The Absoulte ⚠MADMAN⚠ Les Claypool Bass Rig - PRIMUS (Part 1/2)

Just what defines the Primus sound remains a mystery until this day. This Les Claypool Bass Rig however will provides some of those well kept secrets kept from fans. Most know about Carl Thompson basses and his 6 string Rainbow bass.
However his music does not blast straight and narrow into the ear; its collusive blend of progressive rock, funk, metal, punk rock and psych is aggressive and left-field, yet fun. If you look deep enough into the heart of it all, you just might find the soul of some hillbilly trapped inside.
#lesclaypool #primus
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📓SHOW NOTES
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Head to the show notes for a list of all equipment mentioned today. This includes ALL the guitars and when they were used.
whichbass.co.uk...
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📺WATCH PART 2
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🔊Les Claypool's Amplifier and Effects Pedals (Part 2/2)
• PRIMUS Bass Rig - Les ...
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💪SUPPORT THE CHANNEL
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🛒Find a Carl Thompson bass and everything else Les uses on Reverb! tidd.ly/43X8yx3
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📣CONTACT
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Follow me on Twitter @AlfieWilliamsUK or visit knowyourbasspla...

[@WhichBass]

Things I learned making this video; Pach-y-derm is not "Pach derm" (oops) Filming using natural light from the English weather makes you turn blue.

[@Theladrion]

I liked the video, and I'm really hyped for the next part. Hope that helps the blue(ish) go away ;)

[@WhichBass]

Haha thanks Theladrion, next part will be up asap! I'm going to buy a light rig for the next video so hopefully no more crappy lighting!

[@julesvox]

color correction maybe

[@GlennMichaelThompson]

Which Bass It's an elephant 🐘, rhino, hippopotamus etc.

[@Zephirot080]

Doesn't matter, I'm glad you are back man

[@peazeralus]

The Carl T "Rainbow Bass" deserves a spot in a museum when it's officially retired. Music was drug, kicking and screaming, into new frontiers by that bass.

[@eyesack6491]

At least Carl didn’t call it the “LGBTQ Custom”

[@CC-hg9un]

Dragged, not drug.

[@thebeefchief9802]

How has les gone from looking like high school weed dealing prankster to season wise old man

[@lateralustrated8808]

The Beef Chief because the assumptions of people are never right

[@vancityguy]

Because he grew up

[@michaelm.6955]

Boo...how come u are here?

[@detroitfettyghost8492]

@@michaelm.6955 Silly question.

[@ratkeller9608]

he stopped dealing weed and started eating weed?

[@kurtownsj00]

They're ALL beasts! Les Claypool, Larry LaLonde and Tim Alexander are ridiculously skilled.

[@ShermanProductions2015]

Thank you for the great video, blonde lord farquad

[@WhichBass]

Glad you liked it, I guess.

[@ShermanProductions2015]

Excuse my silly joke, the video was great and you know your stuff

[@washburnepiphone]

Which Bass was a good joke, you have to admit it

[@louie9373]

Fancy a spot of tea do you?

[@tccycling]

LOL

[@nathanwalsh3028]

As a 50-year-old Primus fan and drummer of over 30 years professionally this is one guy I've never got to play with. Met him twice and he's super cool just like he is in the videos. But man I wish I could just Jam for 5 minutes with that guy!!

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

My mom had your haircut in the early 80s...

[@michaelgallagher3640]

My buddies mom had his beard.

[@ar-sithf.austin3744]

Hurry up we're trying to bust a nut!

[@Rrrrichy]

Was her name Willy Wonka?

[@Chris-wq3pe]

i had your mum in the early 80s.

[@larryjonson3550]

Maybe he had your buddy’s mum’s Beard gerry!

[@MickeyD2012]

Calling Les Claypool a "bass player" is like calling Carroll Shelby a "mechanic."

[@professorfate6072]

touche'

[@justinkline1294]

Well said.

[@JimA-pp2nu]

I call him a douche!

[@justgivenofox9543]

I've always like Primus but didn't start really getting into their music until recently. I've been watching a lot of live concert videos of them and man have I come to really enjoy Les Claypool. I really like the music they make

[@redraiderrider3289]

Feck yeah!

[@michaelperrone9823]

Yeah, the "they" is fitting. Claypool is so brilliant, just listening it is easy to hardly notice what else is going on, besides Les's other-worldly playing and unique vocal style. Watching them live one maybe gets a much better appreciation (because you see him!) of what a monster guitarist Larry is. At least I did. For me he is one of the most loose, courageous and interesting guitarists on the planet. He should be ahead of at least half of the pack in the top hundred rock guitarists of all time. I don't think Rolling Stone ranks him in there at all. Shows what a crock that is.

[@coalanims3083]

An "unifinished" version of the rainbow bass can be seen in the music video for Jerry Was A Racecar Driver. Once it was finished, the bass didn't balance well and caused Claypool not to use that guitar very much in live performances. This version did not have the famous scroll on the end of its upper horn but was still used in the performance later used in the Jerry video. Carl contacted Les about why he wasn't using the bass and demanded Claypool send it back so he could rebalance the intstrument. This was done by adding the curly scroll on to the bass, giving it the shape most fans recognize now.

[@richardroberson2564]

Interesting

[@offbeatbassgear]

And that's really surprising, since I've had the chance to play three Carl Thompson basses, and the really incredible thing about them is how incredibly well balanced they are, and they literally sit perfectly in balance both with and without a strap. The ones I tried were all four strings so that may be part of the issue. A really incredible instrument and even better than most Alembics or Foderas that I've tried. A shame that Carl makes so few of them.

[@tracymorgan2983]

The curly scroll is the ugliest thing ever

[@g.koch.]

@@tracymorgan2983 not really

[@neon_man9099]

im pretty sure that the rainbow bass originally had the scroll but ir wasnt balanced to les cut the horn of, filmed jerry was a racecar driver and then sent it back to carl to get it remade

[@clonious]

Woah, Geddy Lee signed Les Claypool’s Bass?! Righteous!

[@basstheworldofficial]

love those videos - keep them coming!

[@WhichBass]

Thank you BassTheWorld. I will do sir :D

[@stormchet4300]

Just saw primus play in my home town and it was amazing can’t wait to see les play again

[@WhichBass]

I'm very jealous Stormchet, I hope you had a great time.

[@Oddball-dc2qt]

Oh thank God! Someone’s finally doing this video. I’ve been waiting for someone to do a rig rundown on Les for years. 🎉

[@WhichBass]

Hell yeah! Glad you found it Oddball.

[@52goldtop]

Man, between this and video 2, I don't think there is a better, more detailed breakdown of Les's gear available anywhere. Thanks for taking the time and making it so concise, detailed, and citing great visual examples with slow-mo from the videos to match... appreciate it and the time you took, sincerely.

[@WhichBass]

Thank you '52 I really appreciate the kind words. I hope you've subscribed. Got Geddy Lee coming up soon!

[@DefaultGuy1]

I was just asking myself what was Claypool's rig, thank you my dude.

[@WhichBass]

How's that for timing then Default guy! Glad to help!

[@danadane2501]

No matter how good Les is his music and lyrics have to be the most bizarre musical experiences ever .

[@antioche6276]

The King's back ! Thank you for spending so much time working on these videos. This was very informative as always

[@WhichBass]

Apakep, you flatter me dude, you flatter me. Thank you so much. Can't wait for your Motorhead video ;)

[@Inzo42]

February 1993 issue of Bass Player magazine, interview with Les and they go through all his basses at the time. I remember they asked him if the triplets on The Toys Go Winding Down was a trick with a Delay and he said no, it was his fingers playing the triplets on the EKO bass.

[@meowlnight1]

Also, Desaturating Seven is an amazing album.

[@derfgerps4016]

The side of the frog brigade album where they cover Pink Floyd’s Animals in full is so powerful and faithful to the original material it brings a tear to my eye every time.

[@Metalbass10000]

First time seeing one of your videos, and that was thoroughly enjoyable (except for the pachyderm problem). Would love to see you dive deep into metal bass players. Some of the most talented, skilled, and unknown bass players are pushing every aspect of the envelope, and may open some eyes of the sheltered masses. Maybe start with a fairly well known to metalists choice like Steve DiGiorgio, who is shockingly skilled, fretted and fretless, and even more impressive is his balance between aggression and driving a song, and his ability to recognize harmonic, rhythmic, and melodic opportunities to display awareness and tastefulness.

[@WhichBass]

It's only a problem if you let it be Metalbass ;) Yes, Steve is a great suggestion I'll see what I can do.

[@paulpoche8440]

The wait is over!

[@WhichBass]

Yeesss it is, a long time coming. I hope it was worth the wait :D

[@paulpoche8440]

Which Bass definitely worth the wait. I wake up early. It’s 4:30am in the states. Was the first thing I watched while making tea ☕️ About to sit and finish watching Your a wealth of info all things bass

[@WhichBass]

Brilliant, thanks Paul, you enjoy that tea sir!

[@uncleflansy5621]

Mr. Krinkle is one of the most underrated videos ever.

[@Feideaux]

According to a Bass Player article in the '90s, the "Brand New" 6 string fretted CT bass that Les played on Pork Soda, was actually constructed some years prior. It was the first 6 string fretless bass that Carl Thompson had made, but had frets added to it at some point. On this bass, Les used ultra light gauge strings which he described as like "... taking a ball pene hammer to piano strings."

[@vladvlad2261]

Make a video about Ryan Martine please

[@WhichBass]

A great suggestion Vlad! I'll see what I can do.

[@vladvlad2261]

Thank You bro !!

[@chukarec]

only warwick basses, end.

[@levistoner]

Yeah, Warwick 4 and 5 string basses. Just go to their website, I’m sure there’s a promo vid there. Prolly links back here to YT. 😂

[@joselekiwi5695]

Which Bass Yeeeeah Ryan Martinie is a genius

[@jonswan12]

Fuckin love Les

[@WhichBass]

Like him or hate him, he is extremely talented at what he does.

[@jefftheubercubes7322]

D G ??? What music do u listen to? Ha

[@markbass354]

Even though Primus kinda freaks me out this was a good video , thank you sir.

[@WhichBass]

Hey Mark! Good to see you back. I know what you mean. When I started researching Primus my first reaction was "hhhmmmm". It grows on you in time though. Eventually you'll be walking around the house yelling at your spouse "TOO MANY PUPPIES!".

[@ChaseThePinballWizard]

Les Claypool is the only guy who can put a tremolo bar on his bass and nobody bats an eye.

[@daaave2142]

Very good video man. I believe that you need to have talent to be a bass player, but also the comfort of the instrument has a massive maybe even crucial role to furthering your love for it

[@WhichBass]

Well said!

[@cristovaopt]

it's always a nice time seeing your videos keep it up with the good work buddy

[@WhichBass]

Thank you Tapps, I appreciate the comment, glad you're enjoying yourself.

[@dennisoleary4677]

Hi, we're Primus, and we've been known to suck!!!!

[@KevinSmith-qn8fn]

I love Les Claypools bass playing.It makes me happy

[@the_musiccellar]

“Fizzle Fry”

[@mcdude0192]

I saw primus last night and he used both the rainbow bass AND the fretted 6 string! He also use the pachyderm bass and a rickenbacker 4001 and a double neck Rick for the rush covers

[@WhichBass]

Nice! Thanks for the update BD!

[@andrewpappas9311]

Les is one of the most insane bass players I've ever heard and I'm still always blown away by his playing (I had also never heard of Carl Thompson basses before listening to Primus), so this was a killer video Alfie. Looking forward to part 2 and also maybe seeing Krist Novoselic in the future at one point, cheers and great job as always

[@WhichBass]

Thank you Andrew, I'm glad you liked the video and learned something. My mission is complete! You've asked me about Krist, I haven't forgotten! It's just one of me making these videos it takes a loonng time unfortunately. See you again in part 2 :D

[@andrewpappas9311]

Which Bass I totally understand, also sorry for constantly asking about him. I just really like his playing and want to learn more about his gear

[@craigmoran893]

That ebony top Carl Thompson 4 string is a work of art

[@craigmoran893]

I've been eagerly waiting for this one!! When I heard "Tommy the cat" in that Bill and Ted film, I couldn't believe that was bass! I got a tape copy of Seas of Cheese imported to Australia for $40!!! I found the Transcription in some guitar magazine. And I tell you, learning all the techniques needed to play Tommy took me from a level 2 bass player to a Level 8. I still play a 6-String bass today :) ... I had no idea he played an Ibanez Musician, in his early days, it put a big smile on my face because I only have 2 basses: a 6-string Warwick Dolphin copy and an Ibanez Musician. Thanks for the video Alfie!.... You are gonna do his Amps next, right? Cheers!

[@WhichBass]

Hey Craig, that's dedication dude, good work! 6 string must take so much longer to practice on than normal. I'm glad the video gave you a smile and you can play a little early Les Claypool on your Ibanez EQ! The amps and effects video is on the way, it should be a good one :D

[@richardroberson2564]

I am still learning the song on my 5 string bass. Luckily I already know all the techniques. I am probably a level 3 or 4 player.

[@andrewpappas9311]

I know how to play some Primus songs like John the Fisherman and Wynona on my MusicMan StingRay Bass 4-string, but when I first heard Tommy the Cat and Jerry Was A Race Car Driver (On _Rock Band 3)_ I’ll just say that after listening to Les’s playing I had no idea that I had no idea you can do that on a bass

[@beepboop974]

fretless basses often had fret groves cut and then filled with sawdust to make finger placement easier, pachyderm is pronounced paky derm and you forgot to mention that the resonator bass was also used in green Naugahyde. just some comments, still a great video

[@donaldchollar2033]

This band was something else. First heard them on a Beavis and Butthead episode. One of those bands that was so unique. Even their guitarists and drummers were talented and can’t be forgotten. I love all their albums.

[@donaldchollar2033]

My Name is Mud was the video I saw on Beavis and Butthead. I was like “what is this?” I was a kid then and later at 18 got real into them buying their albums

[@ThePauseMenuVlog]

Les has so much good music

[@crawfordwdow]

I think you might be wrong about how he acquired his main Carl Thompson. He saw the bass and recognised it as the bass he saw on a Stanley Clark album cover, and bought it. Source: Bass Player magazine interview with Chris Jisi.

[@mrmanakin9684]

You forgot to mention. Sausage - Riddles are abound tonight Featuring the original members of Primus from 1988 released in the early-mid 90's

[@GoDamnWeird]

Fender 4 string basses were used on those sessions (according to album liner studio photos).

[@BostonDeadHead]

That's right Side of this was our first taste of what a solo project from Les would be like. It would also be the source for songs played live by Frog Brigade. Like up in the roof or highball with the devil.

[@ar-sithf.austin3744]

Pretty sure I had an acid flashback from 1998 during this video.

[@barkon]

Ha! MY first bass was also a Memphis P-Bass copy (In the exact same color as the photo you used), too! Whilst I did teach myself to pop and slap on it, it's the only musical thing I will ever have in common with Les. Though it's not my primary I still have it; thought, it's been stripped and re-stained with EMG active pickups installed in 1989.

[@AJbassist]

i love your video and missed you

[@WhichBass]

Thank you AJ! Glad to have you back :D

[@bjornragnarsson8692]

Thank you for making this video! It was very informative and had me chuckling at times.

[@WhichBass]

Thanks Bjorn, I'm glad I made someone laugh ;)

[@jamesgreen1530]

Over the Falls was on the Brown Album, 2 albums after Sailing the Seas of Cheese cd and tour.

[@BigSmiley0TV]

Right. That caught me as well. Was he playing it live or something years before finally putting it on the brown album?

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Desaturating 7 is one of my favs!!! I seen flying frog brigade it was killer!!! I believe he even played drums with the drummer or something that whamola was bad ass!!!

[@WhichBass]

You've seen Les?! That's killer, he is a proper show man. I hope you had fun.

[@aaronliebelt4347]

SAUSAGE? Thought he was using a Hofner on that project, but because of the insightful video it must have been the EKO. You still forgot SAUSAGE. Ha ha. Guessing the next video will talk about his ADA preamp with the bass mod? Cool videos. Cheers

[@stereoroid]

When I listen to Sausage I think I hear the Fender Jazz most of all, and that's what Les played in the video for "Riddles Are Abound Tonight".

[@farrh6867]

@@stereoroid Yes, that was a Jazz Bass for Sausage.

[@aaronliebelt4347]

Check the pictures from the Sausage CD. Clearly the EKO. Also that sound prompted me at that time to buy the new Epiphone Viola bass the Hofner copy. Slapping on it sounds dead on to the bass tones on the Sausage CD. I have 76 Jazz and it sounds nothing like to the bass tones on that album. I would say a majority if not all of that album was done on the EKO. My main point is he bypassed the side project Sausage. Side note I owned 2 Viola basses. One strung with round wounds and one with flats for McCartney tone.

[@NullStaticVoid]

I saw Primus play dozens of times during the Sausage era. From Santa Rosa down to San Jose. Never saw him play an EKO once. @@aaronliebelt4347

[@jaydenwhitlen1489]

Yes! This series is back. I've been waiting sooo long

[@WhichBass]

Yeess I'm sorry for the wait, it's been a long time coming.

[@lucyfuir6386]

thank you Alfie another stunner

[@WhichBass]

Thank you Lucy! Glad to see you back!

[@acactusnamedjosh708]

I showed up late to a primus show (got held up by the security people cuz the tickets were with someone else) even though i missed them playing an entire rush album, the other.. 3 or so songs that they played? best concert i've experienced.

[@WhichBass]

Sounded like a dream! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jackvenn2550]

Great video man!! always fun to watch, btw would you ever consider doing a video about Kirst Novaselic from Nirvana?

[@andrewpappas9311]

I've been asking for a video on Krist, he's such an underrated bass player (in my opinion) but his playing is still so cool. Plus that Gibson Ripper he used looks so badass

[@jackvenn2550]

@@andrewpappas9311 agreed

[@WhichBass]

Hell yeah, I'd love to do Krist. I will get to him eventually. Nirvana were a massive influence on me so I certainly won't pass him up as you and Andrew would like to see that too!

[@s.l.averythethird5378]

Don't be gay.

[@jackvenn2550]

@@s.l.averythethird5378 have you got something better to do?

[@jameswestley5643]

Les claypool is one of the greatest bass players of all time.

[@WhichBass]

Agreed!

[@MedicFromTF2_REAL]

Primus sucks 🤘

[@jesteronetime]

every day

[@13jorino]

Les was sick of that almost right away.

[@ratkeller9608]

Hell Yeah!

[@stereoroid]

Primus supported Rush in 1991-2, and I saw them at Wembley Arena. That was the first time I ever saw a Tune, loved the look of it, never forgot it, and ended up buying one about ten years ago. It's a 4-string TWB43, one of the lower-cost licensed ones made in Korea, though. A Made In Japan model is way beyond my budget for the foreseeable future.

[@WhichBass]

Wembley Arena?! What a show that must have been. Awesome dude. Those TUNEs do look badass, nice buy!

[@stereoroid]

Which Bass It was awesome - my first Rush gig, though not the last. I was at all six gigs on the 2004 R30 tour, and also saw them in Dublin on the 2011 Time Machine tour. Fave was prob. Manchester MEN arena in 2004, I think I was 4th row ... :-) Re the Tune - it has some issues e.g. the knobs were crap so I replaced them with gold-plated brass to match the rest of the hardware. I’m having trouble getting it set up as I like it so I’m in the process of countersinking the bridge.

[@C0untlagula]

I'd love to see you do a video on Mike Inez from Alice in chains

[@WhichBass]

Great suggestion Redhood, watch this space.

[@richardroberson2564]

Yes

[@benboo6351]

Sheesh I bought two Primus CDs in the mid 90s and then largely forgot about them. Now I have weeks of catch up listening to do... not to mention deciding what to cover on me new P bass. Les is the ultimate bass geek eh

[@WhichBass]

He is a mad genius for sure.

[@thrashtildeathmylogreece7040]

Really interesting video. What s the name of the song in your intro ? Also my recomendation for an other video would be D D Verni from Overkill

[@WhichBass]

Hey John, the song is called Hey Sailor by letter box. You can find it for free in the KZbin audio library.

[@BostonDeadHead]

Les is a music god. I listened to Primus in 89 became a huge fan. But I was also on dead tour the majority of my life. So while at gathering of the vibes a music fest in Connecticut. Les played and came out with at the the time Rat brigade a combination of Bob weir's rat dog (a grateful Dead spin off band with Jay from Primus on drums. I couldn't believe what I was seeing my two favorite bands joining. Up. Which next year in 01 would become Colonel claypool's fearless flying frog Brigade. That's when I hit the road and the rest is history.

[@adampaterson1890]

Would love to see a video for Al Cisneros (Sleep, OM). He has a killer set-up, really interesting technique and most importantly, earth shattering tone!

[@WhichBass]

Al has been suggested a few times, I hope to get to him one day.

[@NullStaticVoid]

Ric, Green amp. Done.

[@setheast2773]

Tales from the punchbowl is by far my favorite album.... He's very you need it just has such a good jam to it and that was the year I saw them live so maybe it just stuck with me... The 90s I learned how to play every single song on that album just about

[@agungandy836]

Awesome dude, great video

[@WhichBass]

Thank you Andy, glad you enjoyed it.

[@agungandy836]

@@WhichBass can you do royal blood gear, thanks

[@WhichBass]

Royal blood is a great suggestion, I'll see what I can do.

[@agungandy836]

@@WhichBass cheers mate

[@peteytwofinger]

lets see - roger waters , john entwistle , geddy lee , victor wooten , chris squire , tony levin , bill wyman , phil lesh , mike watt , phil lynott , roger glover , carol kaye , bootsie collins , john paul jones , jaco . ok you have your work cut out for you . enjoy the channel so much . you really do a wonderful job of clearly delivering the info . great job sir .

[@perkele8341]

"padauk...padauk...padauk?"

[@LageYouTube]

perkele

[@codycarden2732]

That's so crazy. I always thought his 4 string Carlthompson looked so bad ass.

[@WhichBass]

It's pretty cool! Wouldn't say it was ugly.

[@Brandon-pf9wg]

please do geddy lee/john paul jones

[@WhichBass]

Geddy Lee Is higgghh up on my list Papa B. Watch this space. JPJ too should make an appearance at some point.

[@InfiniteRhombus]

its been done geddy lee doesn't really use a whole lot of basses, he used a rickenbacker then he used a steinberger/WAL and then a fender jazz bass.

[@bassistwithadeathwish7277]

@@WhichBass Do Chris Squire!

[@RastaSaiyaman]

About the Zeta electric upright: "over the falls" is from "the brown album" and when Les Bought the bass that song wasn't even written.

[@aaronrosselet878]

Great video man! I subbed :) could you please please do a a vid on Phil Lesh from the grateful dead or Mike Gordon from phish? That would be AWESOME!

[@WhichBass]

Thank you Aaron! I've put them both on the list. I'll see what I can find.

[@skeeter197140]

Also, the Rainbow bass was damaged, and the upper horn was removed during the video for Jerry Was a Racecar Driver. Check it out for a peep of it. I believe it was repaired afterwards, as you can see it in live stuff later.

[@WhichBass]

Yeah, I read that too, something about the balance being off and Les didn't like it. Carl Thompson then asked why he wasn't playing the bass.

[@ukguitarnoodle]

Primus sucks

[@WhichBass]

Hell yeah they do

[@blastpit39]

Damn right

[@SusuReedJango]

Sucks like a baby calf on a bottle they do

[@MedicFromTF2_REAL]

They suck more than a black hole

[@thelovinglamp2719]

Which Bass you obviously don’t understand why primus exists Les, in a later interview, described the band as a bunch of guys just having some fun

[@mattgodwin8852]

Awesome! been a claypool fan for nigh on 20 years now, an I have been loving this channel. Learnt a lot about some of my favourite players equipment so thanks for putting in all this reseach so we don't have to :) had no idea about the Ibanez story! its pretty crazy- I know he played bass for his school jazz band so i guess a Ric would be a terrible fit for that, but that sales person must have talked himself out of a butt-load of commission since the price difference between an 80's ibanez and even a second hand Ric had to have been like a grand! Like I say, good job. Do have a few things to add/aped/correct/whatever: - You list frizzle fry as a live show: it wasn't. - read a 90's bass player interview with les where he tells the story of the primary: that he thought it was butt ugly, until he saw who made it. As soon as he realised it was the same guy who made stanley clarke's 'school days' bass an tried it out, he begged his step-father for a load which he spent years 'mowin lawns and pulling weeds' (as the song hats off says) to pay it back. didn't say how old he was, but i guess still a kid if he is borrowing money from the folks and mowing lawns for it - either way, he played the primary in 'blind illusion' which was his bay-area funk thrash group before primus. it was also the one he used in the first iteration of primus with Jay lane and Todd Huth (1988) - you list les as playing 'over the falls' on the seas of cheese tour: it was a brown album song. if you know of them playing it that early, id love to know. it would be a cool trivia thingy if they had held onto it for that long. he was still playing that old electric-upright on the brown album tour - As far as I know you have the jazz bass order switched: his primary was the white one and the red was a backup (at least he used the white pretty much exclusively for Rhinoplasty and all the live stuff I have seen from that era - awakening etc.) - I was sure that he went straight to the NS 5 string without ever owning a 4 (though im not 100%). he definitely had the 5 for oysterhead and the inaugural new years show of the frog brigade. Probably nit-picks, but I though't i'd share. that said, again, great show. keep up the awesome work :)

[@craigmoran893]

The Ibanez Musician was a real surprise for me, (a big Primus fan from way back, even played in a Primus cover band) I have an awesome 6-string Warwick Dolphin copy, but along the way I found a Yellow P+J Ibanez musician, and it's an awesome bass - plays like butter! A better choice, I think, for slap and such, than a Ricky. Cheers.

[@WhichBass]

Hey Matt, great comment. I won't go through all your points as we'll be here all day! I insinuated that Over The Falls was recording in 92/93 but I meant that when Over the falls came out, Les used the Zeta. With me? I'm also sure Les used a 4 string NS, I just can't find the bloody video link gah! >.< I'm certain there was a period where Les was using the NS4 for a brief period after the Zeta. It was in live shows at the time. Glad you liked the video over all :D

[@joshuagoodger2451]

Please do Matt Freeman of Operation Ivy and Rancid.

[@WhichBass]

I'm getting a lot of love for Matt, I'll see what I can do ;)

[@joshuagoodger2451]

Which Bass Thanks! Your info is unmatched, I’m looking forward to it!

[@WhichBass]

Thank you very much NearRedunant, I try not to disappoint ;)

[@Ross_gitar_bas]

Carl Thompson Basses are like the wands from Harry Potter The Bass Choses the Player

[@Gears1Fan]

PRIMUS SUCKS!!!

[@andrewpappas9311]

Gears1Fan Damn right they do

[@heftyalan1152]

Gears1Fan He can certainly play the bass though

[@SubBubz]

@@heftyalan1152 he can. But it's a running gag to say primus sucks. It actually means primus is awesome.

[@heftyalan1152]

Fred Parrish Glad I didn't say anything negative then :) . I am a punk so my favourite bass player is Big Matt but saw Primus years ago and the rhythm section of Les and Tim Alexander on drums was very impressive. I had seen Tim Alexander before and what a beast and he knew his rudiments.

[@yxngkillaproductions1490]

Gears1Fan u suck

[@ar-sithf.austin3744]

Geezus. The fact you were able to break all this down makes me feel like you're totally lost in a time portal that let you see it all at once.

[@ar-sithf.austin3744]

Good job...! ?

[@WhichBass]

Thanks Sith. Yes, some say I do possess such powers ;)

[@AngryJT]

That's one confusing looking lady.

[@WhichBass]

Think you got the wrong video babe.

[@josephjantz7182]

As of summer 2018, Les has started to use a Hanewinckel 6-string as well. Primarily for the 6-string parts of the new album.

[@WhichBass]

Yes! Another viewer showed me, it's a good looking bass.

[@jphi1000]

Great video!! Glad you're back. I'm sure the research for these takes a while, especially with bassists like Les. Keep up the good work!!

[@WhichBass]

Thank you JPHI :D Glad to have you back watching too! Research takes a very long time. Sorry for the wait! I want to make sure it's accurate otherwise it would be nothing special. Thank you again, see you on the next!

[@benrechakiewicz3594]

Great docu again mate👏. Les is the bass god😆 saw him earlier this year in Melbourne Australia doing their primus tour with Ler and Tim awesome gig 🤘. His six string rainbow bass is sexy🤣

[@WhichBass]

Thank you Ben! Good to see you back. Ah man that must have been quite a show! :D

[@fenderjazz6213]

It's been a while young man..but damn it was well worth it..fantastic post...another gentleman I would like to see you do would be Patrick Ohearn.. It's great to see the progress in production you've made since your first..peace

[@WhichBass]

Mr Fender J, good to see you back sir. Thank you for the kind comment. I've put Patrick O'Hearn on the list and hopefully I can get to someone you do want to see soon! I think the improvement from the 1st vid to this one is ridiculous, I didn't know I had it in me! Here's to the next! Nice to see you again :D

[@nicolas.grisanti]

Great video man! I was looking for this one, Les is my favorite bass player

[@WhichBass]

Awesome Nicolas, I hope I done Les justice and you learned something!

[@themoops811]

He tells the story about buying his first Carl Thompson in the book 'Brave New Bass', I'll have to try and dig it out

[@filemakerpro4050]

From an article in the early 1990s East Bay Guardian, Les indicated that right after Herb joined the band he (somehow) broke the neck off the main CT bass. Just thought I’d add that but of trivia.

[@WhichBass]

Ooo interesting, do you have a link to the article? I'd like it for my collection.

[@Jedimanager]

You missed where he was doing projects like Gathering of the Vibes 2007 (A Tribute to Jerry Garcia) He was playing with Bob Weir and Rat Dog. Couple of people came out and jammed with him. Was some good shows

[@FalconBushcraft]

Awesome man cant wait for part 2!

[@WhichBass]

I'll publish as soon as I can!

[@1bluegrassbass]

I am surprised there was no mention of the side project Sausage - Riddles are abound tonight ! Sausage was the original Primus lineup , the album was released in 1994 !! It is absolutely amazing , and has such a great sound ! If you haven't heard it please check it out !!! The original version of "Toys go winding down" aka Toys ( 1988 ) is trippy as hell !!

[@scottpolston6137]

Les is cool man love his attitude and dude is hilarious when pissed off

[@andybaker9356]

There is one bass you forgot to mention and it’s his Hanewinckel 6 String Fretless, he’s been using for live shows in 2018.

[@WhichBass]

Oooo show me a pic?

[@andybaker9356]

Which Bass instagram.com/p/BkGsp2yljG0/?igshid=zc11wm3w19is

[@itsonlymusic1]

Some mistakes. 1. The bass from DMV is actually a CT from the 70s made for Stanley Clarke. I believe Carl claims it was the first 6string he ever made. 2. "Over the falls" didn't come out til 1997. That electric upright was for "Sailing the seas of cheese".

[@WhichBass]

#1 Is trivia more more than a mistake and I don't believe I said it was the 1st 6 string bass ever made. #2 The Zeta was used on Over The Falls ... When it was recorded in 1997, not 1992.

[@itsonlymusic1]

I was trying to point out in #1 that you said it was a "new" 6string. I never stated that you claimed it was the" first ever made". Carl claims that it was the 1st 6er he ever made. As to #2, see your video at min 4:01

[@itsonlymusic1]

Overall, a great video.

[@SashankDas]

Could not click on this quickly enough! Impressively detailed video, and it's great to finally know how to pronounce 'padouk.' ;)

[@WhichBass]

Haha thanks Shashank! Yeah, Padauk and Pachyderm ... they're sneaky ones XD

[@johnprice9699]

Good work... Appreciate your research, keep it up!

[@WhichBass]

Thanks John! Glad to have you watching.

[@lsb2623]

Fuck the cliches... Primus is AWESOME! Just saw them a year ago, probably for the last time. I hate going to concerts now. But if it was my last, it would be a great one! The Brain era is a little fuzzy to me... I was very young and really high... but overall I just love it all!!! Favorites? Del Davis, Blue Collar Tweekers, Pressman, Southbound Pachyderm, fuck... add all their popular tracks and another dozen others!

[@tylink555]

Hey man! I really dig your videos. They are really informative! You should look into doing a Geddy Lee, Roger Waters, Victor Wooten, Jaco Pastorious, or Lemmy Kilmeister vid!

[@WhichBass]

Hey Tylink, thank you for the comment, I've put your suggestions on my list and I'll see what I can find. I will say ... Someone will make an appearance after Les Claypool ;)

[@vgbassistkarvur]

This video is absolutely awesome! Thank you for sharing this information! Killer editing too!

[@WhichBass]

Thank you Karvur, I appreciate the comment!

[@Gribbous]

Great video! Right from the start I could tell I was going to learn something new.... but I wasnt expecting to laugh at some great humour. Love your work. Cheers bruv.

[@WhichBass]

Haha thanks so much Gibbous, I appreciate the comment. It's also great to hear someone has a similar humour to my own, you better sub and come back!

[@Gribbous]

Alright ya got me

[@qrqrqr0515]

Dude this video is great! Must've taken a long time to do all the research. Cheers.

[@WhichBass]

Thank you TheMonster, you have no idea sir, glad you enjoyed it :D

[@miky8788]

this is a great job sir !!

[@WhichBass]

Thank you Milky. Glad you enjoyed it.