Larry Graham and the 4005

bassduke49 · Post by **bassduke49** » Tue Aug 30, 2005 6:24 pm

Somebody on the Bass Forum mentioned that he had seen a film clip of Sly & The Family Stone performing "Thank you falletinme be mice elf again" with Larry Graham on a Rick 4005. Now, Larry is universally credited with developing the "slap and pop" style, and that "Thank you . . . " is acknowledged to be the first recording of that style. Wouldn't it be interesting if the Rick 4005 was used to make that recording? Anybody out there who can help me track down this little tidbit of info? I'm working on a book on Rick basses, and if this thought happens to be the case, I think it would make an interesting addition to the book. And, of course, if there is anyone who can put me in touch with Larry Graham, I could ask him directly.

bob_atherton · Post by **bob_atherton** » Tue Aug 30, 2005 8:04 pm

Hi Paul, It was me that saw LG playing some pop & slap on a 4005. I don't know the song or if it was the very first slap bass recorded.

All the best, Bob

los_sentidos · Post by **los_sentidos** » Tue Aug 30, 2005 8:55 pm

did you see it on TOTP2

Sounds like the sort of thing they'd show!

bob_atherton · Post by **bob_atherton** » Tue Aug 30, 2005 9:11 pm

It was on the BBC2 History Of Soul or whatever it was called. The program has Sly & TFS, Bootsy, Parliment and a load of other funktastic stuff.

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Tue Aug 30, 2005 10:58 pm

did someone say;

funk?

maplered · Post by **maplered** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 2:31 pm

That song does sort of sound like a 4005. Sounds like the treble pickup. Has that shallow, nasaly sound that you get from the 4005 treble p/up w/ the cap.

80stingray · Post by **80stingray** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 6:34 am

It's possible Larry played a 4005 but more probable it was his jazz bass he played mostly with Sly.

wayang · Post by **wayang** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 7:39 am

Joseph, I have no idea, but my gut feeling is that you're right. I've tried playing the 'Thank You..' bass hook on a 4001 and a Fender P...it might be possible on either, but it sure is easier to cop the sound exactly on the Fender...

Playing funk on a Rick is a little like using a screwdriver to pound nails...it can be done, but it's much more expeditious to go find a hammer...

On the other hand, trying to play Heart Of The Sunrise on a Fender is like trying to drive screws with a hammer. A journeyman keeps a full tool belt...

80stingray · Post by **80stingray** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 9:00 am

Well said.

bob_atherton · Post by **bob_atherton** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 10:15 am

Dane, well.... I play funk (not slap) on my Musicman Stingray, my Fender Jazz and a 4001. I found the Ric to be the best in the end, the MM was a close 2nd.

wayang · Post by **wayang** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 10:22 am

No two thumbs are quite alike, I s'pose...

david_schwab · Post by **david_schwab** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 6:43 am

I used to slap on my 4001 all the time. I never had a problem with it. Rick James used a 4001, and in an article on the P-Funk bass players, they showed one of them used a Ric too.. he said the band mates told him it was "thin sounding and a rock bass" but he said if Rick James could use one, so could he!

I'm quite sure Graham used a Fender Jazz bass.

marty · Post by **marty** » Sun Sep 04, 2005 3:32 am

Here's a couple of screen captures of Larry Graham playing 'Thank You'.. with the 4005...Fireglo.

I believe though that it's not a live performance as such, so whether he actually ever played the 4005 live or recorded with it is another matter.

ojobob2 · Post by **ojobob2** » Sun Sep 04, 2005 3:34 am

thats a 4005WB right??

whats with that pickguard?

beatlefan · Post by **beatlefan** » Sun Sep 04, 2005 3:40 am

Wow! A 4005WB...in fireglo , too!!

It could've been THIS one.....

photo courtesy of Paul Boyer