using a jazz bass for punk rock

[Count Bassie]

Humanity is constantly battered by sociopolitical stuff. Punk was perhaps a way to have something when it looked like everything was being denied you. I still like the forward intent that punk represents, though it's annoying that it's become such a poser's venue after the fact. But really, punk is a disposition, always aimed against that old adversary, "The Man". More than just "rock n roll", it's direct, not sexually derived or appropriated, and doesn't need trappings or a particular form.
It doesn't.have to be music, or loud, or clad in a handed-down black leather jacket. Punk is anyplace, anytime, anywhere. Or however that song goes...

 

[Count Bassie]

Damn that's a bass right there.

Great vid, I remember really liking that album. I used to open an ice cream shop in Coconut Grove (Miami) FL in the morning, and that was on regular rotation for floor mopping and counter prep. That was about '82.
Good band.

 

[HauntedDave]

How peculiar. I do not consider The Police an inspiration whatsoever on the punk rock scene, but rather a product of the scene.

 

[PJ Disorder]

It's personal choice. I must mention that arguably the most thundering punk bass intro is/was Bill Simpson of the Skids on Into the Valley - 99% sure it was a Jazz Bass as it seemed to be his main or only bass at that time. It certainly seems to have a scooped out sound live and on record.

 

[srambo590]

The Lawrence Arms, The Bouncing Souls, IDLES, Meat Wave, lots of modern bands using them. I'm a big fan of jazz basses being used in more aggressive music, especially Brendan Kelly's tone on the Metropole album.

 

[TheSeagoats]

The Lawrence Arms, The Bouncing Souls, IDLES, Meat Wave, lots of modern bands using them. I'm a big fan of jazz basses being used in more aggressive music, especially Brendan Kelly's tone on the Metropole album.

Love seeing Lawrence Arms appreciation, definitely one of my top favorite bands.

 

[Count Bassie]

Klaus Flouride of the Dead Kennedys made the most of a Jazz Bass.
You can play anything with any bass. You play what feels and sounds good to you. Those are the only requirements to meet.

 

[srambo590]

Love seeing Lawrence Arms appreciation, definitely one of my top favorite bands.

TLA are absolute beasts! Deifnetly a top favorite of mine as well. How did you feel about Skelton Coast? I initially was super stoked on the first half of the record, but these days I prefer the second half. It's a good album all around, but once How To Rot kicks in that albums take a real gross turn I absolutely love.

Also, contributing to the topic at hand another release that's Jazz bass driven is the new Be Well EP titled Hello Sun. It's super nasty! The title track is a good sell, especially if you liked that early 2000s post hardcore sound.

 

[GreaserMatt]

Solo'd neck pickup on a Jazz is a pretty good punk tone.

THIS....

 

[GreaserMatt]

I recall reading in Bass Player Matt Freeman interview that he used a Jazz for touring, but I can't recall if it was Rancid or when he was playing with Social Distortion. I'm not into punk, but he's a great player, waaaay more chops then your average punkster.
MJ

I saw him on that tour as well; great show; he actually looked a little bored, because his Rancid stuff is wayyy more 'busy' than Social D, but it was awesome nonetheless; I love both bands btw...

 

[GreaserMatt]

Is it known what type of bass was used for this?View attachment 2819370
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Edit: Answered my own question with a little searching. It was a Fender P-Bass. It currently lives at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
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I'm still upset with him for doing that!!! Hahahaha j/k...

 

[GreaserMatt]

Did the hipsters steal from the punks or the other way around?

Yes; punks were here first LOL

 

[GreaserMatt]

I play an ACG Harlot, which could be considered “jazz-like” - pickup configuration, thin neck, etc.

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SNFU rules!!!!!

 

[GreaserMatt]

Beat me to it.
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Sadly, this was stolen when he was touring south america I think?

 

[jd56hawk]

Sadly, this was stolen when he was touring south america I think?

And never recovered.
Though a replica was built for Klaus.
Someone also built a Squier replica four or five years ago.
I still regret not buying it.

 

[MetsMan75]

Bryan IMHO has one of the best classic sounds in punk.

Yup I aggree. Fender Jazz or (P bass) with an Ampeg is a great combination.

 

[MetsMan75]

I recall reading in Bass Player Matt Freeman interview that he used a Jazz for touring, but I can't recall if it was Rancid or when he was playing with Social Distortion. I'm not into punk, but he's a great player, waaaay more chops then your average punkster.
MJ

It sounds like he used a J on some recordings but I read his favorite basses were late '70s Fender P basses. I think I have seen pics of him playing live with J basses too.

 

[MetsMan75]

View attachment 2819860
Bryan Kienlen has played jazz basses since at least the 90's. Never seen him play anything else.

Love that bass! He also has a white Jazz bass as a backup. Both probally 1960s.

 

[MetsMan75]

One of my favorite bass players and favorite bass. "Jazzy"

 

[ElectricBass72]

I'll get flamed for this, but IMHO.....

Bad Brains = underrated
The Clash = overrated

I Against I is one of the best rock albums of all time. The bass tone and performance throughout that album is phenomenal.