In terms of style, bass players I admire are wide and varied, including Bill Black, Paul McCartney, Dennis Dunaway, Carol Kaye, Gene Simmons, Simon Gallup,  Paul Simonon and Marshall Grant to name but a few. I believe you can admire a player without always wanting to necessarily sound like them. My favourite bass player of all time is probably my childhood hero Sami Yaffa, who found fame initially with Hanoi Rocks back when I was growing up.  

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I've always favoured retro style gear, be it a classic Fender, a Rickenbacker, Gibson or my personal favourite, Hofner. As a kid I loved Orange and Ampeg but Orange cabs weren't available and I could never afford an Ampeg. Now I mainly use Orange.  I do like some modern tones but all the classic records were more old school. From 50s rock 'n' roll to a more modern New Wave tone, I have it covered.

 

I believe in song orientated playing. Players can argue over pick versus fingers. I play a range of styles and prefer to focus on what the song needs, rather than get a technique in there just for the sake of it. Equally I'm happy to keep it simple for a song because over the course of a set there is usually an opportunity for a nice little moment to shine.

(picture credit Rockin Out with / Helen Biggs)