Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

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Some posts mention that on certain Yes studio recordings, Chris Squire sometimes chose to use a 4-string bass other than The RM 1999. In many of these tracks, the change in sound is hard for me to detect, even after it's been pointed out that the bass is not his RM 1999.

Do any of you know of any Squire interviews in which he explains why he uses a different 4-string?


Thanks,
bluewhale

I don't know of any interviews to cite specifically, just that Chris loves the sound of his RM1999 but likes other things as well. He states in his FOOW II narration that he was very fond of his Telecaster Bass (missing at the time but since returned to the custody of a friend). Chris, like most of us, likes to change things around and will generally play what he's currently in the mood to play. His Jazz Bass, Lakland, fretless Guild, Telecaster, Maroudian(s) and Electra have all served him well. But in the end, I think he still prefers Rickenbacker. He has a long history with the company, has had his ups and downs with over time, but that old RM is still the predominant bass on any Yes tour.

Yes will release a new CD this summer, slated for July 12th. Maybe something new?

also,Chris has such a distinct playing style,so that is primarily what you will hear,no matter what bass he uses. having said that,he does get some unique tones on his other basses,but i think the Rick is still THE most distinct of them all,maybe followed by the 8 string tuned in 5th's!

I was "fooled" back in the days I had access to no information (internet). To me it sounded always like "Chris's Rickenbacker". Later I learned about all these different basses Chris used... South Side of the Sky or Lucky Seven was the Telecaster (or so it seems to be written somewhere). As Mike Tobias said, most of the tone comes from his fingers and no mater which bass Chris picks, it will sound like Chris. I wonder now, for example, about Time and a Word from Yesshows... I always thought it was the Rickenbacker. Isn't it?

Another thought is that now whenever I listen to a Rickenbacker not played by Chris it sounds to me like like the "standard" Rickenbacker tone, which - to my ears - is more different (in relation to Chris' Rick) than Chris playing a non-Rick

Miguel

What Maguell said +1.

on tormato, his reverse thunderbird was really growly and low-mid. the triple neck wal bass was also interesting in tone as was his les paul recording bass.

Have anyone got a picture of his Triple Necked Wal?

miguelbass wrote:Another thought is that now whenever I listen to a Rickenbacker not played by Chris it sounds to me like like the "standard" Rickenbacker tone, which - to my ears - is more different (in relation to Chris' Rick) than Chris playing a non-Rick

Miguel

Interesting and along the line of my thoughts. Some of the tunes I always thought were the RM turned out to be a different bass. But it still sounds Rickish and especially like The Man.

Geddy Lee wrote:Have anyone got a picture of his Triple Necked Wal?

If I had not run out of film at the time I would have had photos of it when Roger Newell was playing it in '75. I was right in front of him the whole time, too, at the edge of the stage, this was during Rick Wakeman's King Arthur tour. As compensation, I do have some excellent photos of Gentle Giant, who opened for RW!

jps wrote:

Geddy Lee wrote:Have anyone got a picture of his Triple Necked Wal?

If I had not run out of film at the time I would have had photos of it when Roger Newell was playing it in '75. I was right in front of him the whole time, too, at the edge of the stage, this was during Rick Wakeman's King Arthur tour. As compensation, I do have some excellent photos of Gentle Giant, who opened for RW!

Alright Jeff!!!!! NOW, you are REALLY making me

I absolutely LOVE Gentle Giant!!!!!! I was listening to them WAY back when I was in high school----took A LOT of ribbing for it too. "What IS that S%#T you're listening to, my friends would ask
Would love to see those pics if you want to share.....hint hint.

BTW: I have also seen the triple-neck up close---in Chris Squire's hands. I have even talked with him about it.

Lefty4003s8


Do not drink from the toilet while taking Lyrica

Lefty4003S8 wrote:I absolutely LOVE Gentle Giant!!!!!! I was listening to them WAY back when I was in high school----took A LOT of ribbing for it too. "What IS that S%#T you're listening to, my friends would ask
Would love to see those pics if you want to share.....hint hint.

I have to find the Safe-T-Binder the slides are in and get them scanned; give me some time and I will get it done.

BAD RONBO, KiLLeR DWaRfS wrote:on tormato, his reverse thunderbird was really growly and low-mid. the triple neck wal bass was also interesting in tone as was his les paul recording bass.

It's a "non-reverse" - the Thunderbird II, that is. I got a deal for the standard reverse, last Christmas. Someday I'll just have to make a cover video with it
What about the Les Paul? Didn't know about that one... Turn of the Centrury?

Miguel
www.miguelbass.com

miguelbass wrote:

BAD RONBO, KiLLeR DWaRfS wrote:on tormato, his reverse thunderbird was really growly and low-mid. the triple neck wal bass was also interesting in tone as was his les paul recording bass.

It's a "non-reverse" - the Thunderbird II, that is.

Actually Miguel, Chris played a 1966 Pelham Blue non-reverse Thunderbird IV, not a -II.

The Thunderbird - II is the single-pickup version, whereas the - IV has twin humbuckers.

The Thunderbird IIs are actually held in much higher regard than than the dual-pickup version, they had minor differences in electronics which made them sound "beefier" or more Ric-like.

I am obsessed with NR Thunderbirds, they are my second favorite bass - after Rickenbackers of course.

Does anyone know what the bridge pickup on Chris' Telecaster bass is?
Is it another 50s style P/Telebass one or a Jazz pickup?
I cant remember seeing the bass without the pickup cover.

henny wrote: Actually Miguel, Chris played a 1966 Pelham Blue non-reverse Thunderbird IV, not a -II.
The Thunderbird - II is the single-pickup version, whereas the - IV has twin humbuckers.

Hi Mark! I really had it wrong then - always thought "non-reverse" meant that it was "II" regardless whatsoever
It's a bass I am almost obsessed with, by way of Chris of course... but "almost" because I left the idea of actually having one. They are very rare and pricey. I got a normal reverse 1990 model and it sounds great. Sound very "Does It Really Happen".

Thanks!

Miguel
http://www.miguelbass.com