Merlo Podlewski - Jack Johnson's bassist

dangnewt · #1 09-10-2005, 11:43 AM

I have been listening to In Between Dreams a lot and really appreciate his tone and simple well-executed lines. Anyone have any more information on him or his gear. There was not much on the Jack Johnson websites except I could see a Violin-style bass in some of the concert pictures but couldn't read the headstock (didn't appear to be Hofner, tho).

I'm not sure if he used that on In Between Dreams - the tone was pretty fat and low.

fenderx55 · #2 09-10-2005, 01:08 PM

yeah in between dreams sounds like it was recorded with flats to me, maybe on a j-style?

dangnewt · #3 09-10-2005, 06:55 PM

Thanks, J-bass is what I was thinking, but I was not really trusting my ears enough.

glydebass · #4 09-10-2005, 07:00 PM

On IBD he did use the violin bass. Not sure what kind it is either. But all the other records or anything else you hear was on a P-Bass with flats or a Martin acoustic. I love his lines. Theres an unreleased version of Middle Man from Brushfire Fairytales where he plays a relatively busy line. Its on an upright to...maybe. Could just be the acoustic. But I love his aproach to bass. It's perfect for Jack's style and it accents the singing wonderfully.

dejohan · #5 05-15-2009, 08:34 AM

http://mixonline.com/photogallery/ja...o/index12.html

“Merlo is playing through a vintage B-15, which has a Beta 52 on it. He played a variety of basses, including this Epiphone Jack Casady bass. He has his own technique of playing with his fingers. He also used a Guild teardrop Vox-style bass. Direct box was a Little Labs Multi Z and an Avalon U5 DI."

I've also seen him playing with an Epiphone Viola and an Epiphone B0

I have never ever seen him playing with a Jazz bass.

acubass · #6 05-15-2009, 08:47 AM

I saw him playing a jazz bass in Myrtle Beach, when JJ was opening for Ben Harper. This was maybe 7 or 8 years ago.

Joe Kyle · #7 05-15-2009, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dejohan

http://mixonline.com/photogallery/ja...o/index12.html

Thats really cool. I love the guys music, even if it is a little poppy. Its just feel-good music. Its also comforting to know that everythings recorded in an intimate setting like that, and that its not just being churned out by a major company.

Also, That studio of his has quite the collection of Piano's and small combo amps.

dangnewt · #8 05-15-2009, 01:55 PM

If that is JJ's studio, I think it is solar and/or wind powered as well.

Any of those basses can deliver that mellow tone that fit so well with JJ's songs.

your idol · #9 10-07-2009, 06:51 PM

i was wondering the same thing ..so i found this thread then i found the answer.

P Bass w flats

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dxwVsDK9IQ

funkeymunkey'96 · #10 06-27-2010, 08:08 AM

i saw him at the eden project in cornwall using what looked like a hofner club bass
he also had a little bit of rap improv halfway through a song!