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Bass Musician Magazine’s Year of the Luthier – Harold Cagle
HJC Customs Signature Guitar, built for Richie Yeates of Grim Reaper
Bass Musician Magazine’s Year of the Luthier – Harold Cagle…
How did you get your start in music?
I started playing violin and then cello in orchestra as a youth, getting my first bass guitar at 12. After that, it was all Bass all the time.
Are you still an active player?
Not really. Due to being a one-man shop and real help/apprentices being non-existent in my area, time to actually keep up on my playing chops has kind of dwindled. I care for my elderly mother and work, so playing time is a true luxury for me anymore.
How did you get started as a Luthier? When did you build your first bass?
I got my start sweeping up at Gibson as a kid and working my way into a job just as they were shutting down and moving. It really peaked my interest and I started dabbling with parts builds. I built my first parts guitar in 1983, and kept refining and learning until 1986 when I decided to take on a complete build of my own design. So I carved my first neck and body wings. I carved into the truss rod cavity and had to scrap the neck and start over. I bought a dial caliper and made sure of my tolerances after that to make sure not to carve too deep. In late spring 1987, my first all-original build was complete. It was pretty good and sold quickly. I was hooked. Note: I actually just acquired this instrument again and am repairing and refinishing it for Summer NAMM!
Instruments in the spray booth ready for finish
How did you learn the art of woodworking/Luthier? Who would you consider a Mentor?
I learned from watching at Gibson, asking questions there and of my woodshop teachers in Junior High and High School. I had the greatest mentor, a very well know Gibson specialist repairman named Pete Moreno. Pete has been written about in many instrument rags and is referred to for Techniques in Dan Erlewines first few books on repair. Pete let me hang around his shop for hours on end from the time I was about 15 until I was 19 and left for college. I can’t explain the amount of information Pete gave to me, explaining and showing me what he was doing and why. From Mandolins and Banjos to Doves, 00’s, and Les Pauls, along with odd stuff like Zithers, lutes and classic viols, Pete was a true luthier who did it all.
HJC Customs Aran 7 string
How do you select the woods you choose to build with?
I have a couple wood brokers within an hour or two of me where I can hand-select all my woods. I am a disciple of Bruce Hoadley, author of “Understanding Wood” and “The Encyclopedia of Wood” among many others. These reference books explain properties of woods you don’t find anywhere else, such as torsional properties (flexibility), specific gravity as opposed to Janka hardness and why Janka is useless in instrument building, grain structure, weight per board foot, and resonant properties, along with why and how grain orientation helps or hurts your construction. I have become a wood junkie.
Tim Brouhard (studio musician) checking out an Alchemy 9 string at the shop
How about pickups? What pickups did you use in the past? What electronics do you use right now?
Kent Armstrong wound my first custom set of pickups in 1984, and I have used his handwounds ever since. I used to use Adder Plus (APC) and Schaller Actives back In the 80’s until I got hooked on Bartolini and EMG. Now I use exclusively Made in the USA products from Armstrong, Bartolini, Nordstrand Pickups and Preamps, Audere Preamps, and Sentell pickups. Dimarzio and Seymour Duncan also.
Who were some of the first well-known musicians who started playing your basses?
I have no association with any big name musicians, as I am not able to give away instruments for endorsements, so I cannot drop names. I have had a few well know players buy instruments from me but it is really rare. I am not an aggressive salesman and do not chase names. I like working and building for the common player who came up like me, dirt poor. It’s so cool having a young player realize my prices are accessible to them and the instruments are of boutique quality without the boutique price point.
Myself with the 80’s metal band “Grim Reaper”
Vuyani Wakaba with his HJC Customs Alchemy 5 fretless
How do you develop a signature or custom bass for an artist?
I try and work directly with the player to achieve the feel they want. BMM’s Vuyani Wakaba is a great example. I designed a bass body for him, and we worked with a premise of using all African woods (as Vuyani is from South Africa), worked the neck to medium thin, a shape he was comfortable with, and built the instrument. I really try to build what the player wants through listening and asking crucial questions to gain a perspective of their tastes
What are a few things that you are proud about your instruments and that you would consider unique in your instruments?
My body styles are all mine. I rarely do clone builds, but do have a Jazztype I will do for customers.
Which one of the basses that you build is your favorite one?
My Prodigy body style. It was my first original design I did in High School in 1982, so it holds a special place.
Can you give us a word of advice to young Luthiers who are just starting out?
Read everything, study everything, learn from as many people as you can and avoid buying into all the myths about instruments. Use your own mind and ears.
Chaz Grimaldi of Grim Reaper on tour with his HJC Customs Alchemy 4 “Lemmy Tribute bass”
What advice would you give a young musician trying to find his perfect bass?
Play everything you can, there is a holy grail for everyone, but you really need to play as many different instruments as possible to find the things you really like, sound and feel wise.
What is biggest success for you and for your company?
Being around over 30 years, and still enjoying building even though the internet makes you a target as much as a destination.
Chaz Grimaldi of Grim Reaper on tour with his HJC Customs Alchemy 4 “Lemmy Tribute bass”
Are you preparing something new, some new model or new design? Or maybe some new gear amps, etc.
I have a new line of low cost small cabinets, low cost cables, a travel bass and a semi Acoustic line all in the works. I hope to have at Summer NAMM in my booth.
What are your future plans?
Hopefully find Apprentice or shop help so I can expand the business a little. I would like to build 100-120 instruments a year rather than 40 or 50. I’d also love to do a booth at Winter NAMM again someday.
HJC Customs Signature 5 SC
Is there anything else you would like to share that we have not included?
I hope people will take the time to look at small builders and see what they have to offer. There are a bunch of excellent builders out there that never get noticed or overlooked because they can’t afford an advertising budget or to give away instruments to get publicity. Not many of us have friends who are writers, big name players or people with influence in this business, and getting stuff out there for others to see is sometimes very hard. We hope players will come through on promises to do videos and talk about their instruments, but this is rarely ever completed so we are left to toot our own horns which drives more people away than it attracts. I hope players explore, because we as builders have a very limited reach by ourselves.
Visit online at:
www.facebook.com/HJCCustomsUSA/?fref=ts
Positive Grid launches Spark 2, the next evolution of their cutting-edge smart guitar practice amplifiers and Bluetooth® speakers.
Engineered for acoustic, electric guitar, and bass, Spark 2 delivers an immersive practice and playing experience. Enjoy detailed sound and an all-new upgraded speaker design powered by Positive Grid’s exclusive Sonic IQ Computational Audio technology. With an onboard creative looper, optional battery power, and intuitive AI features for tone exploration and practice, Spark 2 is the gateway to a musical experience that goes beyond expectations.
Proprietary Audio and Advanced Technology
Spark 2 represents a leap forward in amplifier design. It integrates a new DSP amp modeling engine with double the processing power, and at 50 Watts, it packs 25% more volume than the original. Positive Grid’s proprietary Sonic IQ Computational Audio delivers incredibly detailed and dynamic sound. New HD amp models, enhanced by multi-band dynamic range compression and virtual bass augmentation, redefine the sonic landscape.
Equipped with two premium FRFR speakers and reflex ports, Spark 2 offers wide stereo imaging and broader frequency response, ensuring refined bass and clear, immersive sound.
Built-In Creative Looper
Spark 2’s built-in Groove Looper features hundreds of hyper-realistic drum tracks. From basic loops to multi-layered soundscapes or the ultimate jam session, this intuitive tool inspires endless creativity. Onboard amp controls provide quick, on-the-go looping functionality.
AI-Powered Tone and Smart Jam
Spark AI revolutionizes tone exploration. Describe any desired tone in the Spark app – from practical to outlandish – and Spark AI will suggest tones to audition or download. The more it’s used, the smarter it gets, delivering the perfect sound.
Additional smart features make it easy to practice, learn new songs and improve playing skills. Smart Jam listens to the user’s playing style and generates accompanying bass and drum parts, while Auto Chords analyzes any song streamed and displays the guitar chords in real time, to make learning and practicing new songs easier than ever.
Enhanced Hardware Design and Portability
Spark 2 allows for storing up to eight customizable presets directly on the amp for quick access to favorite sounds. Perfect the tone with large, visible onboard controls for looper, EQ, gain, reverb, and more.
Designed for convenience, an optional rechargeable battery provides up to 12 hours of playtime for on-the-go sessions. The new double-thick strap and durable build ensure easy and secure transport. Spark 2 is also Bluetooth® ready, allowing for music streaming and jamming along with favorite tracks anytime, anywhere.
Multiple Outputs and Advanced Features
Spark 2 offers versatile connectivity with a headphone out for private practice, stereo line outs for external audio sources, and a USB-C port which enables it to function as an audio interface. WiFi-enabled, Spark 2 allows convenient over-the-air firmware updates, keeping the amp up to date with the latest features and improvements.
“I’ve used a ton of practice amps while touring the world for over 38 years and it was always just a technical, bland exercise,” says guitar virtuoso, singer-songwriter and producer Nuno Bettencourt. “Spark 2 is like taking Madison Square Garden wherever you go – epic and versatile.”
Color Options
Available in Pearl or Black finish with a dark weave grille and premium finish.
Special Event, Upgrade Pricing & Availability
Join the special live premiere event featuring Nuno Bettencourt and surprise guests on August 1, 2024, at 8:00 am PT/11:00 am ET. Visit positivegrid.com/pages/livestream for more details and to sign up for a reminder.
Regularly USD $299, Spark 2 will be available at special early bird pricing during the pre-order period. Registered Spark 40 owners can also receive exclusive upgrade pricing.
For more information and to sign up for pre-order alerts, visit positivegrid.com/products/spark-2.
A review of the Joyo Gloam – Sub Octave Fuzz Pedal for Bass
Disclaimer: This pedal was kindly provided by Joyo for the purpose of this review. However, this does not influence our opinions or the content of our reviews. We strive to provide honest, unbiased, and accurate assessments to ensure that our readers receive truthful and helpful information.
Introduction: The Joyo Gloam is a sub-octave fuzz pedal specifically designed for bass players, combining modern sub-octave effects with rich fuzz tones. With two independently controlled circuits, the Gloam aims to provide a versatile range of sounds, from deep, aggressive fuzz to Moog-like synth effects. This review will explore the Gloam’s specifications, controls, and overall performance, highlighting both its strengths and areas for improvement.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 130 * 110 * 50 mm
- Weight: 403g
- Working Voltage: DC 9V
- Controls: The Joyo Gloam features a comprehensive control set designed to provide bassists with a wide range of tonal options:
- Dry Tone: Adjusts the tone of the clean signal.
- Dry Volume: Controls the volume of the clean signal.
- Sub Octave Volume: Adjusts the volume of the sub octave signal.
- Gain: Controls the amount of gain in the fuzz circuit.
- Fuzz: Adjusts the intensity of the fuzz effect.
- Bass: Controls the bass frequencies in the fuzz circuit.
- Treble: Adjusts the treble frequencies in the fuzz circuit.
- Fuzz Mode Switch: Switches between two different fuzz modes.
- Dry Tone Frequency Switch: Selects between two different frequency points for the dry tone.
Performance: The Joyo Gloam excels in its dual-circuit design, offering both a sub octave and a fuzz channel that can be controlled individually. However, it’s important to note that the octaver cannot be used without the fuzz circuit activated; the only way to solo the octaver is by turning down the fuzz while both channels are engaged.
Fuzz Circuit: The fuzz circuit includes standard controls such as gain, volume, bass, and treble, along with a fuzz mode switch that toggles between two distinct fuzz modes. While one of the fuzz modes is highly usable and delivers a rich, aggressive tone, the other mode falls short and is less practical for most applications.
Octaver Circuit: The octaver circuit features controls for sub octave volume, clean volume, and clean tone, along with a dry tone frequency switch that provides two different frequency options. This allows for significant tonal versatility, enabling bassists to fine-tune their sound to match their preferences. Despite its limitation of being tied to the fuzz circuit, the octaver produces a deep, balanced sound that stands out.
Combined Effect: When used together, the fuzz and octaver circuits create a wide range of sounds, from classic, aggressive fuzz to synth-like tones reminiscent of a Moog synthesizer. This combination makes the Gloam a powerful tool for bassists seeking to experiment with their sound and achieve unique, textured tones.
Pros:
- Versatile Controls: Extensive control options for both fuzz and octaver circuits.
- Rich Tones: Delivers deep, aggressive fuzz and balanced octaver sounds.
- Sturdy Construction: Durable build quality ensures reliability.
- Wide Range of Sounds: Capable of producing everything from classic fuzz to synth-like effects.
Cons:
- Unusable Fuzz Mode: One of the fuzz modes is less practical.
- Dependent Octaver: Octaver cannot be used independently of the fuzz circuit.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the Joyo Gloam sub-octave fuzz pedal offers a versatile and powerful option for bassists looking to expand their tonal palette. Despite some flaws, the Gloam delivers impressive sounds and flexibility. Its combination of rich fuzz and deep octaver tones, coupled with a sturdy construction, makes it a valuable addition to any bassist’s pedalboard. For those seeking a modern bass distortion with the added depth of sub-octave effects, the Joyo Gloam is a compelling choice for a very compelling price.
Visit online at joyoaudio.com/product/281.html
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Behind the Strings – Jim’s Corner…
D’Addario & Co. proudly announces the launch of “Jim’s Corner,” a captivating new YouTube series telling the 400-year-old story of the D’Addario family creating the world’s largest music accessories company. This series features Jim D’Addario, Founder and Director of Innovation at D’Addario and Co., sharing his family’s remarkable journey from 17th century Italy to a 21st century global enterprise.
In the first four episodes now available, Jim D’Addario takes viewers back to the beginning, making strings from animal guts and knotting ukulele wire as a family around the television. Countless generations carried the passion forward until the 1970s when the company made it official and never looked back. Jim recounts the creation of strings that inspired legendary riffs, including one by The Who, the launch of Darco strings, the merger with Martin Guitars and the company’s humble beginnings with his wife, Janet and brother, John. Jim D’Addario’s firsthand accounts provide an intimate and personal perspective on the milestones and challenges that shaped D’Addario into the revered brand it is today.
Episode Highlights:
- Episode 1: The Early Days in Italy and the Move to America
- Episode 2: Inspiring Iconic Riffs and Legendary Partnerships
- Episode 3: Launching Darco Strings and Merging with Martin Guitars
- Episode 4: Building the D’Addario and Co. Legacy
Watch & Subscribe Now:
Join us in celebrating this incredible legacy by watching the first four episodes of “Jim’s Corner” on YouTube. New episodes will drop every month so please subscribe to our channel to ensure you don’t miss any future episodes and exclusive content from D’Addario & Co.: www.youtube.com/@daddarioandco
Gear News
Gear News: Aguilar Amplification Unveils Limited Edition NYC Gold Skyline Tone Hammer Preamp
Aguilar Amplification announces the release of the Limited Edition NYC Gold Skyline Tone Hammer Preamp pedal. Hand serialized 1-100, this exclusive edition celebrates Aguilar’s deep roots in New York City with a tribute to its iconic landmarks and vibrant spirit.
Born in the heart of NYC and raised on the road, the Tone Hammer Preamp DI has been an indispensable tool for bassists seeking inspiring tone and versatility. The new Limited Edition Gold NYC builds on this legacy with striking custom graphics encapsulating the essence of New York City. Featuring iconic landmarks from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building, this pedal is not just a tool, but a piece of art embodying the soul of the city. Each unit features a sharp platinum silkscreen over a stunning matte gold sparkle finish, that is as visually captivating as it is sonically powerful.
The Tone Hammer is an essential preamp/direct box for every bassist’s toolbox. The Tone Hammer features fully sweepable midrange frequencies in addition to bass and treble controls. With the Tone Hammer’s pristine D.I. players are set for either studio or stage. To give this tone shaping unit the ultimate flexibility we introduce our proprietary Adaptive Gain Shaping circuitry (AGS). AGS allows the player to kick in an additional gain structure and EQ with the “stomp” of a button. You can go from modern slap sounds to vintage or overdriven. 18-volt operation gives the Tone Hammer plenty of headroom to reproduce the most dynamic playing styles. Separate gain and master controls allow players to dial in just the right gain structure for any instrument.
Aguilar Amplification’s Jordan Cortese adds, “With only 100 hand-numbered units available, this third iteration of our NYC edition Tone Hammer is a collector’s dream. “It’s a homage to our city’s monumental influence on music and culture and celebrates the craftsmanship and the story of Aguilar”.
Street price: $299.99 For more information, please visit www.aguilaramp.com
Gear News: Future Impact V4 Guitar & Bass Synth Now Available in the U.S.
Interview With Barker Bass’s Inventor and Writer Lee Barker
Working-Class Zeros: Episode #4 – Boutique and Vintage Basses, Dress Code for Summer Gigs
Gear News: Ibanez & Graph Tech Launch Multi-Scale Bass with Cutting-Edge Tuning
Album: John Entwistle, Rarities Oxhumed – Volume Two
July 22 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Gear News: Positive Grid Launches Spark 2
Gear Review: Exploring the Joyo Gloam – Sub Octave Fuzz Pedal for Bass
Alberto Rigoni On Unexpected Lullabies
