Fender Bass VI

The history and music of the Fab Four
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sloop_john_b
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Fender Bass VI

Post by sloop_john_b »

I'm trying to get a definitive list of what Beatles tracks use the Bass VI. I assume that "Let it Be" and "The Long and Winding Road" do, does anyone else know of any for sure?

I always thought that maybe George used it on "Old Brown Shoe", because of the speddy intricate playing, but who knows.
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Post by randyz »

John: I'm just guessing, but possibly "Back In The USSR". I think there were two basses used on that one. Maybe also on "Lady Madonna". What about "Helter Skelter"? I usually associate the Bass VI with any songs that featured John or George playing bass.
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simer4001
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Post by simer4001 »

I think John used it on the David Frost show when they played Hey Jude. I don't know if it was recorded with it though.
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revolver323
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Post by revolver323 »

If I recall correctly -- and the '60s are a hazy memory right now -- George played the Bass VI on "Hey Jude." I'm sure it was used on "Back in the USSR." If you listen to "Let It Be: Naked" you'll hear how wonderful John's bass playing is.
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iamthebassman
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Post by iamthebassman »

On the Frost Show John played his Casino, George the BassVI.
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revolver323
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Post by revolver323 »

Thank you, Ronn. All I knew for sure was it was Paul on piano and Ringo on drums. Do The Eggmen do "Hey Jude," and if you do, do you play piano?
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iamthebassman
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Post by iamthebassman »

We do but I play bass, our keyboard player sings lead on that one.
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wayang
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Post by wayang »

Do you do "You Know My Name...", and if you do, who plays the kazoo and maracas?
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Post by jingle_jangle »

...and megaphone?
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wayang
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Post by wayang »

...and Ringo!
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Post by iamthebassman »

Don't do that one but here's a list of some songs we do that have "weird" stuff:

Lovely Rita -comb and paper
Penny Lane -fire bell
...Me and My Monkey -fire bell
Strawberry Fields Forever -bass-first minute, extra floor tom-rest of song
I Am The Walrus -alarm clock
A Day in the Life -alarm clock, maracas
Tomorrow Never Knows -capo on bass
Yellow Submarine -cordless drill, glass of water w/straw(for bubbling sound), can of compressed air
...Hide Your Love Away -recorder
While My Guitar Gently Weeps -"electric" chair(played with drumsticks)
Norwegian Wood -electric sitar

I'm sure there's more but thats all I can think of.
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revolver323
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Post by revolver323 »

Hey Ronn, I play alarm clock too! Must be a bass thing.
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wayang
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Post by wayang »

Totally cool, Ronn...I'm covetous of that fire bell part on Me and My Monkey. Any chance I could sit in on that one if I'm ever in town?
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revolver323
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Post by revolver323 »

Oh, Ronn .... I don't know how I could have missed this opportunity for a terrible pun, but: Do you use a (wait for it) Strawberry Alarm Clock? Forgive me -- I once owned a Jetglo 4001.
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iamthebassman
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Post by iamthebassman »

Oh, a 4001JG...OK, you're forgiven.
At shows, when people make some stupid remark like "You got enough guitars?" or "You guys sure bring a lot of guitars", I say "Hell we even bring two alarm clocks".
And speaking of Strawberry Alarm Clock, we do "Incense & Peppermints" in our last set.
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