Mr. Tambourine Man Bass

admin · Post by **admin** » Tue Feb 20, 2001 1:00 am

Does anone know who is credited with the idea for the Mr. Tambourine Man bass slide that is a significant part of the signature of this recording by The Byrds? The Rickenbacker 12 string is outstanding as well of course and not to be overlooked.

rick12dr · Post by **rick12dr** » Wed Feb 21, 2001 12:19 am

Peter,
The "Byrdwatcher" site says that Terry
Melcher came up with the idea for the part, and session bassist Larry Knechtel played the part.
Additionally, Melcher[who also worked with the Beach Boys] borrowed the basic rhythm track from the Beach Boys'" Don't Worry Baby"as a backdrop to the reat of the song.

Marty · Post by **Marty** » Wed Feb 21, 2001 6:50 pm

Hi Peter & Dr., What project is Terry Melcher
working on now? Anyone ?

rick_harper · Post by **rick_harper** » Fri Jul 06, 2001 7:38 pm

On the intro and outro, it's 2 basses: the fender and a danelectro played probably by jerry cole who switched to the "chinkchink" parts after the intro. It's obvious if you get hold of "Byrds Journals" - and Melcher definately says "when the basses come in" at one point... and even asks McGuinn if HE can slide into the 1st note. Also, Melcher's orig idea was for the bass to slide DOWN to the 1st note, then up... he sings it...
then again, it might not be Cole on the danny, as there's a ticktack bass running thru it playing 8th notes, with Larry K playing "boombaboom" bass... unless it's the Rhodes piano doing the "boombaboom"...

Rick Harper

rickharper · Post by **rickharper** » Sun Jul 29, 2001 9:30 am

Rainy day today in Barnardsville, NC. Listened to much of Byrds Journals. It was Bill Pittman playing the ticktack bass.
Yep.

Rick Harper