Verdine White is a bass player that has influenced many other bassists, and is best known for his bass work in Earth, Wind & Fire. He still performs to this day, and over the years his bass rig has changed quite a bit.
These days, Verdine plays Sadowsky basses. But according to the video interview below, Verdine started off with Fender Jazz and Precision basses (only because that is what was available at the time,) and then later on progressed into what he plays now.
During the interview, note that Verdine uses a blend of older and newer sound technology with one goal in mind: Make it sound like the studio recording. And he does do that rather well.
What can you learn from Verdine’s words of wisdom?
First, going all-vintage (even if building a new bass and purposely crafting it to be vintage-like) doesn’t necessarily translate to the best possible playing or sounding bass.
Second, having a preamp really, really helps when playing live to have the bass cut through the mix in a good way. You can see a wide selection of great preamps we sell right here.
Third, do whatever it takes to get the bass tone you’re chasing after. Use old stuff, use new stuff, use a blend of the two, do whatever is necessary to get the sound.
Fourth, and most important, never stop learning. Verdine even to this day said himself that’s he still learning and growing as a bass player. The learning never ends – and that’s not a bad thing. The more you learn, the more you enjoy the instrument, the more fun you have. And that’s what it’s all about.
He’s such a great and influential Bassist! I remembering the White Album “Gratitude “, He plays such amazing Bass Lines! He and two others where at that time my favorites!
Awesome!!!
Excellent what a hero. But the interviewer way too naive to be interviewing such a great an legendary player from before he was born. “Ron Carter”….er Who? lol.
Has a point about the Freight on transporting a double bass nowadays. They are making it very hard for us. Although he should be offered free everything for his services to music, the young and life in general.
Anyway – WHAT a legend this man is. And RIGHT up there as far as influential musicians go – in the heady clouds of a few.
Ah forget what I said – was feeling like an old git.
Never been a Sadowsky person – but maybe I should have a look – Anyone here who plays one feel the same as Verdine?
Cheers.
Will.
Wow! The interviewer don’t know Ron Carter… Even with my low knowllegd on jazz and livin’ in a 3rd world country I know him. A real legend. By the way, he played with Milton Nascimento here in Brazil. Anyway, Verdine White is such a influence!
Yeah! Don’t know what to say about doing an interview with a famous bass player and not knowing Ron Carter. Ray who, Stanley who, Victor who? C’mon Bro!!!