• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

What bass did McCartney Use?

#42
ncapone said:
Pretty sure he used Jazz Bass on the entirety of the White Album.
Click to expand...

He didn't play bass on all the tracks on the White Album. When George or John played bass they used a Fender Bass VI. And I have read that Dear Prudence was the Rick.

I used to have the Abby Road book. It's a fascinating read.
 
#43
Pimpernel Smith said:
The Jack Casady signature bass is a great bass despite the affordable price.
Click to expand...

Yeah, it is a great bass. I wasn't clear: my comment wasn't about that it is a relatively inexpensive instrument. Rather I found it to be an interesting juxtaposition of Paul McCartney with his Hofner representing the British Invasion, while Jack Casady was part of the acid rock volcano that erupted out of San Francisco.
 
#46
mcarp555 said:
That's partly why these debates rage on: he can't remember, for the most part. He's on record as being the most "untechnical" guy anyone is likely to meet.
Click to expand...

I remember when they interviewed him in Bass Player some years ago, they asked what kind of strings he used and he was very evasive saying he really didn't know and they come in a little package and that it's not important anyway. He said these things are just tools.

I think he also wanted to avoid endorsing something.

He's has also said that he didn't buy any of his instruments and they were all given to him. :)
 
#47
SGD Lutherie said:
I remember when they interviewed him in Bass Player some years ago, they asked what kind of strings he used and he was very evasive saying he really didn't know and they come in a little package and that it's not important anyway. He said these things are just tools.

I think he also wanted to avoid endorsing something.

He's has also said that he didn't buy any of his instruments and they were all given to him. :)
Click to expand...

I remember that! Also remember him saying "hey, I'm anybody's for a free bass!"
 
#48
I think McCartney is crafty in avoiding talking about bass gear. It's easier to deal with the public if you profess ignorance on the topic all together.
I can tell you that his instructions to Flip Von Scipio were specific regarding the restoration of his bass at Mandolin Bros. on Staten Island - make sure that it looks exactly the same!
 
#50
Pimpernel Smith said:
I think McCartney is crafty in avoiding talking about bass gear. It's easier to deal with the public if you profess ignorance on the topic all together.
I can tell you that his instructions to Flip Von Scipio were specific regarding the restoration of his bass at Mandolin Bros. on Staten Island - make sure that it looks exactly the same!
Click to expand...

I think he's quite capable of being technical about what he wants, but not so much about actual specs. He knows he plays a Hofner violin, but probably can't be bothered to remember it's a 500/1.

He knew the 500/1 had intonation issues, but you don't need to be an expert in guitar specs to know the low G is sharp, for instance.

He does get a lot of stuff free - the Yamaha, the Rick, a replacement '61 spec 'Cavern' Hofner bass, all given to him.

I recall that people with insider knowledge of Beatles sessions would say that Paul (and John) never seemed to be interested in what kind of strings they used, and would only change them when they break. He has a very good tech now who probably listens to what Paul says about how he likes or dislikes some aspect of a guitar or bass, then adjusts or changes it accordingly.
 
#51
mcarp555 said:
He knew the 500/1 had intonation issues, but you don't need to be an expert in guitar specs to know the low G is sharp, for instance.
Click to expand...

That's one way I know what bass he's playing. Listen to Paperback Writer for that out of tune low G!

He does get a lot of stuff free - the Yamaha, the Rick, a replacement '61 spec 'Cavern' Hofner bass, all given to him.
Click to expand...

I wonder if he paid for the 5 string Wal?
 
#52
I wonder if he got the Wal for free, too. I'm pretty sure he bought Bill Black's upright (or did Linda get it for him?). He's also been seen with a '66 Jazz and a Kay, but I don't know how he acquired them.

Oh, let's not forget the Jubilee bass - also gratis.
 
#54
mcarp555 said:
I wonder if he got the Wal for free, too. I'm pretty sure he bought Bill Black's upright (or did Linda get it for him?). He's also been seen with a '66 Jazz and a Kay, but I don't know how he acquired them.

Oh, let's not forget the Jubilee bass - also gratis.
Click to expand...

Good questions… I'm sure he must have picked up some things over the years. I think maybe Linda did buy him the upright.
 
#55
FrednBass said:
I thought he recorded it with the Rickenbacker (wich also had some intonations issue, that's why a 0-fret was added later on)
Click to expand...

No, it's the Hofner. Here's the promotional video.

Invalid Link Removed

paperback_writer.png


You can hear it's a hollow body. The low notes have a totally different tone from the Rick. The Rick is more solid. I think a perfect example of the Rick is Baby You're a Rich Man.

He had a new ebony fingerboard put on the Rick. Not sure why he added the zero fret, but zero frets are a good thing.

I've never had intonation problems with my Ricks. Maybe his neck was bowed.
 
#59
Bear in mind that what he plays in promos does not have to correspond to what he recorded with. I think he was always very image-conscious and would often use the Hofner for live work because it was the "Beatle bass". But back in Abbey Road it would be the Ric; especially if the Hof had intonation issues.

Even today, he tours with the Hofner because he feels the public expects it. And it's a lot lighter than shouldering a Rickenbacker for 2 1/2 hours (and yet he plays Les Pauls).
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back