5 More Amazing Bass Players You Might Not Know – Part 1

In light of the recent passing of Charlie Haden, a fabulous bass player we covered previously on our blog, the team at BassCentral.com thought we would cover five more amazing bass players who people don’t typically know about! In this edition, we have decided to cover five skilled players from the late 70s and early 80s who’s prowess on the bass has been grossly underestimated.

• Tina Weymouth – Tina may be a small woman, but she makes some incredible sounds. Her bottom end on songs like “Psycho Killer” and “Once in a Lifetime” are what make Talking Heads songs so groovy. She also formed the Tom Tom Club with her husband and Talking Heads drummer Chris Weymouth.
• Mick Karn – Known for his fretless bass work, Mick Karn provided the rubbery grooves for the band Japan. Check out the song “Talking Drum” on Tin Drum to hear his talent at work. He later ended up playing with Peter Murphy in the duo Dali’s Car – named after a Captain Beefheart song – and on Gary Numan’s Dance album. Karn died in 2011 after a fight with cancer.

That’s just part one of our post on some of our favorite underrated bass players of the 1980s. In the meantime, visit our website to learn more about our selection of new and used basses and amps, as well as our bass effects pedals.

Tips for Choosing the Right Electric Bass Guitar

So, you’ve decided to start playing bass in a band. That’s great! Welcome to an elite group of amazing musicians who love their instruments!  BassCentral.com is here to help you find the right electric bass guitar for your needs. Whether you are looking for your first guitar or are an experienced player who wants to find a unique sound for a specific act, BassCentral.com is here to help.

• Type of Music – Are you playing rock? Jazz? Cumbia? It’s important that you figure this out as you’ll want a bass that is at least as versatile as the music you are playing.
• Type of Band – Are you the band leader or are you just a hired sideman? We offer bass guitars that make you stand out, as well as great selections to help you blend into the pack.
• Gigging Options – Complicated basses can be problematic when you are touring heavily, so you should consider picking up a lightweight, road-ready bass for touring bands.
• What’s Right for You – Lastly, what kind of bass guitars do you like? You should pick something that looks and sounds cool to you. At BassCentral.com, we carry a little bit of everything.

Now that you’ve got these thoughts in mind, head on over to BassCentral.com and pick out the right electric bass guitar for your needs. We know that we have something perfect for you in stock!

Electro Hamonix – Makers of Fine Bass Effects Pedals

Rocking hard is simple when you have your bass running through bass effects pedals from Electro Harmonix. From the classic Big Muff pedal to the Bass Micro Synthesizer, this company has been providing amazing selections that bass players have relied on for years. Let’s check out some of the selections BassCentral.com has to offer:

• Bass Big Muff Pi – You can’t mention Electro Harmonix without mentioning the classic Big Muff. They have made this model based on the Russian Big Muff. It features a bass boost, as well as true bypass.
• Bassballs – You can add a bit of chutzpah to your sound with this twin dynamic filter pedal. It generates vocal-like sounds and a distortion switch to enrich the harmonics.
• Steel Leather – Use the first dedicated expander designed for bass guitar with the Steel Leather pedal. This selection guarantees that your bass will not get lost in the performance.
•  Bass Metaphors – This is a preamp in a channel strip toolbox, giving you compression, bass EQ, and distortion. It also works as a great DI.

There is no time like the present to invest in Electro Harmonix bass effects pedals from BassCentral.com! Take a look at the great selections we have to offer and place your order today. We know you’ll be satisfied with the pedal you purchase.

Orange Amplifiers – Quality Bass Amplifiers

Every good bass player knows about Orange Amps. These distinct, orange-colored amplifiers have a distinct sound that rock players are always looking for. Members of varied groups, such as mega stars Fleetwood Mac, British stalwarts Oasis, and doom metal pioneers Sleep have used these quality amps to create amazing music.

Orange was originally founded in 1968 by Cliff Cooper of London. In the early days, he designed the first amps with Radio Craft, a company owned by Mat Mathias, and musician Mick Dines. He wanted to design a versatile amp that could stand up to the rigors of the road. The first selections were 100-watt valve amps that were produced in small numbers. These amps quickly grew in popularity and the company soon expanded.

Throughout the 70s, Orange made a variety of amps, but eventually closed down production when their buildings on New Compton Street were demolished. They made limited selections throughout the 80s and eventually bounced back in 1997 after licensing their name to Gibson. 

Many bass players come to Orange for the warm and fat sound, simple setup, and old school tone. They weigh a ton, but are very solid. If you are searching for a great amp, the team at BassCentral.com recommends checking out these quality selections!

5 Amazing Bass Players You Probably Don’t Know

Everyone knows all about the world’s best bass players – Victor Wooten, Geddy Lee, John Paul Jones, etc. – but there is a multitude of amazing bass players out there that you may not know who have done some truly amazing work. The team at BassCentral.com is proud to introduce you to five amazing bass players you probably don’t know:

• Rockette Morton – Also known as Mark Boston, this fine gentleman laid down the low end for Captain Beefheart’s Trout Mask Replica album. If you want to be blown away, check out his work in the song “Doctor Dark” from Lick My Decals Off, Baby.
• Charles Mingus – Many rock players don’t give enough credit to this groundbreaking jazz leader. Check out his superior chops on “Haitian Fight Song” from The Clown
• Scott Thunes – Playing with Zappa in his later years, Thunes helped bring tight low end to songs like “Valley Girl” from Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Downing Witch.
• John Taylor – Working with both Duran Duran and their off-shoot group Power Station, Taylor had a unique style unlike other 80s players. Listen to “The Reflex” from Seven and the Ragged Tiger.
• Charlie Haden – Have you checked out Haden’s work with Ornette Coleman? You need to hear every single song from The Shape of Jazz to Come immediately!

After checking out these players, you can pick up electric bass guitars, basses, and more from BassCentral.com!