What bass is Rick Ford playing with Joe Jackson here?

[jmlee]

I was watching some of the video from Joe Jackson's great "Big World" album and again really enjoying Rick Ford's bass playing—and wonderful tone—in the recordings. I was curious to know what he's playing. It's all very shadowy. Thanks!

 

[Mark76]

Musicman?

 

[jim nolte]

Musicman?

I think it's a Yamaha, also have seen him with a early Fodera on the Big World Japan tour.

 

[tom5string]

Judging from headstock and time of recording, I'd say a Yamaha BB 5000.

 

[jmlee]

Judging from headstock and time of recording, I'd say a Yamaha BB 5000.

Not convinced. Position markers appear to be dots rather than the Yamaha things. Looking at a couple of other videos from that concert, it looks like the bass has two black soapbar pickups. Three controls in a line and top mount jack.

 

[Wisebass]

dots rather than the Yamaha things

the "Yamaha Things Inlays" get a big

sorry don' t want to derail, Rick Ford kills!!!

greetings

Wise(b)ass

 

[jmlee]

the "Yamaha Things Inlays" get a big
sorry don' t want to derail, Rick Ford kills!!!
greetings
Wise(b)ass

No derailing. He does kill in that whole concert and it's just delicious listening to the combination of his technique and tone. BTW, he hasn't played bass in many years. He's a big time music editor for the movies now. This from Wikipedia:

"Richard Ford, formerly known as Rick Ford, is a music editor and music producer for feature film soundtracks and scores.[1] He has worked with a number of critically acclaimed film makers, including Ben Affleck, Alexander Payne,[2] Ted Demme and Invalid Link Removed. He started his musical career as a bass player in his home town of London and later in New York City, working with, amongst others, guitarist Bill Nelson and singer/songwriter Joe Jackson.[3] Ford moved to Los Angeles in the 1990s where he started his music editing career. He is best known for his work on films such as Argo, Invalid Link Removed, Sideways, Election, Training Day and American History X."
​

And I love those Yamaha thingys. My BB1024X is my current fave bass.

 

[jmlee]

A little better picture. Definitely two jazz-style or narrow soap bars. Logo in white letters along treble/nut aspect of headstock. Dot position markers.

 

[tom5string]

Yepp. you're right definitely, no BB5k.

 

[tim gueguen]

The logo makes me think of Fernandes.

 

[jmlee]

It has two round string trees if that helps.

 

[ihixulu]

Did a quick image google and I'm inclined to think it's Modulus. 5 string, 4+1 headstock, 2 string trees, control layout, soap bars, and body shape are right for that era.

Regardless, great tone.

 

[jmlee]

Did a quick image google and I'm inclined to think it's Modulus. 5 string, 4+1 headstock, 2 string trees, control layout, soap bars, and body shape are right for that era.
Regardless, great tone.

Did the same. Couldn't find a precise match, but it seems quite likely. And agreed—stunning tone.

 

[esoxhntr]

I have always loved the playing on this track - just superb in every way.

 

[cdef]

The back looks like a wood neck, though, with stringers á la Yamaha.

Screenshot from (It's A) Big World, 4.08, same concert:

 

[BruceWane]

That's not a Modulus. They didn't do a 4+1 headstock at that time for their 5 strings, only 3+2.

 

[Reedt2000]

A little better picture. Definitely two jazz-style or narrow soap bars. Logo in white letters along treble/nut aspect of headstock. Dot position markers.

View attachment 2880344

In this pic it looks like it could be a Fernandez? The placement of the logo on the headstock is similar to some Fernandez basses

 

[BruceWane]

The back looks like a wood neck, though - did Modulus ever have them?

Screenshot from (It's A) Big World, 4.08, same concert:

View attachment 2881005

Aha! That looks exactly like one of Warmoth's early 5 string necks - maple with really thick tapered bubinga strips, they called it the "Real Big 5". I know because I own one! It's the right time period, too - that's around when I bought mine. The dimensions are exactly as if you took a standard P neck and grafted on the 5th string. 2 1/8" the nut, 3 1/8" at the heel, as I recall. Two truss rods. An excellent neck! A -BIG- neck..............

So, maybe built by a small volume shop using Warmoth parts. A very nice bass, I'm sure.

 

[king_biscuit]

Aha! That looks exactly like one of Warmoth's early 5 string necks - maple with really thick tapered bubinga strips, they called it the "Real Big 5". I know because I own one! It's the right time period, too - that's around when I bought mine. The dimensions are exactly as if you took a standard P neck and grafted on the 5th string. 2 1/8" the nut, 3 1/8" at the heel, as I recall. Two truss rods. An excellent neck! A -BIG- neck..............

So, maybe built by a small volume shop using Warmoth parts. A very nice bass, I'm sure.

Did they make 5 string bass parts in 1985/1986?

 

[Frampton]

I wonder why JJ's long time bassist, Graham Maby wasn't in attendance. Other than this album, I don't think I've seen Jackson with any other bass player. Any insights?