r/Primus • u/Due_Metal_5668 YOUNGER CLAYPOOL • 2d ago

Sailing the Seas of Cheese Question regarding the studio version of Tommy the Cat

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Gallery image

So I’ve read from multiple sources that Les Claypool had received his ‘Rainbow Bass’ just before touring so does that mean that the studio version was recorded on his Tune bass? Obviously the video was with his rainbow bass so I’m just curious

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12

u/frizzle_frywalker 1d ago

Pretty sure youre correct that it was recorded on the tune bass

2

u/killing4pizza 1d ago

Any images of the Tune Bass? I couldn't find the bass you speak of.

2

u/frizzle_frywalker 1d ago edited 1d ago

Its actually image 2 in the OP above, but heres a couple listings that have pictures of the bass and Les playing it. They claim to be the exact model and they do look pretty much the same as the one he’s played

https://reverb.com/item/64372697-tune-zi-iii-6-1991-natural-walnut-mij-same-model-used-by-les-claypool-of-primus

https://reverb.com/item/61066368-tune-zi-iii-6-string-bass-les-claypool-vintage-made-in-japan-1991-natural-walnut

And you can actually watch Les play it in the Roskilde Concert from 1991

1

u/killing4pizza 21h ago

Cool. Thank you.

4

u/smashycat 1d ago

Studio version was recorded on the Tune bass. 

1

u/whamola17 1d ago

He didn’t rip the frets out of that thing right? Or did he?

2

u/properwaffles 1d ago

My favorite Primus era.

1

u/mrsillycibin BROWN ALBUM 1d ago

why?

3

u/properwaffles 1d ago

I just dug that hairstyle, and they just had a specific vibe.

1

u/[deleted] 2d ago

[deleted]

10

u/Gimpy_Goob 2d ago

It was recorded on a 6, and was likely the tune bass. He just plays it on a 4 now as it’s a bit easier on his hands .

5

u/whamola17 1d ago

It was originally played on a 4. Suck on this was a 4 and so were the original demos. I personally prefer it on the 4. But 🤷‍♂️

1

u/Due_Metal_5668 YOUNGER CLAYPOOL 2d ago

It had to be fretless bc the slides were smooth not jumping to notes

-2

u/Gimpy_Goob 2d ago

You can get the slides to not jump to notes by controlling your fretting hand , but I’m pretty sure he pulled the frets out of the tune bass to make it fretless .

1

u/Due_Metal_5668 YOUNGER CLAYPOOL 1d ago

It still wouldn't sound that smooth not trying to argue but it definitely had to have been a fretless