I didn't know guy used had Alembic in his music...

[jakebass]

Hey Jimmy, I'm afraid I have blatently stolen that open string trick and inserted it into my bag of tricks, so a tip of my hat to you for that one. I don't feel too bad about it as I think we are all made up of our influences with a dash of our own personality. We can't help but sound like ourselves. There are so many great players out there and listening and regurgitating keeps the aural tradition alive.
Jake

[hb3]

Yeah, but, does he ever play with his teeth?

[terryc]

ok jimmy j just so we can emulate you(well almost) and to be sad as well, what settings did you use to get that wonderful tone.
And for my ignorance what is the 'open string' trick as well
We await in anticipation

[JimmyJ]

Thanks Terry, that's funny.
 
I've said this elsewhere, if you picked up and played my bass it would sound like you and vice versa.  So I don't think settings really matter.  BUT, being in here talking about these specific instruments makes it a valid question!  I run my basses with more bridge pickup than bass pickup in the mix (via the trim pots) and all the large knobs all the way up all the time.  The pointy cue boost knobs are generally OFF but the bridge channel gets just a touch to add a little HF zing.  (On the Series-1 I used to have the switch in the middle position on the bridge channel).  I guess I unconsciously move my right hand towards or away from the bridge at times to alter the tone.  And that's it.
 
I can't claim the open string thing as my own Jake, I'm sure I stole that from somebody else.  All it is Terry is playing some sort of arpeggio that starts up high and then uses an open G or D on the way down to the basement.  Obviously it doesn't work in all keys but almost any chord which includes G in it's scale is a candidate.  Ha!  I've been playing these exact instruments for so long that I can almost make this left hand leap without looking...  OK the LEDs help...
 
Jimmy J

[terryc]

Thank you jimmy j and I am going to practice that trick.
As for the tone it is a coincidence that I set my own MK signature with more trimpot gain and raised pick up at the bridge, physics tell us there is less string incursion at that point as opposed to the bass pu which moves very easily in that area.
Thanks again we are in your debt(again!)

[white_cloud]

I have to say (belatedly as my PC blew up - literally - and Im just back online) that Paul Williams has one of my favourite voices of all time...I love his vocals so much its ridiculous!
 
Theres just something about a husky vocal that makes music sound so much better - Paul is class act. Its a shame that the record company interferred with the Road Games recording - but it is typical. The talentless often have too much influence in the creative process of the talented when it comes to the cut throat music world imho.
 
And lets not forget this...Jimmy is an incredible bassist! Road Games changed my perception of how music should be played when it was initially released on vinyl(I bought it on an import as it was not available here in the UK)and Jeff was a massive part of that
 
BUT
 
Equally important is Metal Fatigue - for anyone who is not familiar with this LP I need to tell you....DO NOT BE FOOLED by Jimmys genuine endearing humble nature - he is a bass MONSTER on this recording and on EVERY Allan H recording he has apeared on!
 
Check out Spokes on the Allan H lp Secrets...a bass masterclass of incredible bass tone and virtuosity!
 
John.