“The clarity and articulation of Bergantino amps is unprecedented. They truly allow the fingers of the player and the distinct characteristics of the bass come through with remarkable transparency. And the power and headroom that they give you will make the walls rumble in any sized venue. No matter what style I’m playing, this gear allows me to be both heard and felt in the best way possible.”
Jon D’Auria has been playing and writing about bass for over two decades. As a performing bassist he covers a lot of ground stylistically, hitting the stage and recording with artists spanning a large range of genres. Both an electric and upright player, he relies on his Bergantino amps to deliver the sound that he loves. When he’s not gigging or in the studio, he serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Bass Magazine.
https://bergantino.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/jon-dauria-1-e1701281206497.jpg9611138Bergantino Audiohttps://bergantino.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/bergantino-logo-green-white-RGB-300x80.pngBergantino Audio2023-11-29 11:29:472023-11-29 12:50:41Bergantino Artist Jon D’Auria
Bergantino Audio Systems Introduces New NXT-SE Cabinets
The new series features stylish Oyster Tweed casing and an Oxblood colored grill
Whitinsville, MA (November 21st, 2023) – The bass players have spoken, and we listened. Now available by popular demand, for the first time ever, we are offering the Bergantino Audio Systems NXT Special Edition (SE) with a brand new look. Merging vintage aesthetics with modern design elements, our NXT-SE is now available with a durable Oyster tweed tolex casing, a textured Oxblood colored grill, and black metal hardware. As stylish as it is powerful, the NXT-SE is the perfect cabinet series for the gigging bassist who demands as much clarity and articulation as they do a fresh look on stage.
Beyond its updated appearance, the NXT-SE series represents the next generation of Neo technology speakers in the Bergantino lineup. Loaded with our new NXT Neo-Extreme motor technology, the NXTSE series is available in three models to accommodate the needs of all bassists: the NXTSE 112, NXTSE 210, and the NXTSE 212. Each cabinet is extremely durable and built to last, which makes them the perfect rig for the weekend gigging bassist, the road warrior, and the studio session ace. No matter what size venue or stage you’re hitting, we offer the perfect sized cabinet for all of your low-end needs.
Bergantino Welcomes Mike Gordon to Their Family of Artists
The Phish bass phenom discusses his path on bass and how his love of technology has enhanced his career and led him to Bergantino amps
Whitinsville, MA (October 17th, 2023) – For forty years Mike Gordon has served as the sonic foundation of the biggest jam band in the world. In that span, Phish has gone from a small college outfit in Vermont to having millions of fans all over the world and one of the biggest devoted followings in music history. By melding rock, jam, reggae, funk, and blues into a sound all their own, their studio recording span a wide range of sonic territory, which is all anchored by the steady propulsion of Gordon’s playing. And when it comes to live performances, Phish outpaces any contemporaries. Known for playing extended, multiple sets each night, Gordon juggles complex riffs, sings counter-harmonies, and navigates a serious pedalboard, all while holding down his impeccable groove.
As a solo artist, Gordon has released 13 albums, with the most recent being the infinitely funky and danceable Flying Games [2023]. Much like his musical voice, Gordon’s rig is always evolving, which includes the many effects on his pedalboard, his arsenal of basses, and of course, his amp. On his recent solo tours, Gordon began using Bergantino Forté HP heads, which have now become his go-to for those shows. Bergantino Audio Systems is honored and excited to welcome accomplished bassist Mike Gordon as a featured artist. Our Marc Stranger-Najjar had an opportunity to meet Mike at a recent show and ask him a few questions.
When did you start playing bass and what drew you to it?
I started playing in high school. My family went to the Bahamas when I was 12 and I saw a calypso band perform called The Mustangs. They played this song “Ya Mar,” which Phish covers, and I was listening to it in the pool when I decided I loved the vibration of the bass. I could feel it in the water. I knew that that was the instrument I wanted to play.
What was the first bass you had?
It was a KENT and I bought it for $99 from my babysitter Kenny Getz. It came with a tube stereo amp and speaker that he had built from scratch.
You’ve mentioned in interviews that you’ve been influenced by Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead. What drew you to his approach on bass?
It was the way Phil seemed so uninhibited melodically, able to playfully vary the melody and the rhythm of his phrases. He simultaneously provides the oomph that creates a powerful propulsion. Also, the sweetness of his tone.
You’re known for your use of effects. What was your first effects pedal?
Oh, I’m trying to remember … ahmm… (still thinking). Well, the oldest one I can remember was The Funky Filter, a kitschy little envelope filter I used with Phish back in the day.
What led you to Bergantino?
Ed Grasmeyer, bass tech extraordinaire for my solo band, had some experience with Bergantino, and he encouraged me to try out your amps. I happily drank the Kool Aid.
What do you think of the Forté HP2?
There is a clarity and immediacy that I feel with the Forte HP amp, and on top of that there is a lot of punch. It’s almost a cliche, but that’s what we bassists seek a lot of the time – punch – and the Forté HP amp has it! Moreover, there is a lot of control – I feel like I can really dial in the sound with the drive, VRC and punch controls. Every knob I turn up makes it sound even better. Win win!
You have a background in electrical engineering. Does this influence the evolution of your rig? If so, how?
To be honest, I really fizzled out of my EE major pretty early on. I was 2.5 years in before changing majors, but I didn’t get much out of it that applies. I’ve been building gadgets since I was 5, so there was always the inclination to tinker. I suppose when I discovered that ported cabinets can be modeled as electrical circuits (speaker resonance, cubic volume, and port size relating to capacitance, inductance, and resistance), I was able to draw on my EE knowledge.
One of our favorite things about you is how inventive you are. For instance, the custom lanyard you created for your daughter to communicate with her during your shows. Care to tell us more about that and how it works?
It was other people who designed and built it, but I call it The Tessa Box, and it sits on my pedal board. My daughter Tessa has a fob, and when she’s out in the audience at a show, she can remotely signal me with a bright light on the box that lets me know she’s watching the show (other times she’s backstage). And then indicate with a dimmer light whether she’s stage left, front of house, or stage right. Then I can give a signal to acknowledge her. It’s a nice feeling and it can lead to better playing!
About Bergantino Audio Systems: Bergantino Audio Systems has been dedicated to developing and building the highest quality audio products and bass guitar amplification systems since 2001. Founder Jim Bergantino has worked in a number of fields in his career, from high-tech electrical engineering to the high-end professional audio world. After designing custom bass cabinets for many other leading brands, he started his own Bergantino Audio Systems. BAS has received numerous accolades within the musical instrument industry and continues to look forward via their designs and unique approach to developing products. https://bergantino.com
https://bergantino.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MikeGordon.webp783760Bergantino Audiohttps://bergantino.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/bergantino-logo-green-white-RGB-300x80.pngBergantino Audio2023-11-07 11:12:512023-11-07 11:13:49Bergantino Artist Mike Gordon
Bergantino was very excited to have Bassist Ryan Stasik using the Bergantino Forté HP2 on tour with Umphrey McGee!
Equal parts trained pianist and self-taught rocker, Ryan Stasik the bassist is a confluence of musical forces. As a student at the University of Notre Dame, he co-founded Umphrey’s McGee, known as much for their irreverent stage presence as their complex musicality. Ryan is truly a musician knowing no boundaries.
Ryan shares: “I was fortunate enough to take a Bergantino forté HP2 out on tour. This amp is awesome. Truly allows you to carve out a myriad of tones from vintage to modern. Jim went above and beyond in his attention to detail to make this beast a true tone monster.
https://bergantino.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ryanst.jpg11751170Bergantino Audiohttps://bergantino.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/bergantino-logo-green-white-RGB-300x80.pngBergantino Audio2023-11-02 12:22:452023-11-02 12:26:41Bassist Ryan Stasik using the Bergantino Forté HP2 on tour with Umphrey McGee!
https://bergantino.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/bergantino-logo-green-white-RGB-300x80.png00Bergantino Audiohttps://bergantino.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/bergantino-logo-green-white-RGB-300x80.pngBergantino Audio2023-10-20 09:59:302023-10-20 09:59:30Bergantino Artist George Baldwin and this beautiful melody!
Bergantino Welcomes Bassist Aaron Rieseberg to our Family of Artists
Photo credit to “James Rexroad”
In this Bergantino artist spotlight we are excited to introduce our new artist, the amazing Aaron Rieseberg. As the bass player for Eugene, Oregon doom metal band YOB, Aaron is a talented addition to the Bergantino family. We wanted to get to know Aaron a little better, so we asked him some questions and he enthusiastically answered them for us.
Tell us how you started on your bass journey.
It all began when my dad took me and my older brother to see AC/DC. I think I was 12. The show was so powerful, loud, and entertaining, and we were utterly floored. On the way home we talked to dad about how badly we wanted instruments, but my brother wanted me to play bass because he was gonna play guitar. That Christmas dad got me a cheap Ibanez starter pack and I was off.
You’re currently on tour with your doom metal band YOB. Can you share more about the band?
YOB is a trio where the music is crushingly heavy and pays equal attention to both song craft and enormous riffs. A lot of attention is paid to the minutiae in the way the songs unfold with a lot of small twists and turns. We don’t consider ourselves a progressive band, but on occasion it gets heady and a tad bit ADD [laughs]. It’s not uncommon for lengths of songs to reach past the 10-minute mark, sometimes well beyond. Dynamics also play a big role, and we play with space a lot. There is a deep well of influence ranging from the many forms of metal, rock, singer/songwriter, punk, alternative, folk, and country. Funnel all this through A-standard tuning and heavy distortion and you have an idea what YOB sounds like.
What does YOB stand for?
Mike came upon the name YOB while watching a Chuck Jones cartoon called Rocket-Bye Baby. There was an alien called Yob. He liked that it didn’t sound like anything or paint the band in any sort of corner.
People hate this question, but If you were constructing your personal Bass Mt. Rushmore, who are the four players that would make the cut and why?
John Entwistle – I picked up The Who’s live at Leeds early on in my teens and really was knocked out by his playing as well as his sound – a big gnarly P-Bass cranked through all those Hi-Watts. It’s so fun listening to a bass player who can play so busy and it still serves a song so well. John had dynamics for days, I love the calm delicate passages before the storm of fury and distortion rolls back in.
James Jamerson – who is probably on most people’s Rushmore. Absolutely mind-boggling player. He just completely changed the game as far as what the bass could do melodically and rhythmically in a pop song. James had impeccable taste for when to lean in and when to lay back.
Dave Edwardson (Neurosis) – total hero of mine. In the world of heavy music there is a different set of physics and obstacles. Dave is wildly creative and a master within this realm. When Neurosis plays live he embellishes/improvises in ways that inspire me. And great use of effects too. He gets truly monolithic tones that sound awesome beneath a dense wall of guitars.
Geezer Butler – I can’t think of a more crucial contributor to my own personal development as a player. He is the complete package: songwriter, lyricist, and true pioneer of the bass. When I was cutting my teeth, I learned as many Black Sabbath lines as I could get my hands on.
Tell us about some of your favorite basses.
With YOB lately I’ve been playing my old 1988 Gibson Thunderbird. I swapped the stock bridge to a Hipshot super tone and I put in a set of Thunderbucker Ranch ’63 pickups. It sounds stout in the bottom and has a certain wood-like midrange crunch that fills out a 3-piece very well. For recording I have used a Rickenbacker many times, though they don’t work quite as well live for me for some reason. I have a couple old Fender-style basses that get a LOT of mileage at home. A ’74 P-bass, a ’68 jazz and a Moollon P-Classic. I played the P on the YOB record, Atma. The sound, the feel, everything about that bass is great.
Describe your playing style(s), tone, strengths and/or areas that can be improved on the bass.
I play primarily with my fingers unless the song is demanding a pick. My instinct is to try and make the rhythm sound as big as possible. I have a tendency is to play way behind the beat which heavily plays into that. I believe that my ability to play slowly with a tight pocket is one of my biggest strengths. There is a lot of power in patience. I’m very fortunate to play with such monster players in Mike and Dave. I like playing with variations on where space is left open, where to let the daylight in and where to block it out. I learned by ear for the most part. I’d like to make improvements with my music theory. It would be mega helpful and fun to be able to analyze and communicate better at that level.
You have a monstrous bass tone. What lead you to incorporate large amounts of drive in your sound?
I think it came from listening to music and being drawn to that type of sound. The bands I’ve played in have always been in a heavy genre and to a certain extent it comes with the territory. A lot of times distortion and monstrous sounds is what helps make the music speak. I’m a little obsessive about how the bottom end comes through and about the way it helps to balance out the sound of the whole band.
Tell us about your experience with Bergantino and the forte D amp as well as the NV610. What settings do you use on the amp?
The Forte D is a new addition for me and I’m blown away by this thing. I’ve always been way into tube amps, and I was looking for something that could cop that sound very convincingly without having to shell out the money on maintenance. The amp is simple so it’s easy to dial in. I like running the drive about 1/2 way up so it sounds like tubes getting pushed, then I use pedals for when I need extra grind.
The NV610 is the best combination of tone, volume, and portability. It’s got punch for days, warm present mids, and a pleasing treble range (zero ice pick). I love deep and full bottom without flub. This cab has been on countless tours at this point and hasn’t let me down once.
What else do you like to do besides playing bass?
I love playing basketball. I get outside a lot and soak up the nature. It’s the best part about the Portland area other than all the good food. I love to eat.
Follow Aaron:
@bleachlightning (personal)
@quantumyob (Yob)
@living_gate (living gate)
https://bergantino.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/yobaaron-1.jpg13632048Bergantino Audiohttps://bergantino.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/bergantino-logo-green-white-RGB-300x80.pngBergantino Audio2023-10-17 16:43:542023-10-17 16:46:51Bergantino Artist Bassist Aaron Rieseberg is in the Artist Spotlight
Bergantino Artist Jon D’Auria
/in Featured Artist /by Bergantino AudioBergantino Artist Jon D’Auria
“The clarity and articulation of Bergantino amps is unprecedented. They truly allow the fingers of the player and the distinct characteristics of the bass come through with remarkable transparency. And the power and headroom that they give you will make the walls rumble in any sized venue. No matter what style I’m playing, this gear allows me to be both heard and felt in the best way possible.”
Jon D’Auria has been playing and writing about bass for over two decades. As a performing bassist he covers a lot of ground stylistically, hitting the stage and recording with artists spanning a large range of genres. Both an electric and upright player, he relies on his Bergantino amps to deliver the sound that he loves. When he’s not gigging or in the studio, he serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Bass Magazine.
Location: Arizona
Gear: Forté, NXTSE 212, Super Pre
Follow Jon Here: https://www.instagram.com/jondauria/
Bassmagazine.com
Bergantino launches the new NXTSE ‘Special Edition’ Series!
/in Press /by Bergantino AudioBergantino Audio Systems Introduces New NXT-SE Cabinets
The new series features stylish Oyster Tweed casing and an Oxblood colored grill
Whitinsville, MA (November 21st, 2023) – The bass players have spoken, and we listened. Now available by popular demand, for the first time ever, we are offering the Bergantino Audio Systems NXT Special Edition (SE) with a brand new look. Merging vintage aesthetics with modern design elements, our NXT-SE is now available with a durable Oyster tweed tolex casing, a textured Oxblood colored grill, and black metal hardware. As stylish as it is powerful, the NXT-SE is the perfect cabinet series for the gigging bassist who demands as much clarity and articulation as they do a fresh look on stage.
Beyond its updated appearance, the NXT-SE series represents the next generation of Neo technology speakers in the Bergantino lineup. Loaded with our new NXT Neo-Extreme motor technology, the NXTSE series is available in three models to accommodate the needs of all bassists: the NXTSE 112, NXTSE 210, and the NXTSE 212. Each cabinet is extremely durable and built to last, which makes them the perfect rig for the weekend gigging bassist, the road warrior, and the studio session ace. No matter what size venue or stage you’re hitting, we offer the perfect sized cabinet for all of your low-end needs.
To learn more:
https://bergantino.com/product-category/bass-guitar-speakers/nxt-se-series/
Bergantino Artist Mike Gordon
/in Artist Spotlight /by Bergantino AudioBergantino Welcomes Mike Gordon to Their Family of Artists
The Phish bass phenom discusses his path on bass and how his love of technology has enhanced his career and led him to Bergantino amps
Whitinsville, MA (October 17th, 2023) – For forty years Mike Gordon has served as the sonic foundation of the biggest jam band in the world. In that span, Phish has gone from a small college outfit in Vermont to having millions of fans all over the world and one of the biggest devoted followings in music history. By melding rock, jam, reggae, funk, and blues into a sound all their own, their studio recording span a wide range of sonic territory, which is all anchored by the steady propulsion of Gordon’s playing. And when it comes to live performances, Phish outpaces any contemporaries. Known for playing extended, multiple sets each night, Gordon juggles complex riffs, sings counter-harmonies, and navigates a serious pedalboard, all while holding down his impeccable groove.
As a solo artist, Gordon has released 13 albums, with the most recent being the infinitely funky and danceable Flying Games [2023]. Much like his musical voice, Gordon’s rig is always evolving, which includes the many effects on his pedalboard, his arsenal of basses, and of course, his amp. On his recent solo tours, Gordon began using Bergantino Forté HP heads, which have now become his go-to for those shows. Bergantino Audio Systems is honored and excited to welcome accomplished bassist Mike Gordon as a featured artist. Our Marc Stranger-Najjar had an opportunity to meet Mike at a recent show and ask him a few questions.
When did you start playing bass and what drew you to it?
I started playing in high school. My family went to the Bahamas when I was 12 and I saw a calypso band perform called The Mustangs. They played this song “Ya Mar,” which Phish covers, and I was listening to it in the pool when I decided I loved the vibration of the bass. I could feel it in the water. I knew that that was the instrument I wanted to play.
What was the first bass you had?
It was a KENT and I bought it for $99 from my babysitter Kenny Getz. It came with a tube stereo amp and speaker that he had built from scratch.
You’ve mentioned in interviews that you’ve been influenced by Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead. What drew you to his approach on bass?
It was the way Phil seemed so uninhibited melodically, able to playfully vary the melody and the rhythm of his phrases. He simultaneously provides the oomph that creates a powerful propulsion. Also, the sweetness of his tone.
You’re known for your use of effects. What was your first effects pedal?
Oh, I’m trying to remember … ahmm… (still thinking). Well, the oldest one I can remember was The Funky Filter, a kitschy little envelope filter I used with Phish back in the day.
What led you to Bergantino?
Ed Grasmeyer, bass tech extraordinaire for my solo band, had some experience with Bergantino, and he encouraged me to try out your amps. I happily drank the Kool Aid.
What do you think of the Forté HP2?
There is a clarity and immediacy that I feel with the Forte HP amp, and on top of that there is a lot of punch. It’s almost a cliche, but that’s what we bassists seek a lot of the time – punch – and the Forté HP amp has it! Moreover, there is a lot of control – I feel like I can really dial in the sound with the drive, VRC and punch controls. Every knob I turn up makes it sound even better. Win win!
You have a background in electrical engineering. Does this influence the evolution of your rig? If so, how?
To be honest, I really fizzled out of my EE major pretty early on. I was 2.5 years in before changing majors, but I didn’t get much out of it that applies. I’ve been building gadgets since I was 5, so there was always the inclination to tinker. I suppose when I discovered that ported cabinets can be modeled as electrical circuits (speaker resonance, cubic volume, and port size relating to capacitance, inductance, and resistance), I was able to draw on my EE knowledge.
One of our favorite things about you is how inventive you are. For instance, the custom lanyard you created for your daughter to communicate with her during your shows. Care to tell us more about that and how it works?
It was other people who designed and built it, but I call it The Tessa Box, and it sits on my pedal board. My daughter Tessa has a fob, and when she’s out in the audience at a show, she can remotely signal me with a bright light on the box that lets me know she’s watching the show (other times she’s backstage). And then indicate with a dimmer light whether she’s stage left, front of house, or stage right. Then I can give a signal to acknowledge her. It’s a nice feeling and it can lead to better playing!
About Bergantino Audio Systems: Bergantino Audio Systems has been dedicated to developing and building the highest quality audio products and bass guitar amplification systems since 2001. Founder Jim Bergantino has worked in a number of fields in his career, from high-tech electrical engineering to the high-end professional audio world. After designing custom bass cabinets for many other leading brands, he started his own Bergantino Audio Systems. BAS has received numerous accolades within the musical instrument industry and continues to look forward via their designs and unique approach to developing products. https://bergantino.com
Follow Mike Gordon:
Instagram: @mike_gordon
Twitter @mike_gordon
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mikehyphengordon
Bassist Ryan Stasik using the Bergantino Forté HP2 on tour with Umphrey McGee!
/in Artist Spotlight /by Bergantino AudioBergantino was very excited to have Bassist Ryan Stasik using the Bergantino Forté HP2 on tour with Umphrey McGee!
Equal parts trained pianist and self-taught rocker, Ryan Stasik the bassist is a confluence of musical forces. As a student at the University of Notre Dame, he co-founded Umphrey’s McGee, known as much for their irreverent stage presence as their complex musicality. Ryan is truly a musician knowing no boundaries.
Ryan shares: “I was fortunate enough to take a Bergantino forté HP2 out on tour. This amp is awesome. Truly allows you to carve out a myriad of tones from vintage to modern. Jim went above and beyond in his attention to detail to make this beast a true tone monster.
Bergantino Artist George Baldwin and this beautiful melody!
/in Artist Videos /by Bergantino AudioBergantino Artist Bassist Aaron Rieseberg is in the Artist Spotlight
/in Artist Spotlight /by Bergantino AudioBergantino Welcomes Bassist Aaron Rieseberg to our Family of Artists
Photo credit to “James Rexroad”
In this Bergantino artist spotlight we are excited to introduce our new artist, the amazing Aaron Rieseberg. As the bass player for Eugene, Oregon doom metal band YOB, Aaron is a talented addition to the Bergantino family. We wanted to get to know Aaron a little better, so we asked him some questions and he enthusiastically answered them for us.
Tell us how you started on your bass journey.
It all began when my dad took me and my older brother to see AC/DC. I think I was 12. The show was so powerful, loud, and entertaining, and we were utterly floored. On the way home we talked to dad about how badly we wanted instruments, but my brother wanted me to play bass because he was gonna play guitar. That Christmas dad got me a cheap Ibanez starter pack and I was off.
You’re currently on tour with your doom metal band YOB. Can you share more about the band?
YOB is a trio where the music is crushingly heavy and pays equal attention to both song craft and enormous riffs. A lot of attention is paid to the minutiae in the way the songs unfold with a lot of small twists and turns. We don’t consider ourselves a progressive band, but on occasion it gets heady and a tad bit ADD [laughs]. It’s not uncommon for lengths of songs to reach past the 10-minute mark, sometimes well beyond. Dynamics also play a big role, and we play with space a lot. There is a deep well of influence ranging from the many forms of metal, rock, singer/songwriter, punk, alternative, folk, and country. Funnel all this through A-standard tuning and heavy distortion and you have an idea what YOB sounds like.
What does YOB stand for?
Mike came upon the name YOB while watching a Chuck Jones cartoon called Rocket-Bye Baby. There was an alien called Yob. He liked that it didn’t sound like anything or paint the band in any sort of corner.
People hate this question, but If you were constructing your personal Bass Mt. Rushmore, who are the four players that would make the cut and why?
John Entwistle – I picked up The Who’s live at Leeds early on in my teens and really was knocked out by his playing as well as his sound – a big gnarly P-Bass cranked through all those Hi-Watts. It’s so fun listening to a bass player who can play so busy and it still serves a song so well. John had dynamics for days, I love the calm delicate passages before the storm of fury and distortion rolls back in.
James Jamerson – who is probably on most people’s Rushmore. Absolutely mind-boggling player. He just completely changed the game as far as what the bass could do melodically and rhythmically in a pop song. James had impeccable taste for when to lean in and when to lay back.
Dave Edwardson (Neurosis) – total hero of mine. In the world of heavy music there is a different set of physics and obstacles. Dave is wildly creative and a master within this realm. When Neurosis plays live he embellishes/improvises in ways that inspire me. And great use of effects too. He gets truly monolithic tones that sound awesome beneath a dense wall of guitars.
Geezer Butler – I can’t think of a more crucial contributor to my own personal development as a player. He is the complete package: songwriter, lyricist, and true pioneer of the bass. When I was cutting my teeth, I learned as many Black Sabbath lines as I could get my hands on.
Tell us about some of your favorite basses.
With YOB lately I’ve been playing my old 1988 Gibson Thunderbird. I swapped the stock bridge to a Hipshot super tone and I put in a set of Thunderbucker Ranch ’63 pickups. It sounds stout in the bottom and has a certain wood-like midrange crunch that fills out a 3-piece very well. For recording I have used a Rickenbacker many times, though they don’t work quite as well live for me for some reason. I have a couple old Fender-style basses that get a LOT of mileage at home. A ’74 P-bass, a ’68 jazz and a Moollon P-Classic. I played the P on the YOB record, Atma. The sound, the feel, everything about that bass is great.
Describe your playing style(s), tone, strengths and/or areas that can be improved on the bass.
I play primarily with my fingers unless the song is demanding a pick. My instinct is to try and make the rhythm sound as big as possible. I have a tendency is to play way behind the beat which heavily plays into that. I believe that my ability to play slowly with a tight pocket is one of my biggest strengths. There is a lot of power in patience. I’m very fortunate to play with such monster players in Mike and Dave. I like playing with variations on where space is left open, where to let the daylight in and where to block it out. I learned by ear for the most part. I’d like to make improvements with my music theory. It would be mega helpful and fun to be able to analyze and communicate better at that level.
You have a monstrous bass tone. What lead you to incorporate large amounts of drive in your sound?
I think it came from listening to music and being drawn to that type of sound. The bands I’ve played in have always been in a heavy genre and to a certain extent it comes with the territory. A lot of times distortion and monstrous sounds is what helps make the music speak. I’m a little obsessive about how the bottom end comes through and about the way it helps to balance out the sound of the whole band.
Tell us about your experience with Bergantino and the forte D amp as well as the NV610. What settings do you use on the amp?
The Forte D is a new addition for me and I’m blown away by this thing. I’ve always been way into tube amps, and I was looking for something that could cop that sound very convincingly without having to shell out the money on maintenance. The amp is simple so it’s easy to dial in. I like running the drive about 1/2 way up so it sounds like tubes getting pushed, then I use pedals for when I need extra grind.
The NV610 is the best combination of tone, volume, and portability. It’s got punch for days, warm present mids, and a pleasing treble range (zero ice pick). I love deep and full bottom without flub. This cab has been on countless tours at this point and hasn’t let me down once.
What else do you like to do besides playing bass?
I love playing basketball. I get outside a lot and soak up the nature. It’s the best part about the Portland area other than all the good food. I love to eat.
Follow Aaron:
@bleachlightning (personal)
@quantumyob (Yob)
@living_gate (living gate)