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Why 11 Strings? Why MIDI? by Al Caldwell
Meet Al Caldwell –
Why 11 strings? Why MIDI? Because it’s here!
When I ventured into the world of extended bass in 1981, I knew that I wanted a tool that went beyond what the market had to bear. Music starts in our mind, not our local music stores. When I first had my bass built, my goal was to play higher notes. I wanted to emulate one of my hero’s, Stanley Clarke. I still needed to play bass on this thing so I stayed with a low E string. Low B strings were not available at the time.
In1983, I moved to New York and it changed my life. I had the lucky chance to meet and hang out with Anthony Jackson. I saw him in session and we’d go to lunch and talk about music. His words changed my life as a musician. He talked about quarter notes and he talked about music. He’s the father of the extended bass movement. He had the first 6 string built. After taking in what he shared, I was convinced that the bass was a tool — It wasn’t a weapon, a collector’s item or a status symbol. My instrument would be an extension of my musical mind.
I wanted an instrument that would let me sing as high as Ella and sing as low and sexy as Barry White. I wanted a musical gender bender and the 11 string bass made the most sense to me. I’ve never been able to play lead guitar because the strings were always to close to me. I love the melody and phrasing that comes from a guitar in a master’s hands. My hands are large and sometimes clumsy and I knew that the spacing of the bass would be paramount in my decision to stay with this instrument. I drew what I wanted on a piece of paper and had Chris Benavente build it for me. He did a great job but I have recently revised my original ideal. My dear friend Garry Goodman, ERB pioneer and String Inventor has helped me solve some of the main problems with what I’ve been searching for.
11 strings make sense to me. My lowest string is a C#. It sounds super deep in the first position but it comes to life in the third position. I wanted an instrument that could play BASS!! Bass is DEEP!! Bass is LOW. Bass is FAT!! I also wanted an instrument that could play chords and melody. I love to listen to Pat Methany and George Benson. I have no desire to play higher than a guitar. My highest string is Eb. I also wanted to have a variety of soundscapes to play with. I wanted a vast array of tones to play with. I’ve played a stringed instrument for over 30 years, so I’m accustomed to the touch. I wanted a tool that would be sensitive to my every nuance. The Roland GK3B pick up has been the best MIDI pick up for the task. The tracking of my high strings are great and I have MIDI on my High 6 strings. The higher the string, the better the tracking. I can barely feel the delay when I play. With my bass, I am the bassist/guitarist or the second keyboard player. I want 3 union checks!
My instrument is a stringed version of a modern synth and it’s up to me to learn how to play it. There is a growing number of 9-13 string bassist out here in the world. Every one of them paints differently. That’s the best thing about music, we can copy or we can create. Jaco said, You can teach a monkey to play my music but you can’t get one to create what I play.”
Here’s a song called “Hop, Skip and Jump” (just click on the ‘Downlaod’) link below. All of the instruments that you hear are from the 11 string bass. I played each part in layers. I built the groove from the drums. I try to phrase drums like a drummer and I approach every sound with that concept. I hope that you enjoy.
Your Pal Al
Gear News
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Spector offers Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses…
Spector, a leading authority in bass guitar design, unveils two new Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses. Synonymous with bass excellence since 1987, Wimbish collaborated with Spector’s USA Custom Shop to create the DW-4 and DW-5 models, echoing the iconic instruments that have been favored heavily throughout his recording and performing career.
These signature basses faithfully replicate Wimbish’s originals, down to the smallest details like neck contours and nut widths. Customized EMG pickups, developed in collaboration with Wimbish, capture the distinctive sound that has shaped his monumental musical impact. These models invite players to explore the feel and response that have defined Wimbish’s signature style over the years.
Available in 4-string and 5-string versions, each model boasts unique features & finish options. The DW-4 comes in Amber Stain Gloss and Black Stain Gloss options, while the DW-5 offers Dark Blue Stain Gloss and Faded Natural Gloss. Every purchase includes a certificate of authenticity signed by Doug Wimbish. Wimbish comments, “Spector took the time to get every little nuance right, and that to me is dedication and being thoughtful enough to know ‘I want to nail it,’ and they did. I’m able to pick these instruments up for the first time and play them like I’ve already had them for years.”
For more information, visit spectorbass.com/doug-wimbish-usa-signature-series/.
Photo: Doug Wimbish, pictured with the new Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses
Bass CDs
New Campaign: Alberto Rigoni, Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings
Italian bass master and composer ALBERTO RIGONI is thrilled to announce his brand new project “Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings”.
Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings features a super talented drummer from Japan (TBA) and tons of female guitarists such as SAKI, Giusy Busetto, Alexandra Zerner (TBC) and many many others (TBA). Furthermore, Alberto has also launched a Fundraising Campaign for the project. 20% of the income will be donated to Lega del Filo d’Oro legadelfilodoro.it/it, an Italian association that helps deaf and blind children!
Alberto shares:
“Hello friends and music lovers! I’m Alberto Rigoni, an Italian composer and.. a BASS GUY! Between 2008 and 2024 I released 13 solo albums, spanning from progressive, rock, ambient to funky and experimental music, which also features contributions from musicians such as keyboard wizard Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) drummer Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) and Marco Minnemann (the Aristocrats), keyboardist Kevin Moore (ex Dream Theater), singer John Jeff Soto (ex Goran Edman (ex Y. Malmsteen), bassists Nathan East, Stu Hamm (Joe Satriani), Nik West (ex Prince) and many others. I’m also bass player for BAD As, Sunset Groove Society, Kim Bingham, The Italians bands and co-producer of Mistheria’s Vivaldi Metal Project.”
Alberto on the new project Nemesis Call:
“Even if my latest album “Unexpected Lullabies”, dedicated to my newborn Vittoria Parini Rigoni, will be released on June 4th, 2024, when Vittoria came to life I felt the need to compose new music (yes, I really can’t stop!!!!!). This time will be quite challenging because I’m willing to release an instrumental ambient/prog/rock/metal album, that will feature a talented and young drummer (TBA) and tons of female guitarists (that’s why I will call the album “Queens of the Strings”) such as Alexandra Zerner, YOKA and many others (TBA/TBC)). It won’t be easy to manage all such great musicians but I will make it!! Are you ready to face a new prog experience? The album will be released in Digipack CD and in high-quality digital format approximately at the beginning of 2025.”
The Fundraising Campaign:
As an independent artist, Alberto is looking for supporters who can help him reach the budget for the production (recordings, mix, mastering, artwork etc.) of this new album and has started this fundraising campaign that will end successfully on October 15th, 2024.
Get further information about Alberto Rigoni’s new project Nemesis Call Fundraising campaign at albertorigoni.net/nemesiscal
Bass Videos
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
Bassist Derek Frank…
Many of you will remember the last time I chatted with Derek Frank was back in 2017. The main thing that impressed me was how busy Derek was and how he juggled playing with many huge acts.
Now, I am happy to hear that Derek launched a new album last March titled “Origin Story” where he digs deep into his roots and pays homage to Pittsburg.
Join me as we get caught up after all these years and hear the details about the new album, how Derek gets his sound, and his plans for the future.
Photo, Stephen Bradley
Featured Videos:
Visit Online:
www.derekfrank.com
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www.youtube.com/derekfrankbass
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This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Check out our top 10 favorite basses on Instagram this week…
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Gear News
New Gear: Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Internationally renowned bassist ALBERTO RIGONI (soloist, BAD AS, Vivaldi Metal Project, TwinSpirits, etc.) is proud to announce the release of his signature bass VPR5 made by renowned Italian luthier Gaetano Costanzo!
The bass is entirely handmade in Italy, without the use of CNC or other machinery, and has rather special features. The VPR is a 5-string bass (but also available as a 4-string) with 30 frets, Seymour Duncan pickups, Music Man Alnico style, passive electronics (volume, tone and a switch to select series/parallel/single-coil mode), alder body, and American maple neck and fingerboard. Gotoh tuners that ensure perfect intonation. The bass is totally painted white (nitro finish) but other colors can be requested. The VPR has a weight of about 2.9 kg and suitable for any genre.
For more information contact Gaetanobass77@gmail.com or visit online at www.instagram.com/gaetanocostanzoluthier or www.facebook.com/GaetanoCostanzoLuthier
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
