Planet Bass – The Scott Hubbell July 2004

Scott Hubbell is a talented bass player who teaches, plays sessions, plays solo bass and is working on a bass duo called Girth.

Scott's website is at - www.scotthubbell.com

What inspired you to first pick up a bass and what were your first attempts at playing it like?

I found an old P-bass is the music room closet at school and took it home. After I figured out how it was tuned my playing wasn’t too bad.

Who were your early influences and what did you learn from them?

My first real bass influence was Billy Sheehan. I learned I was on the right track with how I was playing. Randy Coven came next and then Jeff Berlin. John Patitucci inspired the switch to ERB along with Alain Caron.
I am still influenced by people everyday. Tom Kennedy, Bill Dickens, Greg Campbell, Stew McKinsey and my partner in "Girth" Byron Santo.

Did you take lessons or are you self-taught?

I have never had a bass lesson, but I am formally trained on trumpet and piano.

What’s the most important bit of advice you were given by another musician?

"Give up now…nobody wants to hear a bass solo." Now talk about inspiration!

What’s the most important bit of advice you could give to new bassists?

Be true to yourself and keep an open mind.

Where do you stand on the old fingers vs. plectrums debate and why?

I don’t play with a pick, but for the nay sayers…check out Anthony Jackson or Steve Swallow.

Do you play 4, 5 or 6 string basses mainly? Fretted or unfretted?

It really depends on the situation. For meat and potato situations I would play a 4 or a 5. For situations in which I could stretch out I would play my Worker BEE 7-string. Fretless on rare occasions.

How would you define your style of playing?

I am mainly a fingers player. I will tap on occasion. I rarely slap. I dig playing chords and harmonics. I play aggressively but in a controlled fashion.

Tell us a little about the artists and bands you have worked with, and how/if you adapted to playing with each of them?

I have played in so many genres that you have to learn to listen and adapt really fast.

Of the artists and bands you've played with who was the most inspirational and why?

Guitarist Brian Forinash. He can shred with the best of them but has the soul of a blues man.

Do you warm up before a concert and if so how?

Yes. I do some finger exercises and play scales really slow up and down the neck.

Do you have any other last minute rituals or habits before a concert?

No, not really.

What do you drink onstage?

Bottled water.

Have you ever played while drunk or under the influence of drugs?

No. Never.

What’s the biggest disaster you’ve ever had onstage, and how did you cope with it?

The cool thing in the late 80’s was to spin your bass around your body. I did that on a stage with a low ceiling…well the bass hit the rafter, snapped off the headstock and bounced off of my head knocking me out cold. Fortunately I wasn’t hurt too bad and ALWAYS carried a backup bass.

What’s the biggest disaster you’ve ever had in the studio, and how did you cope with it?

Haven’t had any yet knock on wood.

What’s been your proudest playing moment?

I entered a guitar contest 10 or so years ago and made the final cut. Everybody was totally shredding so I stepped out and played a balled. Of course I didn’t win…

What’s been the most fun playing moment, and why?

I did a one-time exhibition of Racer-X’s "Scarified" in front of a packed house. The reason it was fun was because of the level of musicianship form the other players. We rehearsed it twice and then played.

What’s been the least fun playing moment, and why?

Playing is always fun.

What equipment do you use live and in the studio and why?

For live playing I use my BEE 7 and a Fender P. I am hoping to get a BEE 5 built in the near future also. SWR amps and a couple of effects: Sansamp Bass Driver and an MXR M-80. Studio is basically the same thing. However, one of the studios I work at has some Avalon gear that just sounds fantastic, so I usually plug into it.

Are you fairly flexible about the equipment you use or must you always play with the same gear?

It depends on the gig and the requirements. I prefer my gear but if the employer wants me to play something else…well, money talks.

What one piece of equipment would you advise all bass players to own?

Besides my book, a good direct box.

Do you read music?

Yes.

Do you play any other instruments, and how well?

I dabble on drums, keys and guitar. I am just good enough to be dangerous.

Do you write or co-write songs and if so do you write on the bass?

I do write. Most of the times I write on the bass, other times I use the keyboard.

Do you ever play cover versions, and if so how do you learn the originals note for note or do you improvise you own parts?

I rarely play covers, but if I do, I try to stay true to the original spirit of the song while adding my own thing.

Do you sing? Do you feel it is important?

Yes and yes. If you can sing, it is another asset for employment.

If you could nominate one song that you’ve recorded to sum up your playing style and feel which one would it be?

There is a song on my site called "Bustin’ Out!" by Brian Forinash. He had faith enough in me to let me do my own thing.

What have you been doing recently?

Besides Country sessions, I have been working on my own material, Brian’s material and am working on material for a bass duo called "Girth" that features monster bassist Byron Santo. Should be interesting.

Do you have a personal or band website? Or would you like to recommend any other useful websites?

You can check me out at: www.scotthubbell.com I also recommend checking out www.bassically.net www.extendedrangebassist.com www.subcontrabassist.com and www.chopsfromhell.com.