I’m pretty knowledgeable and can probably help you.

Hey Matt, I bought your Burgandy Sadowsky bass last year. I get more compliments on that bass on the TalkBass website. I always let people know how I got it and what a great guy you are. I bought a 5 string Sadowsky last month. I just love the tone of these basses and I can say I finally got basses that have the tone that I always wanted. Did you ever order a P-Bass from Roger or is the collection getting a bit large? LOL. Hope all is well and I love the new site! Take care, Joey

Matt: What brand and model is the Upright bass you used in counting crows. I really like your web site, hope you’re
success continues. Thanks Rick

Hi Rick and thanks for stopping by! I was playing, (and still play), an Ampeg Baby Bass reissue, (I bought it new from Ampeg in ‘97). It’s a great live instrument not only for it’s sound but it’s looks and it records very well too. Needs a little more compression than normal otherwise you get these big spikey balloon-like notes with no sustain. Contact Ted Kornblum at Ampeg if you want to pursue this further and tell him I sent you – he’s a great guy. All the best!! Matt

Joey it looks like I didn’t reply to your post – I’m still learning how to work this site here! Nice hearing from you – glad you’re enjoying that Sadowsky…it’s a sweet machine indeed! Didn’t order the P from Roger yet…too many basses!! Trying to sell a fretless Lakland Decade over at Ebay. All the best! Matt

Hello Sir!

I recently bought a Fender P-Bass Special (Mexican made, cause I’s still broke), and I love it to death, but I’m thinking of trading in the old Fender Bassman 200 for another amp soon. I was Mr. Geddy Lee, Jr. when I started playing, and the Fender suited me just fine then, but I think I want something with warmer bottom end and a more articulate midrange. (Not that the little guy’s horrid, but…) Any suggestions?

Also, are there any smaller instrument manufacturers/independent luthiers that you would recommend? I’d like something really nice for studio work…(this is down the road when I grow up)...

-Dave

Hi Flecktarts! Amp-wise I’m a fan of the old Ampeg. Any model is good – they make some great combos these days. Ampeg is the Harley Davidson of bass amps – you can’t go wrong with them. They’re the only bass amp company I’ve endorsed over the years. The greatest bass in the world, I believe, is Lakland. Have them make you a Decade, P-Bass or Jazz Bass model and I think you’ll be totally set! I have a fretted 4 string Decade with strings through the body at the bridge and rosewood fingerboard and it’s pretty much the best sounding bass I own. For active models, check out Sadowsky – I had one of those and loved it as well but I prefer the worry-free passive models. Just plug in and play.

Hey Matt,

I am really looking to get rid of my David Eden rig and go Ampeg. What do you recommend for cabs/head that are flexible enough for a mid-size room but expandable for large venues… Tone is everything to me. I am playing everything from funk to rock if that helps :)

Thanks in advance for your advice!
David

Hi David and thanks for stopping by! I am endorsed by Ampeg, loosely, (no contract ever signed but I always liked them), so I believe you’re making the right decision. I’d recommend the B-2RE bass head with an SVT-410HLF cabinet. Check them out at ampeg.com – you can even view photos. David Eden makes great stuff as well but I am biased toward Ampeg, not because I endorse them – the reason I endorse them is because I really believe in them. If you contact them, ask for Ted Kornblum and tell him I sent you – he’s a great guy.