The Stradivari of the Electric Bass

Interview with Carl Thompson, famous luthier (but don't call him that!), about his life and work.

[@cerealexperiments8189]

"This is the first bass I ever made." Pulls out the most gorgeous bass guitar.

[@lawrencebyrdsong7570]

Indeed

[@ckmoore101]

That bass was the most basic, beautiful bass I have seen. He has an amazing eye.

[@neon_man9099]

my favorite part of this by far, is the box labeled “wooden shit you can maybe use”

[@philanaemic]

I've only been building for less than 6 months and I've already got a dustbin filled with wooden shit I can maybe use. 😆

[@glb5053]

@@philanaemic Do you have any finished pieces?

[@MrKikoboy]

Nope - it's " I hang out with beautiful ladies and that's more important than all this shit'....

[@TheChadPad]

@@glb5053 Nope, there's just a rack full of wooden shit other people can maybe use

[@raulbarillaii6080]

4:13

[@lucasimmons075]

"I didn't build a bass for Stanley Clarke, or Les Claypool, either. I didn't make any guitars for Lou Reed or Hank Williams or anybody. I make those for Carl Thompson." The words of a true artist

[@profile2047]

I’m entirely confused how those are words of a true artist.

[@jackshittle]

@@profile2047 He's saying that he's not creating the instrument for approval, critical acclaim or to get noticed & receive publicity for it. He's doing it for his own gratification & if someone thinks it's cool then great. If not - that's great too.

[@mx7859]

@@profile2047 I don't think you would get it then

[@nunyabidnez7857]

​@@profile2047 Shh! You're not supposed to question it! It's part of the mystique!! 🤣

[@raddastronaut]

And we all still want them the same.

[@zacharyjones8400]

“What’s the best tone wood?” “I don’t have the slightest idea, and neither does anyone else!” Such truth, such wisdom I love it!

[@zellecaster8580]

Carl is my neighbor in Brooklyn. Saw him around forever and just said hi. Finally I wanted to know what he was about so I talked to him. So glad I did that, he so cool, sweet man who has such knowledge and humility. Great and talented guy.

[@bigal1863]

Please pass on the regards of this grateful bassist

[@pilummurialis6490]

I want to say that I love how Carl makes those who have bass orders, come into his shop and actually work for him, I would love to do that with a Luthier and really get an understanding of what work goes into guitar and bass building, cause videos don't do enough

[@THX-vp9fz]

@@pilummurialis6490 If youre a beginner, you wouldnt believe how much knowledge is in an instrument. But youre on a good way, youre thirsty.

[@JK-zq9vw]

I could use a couple months of just being off in the corner of his shop. Not to copy his skill or learn his trade but just as a buddy. I’ve been dealing with a severe lower spine injury for well over a decade. It doesn’t happen over night, but slowly over the first few years you lose all your work buddies. Then you good friends don’t call you or come around as much. Then it’s family. See they will tell you they want you around and invite you at first. Then the little things that may make it a bit more difficult for them eat away at them. Till you give in because you don’t want to see those looks people make when they have to change stuff because of you. Then the looks from people in public.. now the self inflicted isolation starts. I have tried to get out of it but I never fully.

[@UNUSUALUSERNAME220]

@@JK-zq9vw JK, if you know a trade or have a skill there are mentorship programs in many places. It's the only thing that I can think to say buddy, it just seems like you need to be around someone and have some activity. Getting hurt sucks! I've been there. I offered my services at the local Community College, and I was very fortunate that the man that ran the department was a decent human being. A smart person will take advantage of skill and knowledge where ever they can find it. Sounds like you have a curiosity around the trades, look around at the local schools they want people to teach or just mentor. I took a welding course, I knew how to weld already. The man who taught the course was a Master Welder, he volunteered his time at the local High School and taught the welding class at night. I learned how to weld better, from a Master Welder! Keep your chin up. Find something that interests you, and make it a new pursuit. Hell, just take a course. Everyday is just another day where something else is being taken away from you, you can't stop it. Keep your brain moving, when your body can't anymore. Stephen Hawking, that guy teaches through his eyes. Through his eye movement man! Build your brain, learn something new everyday! Small steps. I learned a new word today, OFF YOU GO! It can take you somewhere new. Try man, just try. You'll be OK!

[@bigbass421]

Carl made me a bass in 1976. Left handed scroll model- Serial number 10676. I stupidly modified it, and it got broken while traveling, leading to it being lost it to a thief while on the road in Rochester, N.Y. in 1991. Today, I've been repairing and occasionally basses and guitars since just before that bass was built. I repair string basses as well. Carl Thompson, had more influence on my life, than he'll ever know. In my short time hanging out in his shop on Court St., I learned things you can't learn in Luthier's schools. He was capable, as so few are- of speaking volumes in a few words. Many of those remain with me..almost every time I'm at my bench. God Bless you, Carl.

[@JangoMike]

Do you have any picturss of the Bass and the Serial number? If you do get it to Aaron who runs the website. We have been collecting and gathering as many photos as possible to catalog Carls work

[@honkytonkinson9787]

I know a luthier in my town like that. If you're willing to learn, and he likes you, he'll talk your ear off about guitars and amps. Eventually you learn how to fix some things and maybe one day I'll try to build something

[@fongy200]

I just commented, he made one for my Dad, God rest his soul. I would have to check what the SN is though. You can tell it's bespoke.

[@drewdemien481]

My new hero. "I build to my standards", has been my personal motto, and always will be. I really needed to have heard someone else finally say that. Four thumbs up

[@THX-vp9fz]

Why not five, if youre at that XD

[@drewdemien481]

@@THX-vp9fz aw man...do I have to really? Because that would imply my penis looks also thumb like...and life hands me another lemon... DAMN YOU!!! 4 Thumbs, and a slightly frisky richard. No, it wasn't arousing... 2 thumbs, 2 bigtoes that are thumblike. I stand unanimous!!! See what ya did? Hahahha

[@leketeke10]

Her it is you 5th tumb up

[@UncommonSense.]

This man is cool as fuck, smart as fuck and true to his word. The fact he plays bass as well is just the cherry on his cake.

[@McMillanScottish]

6:08 - "that's the first piccolo bass ever made" - I was immediately imagining the guy thinking, "yeah, but can you tear it up and make it how I want it?"

[@peterhess2610]

I finally found out what kind of bass les claypool plays. I wish people like Carl could live forever. They are very rare indeed.

[@Randscorporation]

“If you can get up and do it, get up and do it. Because a lot of people can’t” Great quote and great mindset. Seems like such a humble guy that obviously loves what he does.

[@rudybigboote3883]

I am a bass luthier hobbyist and Carl is one of my heroes! I hope to still be building basses when I am as young as Carl!

[@TheChadPad]

His bass tone sounds like butter. It really sounds like an upright bass. I believe he knows what he's doing. That's a cool cat. A true craftsman

[@YogsenForfoth]

I discovered Primus when I was about 8 or 9 years old, and not long after I started beginning to play guitar. About a year later, I got my mom to buy me a cheap Yamaha bass for less than $200. I remember having AOL for my internet browser and I looked up what kind of bass that Les Claypool played, and that was when I first heard of Carl Thompson. What an amazing man and a absolutely singular kind of craftsman.

[@fernandes5986]

I had never heard of this gentleman, but I became an instant fan.

[@Teraflopp]

This guy looks like the Toy Story restorator

[@mauriciogutierrez9340]

This sir *

[@carlosdrfx]

The Pixar ‘Chess game’ short.

[@davidgarrett4796]

You can't rush art!

[@pooshaw1893]

holy shit lol

[@oopsydaizi3s824]

“For display only”

[@markdisanzo3796]

I'm ashamed to say, as a bass player, that I've not heard of Carl Thompson. This is a wonderful vid.

[@JakeAdair]

I really appreciate this man. He is adding true art to an instrument that sometimes needs some much-needed love. I've played one of his basses and they are just stunning. Amazing Craftsmanship. Carl should be really proud of what he is creating!

[@roccovolpendesta7032]

I made the stained glass bass hanging above Carl's work shop. I was really honored when he hung it there. Carl is a great guy and a fantastic musician. I hope to make it to one of his gigs some day.

[@mhlevy]

I've got one of Carl's earlier basses, made in December, 1975, not a scroll bass, but it's light weight and sustains forever. It has amazing tone. I've been lucky enough to talk to Carl on a few occasions, though I've never met him, but from our conversations, he's just a wonderful and kind gentleman, and from his instruments, a true artist! He really is a master at this craft, and as you can tell from this video, an excellent bassist, but what you may not know, is that he's also a wonderful teacher, both in music and his craft.

[@JangoMike]

Is your Bass on the site? Aaron catalogs as many of the Basses as we can find. Serials and Photos when available? Is your 75 CT featured?

[@glb5053]

I wouldn't mind seeing it myself.

[@lucasgrant2]

Amazing stuff, my dream bass would certainly be a CT.

[@Harley_Gazzard]

Same dude

[@SvenTviking]

I would have thought Alembic would be up there?

[@ogmudbone2334]

@@SvenTviking CT, Fodera, Alembic.

[@ianrreedthe3rd]

"More important I hang out with beautiful ladies". Fucking legend, Idol, and inspiration.

[@briansong7137]

Wow, Carl Thompson is a legend and I wish more could see this!

[@jmpsthrufyre]

I wish I could see more of this or his working in the shop

[@charrtrd]

February 5th 2021, of all days to find out about someone its on their 82nd birthday, Happy Birthday Carl!

[@keefer88]

What I would do just to watch him work for a week in person. He wouldn't even have to talk to me or acknowledge my existence. Just fantastic work.

[@DevinJuularValentine]

I feel the same way!

[@THX-vp9fz]

Just ask one of these timetraveling bots from our future to hand you some secretly taken weeklong footage

[@colinbanning9416]

Yeah, for real. Not only could he not acknowledge me in any way, he could show direct disgust with me for like. Coughing or being in his walking path. I don't care. You feel like you would learn more in one week than in a year of apprenticeship with anyone else.

[@The-Real-Blissful-Ignorance]

Videos like this are the reason I love KZbin. I've known about Carl Thompson bass guitars since the 1990s, but I never knew Carl's personal history until now. Fascinating story.

[@youpeopl_music3220]

4:12 "Wooden Shit You Can Maybe Use" --- my next album title, I called it!

[@thehumanhopes3178]

His "first bass" is everything i am ever looking for in a bass...🤝

[@jonnya3425]

Very glad this popped up in my recommended videos. Pretty inspiring. In this brave new world of safe spaces and helicopter parents I think we have lost sight of the fact that personal adversity and suffering are often the catalyst for purpose and its memory is a reminder of how far we've come and to keep pushing for the excellence we thought impossible in our darkest times.

[@jasongrenierjasongrenier]

Seems like a very cool musician and luthier and no doubt has great stories to tell, musically and otherwise. Great upload

[@audieconrad8995]

One of the most inspiring vids I've seen on KZbin.

[@deesupyo9620]

Happy that I ran across this 7 years later. Thank you.

[@cristovaopt]

Im happy that i clicked on the video, this was amazing, the way he was sitting and explaining reminds me of my grandfather he was carpenter. I feel that this gentleman has a lot to teach about life, would love to see other videos with him.

[@isetta4083]

One of the best and most unique bass builders EVER, he often downplays how important he is to the world of basses.

[@MWL4466]

Thank you Mr. Thompson. You have enriched this mean old world in great artistic ways !!

[@KimSE4]

What a smashing film about an amazing artist and craftsman. This is 9m13s of pure pleasure. Thank you!

[@Daddy53751]

Just to sweep up his shop and be able to watch a true master of his craft work, would be amazing!

[@JangoMike]

Carl is a great builder and an amazing human being. Very wise, original and unorthadox in his thinking which translates to hands down the greatest instruments on the planet. Nothing comes close to a CT or CT family of instruments.

[@andrewturnbull5897]

F Bass is the best.

[@JangoMike]

@@andrewturnbull5897 George and Marcell are great guys and FBass is fantastic instrument....but its no CT and they respect Carls work immensly.

[@chasmenear7130]

Every so often, someone comes along and does something that really has a voice. Carl's basses are a great example- and I am thankful that the world has produced artists like him. I repaired a very minor problem (NOT caused by Carl's build) on one of his instruments years ago, and was in awe of the construction! Outstanding!

[@waynefarrellvoiceovers]

Could listen to him all day.

[@benwagner4741]

6:22 wow... that guitar is absolutely beautiful

[@robertforrester578]

Just plain old good work. The interview, the craftsman, the production, all around good work. Thanks from Philly

[@fongy200]

His workshop looks as tidy as mine. I have one of Carls Bass's, my late father brought it back from the States. It's petty special.

[@bgjobass]

Sheer inspiration listening to Carl espousing his wisdom. Love it.

[@click3k]

Happy birthday!🎸

[@kiezersosay49]

I've liked JM for a bit, but i didn't know he was so passionate about bass, CT, primus/LC, and LP. Im guitarist, but i know a gear nerd nerding out when i see it. Much respect to him for using his platform for this.

[@chrisburnham1158]

I agree with everyone. Carl is a truly amazing human being. A force of nature. I’ve known of him for years but only just discovered these videos. Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@gridLAZER]

"if you can get up and do it...get up and do it." words to live by

[@charliemcdougall]

Bravo! Wonderful portrait of a genius luthier.

[@patrickkoenigsfeld1253]

Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful! Well done. What a great tribute to a beautiful human!!

[@jplater9191]

Great video! It’s people like Carl, Jens Ritter and other passionate builders, whose basses were way above my budget, who inspired me to build my own bass. Following their research it turned out a magnificent instrument!

[@restojon1]

Jens Ritter is my benchmark, when I can turn out musical art pieces like him (or Carl) I'll know that I'm in the right place

[@offbeatbassgear]

About thirty years' ago I had a chance to handle a Thompson bass at Manny's or Rudy's in NYC and it was a really incredible instrument, but what I was really struck with was the incredible balance that it had. I've never before or since played an instrument that had such perfect balance and the playability was superb. It also had a really live, wooden, acoustic tone and there were no dead spots anywhere. I'm just sorry that I'll never be able to afford one.

[@raddastronaut]

I want that bass he’s playing it can’t see it but I can hear it. Carl. You sir are and absolute legend.

[@MrIkesimba]

LOL, back in the '90s I bought a set of Fralin pickups and had a couple questions so I dialed the number on the "box", Lindy Fralin answered the phone. I felt exactly the same! Whaaaa

[@fortunatoofamontillado1059]

Cool story

[@cosimokeita4072]

Beatiful person. We need more Carl in this planet.

[@thomengel9720]

I like when he said he never made a bass for this artist or the next, he made them for Carl Thompson!

[@athmaid]

Such a character lol. No bullshitting around, just his honest opinions. What you do with them is up to you. Love that

[@nevkarma]

30 yr old mans voice and candor coming out of a near octogenarian in this clip amazing

[@TiminNFL]

An absolute treasure…thank you Carl.

[@MaliVinnyB]

I'm Glad I Watched!! THNX!

[@marshallross3373]

Wow. What a story. I really respect his attitude on life. Clearly the pain in his early days motivates his passion for music and work ethic ever since. In his tale, there's a theme of finding your way in life while taking on opportunities that present themselves, and being prepared for them when they happen.

[@paulsimmons5726]

Great interview, this guy's really cool. His list of clients would be astounding if he ever wrote a biography. Yeah, great video, thanks for sharing!

[@andrelunaisatuna]

I already knew who that was from just the thumbnail. Having a CT is a long term life goal for me

[@cracy2786]

What I would give to have a full conversation with him about his work and how it has shaped my love for music and the bass guitar

[@peachmelba1000]

This guy is the fucking _man_ ! Such an inspiration to a new luthier like me.

[@nojuanatall3281]

His designs are just incredible.

[@frishdaw]

Absolute legend. Great interview

[@philippgrunert8776]

The fact He Made These quality Basses in that time ist ridiculous. Never Heard of hin before. Simply awesome

[@philippgrunert8776]

@@Peter-ff1tp the fact Leo Fender got His inventions right the First time is ridiculous. They are Just perfect.

[@AmatriceBand]

Thank you Carl.

[@joeltudor521966]

Carl is one of a kind! He's an artist more than a luthier which is really gifted in giving a "voice" to the beautiful instruments he crafts. Soon is going to be our birthday (Feb. 5th), so cheers man!!!

[@shruggie1]

Fantastic in Everyway.

[@TheHorrorFreak]

Such a cool thing to see. Can’t wait to on one of his basses soon. Thanks for sharing

[@felipenicholls6434]

Wooow what a beautiful artist! Good bless Him 🙏

[@sylviewheeler6237]

Wow ! What a beautiful person ! Everything soulful!

[@thakahv5687]

Thank you, sir!

[@foadrightnow5725]

What an awesome inspiring story! I'm sure he's got a LOT of interesting and fascinating tales to tell!

[@lelandsklar6363]

I had one of his piccolo basses and it was wonderful. He is a most gifted luthier............

[@CossoRorsa]

Absolutely. John Carruthers actually built my fretless 5 - he probably deserves a similar treatment.

[@salkinfamilychiropractic3142]

Love this guy!!!

[@mattryan6886]

The Stanley Clark piccolo bass story was awesome 😎 that guy from New Orleans got a crazy surprise

[@adamkorekach9936]

He was born in Pitcairn, Pennsylvania! I never knew that. Heck, I drive through Pitcairn every other week on my way to my brother’s shop in Trafford.

[@paulthomasbranda7591]

Got to check out Carl at the local Brooklyn joints. A true NYC experience.

[@RodCornholio]

Class...from the master, to the instrument. You can see it and hear it.

[@dr.thunder4845]

You are a cool dude Carl Thompson.

[@yeshuaislord3058]

Ive wanted a Carl thompson bass for so long. they are amazing

[@darkySp]

It's very interesting how his instruments vary so much, sometimes almost like a completely different instrument, yet it always looks like a Carl Thompson. Not even the headstocks are the same all the time, or the horns or the body or the wood selections.

[@brajkraft]

He looks like something out of a pixar animation and he touches my heart like one. Don´t care if that sounds corny, im right and you know it.

[@SkyDawg91]

Would absolutely love to hear some Duane stories from Mr. Carl Thompson. I never knew he worked on Duane's stuff. Can't find any record of it, either!

[@terrypussypower]

Why have I never heard of this guy! I’ve seen these amazing instruments in loads of player’s hands but never knew who built them until today.

[@curiouspaul8876]

In the late 1970's I was able to hold an unamplified, basic looking electric bass made by Carl Thompson. I lightly touched the E string and it spoke instantly, the entire instrument vibrated! It was truly alive.

[@theescapecommittee3620]

If you can do it, get up and do it, because a lot of people can't. Wise words.

[@dominicbarbucci9349]

A master and humble.

[@L4sleeko]

Interesting, Tal Farlow started out on Ukulele as well. 😎👌 I like what you said a 7:46 about bringing something into people’s lives. I’m a jeweler by trade and have made pieces for some of my favorite musicians including members of the NY Philharmonic, a famous lady electric bassist 😍 and others. Pro gratis of course. I just send off a piece I’ve made for them with a note of thanks. When they want to know why, I tell them that over the years they’ve given me the pleasure of hearing their gifts. Now I wanted to do something for them. As a result, there is a complete connection between us instead of just one way.

[@martinheath5947]

What an absolutely brilliant story and what a legend!

[@namebrandmason]

I got to play a Carl Thompson bass at summer NAMM 2001. It had a "Lightwave " pickup and a poplar top with green mineral streaks. It was shockingly light and had something like a 37" scale. I didn't even notice the extended scale until they told me.

[@Sergio_Math]

What a likeable man!

[@SeniorMojo]

Amazing

[@AndreaAustoni]

He looks like Geri from "Geri's Game".

[@TheEnderBand]

Can’t you just picture him working on an instrument like the scene in Toy Story 2 where he fixes Woody

[@AndreaAustoni]

@@TheEnderBand never seen the movies, only the short

[@pskemster]

Thoroughly enjoyed that!

[@Meddled]

A true artist at work. His thoughts at the end about motivation behind his work seem stunningly pure.

[@WDXash]

Isn’t absolutely incredible what one can find here? This has been on here for 8 years and it’s the first time I’ve ever seen it despite me being a regular gold nugget hunter. I suppose that’s the correct analogy, I’m digging for those nuggets and tonight I found one. Bliss 😊