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Double Bass Rufus Reid

J

Johnnythekid

Dec 20, 2004
35
0
39
Oklahoma City, OK
www.myspace.com
#1
Howdy all. I just got the Bass Day '97 video with Rufus Reid and Micheal Moore on it and I'd recommend it to anyone that liked the bass CD colaborations that they did. It's a real joy to watch these cats play together. They both have unique takes on back-up "rythm bass" parts and "lead-bass" parts, it makes for some fun watching. The thing I liked the most though, was Mr. Reid's sound. Has anyone else seen the video? Anyone here know what equipment he was probably using? I know he uses AMT mics and the velvet strings, anything else besides being Rufus Reid that'd help? Thanks for any opinions, and again, I'd recommend this DVD if you like jazz bass. They play some arco stuff, but it's in the jazz style, of course. :D Just expect to feel like this guy ----> :help: when you try to play after watching them!
 
#4
I just got Rufus Reid The Evolving Bassist DVD. It's very good, he's got a great sound, he talks about many interesting things, he also performs with his trio. It's a real treat. I got it for Xmas :D
Anyway, if you like Rufus, and if you liked the bass day 97, you will really enjoy this one.
 
#6
Johnnythekid said:
The thing I liked the most though, was Mr. Reid's sound. Has anyone else seen the video? Anyone here know what equipment he was probably using? I know he uses AMT mics and the velvet strings, anything else besides being Rufus Reid that'd help?
Click to expand...


I studied with Rufus (I went to William Paterson) and played his bass a couple of times. I think the strings he had on at the time were maybe the olives? This was 1997-98...
I remember always thinking Rufus had such a great tone...so I couldn't wait to pick up his bass.
Well, I remember it having pretty high action, and the strings felt really dull. My action was set lower and I was using Spirocores, so this was a surprise for me. But put that bass in Rufus' hands, and this amazing tone comes out. Which goes to show, I think, that even using the exact same instrument as one of your heroes doesn't give you the sound; it's all in the hands, as has been said many times before.

I've got a few funny Rufus stories.....
 
#7
Right now I think Rufus is using Animas. But I agree - that big round sound comes from his hands. He's big on making sure the meat of your fingers is not too tough, which can take away some of the warmth of your sound.

Not only is he a great player but he's also one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet.
 
#8
A couple years ago I got to play alongside Mr Reid in a bass ensemble. We were playing for the memorial for bassist Wilber Morris who had just recently passed. There were about 20 of us bassists playing out on the street as people were arriving for the memorial. We stopped traffic on the Bowery! Some amazing players... Anyway, I was so impressed with Mr Reid. He had no attitude at all. Just a nice man. I wanted to walk up to him and say how much time I spent when I started playing staring at the pictures in his book. You know the ones where he's carrying his bass onto the plane, and where he's demonstrating how to play seated or standing etc? He's got that biug afro and sunglasses and looks SO HIP. He looked so BAAAD. Love that guy. Sure can play.
 
#11
RiseOfTheWooten said:
I bought Rufus's 'Evolving Bassist' DVD on Ebay, it should be arriving any day now, can't wait!
Click to expand...
That book is wonderful, in part because there are a lot of little hidden nuggets. Mr. Reid doesn't point to everything with a flasher -- you'll be going through an exercise for a 4th time and a door will open.
 
#12
I saw Rufus with Lee Konitz about a month (or two) ago. Amazing tone, amazing note choices in his playing, I talked with him briefly after the set, not a trace of ego to be found. But that tone is just so massive and warm and it just seems to flow out of him.
 
#14
Yeah, Rufus is a wonderful cat. I had an ensemble with him in college for a year, and Rufus used to sit on a chair 2 feet directly in front of my bass, so that his ears were directly in front of my F holes. :crying:
I could not play bull**** even if I wanted to....but I'll tell you, that was a great experience. He was always (hmmm....let's say alot of the time :) ) very complimentary of my playing. He even called my bass a cannon once!:bassist:
 
#15
Rufus certainly rules the school, he's one of the classiest players i've ever heard, I too bought the DVD + Book set from Amazon, so friggin' cheap I can't get over it! i've watched the DVD so many times my wife can't take it anymore, the only thing that kinda makes me laugh are his Bill Cosbyism's....is it just me or does Rufus kinda take a good long while to make a simple point ??? ;)

his book is thick as all hell and it's all fantastic stuff! recommend it to everybody and anybody!
 
#17
Sam Sherry said:
That book is wonderful, in part because there are a lot of little hidden nuggets. Mr. Reid doesn't point to everything with a flasher -- you'll be going through an exercise for a 4th time and a door will open.
Click to expand...

Cool, I guess I would've bought the book eventually after I get myself more cash. I thought I'd get the DVD first because I learn better by watching.
 
#19
RiseOfTheWooten said:
Cool, I guess I would've bought the book eventually after I get myself more cash. I thought I'd get the DVD first because I learn better by watching.
Click to expand...

I think you made the right choice, I had the book for quite a while, and didnt use it. Then I discovered the DVD, and since watching it the book is now open most the time and i'm working thru it :)

You really will want both so just plan on buying the book.

The DVD is tops too :)
 

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