I Knew It! Patitucci now plays half-rounds...

WJGreer · #1 04-07-2006, 08:53 AM

I swore that, beginning in about 2004, Patitucci's tone became markedly more mellow. It appears he is now stringing half rounds, according to this interview with Aguilar.

I'm not completely sure I like the new tone, but he says it's the direction the prevailing style is moving in, and I'm not sure I disagree. I've moved to nickel from steel myself, and I was a steel guy for a long time.

Lorenzini · #2 04-07-2006, 09:17 AM

Awesome!

"I am also using D'Addario Half-Rounds on my signature Yamaha 6 string bass. The combination of the warmth of the strings, a medium to high action, and the tube sound from the Aguilar give the electric a warm and acoustic feeling."

I love it. I have a TRB6p, a very similar bass to Patitucci's TRBJP and I use Ken Smith Bass Burner Taperwound Nickels. I might have to try out the half-round out anyways, because JP is my hero.

Another interesting point: medium to high action. I suppose the fact that he plays upright helps in his maniac chops, regardless of the action.

WJGreer · #3 04-07-2006, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lorenzini

Another interesting point: medium to high action. I suppose the fact that he plays upright helps in his maniac chops, regardless of the action.

Yeah, that is an interesting point. You would automatically think he is a low-action guy, and I think you are right on about the effect of his upright chops. However, I think this is a new change for him too, as I definitely hear some low-action fret noise on some of his eariler solo recordings.

Lorenzini · #4 04-07-2006, 09:53 AM

True true.
When we hear the new album we'll know whether or not it slows him down --

HAH! Like that's gonna happen

jzucker · #5 04-07-2006, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WJGreer

I swore that, beginning in about 2004, Patitucci's tone became markedly more mellow. It appears he is now stringing half rounds, according to this interview with Aguilar.

I'm not completely sure I like the new tone, but he says it's the direction the prevailing style is moving in, and I'm not sure I disagree. I've moved to nickel from steel myself, and I was a steel guy for a long time.

What prevailing style is he referring to? NY Studio work / record dates?

WJGreer · #6 04-07-2006, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jzucker

What prevailing style is he referring to? NY Studio work / record dates?

I think he is referring to a general trend in the industry away from what has been described as "modern/zingy/solid state/bright" tone and back towards a "vintage/warm/tube/not-so-bright" tone. Personally, I prefer the former, so if true I'm not all that crazy about the trend. However, this interview is not the first time I've heard this - a bass teacher of mine made the same mention about a year ago.

jzucker · #7 04-07-2006, 11:11 AM

Think we'll hear Victor Wooten playing a Fender precision with flatwounds?

Lorenzini · #8 04-07-2006, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WJGreer

I think he is referring to a general trend in the industry away from what has been described as "modern/zingy/solid state/bright" tone and back towards a "vintage/warm/tube/not-so-bright" tone. Personally, I prefer the former, so if true I'm not all that crazy about the trend. However, this interview is not the first time I've heard this - a bass teacher of mine made the same mention about a year ago.

Have you heard Eldar Djangirov's 'Eldar' CD?
I just remembered, JP's tone was very tacky sounding on the 1 track he played electric on - track 10.

If he was playing half-rounds then, I would be very surprised. Interesting though dunno