Ron Carter

JAS · #1 08-08-2001, 11:25 PM

I already posted this question on a seperate thread, but I thought I would give it its own new thread too.

Does anyone know what type of strings Ron Carter used when he was with Miles in the 60s? Before he had the very trebly, electric sound that he has now. Did he use the same strings, but just play acousticly through a mic, or did he use totally different strings?

Don Higdon · #2 08-09-2001, 01:48 PM

I sat in on Carter's bass in 1964. As I remember it, he was using Golden Spiral (wound nylon) on D and G; E and A were, I think, wire wound gut. I don't remember whose they were. This was a common setup at the time. He was going into a house mic. No amp.

jazzbo · #3 08-09-2001, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Don Higdon
I sat in on Carter's bass in 1964.

I hate you.

oldsaw · #4 08-09-2001, 02:12 PM

Ahhh.....1964

Diana Gannett and I played in the Iowa Allstate Orchestra together that year. When I reminded her of it, at the ISB convention, you would have thought I had just shot an arrow through her heart from the look on her face. I guess women take offense at being dated (age wise that is).

Mark

jazzbo · #5 08-09-2001, 02:18 PM

Ahh, 1964. 10.5 years before my conception. My parents were 17 and 12!!!

Don Higdon · #6 08-09-2001, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jazzbo

I hate you.

And Tony Williams played drums.

jazzbo · #7 08-09-2001, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Don Higdon
And Tony Williams played drums.

Okay, Ron Carter is one thing, but now...you must DIE!!! That's not right Don!

(So, do I get to receive a DONOSAUR contribution from the Johnson Chronicles)?

JAS · #8 08-09-2001, 03:05 PM

wow, are you serious Don? that must have been ridiculous. So how did his set-up feel. it sure sounded great!

Don Higdon · #9 08-09-2001, 04:06 PM

That's 37 years ago. Standards and expectations were different, and my memory is not that great. I just remember that the bass was silky smooth to play, strings were low tension. I do remember we discussed Prescott basses, which he found slow-speaking. While we were talking, he hipped me to the Golden Spirals, and then told me to play his bass to see how they were. And, very shortly thereafter, I went out and bought Golden Spirals. But steels were just coming on the scene, and we all switched at various times.