Author Topic: Jimmy Johnson Info! (Read 150 times)

basso · « **on:** April 21, 2004, 01:50:57 AM »

I saw jimmy playing with james taylor on tv here in the UK,does anyone know what model of 5 string alembic he uses?i also caught a glimse of the back of the bass neck,it was black in colour,could it be graphite?i can't seem to find anything on the web about him,thanks,Julian.

keavin · « **Reply #1 on:** April 21, 2004, 04:54:04 AM »

it's a series II five string with a cone shaped peg head there are more pics around here some where on the site,i see that commercial everyday here in chicago!

David Houck · « **Reply #2 on:** April 21, 2004, 05:58:11 AM »

Hi Julian; there are a couple pictures in this thread:
http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/8394.html
And from that same thread here's what Susan had to say:
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Jimmy has always played Series II 5 string basses all in Burl Walnut.

In fact the first 5 string bass ever made was for Jimmy. It was burl walnut and had a Fan Headstock in maple, not too many of them around. The problem at the time was getting strings for them. Luckily he was a GHS endorsee and they made the low B's happen for his bass. Unfortunately it was stolen from him while on tour with Alan Holdsworth in Poughkepsie New York. The entire equipment truck was stolen.

We have since made Jimmy two sets of 5 string fretted and fretless Series II basses all with Burl Walnut Tops and Backs and Omega cut. Now he has a back up pair just in case a mishap should occur. He says he doesn't ever want to be without his tools again. Two years ago he brought two of them to the factory and had Ron do the upgrade to them. He really could hear the difference and scheduled his other two for the same.

In the picture notice how Jimmy always has his belt buckle over on his hip. He plays them almost non-stop and yet his basses never seem to show any wear-he's a good daddy-they're his babies.
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basso · « **Reply #3 on:** April 21, 2004, 06:52:10 AM »

Very intresting guys,thanks,he gets a great tone,i think he uses Mesa Boogie backline,i also saw him on a early video with Lee Rit,he had the M/Boogie then anyway,Thanks,Julian.

dfung60 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 26, 2004, 10:05:53 PM »

I believe the ones he's been playing with James Taylor on the last couple of recent DVDs are these recent Series basses. The dark neck laminate in them is wide.

He definitely played a 5-string Graphite Series bass for many years, including those Flim and the BB's albums. I remember seeing it in the shop at Modulus for repair for quite a long time in the early 90's. It was just an awesome instrument with a beautiful neck profile.