I don't know what I did to my main bass. I've poured makeup into it, I've bashed it around - and we've gone in the back and cleaned it up... It sounds amazing and one of a kind at this point, but it picks up a really decent radio signal if you're anywhere near an antenna.
This quote by Justin Chancellor, the bassist for the progressive rock band Tool, humorously reflects his deep connection to his main bass guitar and the unconventional ways he's maintained it over the years. When he says, “I’ve poured makeup into it, I’ve bashed it around,” Chancellor is admitting that his instrument has been through a lot—likely both on stage during intense performances and offstage through regular wear and tear. Despite these rough experiences, the bass remains his unique, one-of-a-kind instrument that he still cherishes and plays.
Chancellor adds that the bass “sounds amazing,” which is a testament to its resilience and the distinctive sound it has developed over time. The reference to the bass picking up a “really decent radio signal” adds a humorous and unexpected twist, showing that the instrument has gained some quirky features after all the abuse. The idea that the bass picks up signals like a radio suggests that it has developed its own eccentricities, making it even more special and unique in his eyes.
The origin of this quote likely comes from an interview or a discussion about his musical equipment, where Chancellor was asked about his bass guitars and their role in his playing style. Known for his innovative approach to bass playing and his distinctive tone, Chancellor’s relationship with his gear reflects his commitment to achieving a signature sound—even if it means the instrument has become a little more unconventional than usual.
Ultimately, Chancellor’s quote speaks to the deep bond between an artist and their instrument. It’s not just about the physical appearance or condition of the bass; it’s about how it produces the sound that resonates with his unique style. The bass’s quirks, including its ability to pick up a radio signal, only add to its character and the amazing and one-of-a-kind nature of the music it helps create.
DKDiem Kieu
It’s hilarious and kind of poetic that his bass picks up radio signals now. Almost like it's transcended its musical purpose and become this quirky artifact. It makes me think about how imperfections and accidents sometimes create the most memorable art. I’d be interested in hearing how this oddity actually influences their live sound or studio recording sessions.
DTDung Tran
This makes me wonder about the balance between taking care of your equipment and just letting it live and evolve naturally. Chancellor seems to lean toward the latter, and clearly, it works for him. But would most professional musicians take that risk with a main instrument? I’d love to hear more stories about 'damaged' gear becoming iconic or even improving with time.
MTThao ML Tran
There's something so punk rock about the way Justin talks about destroying and reviving his bass repeatedly. It makes me reflect on the emotional bond artists have with their tools. Do you think musicians play differently when using an instrument that’s been through so much with them? Like, does the history embedded in that gear change how the music is expressed?
TPQuoc Thinh Phung
I’m genuinely curious—how does a bass end up picking up radio signals? That sounds like something out of a sci-fi story. Is it a wiring issue or maybe just part of the charm of having such a battered, well-loved instrument? It makes me wonder if other musicians have had similar experiences with gear behaving in strange or unexpected ways due to heavy use.
TDTuan Duong
This is such a wild and oddly charming description of a musician’s relationship with their instrument! I love how Justin Chancellor treats his bass almost like a living entity with history and character. It’s fascinating that something so 'abused' can still sound amazing. Do you think that kind of physical wear contributes to the instrument’s unique tone, or is it more about the sentiment behind it?