When C. B. Gitty announced the arrival of the G-Bass 2-string Bass Kit, a wave of excitement washed over those who appreciate minimalist musical approaches. For enthusiasts of the “less-is-more” philosophy in music, the 2 String Bass Guitar represents a fascinating and surprisingly versatile instrument. Delving into the world of fewer strings reveals a pocket of innovative musicians who have harnessed the power of just two bass strings to create compelling and unique sounds. Here are five notable artists who have championed the 2 string bass guitar.
Morphine: The Sultry Sound of Two Strings
Emerging in the 1990s, Morphine carved out a distinctive niche with their self-described “implied grunge” sound. This power trio, fronted by the late Mark Sandman, crafted incredibly evocative music devoid of traditional guitars. Sandman’s instrument of choice was a 2 string slide bass, a modified pawnshop Premier bass with just two heavy gauge strings and exceptionally high action. Coupled with a baritone saxophone and subtly detuned drums, Morphine produced a signature low-rock resonance that was both captivating and unconventional.
Experience their iconic track, “Cure For Pain,” from the album of the same name, a testament to their enduring sound created 25 years ago.
The Presidents of the United States of America: Post-Grunge Pioneers with a Twist
The mid-90s post-grunge scene welcomed The Presidents of the United States of America, a band that brought a playful and inventive approach to rock instrumentation. They famously utilized conventional electric guitars re-strung with bass strings. Lead vocalist Chris Ballew wielded a 2-string guitar/bass hybrid he cleverly named a “basitar,” while guitarist Dave Dederer played a 3-string “guitbass.” Both instruments were tuned to Open C#, placing them within the baritone guitar tonal range, contributing to their signature catchy and quirky sound.
Listen to their hit song, “Peaches,” to hear the unique sonic landscape crafted with these modified instruments.
D.A.D.: Danish Rock Giants and the 2-String Bass Obsession
Hailing from Denmark, D.A.D. stands as one of their most prominent rock exports, featuring the distinctive presence of Stig Pedersen on 2-string bass. Pedersen’s journey began with a standard 4-string bass, but he soon recognized his playing primarily utilized only two strings. This realization led him down a path of commissioning an extraordinary collection of custom-made 2-string basses, arguably the most visually striking and sonically powerful array ever assembled.
In the following video, witness Pedersen commanding a massive 2-string acrylic bass, showcasing his energetic stage presence and unique instrument.
Alien Knife Fight: Austin’s Dynamic Duo with Punk Edge
From the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas, Alien Knife Fight emerges as an electrifying duo led by singer/bassist Monique Ortiz. Discovered early in her career by Mark Sandman of Morphine, Ortiz boasts a rich musical history, including notable bands like Bourbon Princess and A.K.A.C.O.D. She is celebrated for her mastery of both fretless bass and the 2-string slide bass. In contrast to Sandman’s mellow, jazzy bass tones in Morphine, Ortiz injects a raw, punk-infused grit into her 2-string bass playing, creating a powerful and distinctive sound.
Jug Fusion: A Personal Exploration into 2-String Bass
For a glimpse into a more personal exploration of the 2-string bass, consider Jug Fusion. In the track “X-Ray Spex,” a 2-string bass was driven through a high-gain amplifier, layered with a 3-string cigar box guitar. While this particular song remains a hidden gem, seldom performed live, it represents a fun studio experiment in pushing the boundaries of the 2-string bass in a recording context.
Explore the possibilities of minimalist bass with the new G Bass 2-String Bass kit:
C.B. Gitty G-Bass 2-String Bass Kit
By Shane Speal, 19th Sep 2018
