Rolling Stone Top Ten Bassists

[Chaser001]

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/photos/rolling-stone-readers-pick-the-top-ten-bassists-of-all-time-20110331/10-victor-wooten-0230408

This is a readers' poll which just came out. 

[Basshappi]

I might argue the placements, but I don't really see much wrong with that list even though some of those players are not in my personal Top 10.
Considering that it is a Rolling Stone readership poll I find the picks rather amazing.

[Pilgrim]

There was whining about this on TB, but I personally don't find those to be bad picks  (in general).  I'm also pleased to see evidence that not all the respondents were under 15...with people like Bruce, JPJ and Entwhistle in there, the respondents know something about classic rock.

[leftybass]

That list is pretty good, tho' there's a few on there that I absolutely can't stand, I certainly agree with the top spot.

(Did I mention that I made the "Top Ten Austin Bassists"?)

[uwe]

Jack who?

[Chaser001]

Jack who?

Jack Bruce is best known for his time with Cream.  His enemies maintain that he never had the chops to learn slap bass and this probably explains why he is so low on the list.  Bruce played a Gibson EB-3 with Cream and an EB-1 at the Cream reunion concerts, although Gibson itself still seems to be unaware of this. 

[gearHed289]

Saw that the other day. Not bad as far as lists go. If I could change one thing, I'd put Stanley Clarke in place of Wooten.

[uwe]

Jack Bruce is best known for his time with Cream.  His enemies maintain that he never had the chops to learn slap bass and this probably explains why he is so low on the list.  Bruce played a Gibson EB-3 with Cream and an EB-1 at the Cream reunion concerts, although Gibson itself still seems to be unaware of this. 

 

[nofi]

these lists should include the word famous in them. we all have known great players that given different circumstances would be right up there with those guys. and yes ronn, you have mentioned the austen list, twice.

music is not,or should not be a competition.

[Chaser001]

these lists should include the word famous in them. we all have known great players that given different circumstances would be right up there with those guys. and yes ronn, you have mentioned the austen list, twice.

music is not,or should not be a competition.

Unfortunately, music can become a competition whether a person wants it to be or not.  It's true a competitive atmosphere doesn't exist here; that's very pleasant.  However, real life can be much more hostile. 

[Dave W]

I say kick Claypool off the list and give an extra spot to Jack's liver.

[lowend1]

I say kick Claypool off the list and give an extra spot to Jack's liver.

How is it that Jamerson was left off the list? I realize that he was largely a studio guy, but... jeez!

[birdie]

How is it that Jamerson was left off the list? I realize that he was largely a studio guy, but... jeez!

+1000 Jeez indeed!

[Chaser001]

I say kick Claypool off the list and give an extra spot to Jack's liver.

+1

[Hornisse]

I like a few on that list.  I have a list of my own on my FB page.  Just some bass players who made me take notice when I was starting out.

Jeff Berlin
Chuck Rainey
Geezer Butler
Chris Squire
Paul McCartney
Glen Hughes
George McArdle
Geddy Lee
Dave Hope
Anthony Jackson
Kelly Groucutt
David Hungate
Peter Cetera
Doug Dennis
Phil Lynott
Norman Durham
Louis Johnson
Joe Bouchard
Pete Sears
Mark Vizcarra
Klaus Voorman
Norbert Putnam
Doug Stegmeyer
Robin Gibb
John Deacon
Mel Schacher
Keith Ferguson
Paul Goddard
Craig MacGregor
Bernard Edwards
Chuck Panozzo
Ronnie Baker
Rutger Gunnarsson
Pete Farndon
The Ox
JPJ
Dee Murray
Greg Lake
Randy Meisner
Berry Oakley
Leon Wilkeson
Banner Thomas
Cliff Williams
Tim Drummond
Gene Simmons
Tim Bogert
Mark Adams
Mario Mantese
Benjamin Orr
Reggie McBride

Most are not household names but they all had an impact on me with their playing and tone.