007 song: name that bass!

[johndough247]

Been hearing this song for countless years and the bass tone always jumped out at me, but could never find out what bass it is or who played on it (It's Diamonds are Forever, in case you can't/won't go to youtube):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWQir...eature=related

Given the time (1970-71), i'm guessing a J-Bass with flats/tapewounds, but i'm not sure...any ideas?

(skip to 0:23 for the start of the song)

[johndough247]

bump

[7flat5]

I have no idea (or, should I say, no knowledge of who it was) but it sounds just like a thousand Hollywood studio tracks made with a P bass, heavily muted with felt and masking tape, with Thomastik flats, played with a pick maybe by someone in a skirt.

[johndough247]

I was thinking it could be a P as well (and yea Ms. Kaye could be a possibility), never (knowingly) heard a P-Bass with Thomastiks before (didn't know she used those, thought she was LaBella as well) so I can't pinpoint that sound...but I guess it could be yea

[7flat5]

Originally Posted by johndough247

I was thinking it could be a P as well (and yea Ms. Kaye could be a possibility), never (knowingly) heard a P-Bass with Thomastiks before (didn't know she used those, thought she was LaBella as well) so I can't pinpoint that sound...but I guess it could be yea

Well, I should really take back the Thomastik part. She has been using them for a long time now, but she has told the story repeatedly that back in the 60s she was so busy that, when the strings wore out, she would just go to a store and buy a new bass instead of taking the time to change strings. So, it was whatever the bass came with.

I do think it sounds like a heavily muted P with flats of the day, and it has got to be one of those studio regulars of the day.

edit...There is no mention of work with John Barry on Carol's website, but she does mention working behind Shirley Bassey...

[fish slapper]

I'm guessing its a baritone guitar. Lot's of those kind of licks were played with one including the solo for "Wichita Lineman."

[johndough247]

Originally Posted by 7flat5

Well, I should really take back the Thomastik part. She has been using them for a long time now, but she has told the story repeatedly that back in the 60s she was so busy that, when the strings wore out, she would just go to a store and buy a new bass instead of taking the time to change strings. So, it was whatever the bass came with.

I do think it sounds like a heavily muted P with flats of the day, and it has got to be one of those studio regulars of the day.

edit...There is no mention of work with John Barry on Carol's website, but she does mention working behind Shirley Bassey...

Originally Posted by fish slapper

I'm guessing its a baritone guitar. Lot's of those kind of licks were played with one including the solo for "Wichita Lineman."

Interestingly enough, on wikipedia it lists Carol Kaye as the bassist on Wichita lineman...anyone know if she played some bass parts on a baritone (and still listed as playing 'bass')?

[One Drop]

Sounds like a P with muted flats to me, no big surprise.

Often a baritone guitar would double the bass but I don't hear it here.

[mccartneyman]

John Barry did the music and was British, and the sondtrack CD kliner notes say that it was recorded at CTS Studios, Bayswater, London, England . The BRits knew the Bond sound --The Beatles "Help" soundtrack has the James Bondlike opening that precedes the title track. But, given the time period, I agree that it a was Fender bass with flats. If not Fender, then certainly flats.

As for Carol Kaye's assertion that she was so busy that a trip to the music store took less time than changing her strings, I believe she's a foolin' with us.

[johndough247]

Originally Posted by mccartneyman

As for Carol Kaye's assertion that she was so busy that a trip to the music store took less time than changing her strings, I believe she's a foolin' with us.

She wouldn't do that! cause u know...that's just not her style <cough> Bernadette <cough>

[Lublin]

A P with murdered flats!