Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Ted, That is right, return to hot. I also have a phase switch. When it is out of phase it cuts the bottom out, kind of a hollow sound, like for funk (guitar). If you get it wrong you will know right away.

JJ's bass that Jaco played was made by Abe Rivera, or something like that!

I have wondered about that bass and whether it was a Carl Thompson. Jaco really does not seem comfortable with it in the video. At that point in his life, he was sleeping in parks so I guess his regular gear was not handy. Time does not seem to diminsh the fact that his life is such a tragic story.

Abe lists Jaco among the players of his basses. Outside of that video, has anyone seen Jaco with anything other than his Fenders?

Ted, I've seen a picture of Jaco with a JD Supernatural (aka Mark King)which he apparently liked. In fact John Diggins also made a couple of Jazz-type basses for Jaco but I believe Jaco passed away before they were delivered. I know that he had a Steinberger too (amongst many other instruments) but whether he ever used it for anything I don't know. Wonder where his main jazz is now?

The "bass of doom" was stolen before his death.

Near the end, Jaco had a nasty habit of sleeping in NY city parks. I understand his early 60's jazz bass was stolen one night while he slept. His family supposedly still has some of his gear.

What kind of a statement is that about the music industry? Wow. Someone so gifted ends up like that? Makes me sad....

It was not so much the industry in this case. Which is not to say that the industry is ok by any stretch. Jaco was said to be a very difficult person. He was a diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic and had some serious substance problems. When he was himself, he made magic. I am still in awe of the stuff he did in 1976. He totally redefined the electric bass and music in general. His death was the tragic end of an amazing gift. It makes me sad too.

I listen to Jaco almost on a daily basis...no pun intended :-}
The last guy who really had something new to say on bass. His works, like a very few select number of bassists are a must listen to anyone who truly appreciates the instrument...