using a jazz bass for punk rock

[WardEarth]

Best way to use a j bass for punk is to sell it for a p bass

 

[MobileHolmes]

I really like that Wikipedia claims that The Bad Brains were originally a Jazz Fusion ensemble. That would actually explain their unusual level of technical proficiency.

From Wikipedia...
"The band was first founded in 1976 as a jazz fusion ensemble called Mind Power[5] in the mold of bands such as Chick Corea's Return to Forever and John McLaughlin's Mahavishnu Orchestra as well as R&B musician Stevie Wonder."

Bad Brains - Wikipedia

And the odd ball chords they'd throw in here and there

 

[bobba66]

I think Mike Watt used one in firehose.

 

[AztecViking]

Is it known what type of bass was used for this?

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.

 

[Topkat13]

I have a "Basses acceptable for Punk Rock Bible" around here somewhere. If I come across it I will get back with you.

 

[CRich0205]

Chris #2 from Anti-Flag used a jazz and at times an LTd PJ and now a P bass. Listen to underground network and it's definitely a jazz. Dude has monster chops too

 

[JJR58]

I don't know why you can't play whatever you want on whatever bass you want. Maybe he used a Jazz because somebody found one in a dumpster. That's the proper punk reason for just about anything.

That's about the best thing i've ever heard. Sincerely, and i play a Jazz.

 

[Zonked]

Does the bass make YOU?

Or do YOU,

Make the bass?


Attitude counts!!

 

[MobileHolmes]

I think Mike Watt used one in firehose.

I was going to say BS (I've only ever seen him with an EB, Firebird, and Reverend), but I'll be darned, here he is with a Moon Larry Graham model that apparently he owns.

 

[pbass2]

I've used my Geddy through an old Bassman head w/SVT cab in a punk rock band. One of the best bass sounds I've ever gotten for aggressive music.

 

[higain617]

My buddy played bass in various punk bands using one. You can use whatever, although a fancy "coffee table" bass, BCR Warlock, etc. may look a bit out of place.

 

[Bass Man Dan]

What is Joe Lally from Fugazi playing here? I know it's not a Fender...

 

[higain617]

Isn't that a '57 P reissue? Joe used to play a Stingray.

 

[bombpop14]

 

[Camaro69]

I prefer using the J on picked songs I.e. metal and punk

 

[Arizona Jones]

Cris Kirkwood of the Meat Puppets played one for a while back in the day.

 

[Wolfenstein666]

Everyone knows the soothing sounds of punk rock are best delivered via aggressive downpicking on a Fodera

But in all seriousness, can one really go wrong with a jazz bass in any scenario?

 

[gustobassman]

I play punk on a J-Bass. Works great for my style and approach. No pick and hand placement over the rear pickup.

 

[pbass2]

I used my J in a punk band mainly 'cause, as much as I'm a P guy at the end of the day, when it's just one guitar/bass/drums, I really like how a Jazz works. A P pokes right out of the middle, but with a Jazz I can give an aggressive clanky top end with a big wide bottom, and the guitar sits right in the little notch. Same for any kind of power trio, etc.

 

[NKBassman]

I do/did.