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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
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
Spector, a leading authority in bass guitar design, unveils new additions to its product line: Euro CST, Euro LX and Euro LX Bolt On basses.
Euro CST:
The Euro CST introduces all-new tonewoods, electronics, and finish combinations never seen in the Euro Series, drawing inspiration from Spector’s Woodstock, NY-based Custom Shop. Each Euro CST instrument is meticulously crafted using premium materials, featuring a striking, highly figured Poplar Burl top, a resonant European Ash body, and a 3-piece North American Maple neck paired with an Ebony fingerboard adorned with laminated Abalone Crown inlays.
Euro CST basses are equipped with a lightweight aluminum bridge for precise and reliable intonation. Premium active EMG X Series pickups deliver the exceptional clarity, attack, and silent operation that defines the Spector sound. These basses also feature the all-new Spector Legacy preamp. Developed in collaboration with Darkglass Electronics, this preamp captures the classic “Spector growl,” heard on countless iconic recordings, with added versatility.
Euro CST basses are available in 4- and 5-string models in four distinct high gloss finishes: Natural, Natural Black Burst, Natural Red Burst, and Natural Violet Burst.
Euro LX and Euro LX Bolt-On:
The Euro LX offers all the features that have made the Spector name famous around the globe. Inspired by the iconic NS-2, Euro LX basses feature a fully carved and contoured body, high-grade tonewoods, and professional-grade electronics and hardware. For the first time ever, players can now choose between neck-thru and bolt-on construction in the Euro LX range.
Each Euro LX bass, regardless of construction, is crafted using premium materials, including a European Alder body, figured European Maple top, and a 3-piece North American Maple neck combined with a Rosewood fingerboard for strength, stability, and sustain. Euro LX basses are then outfitted with a lightweight, aluminum bridge for spot-on, reliable intonation. Premium active pickups from EMG provide the exceptional clarity, attack, and silent operation that Spector is known for. Like the Euro CST basses, these instruments also feature the all-new Spector Legacy preamp.
The newly revised Euro LX range is available in four distinct, hand-rubbed stains, including Transparent Black, Natural Sunburst, Haunted Moss, and Nightshade. Each of these colors features a durable and comfortable matte finish.
John Stippell, Director, Korg Bass Division, remarks, “I’m thrilled to announce the latest additions to the renowned Euro Range. The CST Series, our new premium offering, features new and unique wood combinations and unprecedented features. The beloved LX Series is now better than ever with the introduction of Bolt-On models, vibrant new color options, and the all-new Spector Legacy Preamp, delivering the classic Spector tone with unmatched precision.”
For more information, visit spectorbass.com.
Meet Garry Beers, Luthier and owner of GGB Basses…
Bass Musician Magazine: How did you get your start in music?
Garry Beers: I played acoustic guitar as a kid with my mates at school. We decided that one of us should play bass, so we had a contest where the one who knew the least guitar chords would buy a bass – so I lost the contest, bought my first bass, and became the only bass player in the neighborhood. Soon after, I met Andrew Farriss, who had heard that I had a bass, and a few days later, I was jamming with Andrew and Jon Farriss.
Are you still an active player?
Yes, I am still actively writing music and playing bass sessions. I also have an LA-based original band called Ashenmoon.
How did you get started as a Luthier? When did you build your first bass?
I did woodwork in High School and always enjoyed making all sorts of things out of wood.
After finishing high school, I took a course in electronics for a year or so and learned enough to understand basic circuits in guitars, amplifiers, and effects. The best way to learn is to deconstruct and study, so my dad’s garage was littered with old junked radios and any instrument parts I could find.
My first guitars were more like Frankenstein-type creations made out of parts I found here and there. I didn’t really try to build a bass from scratch until I perfected my Quad pickup design and got my patent.
How do you select the woods you choose to build with?
I only use woods that were used at Fender in the 50s, which are my favorite basses and guitars of all time. All my GGB basses are modeled in some way from my INXS bass- a 1958 Fender Precision bass I bought in 1985 in Chicago. I call her “Old Faithful,” and she has an Alder wood body with a maple neck. All of my GGB basses are select Alder wood bodies that I have had extra dried, so they match the resonance of “Old Faithful,” as she has had 66 years to lose all her moisture and become more resonant and alive-sounding. I use plain old Maple necks that I carefully select, and again, I dry the necks to make them sing a little more.
Tell us about your pickups.
I started working on my Quad coil design back in Australia in the ‘90s and then put it to bed, so to speak, until I found an old pickup winding machine at a swap meet here in LA. I taught myself enough about pickup winding to build my first prototype design and worked towards my patented Quad coil design by trial and error. Nordstrand Audio builds the pickups for me here in SOCAL.
What is the reaction of players who pick up your basses?
I build the basses to feel like an old friend. They look and feel vintage, and when you plug them in, you discover the array of vintage sounds available to you from just one pickup. Most of the players I have contact with are established professional players, and they all love the basses. Freddie Washington and Nick Seymour from Crowded House are a couple of players with GGB Basses in their hands.
What are a few things that you are proud of in your instruments and would consider unique?
I would say I am most proud of the patented Quad pickup design. I own the patent from 4 through to 10-string. So far, I have only built 4 and 5-string pickups, but the design is a winner. Split Humbucker / Reverse Split Humbucker / Full Humbucker / Single coil Neck / Single coil bridge. All these sounds come from one passive pickup. I am very proud that my perseverance and desire to have this pickup have made it a reality. Being able to have these sounds in one bass enables the player to have one bass in the studio and on the stage. The only place you can have the GGB Quad pickup is in one of my GGB Basses.
Which one of the basses that you build is your favorite one?
I offer three body shapes and about ten different color options – all based on the ‘50s and early ‘60s custom guitar and car paint styles. I have always been a lover of P basses, but my favorite bass I build is now my XS-1 model- which is a custom Jazz bass body style. It is pretty sexy and is a light, well-balanced, and great-feeling body shape. The other body styles are the XS-2, which is a custom Jazzmaster body and has been the most popular so far- and the XS-3, which is the standard P bass body style. I also offer an XS-58, which is a replica of my “Old Faithful” ‘58 P bass. They are currently available to order now and should be available soon.
Can you give us a word of advice to young Luthiers who are just starting out?
I don’t really consider myself a Luthier in the traditional sense. I just love to build things and tinker. I was always looking to improve things, whether it was a guitar, an amp, a pedal board, or a car. So my advice is to always be curious and learn the basics of what you want to build, and the rest should follow once you decide what you want to say as a designer/builder. People are lucky these days that you can learn pretty much anything from talented people on the internet, but nothing replaces working with and learning from real people in real situations. Seek out like-minded builders and start a discussion.
What advice would you give a young musician trying to find his perfect bass?
Have a good hard think about what you want to say as a player. What is your style, both musically and as a player? There are so many instruments available. Do the research, play the instruments that fit your criteria, and make a decision. But make sure you try a GGB Bass! With all the sound choices my basses offer, with a simple turn of a knob, you may find it easier to find “your” sound.
What is the biggest success for you and for your company?
Well, the company is brand new, and at this point, it is just me, so getting this far in the manufacturing process and now having these amazing basses in my hands is a great achievement, but now comes all the business stuff!!
What are your future plans?
It’s a work in progress. Right now, it’s all about getting the word out and getting the basses into the hands of interested players. I believe in the basses – and the Quad pickup, so hopefully, GGB Basses can become a go-to bass for demanding studio and live players who want sound choices in a gorgeous vintage-style instrument.
Visit online at www.ggbbasses.com
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 Monomyth bass preamp pedal is designed to offer bassists a comprehensive range of tonal options, combining modern features with practical functionality. With independent channels for EQ and overdrive, as well as useful additions like a cab sim and DI output, the Monomyth aims to be a versatile tool for both live performances and studio sessions. This review will delve into the pedal’s specifications, controls, and overall performance to determine if it lives up to its promise of delivering quality and flexibility at an affordable price.
Specifications:
– Dimensions: 130 * 110 * 50 mm
– Weight: 442g
– Working Voltage: DC 9V
Controls:
The Joyo Monomyth is equipped with a comprehensive set of controls designed to provide maximum tonal flexibility:
– Voice: Adjusts the character of the overdrive, from distortion to fuzz.
– Blend: Balances the dry and effected signals, crucial for maintaining low-end presence.
– Level: Sets the overall output volume.
– Drive: Controls the amount of gain in the overdrive channel.
– Treble Boost: Enhances high and mid frequencies for clarity in complex passages.
– Gain Boost: Adds extra gain, particularly effective at low gain settings to enhance the low e.
– EQ Function Controls: Features a 6-band graphic EQ plus a master control for precise nal shaping.
– Ground Lift Switch: Helps eliminate ground loop noise.
– Cab Sim Switch: Activates a simulated 8×10″ cab sound.
– LED Light Control: Customizes the pedal’s ambient lighting.
Performance:
The Joyo Monomyth shines in its dual-channel design, offering both a transparent EQ channel and a versatile overdrive channel. The 6-band EQ allows for detailed tonal adjustments, preserving the natural character of your bass while providing ample flexibility. The voice control mimics the functionality of the Darkglass Alpha Omega, shifting from distortion to fuzz, with a sweet spot around the middle for balanced tones.
The blend control is essential for retaining the low end when using distortion, ensuring your bass remains powerful and clear. The treble and gain boosts, available on the overdrive channel, further enhance the pedal’s versatility, making it suitable for everything from subtle drive to full-blown fuzz.
Outputs are plentiful, with a DI and XLR out for direct recording or ampless setups, and a headphone out for convenient practice sessions. The cab sim switch adds a realistic 8×10″ cab sound, enhancing the Monomyth’s utility in live and studio environments.
Pros:
– Versatile Control Set: Offers a wide range of tones, from clean to fuzz.
– Blend Control: Maintains low-end presence.
– Robust Outputs: DI, XLR, and headphone outs make it adaptable for various setups.
– Affordable: Provides high-end functionality at a budget-friendly price.
– Sturdy Construction: Durable build quality ensures reliability.
Cons:
– Plastic Knobs: May feel less premium compared to metal controls.
– Boosts Limited to Overdrive Channel: Treble and gain boosts do not affect the EQ channel.
– Cab Sim only on the XLR out: how cool would it be to also have it on the headphone out?
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Joyo Monomyth stands out as a versatile and powerful bass preamp pedal, offering a range of features that cater to both traditional and modern bassists. Its dual-channel design, comprehensive control set, and robust output options make it a valuable tool for achieving a wide spectrum of tones, from clean and warm to heavily distorted. For bassists seeking flexibility, reliability, and excellent value, the Joyo Monomyth is a top contender.
For more information, visit online at joyoaudio.com/product/267.html
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