Started off with classical guitar at the tender age of 13; of course, the heavier stuff soon followed once I discovered my first KISS album. Played around with my first band in high school, moved to the bass as an instrument mainly out of necessity- could never find a damn bass player...EVER.
Had my first real gigging in the club scene at 17...along with my first taste of everything that came with that. Ah, the 80's. :)
As I aged a bit, my musical tastes grew a bit more broad and heavy- but could still get into anything from Neil Diamond to King Diamond. Started really enjoying playing a more progressive, challenging type of music though.
Around this same time, I believe I picked up my first "extended" bass- a Charvel Fusion V. Started down the dark, addictive path of "bigger is always better" when it comes to my instruments. (FYI- this can be dangerous and expensive...LMAO). During this time, I was playing with some of the most talented musicians I've ever played with, the Dreamstate/Mindgallery era. In every incarnation, the talent was always solid, the songwriting excellent, and the beer freeflowing. :) Louis, Genaro, Randy & Rico- you guys kicked major ass!
By the time I'd picked up my first Ibanez 6 string (my SR1306, which I still have and LOVE today) it started to snowball. My 2nd Ibanez soon followed (SR2000 Prestige- still got it as well!). But once I started with the Power of Omens guys, even that wasn't enough....
Now I've been claiming my Conklin GT-7 as my main bass. It just plain WAILS. Couple that with my recreation of Stu Hamms' KILLER Hartke rig from the late '80s (that took me awhile) and I think I'm set....of course, if I could score a 6 string Kubicki, the circle of life would be complete.
Gave up playing for awhile, but have since got the bug to pick it up again. Stay tuned, you never know what you might hear...
~C.
