Les Claypool: An Offbeat Odyssey

Les Claypool, musical auteur, opens up about his early roots, how he came to follow his musical passions, and why he plays Dunlop Bass Strings.
Check out Primus, thier latest record "Green Naugahyde", and catch them on tour. Visit jimdunlop.com for more information regarding bass strings made right here in the U.S.A. by Dunlop Manufacturing.
Directed & Edited by Max Baloian
Produced by Joey Tosi & Bryan Kehoe
Starring Les Claypool
Music provided with the kind permission and courtesy of Primus/Prawn Song Publishing
Archival Footage provided courtesy of Oddball Film & Video, San Francisco CA
Jimdunlop.com/products/strings

[@fezziemin]

"Why did I choose Dunlop strings?" -low end clarity -low end growl -low end growl with clarity -also the clarity and the growl too

[@WTWASTHAT]

Aka "they're giving me free strings to say I like them, that shit gets expensive on the road"

[@SilasHemmingway]

Well I guess they certainly weren't going to yield high end yelps with opacity...

[@Astinsan]

Cheap strings sound good new.. it’s the nature of the beast.. SIT were my favorite.. they only last a week before stretching and sounding like crap..

[@_Only_Zuul]

they are basically paying him to say he plays them although he probably doesn't.. but then some bass players aren't that particular about any kind of strings and will simply use whatever sounds good. to my ears and hands, any good quality stainless steel round wound bass strings will be totally fine. i ain't les claypool though..

[@chriscubbernuss3288]

I like the part where he talks about the growl.

[@Agent_Chieftain]

Sounds like he had a great dad. He didn't try to crush his son's passion by saying the usual line about how the majority of people who get into music don't make it; but also understood that, at the end of the day, it's good to have a practical skill set to fall back on.

[@jmaguire2232]

Best thing a parent can say to their kid who wants to pursue music: “Follow your dreams…and prepare to be broke.”

[@SarahTingen]

After 38 years realizing that part of the entrepreneur is getting told it is just a hobby early on life

[@kingtaco4064]

Also remember he went to school with Kirk Hammett

[@bigdavek.8322]

I never had the pleasure of meeting Les, but from what I know, he seems like a genuinely pleasant and highly intelligent fellow. He's actually not a bad literary writer either. I'm currently reading his novel 'South of the Pumphouse'. It's almost like reading a book-length Primus song (which is a good thing).

[@buttkid3548]

I met him after a Duo De Twang shoe. They gave you instructions on how to approach him. He's a germaphobe. No shaking his hand, only fist bumps. He wore gloves even to do that. Sort of a prick, but it was cool to meet him.

[@BAGAKOOS]

@@buttkid3548 Well considering the type of people who are hardcore fans of Les (the type to opt for the meet & greets), I'd wear gloves too! Some of those people are freaks! And they stank!

[@eIephantom]

@@buttkid3548 yup. same when I saw them in '03. Potato potato.

[@jolemite2639]

@@buttkid3548 I don’t think being a “germaphobe” necessarily makes someone a prick. And all sorts of obsessed people show up at meet n greets. You HAVE TO set boundaries with people. There’s always a few in EVERY group who are in the words of the late great Charlie Murphy “Habitual Line Steppers.” I met him in 95’ after a show & he was extremely gracious & generous. But I’ll bet he’s dealt with a shit ton of line steppers between then & now.

[@NuclearRoll]

I love how he calls his job playing "my 4 string peice of furniture" and "finger waggling". Erik Satie would be proud.

[@azeliaspank]

@Lego Head Shit I'm trying to learn guitar and I've been playing gymnopedie 3 all day, Satie was fucking brilliant

[@taihsu2173]

@@azeliaspank I know gnossienne no 1 easy but fun

[@superkatarsis]

Tell me more about the connection you did to Satie and why? Pleeeease

[@EyesHaveMiles420]

He says that often.

[@jena6529]

He's a damn genius at this and I feel he underplays that. You are one of the best bass players ever Less, take a bow!

[@kermitthefrog9315]

Jen you're hot now take a bow😊

[@eoghanherbert-silk1910]

real smooth pal

[@gavinfrandsen5920]

Without doubt the best 4 string furniture player in the world 👌😁

[@agusspollito4205]

4,5 and 6 😅

[@andrewp.schubert2417]

Les, I'm glad you choose music. Any other vocation would have been pointless. You Rock. Thanks for all the great songs you have made.

[@Mark_Ocain]

I can't even imagine jamming with Les. He's on a whole other planet, musically

[@MrUltraworld]

I could watch Les play for hours. Primus is so interesting to watch & listen to.

[@nabeelhussain965]

It ain't the strings, its you clay

[@Corvid]

It is the strings to him though! If he likes the feel, he plays better :D

[@BubbaZen10]

Always good to learn a trade Les. Now, where did you learn that weird leg thing??? GOD i love this guy!

[@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS]

From Hill Billy Jug bands

[@BubbaZen10]

@@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS hahaha! It has that kind of feel for sure. Specially in yer skivvies! First time i saw that I laughed so hard and at the same time thought "That fucking rocks man".

[@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS]

@@BubbaZen10 You know Les auditioned for Metallica, right? So a couple months ago I finally answered what it could have been in the mash-up "Eye of the Hamburger Train"... for a laugh

[@BubbaZen10]

@jesus rodriguez for real man!

[@BubbaZen10]

@@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS sorry i just saw this. Yeah, one of my most liked comments was on a vid with James talking about that.

[@skoupidia2057]

1:04 "4 string" do you mean your 18 string micro tonal interdimentional roody toot whammy bar bass?

[@mustardtitsthemurdermaster]

Skoupidia here they come

[@badfish41969]

I think it'd probably just be fretless as opposed to micro tonal

[@prestonclaypool9625]

I've got the same last name :)

[@BubbaZen10]

Does your pool have has much clay though?

[@deathriff3816]

Preston Claypool cool

[@naturesembrace2354]

Pres Claypool.

[@samooskhka]

Oh fuck off you big child

[@JWall_InKc]

😍

[@CorinGatwood]

les should do a vid on his basses!

[@badfish41969]

I'd love a rig rundown

[@LRS905]

"my 4 string piece of furniture". Interesting, reminds me of Mr. Ned Steinberger and how he was a furniture designer when he got into designing the original XL-2 Steinberger bass. An instrument from the perspective of a furniture designer, with awesome results.

[@zerozipper4299]

Also he helped Stuart Spector design the NS-2. Fancy enough to call furniture for sure!

[@KevinSmith-qn8fn]

i have really bin getting into Les Claypool lately Holy Fuck this guy is an amazing bass player

[@MarioLamRedRebel]

A great artist 🎸 and one of the best bass player ever 👍

[@arturoacosta198]

keep up the good work primus!......and thank u!

[@starwarsiscoolXDXD]

"I was always the guy looking for something that no one else was listening to," Love you, Les! Primus SUCKS!

[@BubbaZen10]

Gee, but he's so good! Why would you say he sucks??? ;)

[@Chords4803]

+BubbaZen10 It's a saying

[@BubbaZen10]

Gamer Chords Come on man! (there's a winky face there!!! ;) )

[@Chords4803]

BubbaZen10 Oh sorry I didn't know you were kidding.

[@BubbaZen10]

Gamer Chords ;)

[@zackturney3903]

If it wasn't for Les claypool I wouldn't have ever had any music to listen to growing up

[@stephenperry779]

Music, like any art -- IS a trade.

[@nuke97]

Hats off to Dunlop for the great interview and the awesome production !

[@Lordylbc]

Such a fucking rad guy .

[@BubbaZen10]

There is very few cooler.

[@Musistics]

Aww, I like turning over rocks too. 😍

[@lolitaehrhardt7169]

that is way cool man ! love music and Dunlop strings amazing!^.~❤ a Les Claypool fan. my favorite is "Tommy the Cat"

[@cooked5439]

that sandman sticker on his mic. It makes me smile. r.i.p. Mark Sandman

[@Femkroner]

Good job, didn´t even realize that it was a commercial till the end

[@ustioteamleader9716]

This was well edited.

[@CursedRaichu]

I share a birthday with Les! 🤘 Found that out yesterday and was so stoked! lol

[@GMan-cv9ig]

Talking to an old friend he said he remember me always playing Primus Which I was surprise I knew I enjoy but forgot how of a big fan I was and realize still are

[@jeffreygandolfi8948]

Bummer, he could of worked on cars...... LOL I'm joking! One of the most original rock bassists in a long time!

[@Quontomleeeep]

I'd love to see a Claypool Ratrod , One can only imagine ;-)

[@Greelord]

***** If the made cars they would have 3 wheels with one on the roof

[@BubbaZen10]

Woner if he's as good on cars. I can't help but think he found his true calling.

[@bobspringer5370]

Have not of. Where did you kids get you're book learin?

[@Anvilshock]

And you could HAVE typed "could have", not "could of", and sadly, I'm not joking.

[@thatbasementband8122]

behold the master.

[@philthyphil7651]

Love that casual fade of guitars for a bass player (yes I know he plays guitar too)

[@niwdeeel]

By far the best way to describe your bass 1:02 "Play my four string piece of furniture."

[@wishicouldshowmyname5815]

Long live Les!

[@fremmed1]

OH, i want that t-shirt!

[@DancingSpiderman]

2:08 I enjoy that Submarine-Fish-Pig.

[@Quontomleeeep]

No Silly ! That's Submarine - Pig- Fish :-(

[@DancingSpiderman]

Quantum Leep Oh yeah... it's... SubMarine - Pig .... - Fish... This reminds me of that South Park - Evolution discussion in class

[@Quontomleeeep]

Dancing Spiderman Submarine -Pig -Fish could be in the area !

[@BubbaZen10]

Ya know, it's really not cool to make fun of someone who made up the internet.

[@petergriffin1225]

What song was that I cant place it

[@DanielVerberne]

I find Les fascinating.

[@jomarthegreat1]

I can't say that he's had an influence on my playing, but I definitely admire his style and technique

[@hamster2845]

Admiration is the first step to being influenced. Something has to get your attention to change you, right?

[@i_dont_live_here]

This is the Earth I showed up for.

[@rocker816]

HAHA I love when accessory companys, like dunlop have artists talk about their picks/strings/instrument cables/power cords, as if they affect their sound. Even Les laughed when he was asked why dunlop strings. Honestly, its because, its a brand he saw on the shelf, so he played them. That being said, they make a difference, but at the same time, its really how your playing.

[@TheGreatPumpkin]

Lee Van Cleef by Primus. It's on Green Naugahyde.

[@kennethgriggs8737]

Jillys on smack is the shit, it gets me going on a groggy morning, it's not in your face and loud but it gives ya energy, just pushes you on at a steady rate

[@Skippymoogoose90]

Me too, the man's a legend!!

[@DMSProduktions]

Thinly veiled commercial! But Les is always interesting! Oddly I use Dunlops on my basses as well, the stainless steel are particularly nice. Have lots of overtones, nickel doped DON'T have. Nickel pretty much only gives you the fundamental. Stainless gives you 3rds & 5ths as well. Almost like you are running a chorus pedal on your bass when you aren't! Really thickens the sound up, whilst remaining bright and clear. (This is NOT an endorsement! Just stating MY observation with Dunlop bass strings!)

[@jaredklock8754]

When Les sings, he sounds a lot like Weird Al sometimes.

[@fatbeats1866]

I know right I thought I was the only one who thought that 😂

[@leketeke10]

One time he sounded like Cartman.

[@QuaaludeCharlie]

I Love Dunlop Strings :) QC

[@MysteryPanda]

What a legend

[@triggerdigga5682]

Les for president

[@eddycurrent413]

i must order dunlop strings

[@Astuddedbelt]

A resonator bass.....my god, are there no lengths of epicness that Les does not go to!

[@WorkingManMedia]

@particalman1 Song at 2:30= Primus "Jilly's On Smack" from the new album Green Naugahyde

[@agerom]

can you imagine? Professor Dr. L. Claypool

[@MarcaCanaglia]

omg was that a resonator bass? I had no idea that something like that could even exist!

[@SirRiconious]

Check out "Duo De Twang", he plays that sexy som'bitch on the whole album!

[@camjohnholtz3987]

Here is a story my dad wanted me to play guitar so I tried but it didn’t work because I’m a lefty. So I tried right handed and I did ok and one day I heard my name is mud on the radio and I was like”I want to play bass”. Unfortunately my grandma just bought me a 500 dollar Paul Reed Smith guitar and I felt guilty about playing bass. So I did some shopping and I eventually bought a pitch pedal therefore making my guitar sound like a bass.

[@maxjudge020]

Sounds badass

[@moggioz7165]

Jesus christ, looking at the upload date im thinking "oh 9 years ago? that should be 1999 or 2000, why does he look so old?" only to realize it was 2011 and feel like a raisin

[@TRX450RVlogger]

He is like Waldo on his Day off... lol

[@walwal4634]

I like turning rocks... like... something new..

[@nuke97]

@jimdnlopusa So a big question that comes to mind is ......Will we be seeing a signature bass string set any time soon??

[@pookiepowers3043]

I would love to see Les Claypool and Dan Auerbach do something together.

[@fenderbassman69]

I'm a Rotosound fan

[@MedicFromTF2_REAL]

I love that sultry hunk of furniture

[@joeynovack6407]

I wonder if the low end is good on the strings

[@minemoul2136]

And the growl

[@edropper2732]

This video needed to be longer..I had more to smoke

[@Rejito]

Les is naturally funny.

[@Timd92]

The clip at 2:09 should be the official video for Jilly's on Smack

[@adamblister6005]

Is the strumming at 2:53 from a song? If so, what song?

[@Remshmuck]

the twanging guitar ? i think it is from the song lee van cleef

[@semioscuro24]

It is. Great bassline.

[@gabecrockett6574]

Pete Agassi Jilly's on Smack

[@grossnuts]

Gabe Crockett no its lee van cleef.

[@Remshmuck]

On that note if you don't know already duo de twang is a pretty fun project that carries a lot of this type of sound

[@joshuapeterson6072]

He's saying Dunlop strings. You and I both know it's talent.

[@MikeLaRock88]

Wow, this was all for an advertisement? Got me lol

[@the_burchfield1655]

some how i guessed les was a mechanic

[@abna84]

what are those olds school movie clips from?

[@afrodylan671]

What the name of the song at 1:25?

[@BMVIsuals44]

Those Damned Blue-collar Tweekers

[@pichass9337]

Video ends at 3:00

[@10000diamondeyes]

Damn ads... oh wait that was the video.

[@ravenrodriguez5279]

whats the song at 3:18

[@Infinitenumberofzachs]

What is the second song played in the back ground

[@ikigai47]

Nice of him to choose Dunlop strings because he loves them, not cuz they're paying him

[@SuperBroman12]

I was trying to be funny. But that's sick, he seems like such a cool guy.

[@Snyde91]

Nice ad.

[@hamster2845]

Back in the day, my friends and I used to call him "More" Claypool! The mosh pits.......

[@EphemeralProductions]

Les is cute. :)

[@nickolasrios7435]

Does anyone know the what kind of classes is les wearing like the brand

[@lisaclearwater7544]

Does anyone know the diameter and which type of string?

[@riec0123]

What is that first song it goes into after he says "its the greatest job"?

[@dougfisher1266]

Have you ever seen Les Claypool and Tom Green in the same place?

[@JackRiches171]

whats the music in the background ?

[@chunga372]

Mr Quaalude Those Damned Blue Collared Tweekers,Jillys On Smack,Lee Van Cleef

[@jasontalton9736]

2:00 min in what is that song? thanks

[@darketex]

Anyone know the song at 2:08? I can't seem to find it.

[@lexagon9295]

Primus - Jilly's on Smack

[@darketex]

lexagon Thanks.

[@wesleysprojects173]

Does anybody know, if these are nickel or steel strings..?

[@zacharyosmond8043]

What song is playing at 0:56

[@jasonjantzen]

Yeah, WHICH Dunlop strings? I've used different several sets.

[@ondzin]

0 dislikes, that's what LC deserves =)

[@ImAdapt73]

Those Damn blue collar Tweakers!

[@jomarthegreat1]

@HackerGuitarist working towards it :P I'm just a regular guy who happens to play bass

[@albert5080]

So that's where his grip comes from

[@MrRundas]

What's the song that starts at about 0:36?

[@BCRichShredder666]

Those damn blue collar tweakers

[@MrRundas]

***** Thank you very much :)

[@BCRichShredder666]

No problem. :)

[@erikp2510]

1:26 whats the name of that song

[@leonardodonadel48]

Those damn Blue collar tweekers

[@timi0000]

What's the song at 2:30?

[@TEAMACIDDROP6678]

what kind of bass was he playing at the end?

[@Qert1109]

just to let you know that riff in blue collar tweakers in tuned to fish