo Odijian - System of a Down
5. Ryknow - Mudvayne
6. Flea - RHCP
7. Les Claypool - Primus
8. John Davidson - Serial Joe
9. Tumor - Snot
10. Johnny April - Staind

Those are my top 10 favorite bassists.

P.S: Does anyone know what band Tumor is in now? It's on the tip of my tongue.

1. les claypool
2. ryknow
3. flea
primate or those in any order?

Chris Squire
Paul McCartney
Stanley Clarck
Victor Wooten

Alphonso Johnson - Weather Report (before Jaco)
Tim C. - Rage
Jaco Pastorious - Weather Report (and solo of course)
Paul Chambers - played with Miles and Coltrane among others
Eric A. - Jane's Addiction
Paul Jackson - Herbie Hancock
Jeff Ament - Pearl Jam
Flea - RHCP
Ron Carter - solo and with other jazz artists
Jack Bruce - Cream and Frank Zappa, among others
Stanley Clarke - Return to Forever

Chris Squire
Geddy Lee
Tony Levin
Flea
Pete Trewavas - Marillion, Transatlantic
Juhn Myung
all those I forget but do great bass lines...

My favs would be;

1) Michael Manring

2) Jaco Pastorius

3) Oteil Burbridge

4) Victor Wooten

The list changes from day to day...
John Myung
Matt Freeman
Victor Wooten
P-Nut
Les Claypool

mine are and in no set order

Eddie Jackson
Michael Anthony
Rachel Bolan
Alec John Such
Stu Ham
John Patitucci
Will Lee
Geddy Lee
Louis Johnson
Rex Brown


btw welcome to talk bass

Welcome aboard. Mine would be:
Jack Bruce
Gary Thain - Uriah Heep
Martin Turner - Wishbone Ash
Tony Levin - King Crimson and a gazillion others
Dennis Dunaway - Alice Cooper
John Wetton - you pick....
Mars Cowling - Pat Travers
Chris Squire - Yes
Rob Grange - Ted Nugent
James Jamerson

Here goes:
1. Michael Manring- solo
2. Nathan East- Fourplay/ Eric Clapton
3. Christian Olde- Wolbers- Fear Factory
4. Tony Levin- solo/ Peter Gabriel
5. Les Claypool- Primus

Geddy Lee
James Jamerson
Paul McCartney
Jaco
Stanley Clarke
Billy Sheehan
Stuart Hamm
Sting
Monty Colvin
Jeff Berlin

phil lynott
peter crane
steve harris
steve digiorgio
chris squire
cliff williams :D

Jaco
Les Claypool
John Paul Jones (LZ AND Solo)
Billy Cox (Band of Gypsies)
Chris Squire

BRUCE FOXTON

1. Baghiti Khumalo
2. FamilyMan
3. Sting
4. Bootsy Collins
5. Tim Commerford
6. Flea
7. Graham Downey (The Frames)

Chris Squire
Geddy Lee
Tony Levin
Paul Mcartney
John Myung
Mike Rutherford
Steve Harris
John Paul Jones
John Entwistle
Mike Watt
Sting
Karl Alvarez
Dee Dee Ramone
John Wetton
Greg Lake
John Deacon
Tom Peterson
Donald "Duck" Dunn

Sorry for the long list...

Originally posted by Ïn±ë®nål¦P®ÏMå±Ë

3. Reggie Arvizu - KoRn


Heh, good cover.

Instead of listing all of the ones that are already up there (whom I love), I will add

Paul Simonon
Dan Adriano

because they aren't listed as of yet, and I'm going to put more emphasis on

Duck Dunn

because he needs to be listed more that just once. :)

In no specific order.......

Jeff Berlin (THE MAN)
Oteil Burbridge
Jaco (opened the door for us all)
Matthew Garrison
Victor Wooten

Here they come!

Stanley Clarke
Lemmy - Motörhead
Cordell Crockett - Ugly Kid Joe
Dusty Hill - ZZ Top
Roger Waters - Pink Floyd
Cliff Williams - AC/DC
Bob Daisly - Played with Ozzy
The bassist of RATM /I can't remember his name know/
Flea - RHCP

And so on..

This is hurried because I have to go to work soon, but:
Sting
Geddy Lee
Les Claypool
Baghiti Khumalo
John Paul Jones
Geezer Butler
James Jamerson

probably some more, but I'm late as it is.

Jaco
Geddy Lee
Sting
the dude from Blue Oyster Cult
the dude from Uriah Heep
Geezer Butler
Jack Bruce
Chris Squire

a few of my favorite bassists include...

Noel Redding: Jimi Hendrix Experience

Geezer Butler: Black Sabbath

Rick Grech: Blind Faith

among quite a few others.

In no particualr order:


Les Claypool
Flea
and the awesome late Cliff Burton.

Why Am I The Only One Who Mentioned CLIFF BURTON?!?!?!?!?!?!?! He was a great bassist and he didn't use any crappy picks, yet he still played hecka fast. Go listen to some early Metallica please

Billy Guild. (Faith No More)

Nah, they arent in any specific order.

Originally posted by feel_the_rage
Why Am I The Only One Who Mentioned CLIFF BURTON?!?!?!?!?!?!?! He was a great bassist and he didn't use any crappy picks, yet he still played hecka fast. Go listen to some early Metallica please

What's wrong with picks? Sting used "crappy picks", and so did Chris Squire, I think. And that guy from Green Day, I should have mentioned him as one of my favourites, his stuff is fun to play.

In no particular order...

Cliff Burton (metallica)
John Taylor (duran duran)
Tobin Esperence (papa roach)
Mike Mills (rem)
Flea (rhcp)
Mike Dirnt (greenday)
Timmy C (ratm)
me! ;)
lots more I have forgotten to mention
not fieldy
not mark hoppus
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxx
xxxxx
xxxx

xxxx = spaces to be filled when I hear them.
I have an open mind, so much so I find my brains spill out ;)

(in no specific order)
1. Les Claypool (Primus)
2. Ryknow (Mudvayne)
3. Marcelo D. Rapp (Soulfly)
4. Paul Gray (Slipknot)
5. Alex Webster (Cannibal Corpse)
6. Josh Paul (Suicidal Tendencies)
7. Peter Steele (Type O Negative)
8. Chi Cheng (Deftones)
9. Adam Duce (Machine Head)
10. Christian Olde Wolbers (Fear Factory)
11. Evan Seinfeld (Biohazard)
12. ME (had to be narcissistic :D)

Many, many more...I'm just too tired.

now here's one that nobody's listed.
he wasn't a great bass player.
he wasn't very well groomed.
but he still is one of those unforgettable bass players.
Sid Viscious from the sex pistols!

1. Adam Wheaton
2. Sam Rivers
3. Chris Noveselic
4. Brian Marshal
5. Flea

In that order, too.

OK, So I'm an old guy.....

Berry Oakley was one of the finest rock bassists of all time!!!!!

1.Flea
2.Les Claypool
3.Roger Waters

In that order too.

Michael Manring - Indy
Norwood Fisher - Fishbone
Billy Shehan - Talas, Mr Big, DLR, Vai
Victor Wooten - Flecktones / etc.
Chris Squire - Yes
Geddy Lee - Rush
Stanley Clark - Indy

Paul Chambers
Anthony Jackson
Lee Sklar
Emory Gordy Jnr
Nathan East
Rocco
Jaco

So many different bass players but my favourites that I can remember are:-

Tony Kanal (No Doubt)
Sting (The Police)
Cass Lewis (Skunk Anansie)
Norwood Fisher (Fishbone)
Robbie Shakesphere Sly and Robbie , Grace Jones)
Aston 'Family man' Barret (The Wailers)
John Taylor (Duran Duran)
Bootsy Collins (Parliment/Funkadelic)
Traa Daniels (P.O.D)
Stuart Zender (ex Jamiroqui)
Paul Denman (Sade)
James Jamerson (Played most of Mo towns hits and probably
the greatest bass player ever)

Ok all you guys are going to think I've lived a very sheltered life, although I do like Les Claypool's bass playing (not singing), but two of my favorite bassists right now are Brian Marshall formerly of Creed and Bruce Gordon of I Mother Earth. Both of them have really cool bass lines that I find are a challenge to learn because they don't just follow the guitar exact. Right now I am trying to learn Pity For a Dime by Creed and Raspberry by I Mother Earth. Since I'm fairly new I would like to know if some of the more experienced players here agree with me.

The more I hear Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, the more I'm in awe...

- Wil

Ok, here goes...
Tony Levin
Vic Wooten
Trey Gunn
Larry Graham
Louis Johnson
Me'Shell Ndegeocello
Stuart Zender
Norwood Fisher
Busta Belton

Here it is....
As amazing musicians:
-Jaco
-Wooten
-Claypool
-Clarke
As Amazing Songwriters
-Sting
-Eric Avery
-Justin Chancellor
-Roger Waters
-Flea
-Bootsy Collins
-The guy from sublime (I cant remeber his name, for the life of me)
-Tim Commerfield
-Adam Yauch
-Billy Gould

Mine are Les Claypool and Flea. And of course myself. :)

1) Maurice Gibb (Bee Gees)
2) Mike Mills (REM)
3) Paul McCartney (Beatles)

Justin Chancellor
Victor wooten
Flea
Tim C
and the guy form Godsmack, can't remember his name?

Top 3: Vic Wooten, 'Duck' Dunn, Nathan East.

Not in any particular order tho. Actually Mr. East just recently got in to my fav-list right after I saw Claptons latest video. Very stylish slapping there.

[Edit, 6/30/2002]

And Mr. John Entwistle.

At the time I posted this, I haden't got that much into his playing. Now that I have.. I feel much greater loss.

Originally posted by Ïn±ë®nål¦P®ÏMå±Ë


P.S: Does anyone know what band Tumor is in now? It's on the tip of my tongue.

AMEN.

i love the bass playing of Blind melon/unified theory/his own solo stuff Brad Smith, i think hes great, i love the way his lines just fit perfect....

no one mentioned mingus, i love mingus, i also like jaco a lot, not a fan of his tone though(i expect to get things thrown at me for that remark). and i really likeThe Wailers bassist, family man right?

peace all

Originally posted by cassanova
mine are and in no set order

Eddie Jackson
Michael Anthony
Rachel Bolan
Alec John Such
Stu Ham
John Patitucci
Will Lee
Geddy Lee
Louis Johnson
Rex Brown

I respect what Jaco and Victor Whooten and all those other really great players did and do on bass guitar, but I just cant care for that style all that much

btw welcome to talk bass

I dont mean to annoy you because you are definitely more knoledgeable than me

Is Alec John Such a decent player? He seems to be sort of a run-of-mill bass player>

In no particular order...
Bootsy Baby
Marcus Miller
Jaco
John Pattitucci
Victor Wooten
James Jamerson
Flea
Bernard Edwards

Some of my favorite Bass Players are(in no particular order):

Bootsy Collins

Rex Brown

Cliff Burton

Steve Harris

Victor Wooten

Sam Rivers

Jason Newsted

Stanley Clarke

John Paul Jones
Paul McCartney
Sting
Flea
that guy in DMB
duncan coutts

i am throroughly disappointed in all of you. Clifford Lee Burton is god.

My favorites:

Matt Freeman (Rancid)
Cliff Burton (Metallica)
Les Claypool (Primus)
Sid Vicious (Sex Pistols)...yea, I know he refused to play and when he did he sucked, but thats OKAY :)
P-Nut (311)
Mike Dirnt (Green Day)

I can admire the talent of people like Jaco, but I dont really like that sort of music. So my list is rock-type stuff.

Here are my favorites in no particular order:

- Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
- Dirk Lance (Incubus)
- Jaco Pastorius (Duh)
- Norwood Fisher (Fishbone)
- Geddy Lee (Rush)
- Les Claypool (Primus/all of his side projects)
- Tim Cummerford (Rage Against The Machine)
- Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath)
- Eric Wilson (Sublime/ L.B.D.All Stars)
- Justin Chancellor (Tool)
- Aston "Family Man" Barrett (Bob Marley)
- Chi Cheng (Deftones)
- Tye Zamora (Alien Ant Farm)
- Paul (At The Drive-In)

Originally posted by StarzNAGlassJar
i am throroughly disappointed in all of you. Clifford Lee Burton is god.

:rolleyes:

Here are some of my favorites (in no particular order)

Victor Wooten
Les Claypool
Jaco Pastorius
Flea
P-Nut
Michael Manring
John Paul Jones
Geezer Butler

There are many other great bassists, but these are some of the ones I think are the best.

Oh yeah....
I also love Cliff Burton and Jason Newsted!

1.Justin Chancellor -TooL
(who seems to be greatly under appreciated)
2.Stephan Lessard -DMB
3.Dirk Lance -Incubus
4.Flea -RHCP

in no particular order after #1

1. Flea (red hot chili peppers)
2. Les Claypool (formerly primus)
3. Tim Commerford (rage against the machine)
4. P-Nut (311)

I'm into the contemporary stuff, but I can respect each one of them for their individual styles.

Here are some of my favourites:
Jeff Berlin
Dave Larue
Michael Manring(truly innovative)
Alain Caron(IMHO the best post Jaco fretless player)
Victor Wooten
Scott Thunes

There are lots more I like and love but these are the people I'm thinking about now.

Geddy Lee - favorite bass player of all time
John Paul Jones - classic lines, 'nuff said
Johny Myung - impressive!
Steve Harris - just plain fun to play
Cliff Burton - raised on RTL and MOP, fun stuff
Justin Chancellor - unique sound, great fit

Fieldy - lol, jk :p

I'll list a few but there are so many.

Geddy Lee of course

Stanley Clarke

Vic Wooten increadible live show

Steve Harris

Also as mentioned earlier Pete Trewavas of
Marillion, one of my fave bands.

Roger Waters
Paul McCartney
James Jamerson
Jaco Pastorius

Originally posted by 5s_tring freak


I dont mean to annoy you because you are definitely more knoledgeable than me

Is Alec John Such a decent player? He seems to be sort of a run-of-mill bass player>

Your not annoying me one bit, If you listen to certain tracks off Bon Jovi's "Slipery When Wet" "New Jersey" "Cross Roads" and even a one or two off the "Keep the Faith" cd he lays down some very tastefull lines. I particularly like "Living on A Prayer, Born To Be My Baby, In These Arms, Always (has a nice line, not overly complex, but played with lots of finese) This is all just my opinion on him, Im sure lots of people think he's run of the mill, to below average bass player.

#1 ryknow
#2 rayna
#3 hendrix
i happen to like fieldy for being diffso i will throw him in at four
#5 twiggy
#6 gidget
i like the newer stuff so plz don't let this start a war not looking to be lynched just stating my opinion

Hendrix played bass? Hmm...;)

-Stuart Hamm (solo, Satriani, Vai, Gambale)
-Randy Jackson (Session player, Bruce Springsteen, Maria Carey)
-Paul Mcartney (No introduction needed)
-Roscoe Beck (Eric Johnson, Robben Ford)
-Jason Newsted (EX Metallica)
-Tom Arya (Slayer)


Yes I know the metal players hardly can compete, but I was a huge metalhead ten years ago and those guys were my biggest influences.

Wayman Tisdale.

Okay, I'm half kidding, but I really like his tone.

yes just for the record he did cyklone the fact he was the greatest guitar master ever to have lived over shadows the fact that he was a pretty good bass player also. in my opinion he was much better than noel was

No, no, no! Why has nobody mentioned the mighty Duff Mckagan? Ok, so his later work was boring, but the stuff off "Appetite For Destruction" is amazing, especially "Welcome To The Jungle". Anyway, heres my faves in no real order..

Steve Harris
Flea
Geezer Butler
John Paul Jones
Duff McKagan
John Entwhistle

Probably more i cant remember, so ill reply again when i can!

Yeah, Hendrix played bass sometimes, and yes, I also think he was better than Noel Redding, but still, Noel was a good bassist. But Jimi is NOT seen as a bass player.

-Justin Chancellor (TOOL)
-Paul D'Amour (TOOL)
-Paul Gray (SlipKnoT)
-Les Claypool (Primus)
-Shavo Odadjian (System Of A Down)
-Christian Olde Wolbers (Fear Factory)
-Dave Kowatch (Dry Kill Logic)
-Ryknow (MuDvAyNe)
-Chi Cheng (Deftones)
-Arthur Green (Living Sacrifice)
-Marcello D. Rapp (Soulfly)
-Jeremy Marshall (Cold)
-Vince Hornsby (Sevendust)
-Acey Slade (Dope)
-Robbie Merrill (Godsmack)
-Rex Brown (Pantera)
-Fuzz (Disturbed)

and some more but i can't think anymore

:eek: wow thats a lot but hey...i couldn't forgive myself if i left someone out...;)

Hey Cass, AJS didn't play in the studio. It was their current bass player, Hugh McDonald. He's the actual guy you like!

In some kind of order:

Chi Cheng (deftones)
Sam Rivers (limp bizkit)
Fieldy (koRn)
Kim Deal (pixies)
Krist Novoselic (nirvana)
Daniel Lorca (nada surf)

In no special order:

Flea
Stu Hamm
Cliff Burton
Jason Newstead
Nathan East
D'arcy
Mallisa Auf Der Mahr
Chi Cheng
Paul Grey
who ever BB Kings bassest is.
Ryknow
Rex Brown
Marcello D. Rapp
Oh, and the papa roach guy

I always loved Levin for his distinctive sound, and his melodic sense. He's great with Gabriel, Crim (Discipline being my fave recording of all time from anyone), and his solo work....plus multiple independent work with others. His work has done the most to inspire me to play again, this time seriously.

Not only is he a superb player but he's versatile.....and he can do it without compromising his work. And whatever he brings to the band he's with is going to be good! He's an all around artist that has done a lot to bring the bass out of the just-part-of-the-rythm-section shadow.

Plus he's a hell of a nice guy....just met him the other night with CGT and Pat Mastelloto. Real down to earth (as much as he can be for '6/something).

ALSO: Mike Watt...the man must have elastic fingers. He was the first to make playing an instrument sound like the funnest thing in the world to me.

Others:
Geddy for obvious reasons, Tina Weymouth, Chris Squire, Habib Faye (w/ Youssou N' Dour's band), whoever it is that plays in Jamiroquai.

I used to like Sting and still do back in his Police days. I can't get into his music much now.

Though I doubt anyone will ever read this, here's my top 5 or something like that:
Les Claypool (the less Claypool, come on...)
Dirk Lance (incubus)
Justin Chancellor (tool)
Sheryl Crow
Whoever plays bass for Poe
Marcello (Soulfly)
Me!

Flea, Les Claypool, Timmy C, Krist Novoselic, Justin Chancellor, and the guy from Infectious Grooves...

in no particular order
victor wooten
bill dickens
gary willis
jonas hellborg
jack bruce
stu hamm
alain caron
les claypool
stanely clarke
john paul jones
john entwistle
john patitucci
jaco of course
larry graham
michael mannring
cliff burton and i think that's about it