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.<\/p>\n
Here’s the interview with Bill:<\/p>\n
How much of a challenge is it to play a Danelectro Longhorn compared to the ease of a Fender Jazz Bass?<\/p>\n
\nIt’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\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Do you prefer vintage or modern basses?<\/p>\n
\nModern basses<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
If you could have any vintage bass, which would it be?<\/p>\n
\nI’ve always wanted an original Gibson Grabber from the early 70\u2019s. Preferably black with a maple neck<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Do you feel vintage bass guitars sound better with roundwound or flatwound strings?<\/p>\n
\nPersonally 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.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
What are your 3 favorite old songs to jam to with good bass lines in them? <\/p>\n
\nRed Hot Chili Peppers – Out in LA <\/p>\n
Yes – Roundabout <\/p>\n
Genesis – No reply at all <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
What is the biggest upgrade or repair you (or a luthier you hired) have ever done to one of your basses? <\/p>\n
\nThe biggest upgrade I\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n