GEAR
John Lott
English Double Bass
This is my main instrument which I use for everything from orchestral playing
to Jazz and solos.
I'm currently using
PIRASTRO Permanent strings. This bass was previously owned by Keith Marjoram and then by Corin Long. I have been unable to trace it back any further.
Paul Claudot
French Double Bass
This beautiful French, swell back bass was made by Paul Claudot. I have this bass mainly set up for Jazz but it sounds great in orchestra too. It was previously owned by my Great Aunt Elsie Ford who played in the BBC Symphony Orchestra at the time of Eugene Cruft. I currently use PIRASTRO Permenant strings on this instrument
Pirastro Strings
As a member of the double bass section of the London Philharmonic Orchestra we are proud to exclusively play PIRASTRO strings.
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I mainly use a full set of Permanent strings. I find they can keep the deep resonance and low frequencies of the instrument as well as bringing out the higher registers clearly for solo playing in Jazz and Classical music. I'm also a big fan of Pirastro's Evah Pirazzi strings.
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Overwater J Series
My go-to bass is a custom Overwater J Series contemporary 5-string with a swamp ash body in satin, translucent. The bird's eye maple neck and 34.5" scale deliver impressive tone powered by a John East vintage preamp and custom Overwater pickups.
Anaconda Ultra J6 Essence
A custom built beauty by Andrew at Anaconda basses in North London. The tone on this instrument is incredible and the neck is surprisingly easy to navigate for such a large bass.
Fender Precision
Fender Precision "Midnight" has to be one of the best looking instruments in my collection. Customised with Fender pure vintage 63 pickups and Labella flatwound strings.
Musicman Fretless
My Ernie Ball Musicman fretless bass. I'm playing this bass more and more these days. Such a great sound, it's very difficult to put down! I had this set up and de-fretted by the Bass Gallery in Camden.
1963 Horner
No bass collection would be complete without a Hofner "Beatles" bass. This bass is strung with Pyramid flats.
1963 Fender Precision
My pride and Joy. I think this might be the cleanest example of a 1963 bass there is. No corosion on the chrome, all original paintwork in mint condition and three of the original Fender strings!
Clifton Electric Upright Bass
This Clifton electric upright bass is mainly used as a "silent'' practice instrument but I do get asked to use this from time to time. Most recently I was featured alongside the amazing electric string quartet Bond on the soundtrack to the 2023 film Sharper.
Neumann U47
The Neumann U47 is one of the most famous microphones of all time. When I record anything at my studio this is my go-to mic. It captures all the subtlies of my lovely instruments.
1963 Ampeg B15
An iconic amp! it rarely leaves the house as it's so bulky but it does sound amazing for remote recording. Unfortunately I don't have the original speaker. Send me a message if you have a 1963 cabinet for sale!
Bryant Bow
This is my main bow I use for orchestral playing. It was previously owned by my
great Aunt. It was made for her when she was working for the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
Reid Hudson Bow
This bow was previously owned by Mary Scully. I tend to use this bow for solo playing rather than loud orchestral music.