This feature bass player this week is Bill Alexander from Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA. He was chosen because in the feature video below you’ll see he is playing a Danelectro Longhorn. We rarely get to see these, so it was nice to see one in action.
Here’s the interview with Bill:
How much of a challenge is it to play a Danelectro Longhorn compared to the ease of a Fender Jazz Bass?
It’s not much of a challenge, it just takes a bit of time adjusting to the size of a Danelectro Longhorn. I could see the neck giving some people trouble if they don’t like a very thick neck. Most of my life I’ve played Fender Instruments so naturally my hands are familiar with size of a P bass or Jazz neck. The jazz neck is so much easier for me to play because it has a taper to it and is very smooth.
Do you prefer vintage or modern basses?
Modern basses
If you could have any vintage bass, which would it be?
I’ve always wanted an original Gibson Grabber from the early 70’s. Preferably black with a maple neck
Do you feel vintage bass guitars sound better with roundwound or flatwound strings?
Personally I prefer roundwound strings on both vintage and modern basses. When I acquired my 1969 Danelectro Longhorn it had flats on it, so I decided to leave it the way it is.
What are your 3 favorite old songs to jam to with good bass lines in them?
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Out in LA
Yes – Roundabout
Genesis – No reply at all
What is the biggest upgrade or repair you (or a luthier you hired) have ever done to one of your basses?
The biggest upgrade I’ve ever had done was a bridge replacement on my 1999 American Fender Jazz V string. The bridge had to be moved and the old holes were filled and painted. Now I have a modern American Fender V string deluxe bridge on it.
(If you cannot view the video, here is a direct link.)
Would you like to be a featured bass player? Submit your entry here.
