Networks

Introduction

Playing out for 33 years now! Bass is my main instrument but I also play guitar, mandolin, and keys AND SING! Had a great time last night playing bass along with Les, Chris, Hank, Art, and a few others at Benchwarmers! Keep up the good work group!

What level guitarist are you? (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert)

I would say I am an advanced bassist, some others might say I am an expert...been playing bass since 1978. My guitar skills probably fall in the advanced level and keyboard skills most likely fall in the intermediate level. I just started on the mandolin this year.

Where did you find out about the Baltimore Guitarist Group? If from a member, please put their name.

I have known about this group for some time now after running into the group at what used to be the Little Falls II bar on Belair road (now The Horse You?) Recently got better acquainted with some of the gang at Benchwarmers in Middle River. Thanks to Les, Mike, Hank, Chris, Art, and a few others for making me feel so welcome!

What is your favorite guitar that you own?

Tough to pick among Fender American California Series Fat Strat & Taylor 410 CE as far as the six strings go. I like my favorite basses for different reasons. A sweet Fender Amercian Jazz Deluxe which is a great all-around bass for many types of music. It has wide tonal range and active EQ so I can dial in anything from a bright treble tone to a "dub" bass reggae tone, even almost like an upright. A '76 P-Bass has classic tone that you hear on the great rock and roll recordings through the years and really cuts through the mix. I recently was given an acoustic bass (early) for my birthday. It's a Dean Exotica Quited Ash Acoustic/Electric. I've played every acoustic bass that I've seen and had the opportunity to "give a tickle". This Dean is well worth every single penny of the full retail price, and at $371 out the door at Guitar Center, couldn't be more pleased. Huge thanks and much love to my mate Judy for making it happen! If I had to pick just one, it would be the Jazz bass.

What guitar do you wish you owned?

I am happy with the small collection that I have but would like to get another acoustic/electric bass to play unplugged mostly at bonfires, the beach etc. I recently had a Dean in my hands at Guitar Center that had a real pretty quilted ash top on it. Saving up for that one now to replace a Kona acoustic bass that the headstock has broken off of. OUCH!

Who is your biggest guitar influence and why?

I'll say Paul McCartney because I just love his bass work on the Beatles recordings. His approach was so melodic and just different than most bass players.

What Chris Steiner is saying about this Meetup Group

I've only met a small handful of the groups members at Benchwarmers open mic' run by Les Spittel. Thus far I can say that I am impressed with the way Les runs things and the folks that I have met have been fun to jam with! I'll be attending the open mic' at Benchwarmers after giving guitar lessons on Tuesday evenings for the foreseeable future!