It’s not often you get TWO amazing bassists in the studio at once. So when Frank Bello of Anthrax and Doug Wimbish of Living Colour (and like a zillion other things) showed up in the studio, we decided to get out of the way and let them interview each other!
Naturally, they had to start with a jam, but once they got into the questions, it was like listening to a bass masterclass, complete with what it means to be a bassist, their inspirations, and of course their love for Spector basses. Check out the interview now!
“Spector isn’t a good brand; it’s a GREAT brand” – Doug Wimbish
Doug Wimbish and Frank Bello have been friends for a long time — and they’ve been bassists for even longer. With so many credits under their belts, they need some serious basses to keep up. Cue Spector.
Every bassist knows the legendary build quality of Spector basses. Doug Wimbish discovered his love of Spector early on 48th Street in New York City. He thought it looked gorgeous sitting in the window of a music store. Then he heard one in the hands of Aaron Mills from the band Cameo and was instantly hooked.
Unfortunately for young bassists everywhere, Spector basses can get quite pricey. According to Wimbish, “I couldn’t afford it. I still can’t afford it, but now I can’t NOT afford to have a Spector bass.”
Spector Euro 4 Doug Wimbish Signature LE Bass Guitar Amber Relic
Special Price $3,699.99
Wimbish got his big Spector break recording a project with Jeff Beck and Mick Jagger (not to name drop, or anything…). Kramer guitars was there to try and sway Jeff Beck. And while that pitch might not have been a success, Wimbish did manage to get his foot in the door with Spector and secured his very first Black Spector bass, which he used to finish the record.
When you play with artists like Jeff Beck and Mick Jagger, things start moving pretty fast. It wasn’t long before Wimbish was working on his very own Spector signature model with a super-thin neck profile that Stuart Spector was hesitant to make. But the bass turned out amazing and Wimbish “proposed to the bass” on the spot.
Frank Bello also fell in love with Spector basses. And being friends with Doug Wimbish also has its perks. When Frank wanted to make his own signature bass, he called his buddy and asked what it was like working with the guys at Spector. Doug just so happened to be at a photoshoot with all the Spector big wigs. He Facetimed Frank immediately and handed the phone over, so Frank could tell Spector exactly what he wanted. Not long after that, the Frank Bello Signature Spector Bass emerged from the workshop.
Spector Icon NC-4 Frank Bello Signature Model Bass Guitar Tina Rose
Special Price $1,499.99
What It Takes for a Bass to Break Through the Mix
Bassists are used to being in the background. They’re usually not as flashy as the lead guitarist or as loud as the drummer, but they play an important role in the band and need to be heard. How do you get your bass to break through the mix?
Frank Bello and Doug Wimbish are multi-decade bass veterans who have learned a thing or two over the years. You can’t just rely on the low end or your volume knob, especially when you’re playing in heavy bands like Anthrax or Living Colour. They say the answer to breaking through is frequency.
Take the time to find the perfect frequency that fits between the kick drum and the guitarist or keyboard. Wimbish called it, “Walking through sonic raindrops.” The best thing to do is use your monitors to find that perfect balance, so you don’t get “lost in the sauce.”
And to make matters worse, the right frequency can change between venues and even songs. It’s easier to dial in your sound in the studio when you have time and a quiet, steady location, but live is a different animal. Really try to dial in your monitors so you can hear where the bass needs to fit in. It’s also a good idea to have a “throw-and-go” monitor mix that can get you close when you’re on a time crunch.
If you don’t have the right frequency tuned in, the bass will get lost — and the bassist will get pissed!
Getting “Hot” with the AMS Jam Band
A huge thanks to Doug Wimbish and Frank Bello for taking the time to visit the AMS Studios and tell us all about their signature Spector Basses. We had a blast! But before we said our goodbyes, we asked if they’d join the AMS Jam Band in a little rendition of “Sunshine of Your Love.” They couldn't say no — and things devolved into madness by the end... But the good kind!
Don’t forget to check out Spector basses and subscribe to the AMS YouTube Channel for more amazing content just like this. And if you're curious about the gear we used in the jam, read all about it right here on the AMS Blog!
