Interview with Carl Thompson, famous luthier (but don't call him that!), about his life and work.
Пікірлер: 270
@cerealexperiments81893 жыл бұрын
"This is the first bass I ever made." Pulls out the most gorgeous bass guitar.
@lawrencebyrdsong75702 жыл бұрын
Indeed
@ckmoore101 Жыл бұрын
That bass was the most basic, beautiful bass I have seen. He has an amazing eye.
@neon_man90994 жыл бұрын
my favorite part of this by far, is the box labeled “wooden shit you can maybe use”
@philanaemic3 жыл бұрын
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. 😆
@glb50533 жыл бұрын
@@philanaemic Do you have any finished pieces?
@MrKikoboy3 жыл бұрын
Nope - it's " I hang out with beautiful ladies and that's more important than all this shit'....
@TheChadPad3 жыл бұрын
@@glb5053 Nope, there's just a rack full of wooden shit other people can maybe use
@raulbarillaii60803 жыл бұрын
4:13
@lucasimmons0753 жыл бұрын
"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 Жыл бұрын
I’m entirely confused how those are words of a true artist.
@jackshittle Жыл бұрын
@@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 Жыл бұрын
@@profile2047 I don't think you would get it then
@nunyabidnez7857 Жыл бұрын
@@profile2047 Shh! You're not supposed to question it! It's part of the mystique!! 🤣
@raddastronaut Жыл бұрын
And we all still want them the same.
@zacharyjones840011 ай бұрын
“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!
@zellecaster85803 жыл бұрын
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.
@bigal18633 жыл бұрын
Please pass on the regards of this grateful bassist
@pilummurialis64902 жыл бұрын
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-vp9fz2 жыл бұрын
@@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 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
@@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!
@bigbass4213 жыл бұрын
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.
@JangoMike3 жыл бұрын
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
@honkytonkinson97873 жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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.
@drewdemien4813 жыл бұрын
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-vp9fz3 жыл бұрын
Why not five, if youre at that XD
@drewdemien4813 жыл бұрын
@@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
@leketeke103 жыл бұрын
Her it is you 5th tumb up
@UncommonSense.3 жыл бұрын
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.
@McMillanScottish3 жыл бұрын
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?"
@peterhess26103 жыл бұрын
I finally found out what kind of bass les claypool plays. I wish people like Carl could live forever. They are very rare indeed.
@Randscorporation3 жыл бұрын
“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.
@rudybigboote38833 жыл бұрын
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!
@TheChadPad3 жыл бұрын
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
@YogsenForfoth2 жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
I had never heard of this gentleman, but I became an instant fan.
@Teraflopp3 жыл бұрын
This guy looks like the Toy Story restorator
@mauriciogutierrez93403 жыл бұрын
This sir *
@carlosdrfx3 жыл бұрын
The Pixar ‘Chess game’ short.
@davidgarrett47963 жыл бұрын
You can't rush art!
@pooshaw18932 жыл бұрын
holy shit lol
@oopsydaizi3s824 Жыл бұрын
“For display only”
@markdisanzo37963 жыл бұрын
I'm ashamed to say, as a bass player, that I've not heard of Carl Thompson. This is a wonderful vid.
@JakeAdair4 жыл бұрын
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!
@roccovolpendesta70323 жыл бұрын
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.
@mhlevy3 жыл бұрын
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.
@JangoMike3 жыл бұрын
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?
@glb50533 жыл бұрын
I wouldn't mind seeing it myself.
@lucasgrant24 жыл бұрын
Amazing stuff, my dream bass would certainly be a CT.
@Harley_Gazzard4 жыл бұрын
Same dude
@SvenTviking3 жыл бұрын
I would have thought Alembic would be up there?
@ogmudbone23343 жыл бұрын
@@SvenTviking CT, Fodera, Alembic.
@ianrreedthe3rd4 жыл бұрын
"More important I hang out with beautiful ladies". Fucking legend, Idol, and inspiration.
@briansong71375 жыл бұрын
Wow, Carl Thompson is a legend and I wish more could see this!
@jmpsthrufyre4 жыл бұрын
I wish I could see more of this or his working in the shop
@charrtrd3 жыл бұрын
February 5th 2021, of all days to find out about someone its on their 82nd birthday, Happy Birthday Carl!
@keefer883 жыл бұрын
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.
@DevinJuularValentine3 жыл бұрын
I feel the same way!
@THX-vp9fz3 жыл бұрын
Just ask one of these timetraveling bots from our future to hand you some secretly taken weeklong footage
@colinbanning9416 Жыл бұрын
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-Ignorance3 жыл бұрын
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_music32203 жыл бұрын
4:12 "Wooden Shit You Can Maybe Use" --- my next album title, I called it!
@thehumanhopes31783 жыл бұрын
His "first bass" is everything i am ever looking for in a bass...🤝
@jonnya34253 жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
Seems like a very cool musician and luthier and no doubt has great stories to tell, musically and otherwise. Great upload
@audieconrad89953 жыл бұрын
One of the most inspiring vids I've seen on KZbin.
@deesupyo9620 Жыл бұрын
Happy that I ran across this 7 years later. Thank you.
@cristovaopt3 жыл бұрын
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.
@isetta40833 жыл бұрын
One of the best and most unique bass builders EVER, he often downplays how important he is to the world of basses.
@MWL44663 жыл бұрын
Thank you Mr. Thompson. You have enriched this mean old world in great artistic ways !!
@KimSE43 жыл бұрын
What a smashing film about an amazing artist and craftsman. This is 9m13s of pure pleasure. Thank you!
@Daddy537514 жыл бұрын
Just to sweep up his shop and be able to watch a true master of his craft work, would be amazing!
@JangoMike4 жыл бұрын
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.
@andrewturnbull58973 жыл бұрын
F Bass is the best.
@JangoMike3 жыл бұрын
@@andrewturnbull5897 George and Marcell are great guys and FBass is fantastic instrument....but its no CT and they respect Carls work immensly.
@chasmenear71303 жыл бұрын
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!
@waynefarrellvoiceovers3 жыл бұрын
Could listen to him all day.
@benwagner47414 жыл бұрын
6:22 wow... that guitar is absolutely beautiful
@robertforrester5783 жыл бұрын
Just plain old good work. The interview, the craftsman, the production, all around good work. Thanks from Philly
@fongy200 Жыл бұрын
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.
@bgjobass3 жыл бұрын
Sheer inspiration listening to Carl espousing his wisdom. Love it.
@click3k3 жыл бұрын
Happy birthday!🎸
@kiezersosay496 ай бұрын
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.
@chrisburnham11582 жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
"if you can get up and do it...get up and do it." words to live by
@charliemcdougall Жыл бұрын
Bravo! Wonderful portrait of a genius luthier.
@patrickkoenigsfeld1253 Жыл бұрын
Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful! Well done. What a great tribute to a beautiful human!!
@jplater91913 жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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
@offbeatbassgear3 жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
I want that bass he’s playing it can’t see it but I can hear it. Carl. You sir are and absolute legend.
@MrIkesimba3 жыл бұрын
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
@fortunatoofamontillado10593 жыл бұрын
Cool story
@cosimokeita4072 Жыл бұрын
Beatiful person. We need more Carl in this planet.
@thomengel97203 жыл бұрын
I like when he said he never made a bass for this artist or the next, he made them for Carl Thompson!
@athmaid3 жыл бұрын
Such a character lol. No bullshitting around, just his honest opinions. What you do with them is up to you. Love that
@nevkarma3 жыл бұрын
30 yr old mans voice and candor coming out of a near octogenarian in this clip amazing
@TiminNFL10 ай бұрын
An absolute treasure…thank you Carl.
@MaliVinnyB3 жыл бұрын
I'm Glad I Watched!! THNX!
@marshallross3373 Жыл бұрын
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.
@paulsimmons57263 жыл бұрын
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!
@andrelunaisatuna3 жыл бұрын
I already knew who that was from just the thumbnail. Having a CT is a long term life goal for me
@cracy27865 ай бұрын
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
@peachmelba10003 жыл бұрын
This guy is the fucking _man_ ! Such an inspiration to a new luthier like me.
@nojuanatall3281 Жыл бұрын
His designs are just incredible.
@frishdaw3 жыл бұрын
Absolute legend. Great interview
@philippgrunert87763 жыл бұрын
The fact He Made These quality Basses in that time ist ridiculous. Never Heard of hin before. Simply awesome
@philippgrunert87763 жыл бұрын
@@Peter-ff1tp the fact Leo Fender got His inventions right the First time is ridiculous. They are Just perfect.
@AmatriceBand3 жыл бұрын
Thank you Carl.
@joeltudor5219663 жыл бұрын
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!!!
@shruggie13 жыл бұрын
Fantastic in Everyway.
@TheHorrorFreak4 жыл бұрын
Such a cool thing to see. Can’t wait to on one of his basses soon. Thanks for sharing
@felipenicholls6434 Жыл бұрын
Wooow what a beautiful artist! Good bless Him 🙏
@sylviewheeler6237 Жыл бұрын
Wow ! What a beautiful person ! Everything soulful!
@thakahv56873 жыл бұрын
Thank you, sir!
@foadrightnow57253 жыл бұрын
What an awesome inspiring story! I'm sure he's got a LOT of interesting and fascinating tales to tell!
@lelandsklar6363 Жыл бұрын
I had one of his piccolo basses and it was wonderful. He is a most gifted luthier............
@CossoRorsa Жыл бұрын
Absolutely. John Carruthers actually built my fretless 5 - he probably deserves a similar treatment.
@salkinfamilychiropractic31422 жыл бұрын
Love this guy!!!
@mattryan68863 жыл бұрын
The Stanley Clark piccolo bass story was awesome 😎 that guy from New Orleans got a crazy surprise
@adamkorekach9936 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
Got to check out Carl at the local Brooklyn joints. A true NYC experience.
@RodCornholio Жыл бұрын
Class...from the master, to the instrument. You can see it and hear it.
@dr.thunder48453 жыл бұрын
You are a cool dude Carl Thompson.
@yeshuaislord3058 Жыл бұрын
Ive wanted a Carl thompson bass for so long. they are amazing
@darkySp3 жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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.
@SkyDawg913 жыл бұрын
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!
@terrypussypower3 жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
If you can do it, get up and do it, because a lot of people can't. Wise words.
@dominicbarbucci93493 жыл бұрын
A master and humble.
@L4sleeko3 жыл бұрын
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.
@martinheath59473 жыл бұрын
What an absolutely brilliant story and what a legend!
@namebrandmason3 жыл бұрын
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_Math3 жыл бұрын
What a likeable man!
@SeniorMojo3 жыл бұрын
Amazing
@AndreaAustoni3 жыл бұрын
He looks like Geri from "Geri's Game".
@TheEnderBand3 жыл бұрын
Can’t you just picture him working on an instrument like the scene in Toy Story 2 where he fixes Woody
@AndreaAustoni3 жыл бұрын
@@TheEnderBand never seen the movies, only the short
@pskemster3 жыл бұрын
Thoroughly enjoyed that!
@Meddled3 жыл бұрын
A true artist at work. His thoughts at the end about motivation behind his work seem stunningly pure.
@WDXash5 ай бұрын
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 😊