How long have you been playing Bob?

I've been playing since I was 14. I bought a Fender copy for R80-00 in 1976 and joined a band playing covers.
My first band was at age 15 “Phase 1”, then there was The Squad, Psycho Reptiles, Missing link, Trench Poets and Onyx.

How did you get started?

I started on a cheap electric 6 string at age 14. After my mate and I saw rabbit live at the coliseum we decided we’ve gotta become rock stars. I later lost the toss and had to play bass, haven't regretted that now though.

Do you come from a musical family?

Not really my mother use to play the piano but that’s it.

Do you play anything other than bass?

Yes I have recently bought an acoustic guitar again and am up to about 30 songs. It’s real cool as I can now entertain a bit at whatever get together, besides, I can’t sing and play bass at the same time.

What's your favourite band / solo artist?

I can't say!! I have a varied taste, some over the years have been Grand Funk, The Police, The Jam, Dire Straights, e Void, Guns & Roses, The Cult, King Crimson (the bass), Living Color, Patricia Lewis.

Who are your favourite bassists?

In SA I use to like Chris Bekker (Steinberger player), I believe he now lives in Australia, he played really nice riffs, finger style & slap and never over the top like a lot of these great overseas players. A lot of them seem bored with playing well and now come up with gimmicky circus stunts like Tony Levin playing with long sticks on his fingers. Overseas favourite though, I like the Flea, bold high in the mix stuff.

What are the amps and instruments you currently use?

I have had a Fender Precision 4 string bass for about 13 years, nice, but also a Steinberger XQ series 5 String which is nicer in every way, staying in tune, changing strings, distinctive tone, perfect consistent clear notes anywhere on the fretboard, life time guarantee, etc, etc. I don't currently have an amp as I’m not in a band at the moment - I play through my hi fi with cd's I like (nice bass riffs I want to add to my repertoire).

What instruments would you like to have if money were no object?

Another Steinberger, one of the old 1980's XL series.
I'm totally sold on Steinberger and am going to get an XL preferably a 5 string but seeing they are as rare as hens teeth for obvious reasons, I will probably have to get one from either the US or UK.
They stopped making them in 1998 so it will have to be second hand. Gibson took Steinberger over and only produce much cheaper wood models now.

Yeah, it’s a shame that they’re not keeping true to the ‘Plastic Fantastic’ concept of the original Steinberger vision. Why is that?

The original graphite models are too expensive, the new wood and truss rod models known as the Spirit series were made so that the price was more accessible to more bassists. I would think the new wood one is similar and not much better than Hohner’s Steinberger copy though, sounding like the average wooden bass with all it’s imperfections.

I have to ask – if you consider that the differences between individual Steinbergers is miniscule – why would you want another one – what actually is the difference between the XQ series and XL series?

The XQ series has a graphite (no truss rod needed) fret board but an ash wood body, conventional looking body. The XL & L series is all graphite and the body is that little rectangular shape, this one was once hit by a bus in the US after which it was not only not damaged but perfectly in tune, it has a life time guarantee. Generally people don’t like the look of Steinbergers especially the XL series, that’s fine but I don’t think anything makes more sense or in my opinion sounds better. So yeah the difference is more than miniscule. I would love to play an XL again before ordering one, my only experience was in 1992 at the bass center in whapping, London, there I played every bass you could have thought of. Initially I didn’t like the XL (looks), but after many hours and basses I had to conclude it was the best all rounder.

What have you been doing for the last five years or so?

Played at various pubs and clubs for a cover come original band, with the odd big stage gig.
I haven't played in a band though for about 18 months now.

Are you missing it?

Not big time, although I would jump at a chance to play with the right band.
The last band I was in, Onyx, disbanded because the drummer gave up his day job and instead of once a week wanted to go pro and play 3 or 4 times a week, this he did and we didn’t really bother looking for a replacement. To be honest this guy has never played in a band as good as Onyx since and he’s been in several but he has made a career out of it. If I can’t play lekker stuff though, I would just as soon be the bouncer at the club.

What recordings that you've played on would you recommend for listening?

The Trench poets were very nice, good songs, unfortunately Fender bass at that stage but still.
I was the replacement bass player in a band called The psycho Reptiles for their last year together, a popular band, record deal, toured the country, played Ellis park at the ‘89’ big birthday bash but I never played on the album. I don’t recommend it anyway to be honest; this band was really big in SA but not as good as the trench poets by far, more a cult following as opposed to real good music.

Yeah, we have to put up with their Christmas record every year – did you ever have to perform it?

No that was discontinued by the time I replaced Graeme Searl.

Have you visited our www.bassplayers.co.za website yet?

No but will soon

What's been the low point in your career so far?

Putting up with unscrupulous club owners in the past, especially in the 80's.

Yeah, join the club -so what’s been the high point?

Playing at Ellis Park, getting out of my car and walking with bass in hand towards the stadium hearing the massive sound system and crowd, and then eventually playing up there.

What do you get up to when you haven’t got a bass strapped on?

I’m a broker running my own business, which takes quite a lot of my time.
I also like a game of golf if I get a gap, if not I’ll go for a 3-10km run.
Watching my 11-year-old son’s sport is another favorite past time; It’s a good life.

What are your goals currently?