Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Listening to Paul's new album, I'm loving the sound and texture of his bass. Very thoughtful playing, almost old-school Paul.

The Hofner is listed as the bass that was used, BUT I'd make an argument that it might indeed be the 4001.
Any thoughts?

He said in Bass Player that is was the Hofner. He also said the light weight of the Hofner makes him play a certain way, more like a guitarist.

I haven't heard the new CD myself.

Chaos & Creation has the best bass work from Sir Paul in many, many years, in my opinion. There is so much great stuff going on in the bass department. Some styles and tones are brand new and exciting, while some are old-school, vintage McCartney. I hear tones and styles that were heard on Pepper, the White Album, and Abbey Road. In fact, there are quite a few sounds and styles like his playing on Abbey Road.

Upon first listen, I was a little disappointed at what seemed like monotony in terms of the cd's tempo from song to song. After the 2nd or 3rd and then subsequent listens, I've discovered a very mature selection of songs that really represent a man of 63 years old--some contemplative, some upbeat, some melancholy, some insightfulness. I've also discovered many different tempos, unique chord changes, and song structures that even McCartney has yet to try. You can tell that very deep thought went into creating the music for these songs. The entire album now impresses me immensely.

It is truly a fine effort, and his best since Flaming Pie. I truly think the critics will like this effort, which is rare for McCartney. He deserves to get high praise for this one!

In the little book that comes w/ the cd, it lists each instrument by track. Paul played his Hofner on all of the songs w/ bass. No Rickenbacker, unfortunately.

Well said Andrew! I totally agree.

Just got the CD a couple of days ago. From listening to it only once and a half - I like it a lot! Great sound too. I would expect the bass to be a little more dominant though there is no mistaking - he has that unique touch on bass that no one can copy. Yep, only hofner on this CD but also on The Beatles records the Hofner and Rick sometimes sound alike because of Paul's style.

I'm not too familiar with the entire body of Paul's solo work, but the new CD has a lot of Beatle vibe.

It's possible that he may have round-wound strings on the Hofner, although I believe he prefers flats. I have rounds on my blue Hofner and monkeyed around with it through an amp back in August. It sounded pretty gutsy for a Hofner.

Very well put Andrew, very solid bass work & musicianship on the whole. I would have been pleased if he let fly a little more on his lead work because he's such a creative guitarist (see Taxman or most of the lead work from the Long Medley on Abbey Road). I think C&C has been in my car's CD player almost non-stop since it came out. It's far, far superior to Driving Rain even though on that record he was good with the bass stuff too.

I also happened to buy the Fine Line single (at a whopping 13 bucks). If anyone gets the chance, have a listen to "Comfort of Love." In my opinion, it's the most Beatley/Lennonesque track from these sessions, and it's certainly the most guitar-forward track. Often overlooked is Paul's "Run Devil Run" which I think is a GREAT record. He arguably improved on a lot of the original versions of the covers (Brown Eyed Handsome Man, Lonesome Town, and No Other Baby in particular).

In the McCartney interview from the last issue of bass player, they mention that Paul is using La Bella flatwounds on his Hofner.

Correct Carmen. The article stated he used La Bella Beatle Bass flats. He also went to the board for most of the CD.

The more I listen to C&CITBY, the more I like it...paying particular attention to the basslines...

I'll have to take you guys' word for the liner notes though....just looks like little black dots to me... ;^)

Chris, do what I do; get a magnifying glass.

he played through producer Nigel Goodrich's Ashdown rig too!

Yeah, I thought he used the Ashdown, too. Plus, I think he used his Mesa one of the earlier recorded tracks.