Thundercat is a renowned musician and bassist who has made a name for himself in the music industry. His unique style and sound have earned him a loyal fan base and critical acclaim. One of the questions that fans often ask is what kind of bass does Thundercat play?
Thundercat is known for playing a six-string electric bass guitar. He has been seen playing a variety of bass guitars over the years, but his preferred instrument is a custom-made Ibanez six-string bass. This bass guitar has a unique design and is specifically designed to Thundercat’s specifications. It features a maple neck, a rosewood fingerboard, and a mahogany body. The bass is also fitted with Bartolini pickups, which provide a clear and distinct sound.
Thundercat’s choice of bass guitar plays a crucial role in creating his signature sound. His six-string bass allows him to explore a wide range of sounds and styles, from funk and jazz to hip-hop and electronic music. Fans of Thundercat can appreciate the unique sound of his bass guitar and the role it plays in his music.
Thundercat
Thundercat, born Stephen Bruner, is a renowned bass player, songwriter, and producer known for his unique blend of jazz, funk, R&B, and electronica. In this section, we will take a closer look at his career and the gear he uses to create his distinctive sound.
Bass Player
Thundercat’s career began at an early age, learning from bass players such as Stanley Clarke and Marcus Miller. By the age of 15, he had already gained recognition as a member of the boy band No Curfew. Since then, he has worked with a wide range of artists, including Kamasi Washington, Flying Lotus, Kendrick Lamar, Erykah Badu, and Suicidal Tendencies.
Kamasi Washington
Thundercat has collaborated extensively with saxophonist Kamasi Washington, both as a member of his band and as a featured artist on his albums. The two musicians share a deep connection, and Thundercat’s bass playing is an integral part of Washington’s sound.
Flying Lotus
Thundercat has also worked extensively with producer Flying Lotus, contributing to his albums Cosmogramma and You’re Dead! as well as his own albums. The two musicians share a love of experimental music and have a creative synergy that is evident in their work.
Kendrick Lamar
Thundercat played a significant role in the creation of Kendrick Lamar’s critically acclaimed album To Pimp a Butterfly, contributing bass playing and vocals to several tracks, including “These Walls” and “Complexion (A Zulu Love).”
Grammy
Thundercat’s work has been recognized with a Grammy Award for his contributions to To Pimp a Butterfly. He has also received critical acclaim for his solo albums, including The Golden Age of Apocalypse and Drunk.
Erykah Badu
Thundercat has worked with neo-soul singer Erykah Badu on several occasions, contributing bass playing and production to her albums New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh) and But You Caint Use My Phone.
Gear
Thundercat’s gear is an essential part of his sound. He is known for playing a Fender Precision Bass, which he has modified with a hollow body design and a six-string neck. He also uses a variety of effects pedals, including the Pigtronix Bass Envelope Phaser, Boss SYB-5, and Whammy.
Thundercat’s amp setup includes the SWR 750x, Tone Hammer 500, and DB 750. He also uses Deep Talkin’ Bass Flats strings to achieve his signature tone.
Conclusion
Thundercat is a talented musician and bass player known for his unique blend of jazz, funk, and R&B. His collaborations with Kamasi Washington, Flying Lotus, Kendrick Lamar, and Erykah Badu have helped to establish him as one of the most innovative musicians of his generation. With his distinctive sound and innovative use of gear, Thundercat continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with the bass guitar.
