Author Topic: The Great Jack Casady (Read 306 times)

adriaan · « **Reply #15 on:** May 22, 2009, 08:49:35 AM »

Peter - the hollow version had the shape that we're discussing.

lbpesq · « **Reply #16 on:** May 22, 2009, 09:48:07 AM »

You guys are likely thinking of the Les Paul Signature bass produced '73-'79. It looks a lot like an ES-335, except the horns are a little off-set. And Jack rules, especially with Jorma.

Bill, tgo

bassman10096 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 22, 2009, 10:14:53 AM »

(Bill beat me to it, but...)Here's some info on the LP Signature bass: http://www.flyguitars.com/gibson/bass/LesPaulSignatureBass.php. And a picture of a well- played example: http://www.bobknarley.com/bass/lpsig.html.

I got interested when researching to purchase Jack's Epi signature bass. Love the look of those asymetrical cutaways.

Jack is definitely one of my top five favorite players and influences. I first heard Jack live in 1972 (Hot Tuna) and next time about 5 years ago (acoustic with Jorma). Jack is as subtle a player as ever - probably more so. But I miss the brash tone, and flash of his youthful playing (Not that I'd turn down the opportunity to see him again, mind you).

(Message edited by bassman10096 on May 22, 2009)

yggdrasil · « **Reply #18 on:** May 22, 2009, 10:26:47 AM »

I don't know what bass Jack used on DS/VS, but the above posts are correct - the semi-hollow bass in question is a Les Paul Signature that Jack picked up in at a used guitar shop in NYC , likely in the early 80s.This bass is totally different from the standard LP bass.
His sig is based on the semi-hollow LP Sig bass - IIRC, they actually retrieved the templates for it from a basement at Gibson & the JC Sig is this body with a new pup that Jack designed with a pup builder at Gibson whose name escapes me right now.

The EB semi-hollows were short scale, the LP Sig & JC Sig are long scale.

Jack still uses the Versatone; in small acoustic setups he used a SWR Baby Blue II for the longest time, but I expect that now for acoustic shows the cab part is the Ag JC Cab (similar components to the Baby Blue)& I've heard (but can't assert)that he's pairing it with an Alessandro Basset Hound tube amp.

My 2005 HT tour book lists his electric HT equipment as Ag 728 400W tube amp; Ag 680 pre-amp; Ag 4 X 10 cab; Bass Pod XT Pro with pedalboard; Versatone.

It also mentions that he is developing an amp for the acoustic shows with Ag, but that has yet to materialize.

(Message edited by Yggdrasil on May 22, 2009)

(Message edited by Yggdrasil on May 22, 2009)

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #19 on:** May 22, 2009, 11:16:00 AM »

That's why I love this place - I learn something almost every time I log on. And in all the times I've looked at the Epi JC Sig, I had never noticed the off-set upper bouts. Boy, is my face red. Thanks for the enlightenment, guys.

Peter

andertone · « **Reply #20 on:** May 22, 2009, 03:12:29 PM »

Hi:

When I saw him in Tucson Fox Theater a month ago, it was probably just a pickup gig that he did with Electric Hot Tuna (4 dates) as he then went on the road with Moonalice to make up the month he was out for personal reasons (family illness). He played through an Ampeg (yes, Ampeg) top and a 4 x 10 Ampeg cabinet with no effects (no versatone, interstellar overdrive, or rack). I suspect it was rented backline as he is well know for using Aguilar and effects.

And yes, tone was low in the mix (this coming from a guy who worships Jack)

yggdrasil · « **Reply #21 on:** May 22, 2009, 03:23:22 PM »

He played through an Ampeg (yes, Ampeg) top and a 4 x 10 Ampeg cabinet

IIRC there was old ampeg SVT ad with Jack in a supine sprawl over a SVT setup - maybe late 70s - and of course his first band as leader was called SVT.

(Message edited by Yggdrasil on May 22, 2009)

hifiguy · « **Reply #22 on:** May 22, 2009, 11:03:19 PM »

self-delete computer burp dupe

(Message edited by hifiguy on May 22, 2009)

hifiguy · « **Reply #23 on:** May 22, 2009, 11:04:06 PM »

Parsed the CD insert of DS/VS again, and Jack is clearly shown playing the Gibson in a pic two to the right of Grace in a Star Trek uniform and Disney mouse ears. What a gig that must have been! Monstrous bass sound, though it was mixed too low.

pas · « **Reply #24 on:** May 23, 2009, 07:10:39 AM »

Actually, the gal in the Star Trek uniform is Darby Gould. She was the first female singer when Paul put JS back together in '92.

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #25 on:** May 23, 2009, 01:03:26 PM »

Jack is the reason I started playing bass in 1967. I've listened to him ever since, wherever I can find his credits. Sadly I haven't had the cash to pick up anything from Moonalice.
By the way, how come nobody has mentioned Dream Factor in this thread? I love his tone on that record, he alternately whispers, cries, and roars!
Mike

lembic76450 · « **Reply #26 on:** May 23, 2009, 01:11:37 PM »

Crown of Creation. I still get chills from it.

hifiguy · « **Reply #27 on:** May 23, 2009, 01:14:12 PM »

pas: Actually, the gal in the Star Trek uniform is Darby Gould. She was the first female singer when Paul put JS back together in '92.

Really! She looks amazingly like Grace.

hifiguy · « **Reply #28 on:** May 23, 2009, 10:42:09 PM »

Ye Gods. Just re-listened to Bless Its Pointed Little Head and picked myself up off the floor. The likes of Pastorius and Wooten can play fast and with great articulation, but what Jack did back in the day blows them away. This is a complete object lesson in how to command a band while remaining (as a bass guitarist should) in a supporting role is a revelation. Lordy Lu, the man is a genius.

sonicus · « **Reply #29 on:** May 23, 2009, 11:03:36 PM »

OH YEAH !!!!!
Bless It's Pointed Little Head is one of my big faves!
It is required study for every Bass player!