Duff McKagan Bass Rig - "Know Your Bass Player" (1/3)

In this three part series of "Know Your Bass Player" we cover the Duff McKagan bass rig covering the years throughout Guns N' Roses (1986-2017).
He primary used a Fender Jazz Bass Special on the Appetite for Destruction album.
Later in the series we go through Duff's amplifier rig, strings and effects pedals. Then to finish this series, we talk about the years of Velvet Revolver.
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Duff Mckagan Bass Show notes (1/3)
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You can read the show notes of this episode and full rig run down at;
whichbass.co.uk...
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Amplifiers, strings and technique (2/3)
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In part 2 we discover Duff's amplifier rig, strings, effects pedals and tone.
whichbass.co.uk...
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Velvet Revolver and associated acts (3/3)
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Our final part covers Velvet Revolver, Neurotic Outsiders, Loaded and much more.
whichbass.co.uk...
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Other links
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Find out more about "Know Your Bass Player" video series on our website
www.knowyourbas...
Tweet me @AlfieWilliamsUK

[@WhichBass]

I Tweeted Duff a link to this video. Duff watched the video and REPLIED to me! My life is complete. twitter.com/DuffMcKagan/status/913455983552286721

[@hishamhilal8332]

That's legendary dude🤘

[@Facu_Roldan]

His jazz bass special was made in Japan. His signature model that is based on the original jazz bass special is made in Mexico.

[@F0dd3r26]

It was a part of the Fender Japan "BOXER" series. Japanese people love it when English words are all in capitals for some reason. There are some other awesome basses from that range including 2 that have angled pickups the PJ-535 and the PB-555. The PB-555 has some crazy switching. There's a great video on here of a guy demoing one. Duff's model is a PJ-555

[@nazderinkalyoncu1297]

THE JAPANESE ONE HAS AN EGG SHAPED LIKE FRETBOARD....IT IS A BIT DIFFERENT FROM THE MEXICO MODEL...HOWEVER, THE MEXICAN MODEL HAS MORE OUTPUT I THINK...

[@ken_wilkens]

And actually the current Fender Duff McKagan Signature bass is a PRECISION bass, not a Jazz bass.

[@Facu_Roldan]

@@ken_wilkens it was always a P-bass, but for some reason fender decided to name it "jazz bass special".

[@fenno1979]

Well done, Duff retweeted you!

[@WhichBass]

Thanks Dude! I saw your comment before opening Twitter and I thought "naahh get outta here". Holllyyy shit, Amazing!

[@fenno1979]

Welcome to legendary status!

[@WhichBass]

Alright! After a few technical issues we are back on track. Please enjoy part 1 of the Duff Mckagan bass rig rundown. Parts 2 and 3 will be released in the next few weeks.

[@Cruiseangel72]

Wow.. This is the 2nd video I've watched ..you have a very cool channel. Us bass players love this site. Keep up the great WORK.

[@WhichBass]

Thanks very much Cruise! Don't just stop at the second video! There are currently 7 for you to enjoy and make sure you subscribe for the next one!

[@Thejeditusken2]

Just watched the GnR Rig Rundown on PG's site. According to Duff's tech, the electronics in the prototype at 6:10 is just master volume, master tone and the pickup switch

[@WhichBass]

Thanks Chris, I didn't know PG were making a video. Nice to get some closure on those options and a new bass release next year too.

[@LaTigerGenesis]

Stash really made Scones and Noses. Which he'd return...

[@bassboyj468]

This is definitely the best channel on KZbin👍 Keep up the good work

[@WhichBass]

I just seen you've watched my Duff video, ignore my last comment! I'm working backwards haha.

[@birdonfire415]

Been binging your vids there’s so much work put into these keep it up

[@WhichBass]

Thank you very much Bird! It does take a lot of time but I enjoy it! Thank you for the good word and I hope you'll enjoy the next!

[@sixsentsoldiers]

Can you imagine being so young and laying down 12 bass tracks such as Duff did on Appetite? Unreal.

[@WhichBass]

Yeah man, it's just one of those things. Right time right place, right vibe! Awesome time.

[@jeant0521]

Hey! So the Kramer Forum III is actually in the Hard Rock Casino in Miami! It was donated to a charity by Duff and ended up at the Casino; as mentioned most notably seen in the sweet child o mine video Just a fun thing I thought I'd share since I live in Miami and found that piece of gold there :)

[@WhichBass]

Oh neat! Thanks for the trivia Jean that's fascinating! :D

[@AKLowEnd]

+Jean Texin That's awesome!

[@blackberryblossom]

The neck pup is usually called split coil rather than humbucker.

[@markgabriel5797]

Duff has a great sound.

[@motorsportsguy5120]

just seen them in Vancouver they rocked it!,thxs for rig run down as I'm a bass player too been a big fan of duff for yrs

[@WhichBass]

Ah man that's sweet! Glad you enjoyed the gig I missed them in the UK recently. Very nice to hear from you, hope you join me in the next!

[@bobbyberetta4206]

Hope to see a Les Claypool and Dave Ellefson episode in the future, great video!

[@WhichBass]

Yes and yes. Soon is my answer to that ;)

[@32cactusking]

Seriously.

[@bassboyj468]

Could you do a Nikki Sixx rundown sometime in the future? You should also do a rig rundown for Duff’s gear for the not in this lifetime tour, as I think he uses his deluxe precision bass, and uses fender amps. Not entirely sure, but would love to see those two rigs sometime in the future!

[@ken_wilkens]

You mentioned that when Duff bought his MIJ Fender, he replaced the single coil, and said also he “left the humbucker as is…”. Just FYI, this bass has no humbucker. That’s a single split coil pick up, not a humbucker (commonly referred to as a P pick up). It is a beautiful bass though, as is Duff’s signature Fender.

[@lukey2113]

Brilliant stuff, thanks for another great video. Nice to see he used a Kramer Forum III, I've got a Forum I and its a great bass.

[@WhichBass]

Thanks very much for the comment Luke, it's nice to hear from you again. You have a Forum 1? That's awesome! They're slick looking basses, I'd love to see picture if you're on twitter! @alfiewilliamsuk

[@markbass354]

good video , I need a second bass , I'm going crazy playing this one Fender Jazz bass all the time. I looked at the Fender Duff McKagan bass , I want one.

[@MrGunwitch]

Made in Mexico though :(

[@jamesmoore9271]

Ever consider doing a guitarist channel?? I'm in love with your work, the depth of your research, and especially your style of presentation!! Much love, brother!!

[@WhichBass]

Thanks Jimmy! I don't rule it out but I'm a bass player first and foremost. I don't think I'd do guitar rigs any justice!

[@Cruiseangel72]

Another great video mr Alfie ! I learn so much from your videos ! Thanks again . i had no idea duff had a Yamaha bb bass!! Great work!

[@WhichBass]

Thanks Cruise, good to see you again. That BB bass was a real surprise!

[@Cruiseangel72]

@@WhichBass yes it was . i was amazed. Thanks to your fantastic research . i enjoy learning about my fellow bass players. And thanks to you Alfie i get to know this very valuable information.

[@cliffhendrickson4749]

Hey Alfie, I think that the Maple Neck on Duff's Yamaha BB 400 is a Precision Bass *replacement?* neck due to the shape of the knob on the headstock.

[@JD-ym7iw]

Well done. Two thumbs up. ***Request*** Geezer Butler Please and Thank you

[@WhichBass]

Thanks James, two thumbs is better than one! Geezer Butler eh? ... Fans of Geezer can expect to see him very soon.

[@jakeberry9532]

Not a huge GnR fan but I love Duff McKagan

[@AKLowEnd]

Nice video man! Thnx! I was lucky to get my hands on an 80's jazz special. It's a beast, I love it to death. The bass of my childhood hero. Bass all day!!!

[@WhichBass]

An original 80s JBS whoaaa. Don't let it go man, don't you let it go!

[@5150show]

Absolutely brilliant thank you

[@WhichBass]

Thanks 5150! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tomsisson660]

“The Tokyo show in 1982”? You actually said that. Guns N’Roses wasn’t even around yet in 1982! Tom Sisson

[@bassboyj468]

His black jazz bass special is also used in It’s so easy

[@travisstafford397]

Any bass players looking don't buy the mim Duff signature model, you can find the real mij jazz specials used without too much trouble. I love mine.

[@ElectricBoogaloo007]

"Stash"

[@WhichBass]

Video has been online since August, finally someone notices! Stash, that could have gone a whole new direction.

[@BLeeFAFO]

The B.C. Rich Warlock was owned by Kelly Nickels of L.A. Guns. That pic of Izzy and Duff was from a guest appearance G&R did at an L.A. Guns show. Izzy is playing a P-90 equipped Les Paul owned by Mick Cripps, And Slash is photographed playing a Strat owned by Tracii Guns at that same gig

[@WhichBass]

Thanks for confirming that Brent, I had heard that else where after the video was posted. Glad to hear that's the case.

[@BLeeFAFO]

@@WhichBass Cheers Man!

[@bassboyj468]

Love your videos, and they give me a ton of gear to check out!

[@childwholikesmetal4635]

Duff beer for me! Duff beer for you! I'll have a duff! You have one too!

[@banzaibomb4980]

My first influence to pick up bass

[@WhichBass]

Couldn't be a finer influence!

[@ian302930]

The TBX circuit is built into the tone knob.

[@barrygoodson4952]

Great series. I subbed !

[@WhichBass]

Thanks Barry! I appreciate the sub.

[@a.j.garrett9639]

How fascinating! I love this video.

[@WhichBass]

Thank you A.J, very glad to hear you enjoyed it. Make sure you're subbed and don't miss the next!

[@nickymadd3873]

I would like to see tommy stinsons rig rundown

[@WhichBass]

Great suggestion Nicky, I'll see what I can do.

[@nickymadd3873]

thanx bro, that would be awesome!

[@sacriification]

HELLO I'm a bass player and I love your videos You could make a video about the equipment of OVERKILL bassist called D.D. VERNI ?. pose a very characteristic bass sound. a greeting

[@timbonaylor2692]

Glad you said that the first time I heard his tone I was blown away

[@freakystyley4000]

Do Robert Smith of The Cure!

[@WhichBass]

I like it Freaky, watch this space.

[@albertlarroca1271]

Cool !! Clear and direct explanation !! i enjoy u site , really good , Regards from Berlin , Germany !!

[@WhichBass]

Thank you Albert, very happy to have you watching. You tell Germany I said Hello!

[@MarkMarxonsBassChannel]

Thanks 🙏

[@WhichBass]

Thank you for watching Mark.

[@shaonmukherjee1389]

Awesome video. Can you do a video steve harris' p bass

[@WhichBass]

Oh, I got you dude ;) kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5bTq2VrpK2LeKs

[@markgabriel5797]

Can we get a Chris Squire video?

[@christopherdavis8248]

sid vicious bass set up!!!

[@WhichBass]

Sid Vicious! That wouldn't be a long video at all! I'll put Sid on the list either way, thanks Chris.

[@diegobullorini4899]

Great video!!! The current Fender JBS that Duff use at GNR now is the signature or a Fender custom? I understood that it is a replica of original 86.

[@WhichBass]

Thanks Diego, it's been a while since I looked at Duff (3 years or so). As far as I know the new basses from 2017 onwards are an evolution of his signature model. Call it a "Duff JBS signature model version 2". Sounds amazing by the way!

[@richardlombardi7199]

Could you do a Dee Dee Ramone one?

[@WhichBass]

Great suggestion Richard. I'll see what I can do.

[@richardlombardi7199]

Thanks brother

[@yaystru]

would it be possible to do an updated video on duffs rig?

[@nickymadd3873]

dude you left out a few things and were wrong about his Rig. Do to his GK rig being inaccurate on tone and volume do to the size of the places he was playing his gigs he went to NAMM a couple years back in search for a different setup. the GK were only accurate for bigger places or bigger rooms. When he went to Namm the 1st vender he went to was FENDER. he was so impressed with the bassman Pro that he bought the whole setup ( head & cab ) and made the switch full time to Fender. When he went back to touring with GNR he also brought the GK setup to use as well. depending on the song he switches rigs. You didn't mention his chorus pedals that he uses, or the Fender Erodyne True jazz bass he uses on a few songs as well. Also what about the acoustic guitar he uses on Patience??other then that thank you for posting this video

[@WhichBass]

Hey Nicky, thanks for the comment, I address all of these points in the second video which talks all about amplifiers and effects pedals, please a take a look! I even quote the article where Duff talks about the NAMM shows. Regarding the acoustic guitar on Patience, I felt it wasn't relevant to include in this bass rig rundown but I will add it to the show notes.

[@saborboricuapr1]

great channel ... you really did your homework. !!! greetings from PR !

[@WhichBass]

Thank you Saborboricupr, I appreciate that. Yeah dude, you have to do your homework ;) Say hello to Peru for me (PR is Peru I hope?!).

[@saborboricuapr1]

jejeje :-) ... PR is for Puerto Rico... small island in the Caribbean...that just got hit by 2 major hurricanes and well... things here are rough.... but great music here... again.. great channel. especially the video about Cliff Burton.

[@WhichBass]

Ah! I'm so sorry! Forget Peru, you say "Hi" to Puerto Rico for me! and I hope you guys are doing better after all those catastrophes. My heart goes out to you. It's a beautiful part of the world and I'd love to visit.

[@directedbyduff]

Hey Alfie, great video! I'm still wondering, do you know the nut width on the new Duff McKagan signature models? They say it's a 41,3mm nut but some say it comes with a slimmer nut. Do you have any more information on this, cheers!

[@kornhead37]

Dude, love the channel keep it up! Do John Paul Jones next!

[@WhichBass]

Thanks Mattie nice to hear from you. JPJ is on the list, watch this space!

[@jsyoukr1]

Great video. I have the duff mckagan signature bass. Does it have the tbx upgrade or no?

[@WhichBass]

Yeah dude, If you have the official Duff signature the TBX will be included. I have a feeling it's the pot in the middle. Fans with the bass will know for sure - any one?

[@jsyoukr1]

oh ok thanks for the reply and also the third knob the closet one to the bridge controls the brightness of the tone so i that must be the one with tbx and the two knobs control the volume of p pick ups and the jazz pup so that you could balance it with how ever quantity of each you want. Theres no overal volume knob which i kinda find inconvinient

[@piewacket]

Nix six ! Bass and rig please

[@WhichBass]

Nikki Sixx is a great suggestion Velton, I'll see what I can do.

[@benjohnson5947]

Very odd that the record company spelled Slash’s name wrong on the appetite check advance

[@WhichBass]

I think someone else must have got that cheque haha.

[@victorlinge92]

Jazz bass bodies are actually a little larger than Precision bodies

[@HaireeyHashnan]

would love to see rex brown's episode

[@WhichBass]

Great suggestion Haireey H. That would be a good one.

[@elvergalarga3908]

Now he has a new signature P Bass lol

[@WhichBass]

Yes I know! It looks amazing. I'd love to try one.

[@magicpassos]

Faz um do Geddy Lee, Bob Daisley, Chris Squire, John Entwistle, Jack Bruce

[@WhichBass]

If you could watch just one of those guys right now, who would it be? GO!

[@magicpassos]

Geddy Lee

[@jcpet1midco]

The reason the cow warlock was never seen again played by Duff is he didn't own it. They had to borrow gear the night that photo was taken.. It was Kelly Nickles' bass from LA Guns. You can see the LA Guns sticker under Duff's hand. As seen here: www.pinterest.com/pin/494481234058271924/?lp=true

[@WhichBass]

Ah very well spotted! Thanks for clearing that up.

[@bassboyj468]

Are Mexican made Basses any good? I am going to be getting a new bass soon, was wondering if I should get the Duff Signature or a used MIJ Jazz Bass Special

[@WhichBass]

I hear Mexican basses are pretty well made. Hard to tell the difference between MIM and MIA's these days.

[@jvalenzh]

I have the mexican signature and two '85 japanese. The mexican is a decent attempt but the japanese are far better, they are the exact tone!

[@aerodynebass4852]

When are going to do Nikki Sixx bass rig?

[@WhichBass]

That's a good question Aero, the answer is when I have more time!

[@bassboyj468]

Does Duff use his signature models, or does he continue to use the custom shops?

[@WhichBass]

I'll be honest Bass Boy, I haven't looked at Duff since the video came out. Check his Twitter, he always posts pictures from recent shows.

[@elquenogb]

Hi guys! Does anyone know anything about his bass straps? 😊

[@bassboyj468]

Hi Alfie! I was wondering if you knew what Duff’s Not in this lifetime your gear is? Amplifiers, heads, pedals, etc. I am trying to emulate his sound, and I am trying to decide between GK, Fender, or both?

[@WhichBass]

Hey Bass Boy, I haven't looked at Duff's gear since the release of that video. As far as I'm aware he pretty much uses different custom Jazz Bass Specials and Fender Bassman amplifiers for a clean sound with the GK heads used for a distortion signal. The guitars are the only thing that have probably changed, the amps and effects are most likely the same as I've stated in Duff parts 2/3.

[@bassboyj468]

Thanks Allie! So does he combine his GK head with fender bassman cabinets and heads?

[@bassboyj468]

Hi Alfie! Just another question I have, if you find out any other info about his cabinets and heads, could you let me know? Thanks, Bass Boy

[@bassboyj468]

Since I am on a bit of a budget, do you think I could combine a GK 800mb head with a fender rumble 800 head with a fender rumble 210?

[@WhichBass]

Yes he does, it's all in part 2 if you haven't seen it already. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mabOdaeMlJZ1qrM

[@cyko4]

Do Nikki Sixx

[@WhichBass]

I shall add him to the list, watch this space!

[@cyko4]

Which Bass awesome! I'll try to think up some others for ya !

[@carlosblank6629]

John Paul Jones bass rig? Please!!!!

[@WhichBass]

Great suggestion thanks!

[@giarusai83ss]

Great!!! ✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼

[@WhichBass]

Thanks dude, glad you liked it. So did Duff ;)

[@justsomedude5727]

Duff and Izzy were the best part of guns

[@RockBassTv]

please do Mark Hoppus of Blink 182 and Cone from Sum41

[@WhichBass]

Hey RockBass, Mark and Cone are great suggestions thank you, I'll put them on the list.

[@RockBassTv]

I can help you with both, have done both of their gears for fansites several years ago. just let me know if you need help.

[@WhichBass]

Thanks RockBass, I'll hold you to that ;) You got me on Twitter (if you use it)?

[@RockBassTv]

I'm not on twitter but you can find me or my band Chasing Sounds on facebook & instagram. If your on one of these sites if not I can simply give u my email. Regards :)

[@WhichBass]

No worries at all! Just for simplicity, email me and say hello. When I finally do get round to it I'll hit you up :D [e-mail]

[@stratrovarius]

GnFnr = Guns n fuckin` roses?

[@WhichBass]

That's the one!

[@fuzzedwahwah5933]

Anyone know duffs settings for the chorus peddle?

[@WhichBass]

Did you watch part 2? I talk a bit more about Duff's effects. He used a rack mounted SPX in the early days and only now is he using an Ibanez Chorus. That should make it easier to dial in really. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mabOdaeMlJZ1qrM

[@janski1982]

Subbed

[@WhichBass]

Thanks Janski, glad you enjoyed the video. Is there a bass player you'd like to see in the future?

[@janski1982]

Which Bass John Entwistle and John Paul Jones would be great to see in the future👍🏽

[@constructivecritique4049]

Lol. On that check from Geffen, in the video, they had Slash's name, as Stash...... As in, where's my weed stash? Lol.

[@WhichBass]

I know right? I would have loved to have seen Slash's career play out as Stash.

[@constructivecritique4049]

Maybe he considered that name. That is until he thought about all the future cavity searches while on tour at airports, looking for said "Stash".........

[@_Only_Zuul]

why does he have a body count sticker? and what is the stort with prince?

[@WhichBass]

Hey Aesthetic, these are just stickers for the aesthetic value. Duff is a fan of Body Count and grew up idolizing Prince. Nothing more than that!

[@McReadywtc]

Ernie C ( body count's guitar) is a friend of Duff since 1992

[@blustulagu]

All played a Gibson Tbird

[@WhichBass]

Hey Blustulagu, do you have any more information on this? The only hint of a Thunderbird I've seen is Duff using it at a photo shoot and not played.

[@stevehinch2694]

Once again you miss the key to Duffs great over powering sound...other than his skill...he always rocked out playing with a pick

[@DravenCruz]

Can we get a Nikki sixx video

[@WhichBass]

Great suggestion Jet, watch this space.

[@elbreenidnef722]

Fender aerodyne ???????

[@WhichBass]

Yes it is!

[@zichaowang5064]

Requesting axl’s yeah for ringtone 😂

[@WhichBass]

Hahaha, if you genuinely want it I'll dig it out of the video project XD

[@Grumphuttock]

Stash :D 1:30

[@WhichBass]

I think you're the second person to notice that XD

[@disfunctionaldiecast7908]

Manowar joey demaios rig

[@WhichBass]

Great suggestion let me see what I can do.

[@sacriification]

HELLO I'm a bass player and I love your videos You could make a video about the equipment of OVERKILL bassist called D.D. VERNI ?. pose a very characteristic bass sound. a greeting

[@WhichBass]

Thank you Sacri, nice to hear from you. DD Verni is a great suggestion. I will see what I can find.