Double Bass Electric Bass Bluegrass

[Bruce Calin]

I subbed for Nick F. years ago on a track with the HR gang for a Peter Ostroushko album. They were great players and nice people. When I heard Charles had passed it was a very sad day. I still remember him riding with me to the studio and the great conversation we had.

 

[BobKay]

I saw HR live many times over the years. I think Charles Sawtelle got more out of his guitar breaks, by playing the fewest notes, than any of the many other lead players in bluegrass. He played the melody - can you believe it?

When Red Knuckles and the Trail Blazers took the stage Charles switched to EB.

 

[AyoLeo]

The vibration frequency of a tensioned string is non-linear for large amplitude oscillations. Maybe I'm imagining the effect can be heard, but it seems to me that the attack on a double bass is just a little sharp. Adds to the character. Electric bass players don't need to hammer the strings to get volume so the frequency is settled straight away.

Could be imagination, but at a bass workshop the tutor mentioned the difference between tuning for either the attack or the settled frequency. He'd have had a better ear than I.