My bass tone of the week!

[Steve Conner]

I recently came across this tune (mp3 clip attached) while listening to some old records. I really like the bass tone, not to mention the playing, and I wonder if any of our bass experts (David Schwab?) would have any idea what gear was used to make it?

The tune is "Sandworms" by David Matthews, a 70s funk number that has been heavily sampled by hip-hop producers. As far as I could find out, the bassist is Will Lee, who now plays in the Letterman Show band, hangs out with Victor Wooten, and generally seems to be a scarily good bass player!

http://www.willlee.com/home.php

[Satamax]

Hey Steve, i've got nuther one for you! http://satamax.free.fr/17%20-%20roy%...-%20aragon.mp3

[David Schwab]

...the bassist is Will Lee, who now plays in the Letterman Show band, hangs out with Victor Wooten, and generally seems to be a scarily good bass player!

You left out also that he played on like over 400 albums! He sings on TV jingles too.

He was originally discovered by The Brecker Brothers

Will Lee's Funk House

[Garydean]

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and guess he's playing an early, to mid 60's Fender Jazz or P bass, possibly fretless, thru an Ampeg B15 Fliptop. I'm sure his attack and technique has a bit to do with his sound.


G-

[David Schwab]

I think it's a P bass, could be a B-15, but it could also be an acoustic 361. It has that woody Jaco midrange boost. B-15's are a bit smoother sounding. Not fretless. P-Basses give that nice grunt when you hit the strings hard.

[Garydean]

Ah yes David.... I forgot about the Acoustic 361, very popular in the 70's and not as much sag as the B-15.

Montclair huh? I was born there. Ever been to Red Bank?

Gary