Bio & Frequently asked questions
Q. How long have you been Playing?
A.I've been playing bass since 1977, and I played guitar for a couple of years before that. I also played the accordion back when I was a kid, and played Clarinet and Saxophone all the way though and past high school. I had to read music every day.
 
Q. Did you ever take bass lessons?
A. Yes. I studied with legendary L.A. studio bassist Carol Kaye for several months. I credit her  for showing me what could be done with a pick, which I use almost 100% of the time when playing rock stuff. I've also taken a few lessons here and there with a couple of B.I.T. graduates.
 
Q. Do you give bass lessons?
A. Yes, I charge $35 an hour, and teach from my home in Fullerton. I will show you real-world tips and chordal theory to improve your playing as quickly as possible. You should have at least basic reading skills because Reading is Fundamental.
Q.What kind of basses do you play?
A. My main instrument is a Vigier Excess model. It's got a bolt-on neck and 2 band active e.q. The neck has no truss rod; it's reinforced by carbon fiber so it never moves. It is a very bright and cutting bass that has a huge tonal range and super low action plus it's very light and comfortable as I'll play as many as 5 full sets a night with some bands. Vigiers are made in France by Patrice Vigier and his team. They are very rare in the US.and very expensive. I also play  a Spector Euro Series, a Warwick fretless which is a lot of fun to play, and a MusicMan Stingray which I love for its unique and powerful sound. I also have a Fernandes 8 string tuned in octaves and my old Rickenbacker 4001 which is semi-retired.
Q. Do you play 5 or 6 string basses?
A. No. When I started playing bass, those instruments didn't exist. I've tried them and for me, they're just not comfortable. Of all the material I cover in various bands, there may be one or two moments where I wish I had a low B. I work around those  notes,  plus we use several alternate tunings. We play several songs tuned down a half-step or even a full step. I'll bring several basses to a gig with alternate tunings.
Q. What kind of strings do you use?
A. I use Rotosound "Swing Bass" stainless roundwounds in different guages, and I'll occasionally use their "Solo Bass" compression wound strings which are great on fretless basses. I've had a cost endorsement with Rotosound for many years. I approached them because they make the best bass strings, period, and believe me, I've tried them all!
 
Q. What's in your amp rack?
A. A Furman power & light unit,  Sennheiser Evolution VHF wireless, Korg DTR-1 strobe
    tuner and two amplifiers: A David Eden WT-800 which powers my mains, and an SWR
    SM-500 which powers my bass stage monitor. I use Eden speakers exclusively and
    have several configurations I use depending on the venue. Most often I'll use a 4-10XLT
   and a D-210MBX wedge monitor.
Q. Who are your influences?
A. I heard Emerson, Lake, & Palmer and was blown away. Greg Lake is a highly underrated  bassist. Chris Squire, John Entwistle, Jack Bruce, Geddy Lee,John Wetton, Roger Glover, and Michael Rutherford's early work with Genesis were huge influences too. Jaco Pastorius and Jeff Berlin also hit me like a ton of bricks!
McCartney was a huge influence also, as was  James Jamerson. It's hard to turn on mainstream radio for any length of time and  not hear something from Motown or The Beatles.
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