Mission Bass Live featuring special guest Michael Manning (USA)

The one and only Michael Manring (manthing.com) was our very special guest on this episode of MISSION BASS LIVE.

"I BELIEVE IN THIS INSTRUMENT."

Michael Manring

Michael is one of the initial AmBASSadors. Just like me, he believes in the power of BASS. But he has been at it for just a smidgen longer than I have been (since the 80s). By the time he released his first solo record (1986) including several solo bass pieces, I probably just celebrated taking my first steps. No, not on bass. On my feet 🤪

Now, if you have no idea who Michael is, I don't blame you. It proves how much work there still has to be done to PUT BASS IN THE SPOTLIGHT.

On the other hand, if you're a bass player and solo bass is something you enjoy, there is a big chance you know Mr. Manring quite a bit. Because he pushed the electric BASS further than anyone has before, especially on the solo bass side of things.

There are dudes like Steve Lawson who manipulate the sound of their instruments with FX until they become new instruments, which is one way to go.

Michael (although not shy of using FX) for the most part uses two particular techniques to create his signature sound. Techniques that do not require external sound manipulation.

The sounds he pulls out of the BASS are sounds that are naturally part of the instrument's sonic signature. Only we are not used to hearing these sounds separate from the fundamental sounds that we define as BASS.
It's the reason one could think Michael is processing his BASS sound heavily. Sure, he adds a little reverb and delays to create a feeling of depth. But he is not changing the tone of the instrument by adding distortion, pitch shifters, or crazy filters.

He creates most of his sounds on his instrument (hyperBASS) using either his hands or a little tool called "E-Bow".

It would be a bit much to go into detail about the HyperBASS in this email (click on the link to see Michael explain his instrument in detail. Ask your open questions on Saturday or put them in the chat now, if you won't be able to join us live).

But let me give you a quick introduction to the E-Bow. It's a magnet that acts similar to a bow for a violin/cello/double bass. It causes a string to vibrate while avoiding the clicky attack sound you get when playing with fingers or a pick. Depending on how you use it, you can get specific harmonics of any given pitch to be emphasized while other parts of the sonic spectrum take the backseat. 

Together with his dynamic tuning system, he has redefined what BASS can sound like!

Check out this video to hear the E-Bow in action:

Love & Bass✌️

Mischa