It all began sometime towards the end of 2001 when Martin Simpson, driven then as he is now by a much-consuming passion for all things bass, made many phone calls to bassists living and working in South Africa. The initial idea was to compile an album featuring South African bass music. The first meeting was in February 2002 … And the rest, as they say, is basstory. The CD is still being talked about, occasionally, still a distant venture, but we have managed to establish and keep other foci – our monthly meetings (workshops, presentations, demonstrations, recitals), our website, the newsletter. On occasion, the SABPC was close to losing momentum, but on the whole – all considered – it has gone from strength to strength. We’ve had buy-in not only from a vast number of bassists and other musicians (professional/ established, as well as from those who were/ are just starting out) but also from music schools, music shops, cultural centers and the like. The ’site has also served to connect us globally – we’ve received a plethora of communications, pictures and CDs from bassists all over the world, including some of the real heavyweights.

The site forms a central directory for South African Bass Guitarists and provides communication and resources. If you have not yet got an account, then you can create one here Please check out our upcoming meetings, all are welcome (even non-bassist musos, coz we all know they wish they were bassists!) Meetings range in structure and content, but are great for networking and low end inspiration!