Talk to me about John Entwistle

[roburado]

Okay. So, there must be some John Entwistle fans out there, considering all the bass players.

1. Is there a particular bass that is associated more closely with John Entwistle than any other? For example, David Gilmour is classically known as a Str@t guy. So, is Hendrix. Okay, sorry...I'm a guitar player. So, that explains those examples. Chris Squire is most closely associated with a Ric, correct? Geddy Lee is kind of a Ric and J-Bass kind of guy. I know that he had the Buzzard bass, but is that really classic John Entwistle in your eyes/ears, John Entwistle fans?

2. Do you think there is a classic, or fan favorite, John Entwistle sound? It seems his sound changed a heck of a lot over time. Comparing "The Real Me" to "Eminence Front" reveals huge changes.

 

[roburado]

Aw...no Entwistle fans?

 

[lamerjay]

Whenever I think of John I definitely think Warwick Buzzard.

 

[Spudmurphy]

Who ? oh yeah I'm a fan _ I saw them in 1970 with Joe Walsh and the James gang supporting and again in 1976 at the Vetch Field Swansea supported by Little Feat.
An old acquaintance of mine Pino Paladino took over fro John and the USA concert continued. The Who recorded all the gigs and released the Live Concerts - I have 2 of therm.
Johm was an avid collector of basses and since his death these have been sold off. There is a book called Bass Culture, cataloging his basses.
He was most famous for playing Alembic however in fromt of millions during the First Live Aid concert, his Alembic let him down and I don;t think he played that particular bass again when performing.

 

[roburado]

Thanks for the tip on the book, Spud. I may have to check that out.

 

[midopa]

If he were alive today, I bet he'd be playing the Bongo. Maybe with a 24v pre-amp because he's the Ox.

 

[roburado]

If he were alive today, I bet he'd be playing the Bongo. Maybe with a 24v pre-amp because he's the Ox.

Yeah, I bet. I tried out a CBP Bongo 5HH today at Motor City Guitars here in Michigan. Tried it through this Mesa monstrosity. Dude, that bass brings the thunder! Seems entirely appropriate for Entwistle.

 

[lamerjay]

Anyone unfamiliar w/ "The Ox" check out this link. About 5 mins in he gets a mini-solo... http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2927525605214111375&q=ox+bass+solo&hl=en

 

[lamerjay]

Yeah, I bet. I tried out a CBP Bongo 5HH today at Motor City Guitars here in Michigan. Tried it through this Mesa monstrosity. Dude, that bass brings the thunder! Seems entirely appropriate for Entwistle.

I think John was a neck-thru guy but I'd love to have heard him pounding
on a Bongo! ...

 

[Spudmurphy]

I think John was a neck-thru guy but I'd love to have heard him pounding
on a Bongo! ...

The man was awesome- he'd sound good on a tea chest and broom handle !!

 

[lamerjay]

Just saw some vintage who on the UK awards and John was playing an Alembic...

 

[roburado]

Anyone unfamiliar w/ "The Ox" check out this link. About 5 mins in he gets a mini-solo... http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2927525605214111375&q=ox+bass+solo&hl=en

Thanks. That was pretty cool!

 

[Spudmurphy]

Great to see that !
I know that the sound was coming out of my cr4ppy computer speakers but the "OX"
seemed to holding back on the volume/dynamics when comparing them to the 60/70's Who. He had to I guess what with Petes and Rogers hearing difficulties!!

I'm not "rubbishing" the clip, shoot I was on a Who forum 4 years, and I'm a huge fan.
Incidentally - Zak Starkey is a great drummer isn't he ? He fits in great ! Well he would wouldn't he,as he used to sit on "Uncle Keiths" knee when he was a kid.

I grew up listening to Who live at Leeds, Who's Next and remember The Ox's sound and dynamics from that era.
If I come across any early clips then I'll post them.

For all you new Who fans - make sure you get:-
The Kids are Allright DVD - for some great vintage Who clips, and,
The Who Live at Leeds (remastered) containg the whole gig including Tommy.
also The Who playing at the Vetch Field 1976 is out there and is one of their great live performances.
Spud

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

I met John once. I was gutted when he died. Mind you a true rock and roll death!

 

[AnthonyD]

I've always thought of John Entwistle with a Thunderbird...

 

[Spudmurphy]

I've always thought of John Entwistle with a Thunderbird...

Yeah he did for a while - but seemd to gravitate towards Alembic in the latter part of his life.

 

[bonzo]

I've read some quotes were he said he was looking for that trebly out front sound. He definitely thought the bass was more of an out-front melodic instrument and not just a rhythm instrument. IMHO from what I read.....

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

And he pretty much invented rock lead bass.

 

[roburado]

He was just an incredible bass player.

Being a guitar player, I haven't previously kept up with what's what in bass gear, is he associated with any particular amps in your minds, Entwistle fans?

I seem to have read somewhere that he used Marshalls.

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

I think before he died, he was using Ashdown.