The keyboard player from one of my bands is doing a masters degree and has to record some southern rock for an assignment. He had a band booked but they have let him down at the last minute so we have all agreed to do the session for him to help him out as it has to be recorded before the end of next week. The main song he wants to do is Love The One You're with by Cosby, Stills, Nash & Young but if time allows we may do another couple.
At the most I want to carry two basses and my initial thought was to take a series 5 string bass but wondered if the sound from that era would be better represented by my short scale series I, 4 string and or even my Elan 4 plus bass which has two sets of P-style pickups?


Any suggestions with rationale behind your choice would be really helpful?

Calvin Samuels was the bass player on that song and all the photos I've seen from that era show him using a Fender precision so the simpler bass the better IMO.

Graeme

Jazzyvee,

For what it's worth, I played my series 1 short scale during all those times. Fit in really well I think. Have some fun!

Nemesis Jon

Depends upon if you want to pay homage to the tone of the original recording or if you want to funk it up a bit ala the Neville Bros.


If you want to be close to the original, I'd go for the vintage "Fender tone" with your Elan, but, if you'd like to take a few liberties and inject a little snap, I'd go for your Series 5.


FWIW: one of my guitar projects is currently covering this tune and we are leaning more toward the Neville groove during the verses, so the bass player is pursuing more of a contemporary sound. He doesn't have an Alembic, but if he had a Series bass, IMO, his tone would be spot on for the purpose.

Hey Jazzy, I have no opinion on which bass, but I do find it a little amusing that the other side of the pond thinks of "Love the One You're With" as "Southern Rock".  Perhaps "Southern California Rock"?  Personally, "Southern Rock" makes me think of bands like the Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Outlaws, Marshall Tucker Band, etc.

Bill, tgo

Also thought it was a bit odd to categorize this song as Southern Rock. It isn't a CSNY song either. They may well have played it live but it was originally released on Stephen Still's first solo LP in 1970. The Elan seems like a good choice but I think any of your basses would be fine as long as you avoid going for an obviously high-tech modern tone. I haven't listened to this song in a very long time but don't remember the bass lines being very prominent in the mix the first thing that comes to my mind is acoustic guitars. Should be a fun tune to play/record.

Not very helpful Jazzy, but I vote for the Series I shorty, if for no other reason than it's my favorite of your fine array. 

Bill, somehow I know me putting "Southern Rock" would stir you.... :-) You are educating me sir. I have no idea what the true definition of southern rock is but I just assumed it was rock music played by bands from the southern states.. :-).
Over this side of the pond we have Northern Rock, which used to be a building society until it was nationalised when it got into problems caused by the subprime mortgage crisis and we have Northern Soul which was a dance and music scen primarily in the north of the country.

I've not noticed any other versions of this song and only recently started playing it with this house band and the bass isn't really up front on it but i will check out the Neville brothers version and see if there is any way I can sensibly take some influence from that.

Jazzy, we are a little strange over here.  "Southern Rock" usually refers to the southeast part of the country.  Music from the southern part of the middle and western areas is usually thought of as "Country Western".  (As the famous quote goes, "we play both kinds of music, Country and Western"). 

You're explanation of "Northern Rock" had me laughing out loud!  Whatever we call it, it's all good.

Bill, tgo

Yes; I too fear the keyboard player will fail in his assignment and be dismissed from the masters program in disgrace.  The dictionary definition of Southern Rock is .

Let's not forget Molly Hatchet!  Glad The Outlaws were mentioned, they were great! 

I'd say it doesn't much matter which bass you bring as long as you put flats on it! :-)

I always thought of CSNY or variations thereof as more folk rock in their origins.

As for southern rock bands go there was also Wet Willie and Blackfoot.

David we have played that at one of our open mic sessions so I guess I could learn it properly and suggest that tomorrow. Hope he doesn't fail and  hope I like my playing enough on the final mix to put it up for you guys to hear.
Edwin, no chance of flats for me, the closest is d'addario NYXL nickel strings. and maybe some string muting although I might try some on my Europa that I use for reggae when those strings need changing.

Take two and call me in the morning!