| Author | Message | ||
| reinier
Member Username: reinier Post Number: 52 Registered: 1-2003 |
Jimmy, great fun to read more people had the "Wow" experience seeing you back in '85 onstage with Lee Ritenour at North Sea Jazz!! I too knew you only as "Flim" Johnson from the Arrowhead sleeve (from which I put your pic up here when starting this thread). In that same year '85 there was this floppy single inserted in Guitar Player of Allan's "Metal Fatigue", crediting a certain " Jimmy Johnson" on bass and although you knocked the listener right out his socks with that part, me and my band mates, all Arrowhead worshippers, didn't make the connection. When the North Sea Jazz Lee Ritenour line up announced "Jimmy Johnson" on bass too, boy, were we eager to go and check that cat out! Due to other performances we watched, we were a little late in the door in the huge "Tuinpalviljoen" and ended up next to the front of house board, far from the stage, so it wasn't until your first solo spot that we could clearly see that shape we all love so much [your hairdo helped a bit too ;-)] and all pieces of the puzzle fell into place: it was THE Flim Johnson we were hearing! Priceless night and although almost 30 years ago in the meantime, remember it as if it happened only yesterday. Take care, Reinier. PS: did you enjoy the Peavey 2x10/2x18 walk-in closet they made you stand in front of (FoH sound was very good, don't worry)? | ||
| ulli
New Username: ulli Post Number: 8 Registered: 3-2014 |
Reinier, what a coincedence, I got that free single too from that magazine, and after that I bought the CD which my brothers could not dig. i happen to make some photos of that RIT performance, and i lend the prints plus natives to a friend of mine, right before we lost contact with each other. I met him again on FB and after a few reminders he send me back the prints plus negatives last week, 29 years later! It was nice to see them back, from both Rit and Casiopea(my middle brother's fav band)I did not print the shots of Jimmy because in the spirit of a true bassplayer, he preferred to stand in the dark most of the time. I will see if can make prints of Jimmy after i manage to scan the negatives. gr. Ulli | ||
| ulli
New Username: ulli Post Number: 9 Registered: 3-2014 |
Btw, I am thinking to install a 4way rotary switch again in my Series One copy. How much does it cost to order the switch plus the install plate? Anyone knows? Gr. Ulli | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 3516 Registered: 10-2002 |
Ulli. You might be better posting your question in the troubleshooting section. or better still, phone Mica, She is a delightful person to talk to. Graeme | ||
| ulli
Junior Username: ulli Post Number: 11 Registered: 3-2014 |
Thank you Graeme, I will do that. Ulli | ||
| jimmyj
Senior Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 519 Registered: 8-2008 |
Thanks for the notes everybody. Kaspar, glad you're enjoying the big tone! To me it's a natural, almost acoustic sound more closely related to piano than electric guitar. As such it's not what everybody is looking for in an electric bass but obviously I'm hooked on it... And as you guys have pointed out, although this is the only sound I know how to make I've been lucky to do it in a variety of different musical settings. I've enjoyed my never-know-where-he's-gonna-show-up career. For what I do it helps to not be too famous for doing one thing. Instead, some people think of me as a jazz guy, others a pop guy, some mostly a fretless player, I even had a short stint working for a rock producer back in the day. Only curious bass players can figure out that those are all the same guy. Ha! I've had loads of fun. It's all music to me and there is great stuff in every genre. Ulli, good luck with your work "Alembisizing" your Fernandes. You could probably purchase a prewired rotary selector switch from Mica (not a cheep piece) but I don't know about compatibility with your electronics. Possible though, especially if the Fernandes originally had one there and if it functioned the same with the circuitry. There may be a bit of an issue if you continue down this path of buying Alembic parts for your "copy". I don't really know how the family would feel about that. I suspect they'd rather you saved up to buy a real one... But if you love the way this bass feels and plays then you are of course free to upgrade it as much as you wish. Carry on, Jimmy J | ||
| ulli
Junior Username: ulli Post Number: 12 Registered: 3-2014 |
Thank you Jimmy, yes i realised that after i read about the Alembisizing thing and getting "a bat with hairy eyeball".If I get a no as amswer I can respect that. I have an idea already of the type of Grayhill switch. I could buy it from their site directly. But somehow it would be nice if i can buy the whole set from Alembic themselves. I will never be able to buy a real one, so this is my only fav option. Ulli | ||
| jcdlc72
Advanced Member Username: jcdlc72 Post Number: 317 Registered: 11-2009 |
Sorry if this comment somewhat hijacks the thread, but I wanted to answer to Ulli on this regard. I used to say I could be never able to afford an Alembic, living in a third world country (the paradox is that we have the largest oil reserves in the world, but at the same time our living standards are WAY below most "not-so-wealthy" countries). Since about 13 years we have a strict currency control (ie. weīre not allowed to freely buy foreign exchange, we are limited to a certain (pretty small) amount of foreign currency available for transactions abroad (this year the quota is only of 300 USD per capita YEARLY for online operations abroad), and our own currency has underwent in the last years 4 devaluations. This has been the situation in this country for... ever (only aggravated in the latest 15 years, but we have never really been the equal, comfortable, wealthy society you would expect from "one of the richest countries in the world" as they say). And so, 25 years ago I was lusting for an Alembic since I played one, and thought exactly the same. My closest approach was to buy (1993), secondhand, a neck-thru Hondo bass with 2 DiMarzio "P" pickups and brass hardware, which seemed somewhat similar to me (go figure). Then in 2009 there simply was the chance to buy my Epic 5 secondhand, and "all the stars lined up"... and so I am now the proud caretaker of this wonderful instrument. I cannot assure if or when I will be able to have my dreamed MK Series 5, or a Rogue 6, or... but I see no reason why, if it has happened once, it couldnīt happen again. There are surprises beyond what we are currently able to see, so donīt give up hope! | ||
| ulli
Junior Username: ulli Post Number: 13 Registered: 3-2014 |
Jcd, thank you for your reply. One day I hope I can meet Jimmy and save him by accident from something evil. Maybe then he wants to donate me one of his trio instruments ;-)Just kidding ofcourse, I just want to make my bass ready, thats all :-) Gr. Ulli | ||
| jcdlc72
Advanced Member Username: jcdlc72 Post Number: 318 Registered: 11-2009 |
Thereīs a song Iīve been LOVING for years and years since it came out... and it has been not until tonite that Iīve found out it must be our dear Jimmy J on bass! Iīm talking about a wonderful tune on Sergio Mendesīs "Confetti" album from 1985 called "Real Life". I was playing it and almost went immediately to WIkipedia to find out about the credits... and found a dream team which credits James Johnson on Bass, Carlos Vega on drums, Robbie Buchanan on keyboards (By the way... does anybody remember his "Maxus" band from the early 80s? I must have worn out that vinyl so many times... itīs great!) and Dan Huff on guitar!. Needless to say, I played the song twice after that  Thank you, Jimmy, for so many wonderful moments of good musicianship! | ||
| ulli
Junior Username: ulli Post Number: 14 Registered: 3-2014 |
I didnot know Jimmy already played with Sergio that early. I tought Oceano was his first album with mr. Mendes. I do know Anthony Jackson already was on Sergio's Projects in the '70s | ||
| jimmyj
Senior Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 520 Registered: 8-2008 |
Yes, well spotted Juan Carlos. That must have been my first time working for Sergio, thus the odd "James" credit. His sessions were always musically interesting and I found him to be a very nice guy. And his wife Gracinia a fabulous singer! I think Robbie was also new to LA at that time and finding success as an arranger / producer - in this classic 80's synth-pop style. Another talented guy! Thanks cats! Jimmy J | ||
| ulli
Junior Username: ulli Post Number: 15 Registered: 3-2014 |
Gracinhia has a marvelous voice. I think Steve Kahn said once she is the singer with the best voice in the world. | ||
| ulli
Junior Username: ulli Post Number: 16 Registered: 3-2014 |
Gracinhia has a marvelous voice. I think Steve Kahn said once she is the singer with the best voice in the world. | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1734 Registered: 5-2002 |
Speaking of amazing voices, I'd highly recommend 20 Feet From Stardom. It's a documentary about back up singers. Jimmy, I daresay you've probably worked with at least of few of the singers featured. Lisa Fischer stands out particularly. | ||
| jcdlc72
Advanced Member Username: jcdlc72 Post Number: 319 Registered: 11-2009 |
Ohhh yes yes!. In fact, on that song ("Real life"), right after the guitar solo (brilliant Dan Huff!), Jimmy plays, if Iīm not wrong, an F to pass then to E minor for the chorus (coming from B7 or Bsus4, not sure right now)... that note had been HAUNTING me for YEARS! You know what I mean... when a single note gives all the character to that moment, Iīve spent a lot of time wondering if I would have "solved the puzzle" any differently, and THAT note simply HAD to be there. I do love a lot of music, and I like a lot of "more complex" music, but then I think it is subjective... a lot of times itīs only a matter of ONE single note, placed in that spot where nothing can replace it, what makes the whole difference. And I LOVE it when it happens! | ||
| jimmyj
Senior Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 521 Registered: 8-2008 |
Ha! Now we're getting down to some details! Ulli, I think Steve Khan fell in love with Gracinha after only hearing her voice. But he was too late because she had married Sergio years before... Yes Edwin, great movie. David Lasley is one of James Taylor's regular BG singers and has some great lines in the film. I understand Arnold McCuller also appears in the extended DVD version. A lot of extremely talented folks! I recently got to observe David, Arnold, Kate Markowitz and Andrea Zonn working on background parts for a new JT record. James usually comes up with the parts and the team then executes his direction beautifully. It's a pleasure to watch the pros at work. Juan Carlos, you forced me to dig out that track and listen. (1984? 30 years ago? Holy cow, how did that happen?) Fun to hear it again. Reminds me of that time and those great musical experiences. So listen, the F coming out of the guitar solo ... as much as I'd love to take credit for that it was most likely all Robbie Buchanan's idea. Sorry, hope that doesn't ruin anything for you... I think he liked me because I could play whatever he would come up with on his sequenced synth bass part. And just having a human play it (me in this case) would put a bit of "life" into it. Something like that. But he was a "thorough" arranger and didn't leave much to chance so I am quite sure that passing note was all part of his plan. I do understand what you mean about the power of one note. That's why they are ALL important! Any one of the bunch you play might be "that one note" for somebody. Cheers, Jimmy J | ||
| ulli
Junior Username: ulli Post Number: 18 Registered: 3-2014 |
Edwin , the 1st time I saw Lisa Fischer performing, was on a concert I recorded back in mid 80's where she outperformed Chaka Khan in loudness while being in the backgound section.What a body she has! Jimmy , Steve was in love with Gracienha? wow, nice gossip hehe. And i will checkout the F note Juan mentioned, great way to start the week here. | ||
| jcdlc72
Advanced Member Username: jcdlc72 Post Number: 321 Registered: 11-2009 |
And to continue the gossip (and the hijacking of the thread, for which I offer my apologies)... back in the early 80s (probably near the time of the Gracinha affair ;) there was a local TV actress, called Caridad Canelón, who was on the rise here. She had acted on lots of soap operas and enjoyed a huge success in the country. Around the same time, Jeff Berlin knew a Venezuelan vocalist (who used to sang jazz with one of my guitar teachers of then, Mr. Gonzalo Micó) called Vicky Fulop, who he eventually married (Her sister, Katherine, is also a talented TV actress, and maybe here is where the two stories unite). Then Steve Khan met Caridad, and fell madly in love with her... but it didnīt last neither. So, for a while there was a little chance of having two talented U.S. jazz musicians married to a couple of talented and beautiful Venezuelan women!. Now I cannot listen to Khanīs "Modern Times" album (One of my all time favs) without thinking of Caridad Canelon. Go figure. | ||
| ulli
Junior Username: ulli Post Number: 19 Registered: 3-2014 |
wow thats a cool story Juan. I happen to have a few of Steve Khan's Eyewitness albums, like Casa Loco,Public Acces & Crosssings. I know the Modern times and love especially the track "Blades" alot, I also heard the live version from it, when they did a live recording in Germany. Anthony Jackson did some out of this world Solo Intro for "The Suitcase" with his trademark reverb/flanger sound plus his volumepedal. | ||
| ulli
Junior Username: ulli Post Number: 20 Registered: 3-2014 |
about that rotary 4-way switch for the alembic, I figured out that switches are used with type nr: RCL 01686, but I also read that brand Grayhill is used. The type nrs for Grayhill are different and marking RCL 01686 is used by brand BYAB. Can anyone give me more info about the wiring here? | ||
| jimmyj
Senior Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 523 Registered: 8-2008 |
Ulli, It's ... complicated! I'm looking at a pre-wired replacement switch right now and cannot describe the circuit because many of the 10 outer solder lugs are connected to each other with jumpers, etc... This is a Grayhill marked 50C36-01-2-04S. If I'm reading the spec sheet correctly that's a "50" series, 1/8" shaft, military spec, 36 degree, 2-pole, 4 position, "shorting" rotary switch. There are 5 wires leading to the switch which I can safely guess are input-A, input-B, output-A, output-B and ground. I am a bit of an electronics guy but I would be hard pressed to logic out how to wire this switch on my own. What I would recommend is that you contact Mica and see if she would be willing to sell you a prewired pickup selector switch with a short explanation of the in-and-out color coded wires. With that info you could probably interface it with your instrument. I say probably because you are trying to modify a non-Alembic bass with Alembic parts so there is a chance you may run into some incompatibilities. If she is willing to sell you this piece it could be costly. The switch itself is expensive and there is labor involved in the prewiring job (which of course looks outstanding) plus shipping... It may add up to a considerable investment - which hopefully will work with your electronics. Best of luck with it. Jimmy J | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1753 Registered: 5-2002 |
I have wired a few switches of this type (for Bartolini triple coil pickups, each of which was like a mini-Series setup, two regular coils and a humcanceller between them) and it was a lot of work. It's doable, but it would be much easier to see if Mica can sell you a prewired version. I got one from her when rehabbing a Series II set of electronics. It wasn't cheap, but it was a lot better than wiring the thing myself. | ||
| ulli
Junior Username: ulli Post Number: 21 Registered: 3-2014 |
Jimmy thanks for the info regarding the Grayhill type switch , its very usefull in case I go the DIY way. Edwin, also thanks for the reply. I sent a mail to Alembic about the costs for ordering a complete switch/plate/screws & cabling almost 3 weeks ago, when i got an automated reply which indluded an assigned ID nr ([Alembic #668]). But beside that I got not further information.I mentioned my Fernandes FAB-180 in my request. I can wait for a possible reply or just buy the grayhill switch and hoping for a wiring scheme later on. I just checked the cabling on my current installed switch(done by the previous owner). It is a flatcable with 5 wires. I could assume Fernandes did a 1:1 copy job on the internals too.  | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 1997 Registered: 2-2005 |
Ulli - You will usually get a better response by calling Alembic directly. They open at 10AM PDT. There are members here that have owned or do own Fernandes basses. If you open a thread on the Owning an Alembic/Troubleshooting topic or the Miscellaneous topic you should have more visibility and you might get more responses from people who have already gone through what you are. Keith | ||
| ulli
Junior Username: ulli Post Number: 22 Registered: 3-2014 |
Keith I live in the Netherlands so overseas phonecalls might be the last option for me if nothing else is working. But thankyou for your suggestions, I might try to open a new thread there. | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 1998 Registered: 2-2005 |
Ulli - Being in the Netherlands you might try talking to Edwin van Huik at the Bass Connection. He is an Alembic dealer along with other brands and might be able to assist with your restoration. Keith | ||
| ulli
Junior Username: ulli Post Number: 23 Registered: 3-2014 |
I contacted Edwin van Huik 2 days ago, He sent me some pics of close ups of the switch. Friendly guy. | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1754 Registered: 5-2002 |
That's how we Edwins roll! | ||
| ulli
Junior Username: ulli Post Number: 24 Registered: 3-2014 |
Edwin, when i just joined this forum, I thought you might be the Edwin from Bass Connection :-) | ||
| jcdlc72
Advanced Member Username: jcdlc72 Post Number: 329 Registered: 11-2009 |
Well, heīs Edwin, and has a connection with his bass... | ||
| ulli
Junior Username: ulli Post Number: 25 Registered: 3-2014 |
okay i sent Mica an email about my problem with the switch etc. | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1755 Registered: 5-2002 |
Imagine my surprise when I found out that there was an Edwin Signature Model! | ||
| ulli
Junior Username: ulli Post Number: 26 Registered: 3-2014 |
In the mean time I will fix the PS-5 which has 2 toasted resistors.(Mica does not answer my mail to her so i will give up on any hope for the easy solution)  | ||
| jimmyj
Senior Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 524 Registered: 8-2008 |
Hey Ulli, Although I'm happy to continue helping, it may make more sense for you to start a new thread under "Owning an Alembic">>"Troubleshooting" or just under "Alembic Basses & Guitars". You might feel awkward because it's technically not an Alembic, but we're a friendly bunch in here so I don't think anybody will give you trouble. I don't mean to chase you out of my room... HA! Regarding Mica's response time, you need to understand that this entire Company consists of about 9 very dedicated folks who are trying their best to serve everybody's needs. They're good people and stand behind their products but there are not enough hours in the day for them to respond to all their customer's requests and keep the company running. New customers are always shocked by how long things can take but us old-timers know that good things are worth the wait. Furthermore, they're under no obligation to service Fernandes instruments so your questions may be at the end of Mica's long list of things to do. Don't be offended or discouraged, I'm just trying to explain the situation. On the other hand, this "club" is full of knowledgeable players and often the best place to get quick answers to questions about any instruments or amps. With that in mind, scroll down on this page for a schematic of Alembic's DS-5 (similar to your PS-5): http://alembic.com/club/messages/395/60881.html?1246843699 Note that the only resistors are the summing resistors for the mono output. The original DS-5 had a thermal fuse on the high-power side of the transformer. The only way to know if that had failed was by testing it. Hope all this helps. Jimmy J | ||
| ulli
Junior Username: ulli Post Number: 27 Registered: 3-2014 |
Jimmy, yes, I do realise you are right about all the things you said. Maybe I got stuck here, because I already felt this was the right spot, having contact with several members. Ofcourse I dont think you want me to kick lol.Prob I will try some other threads or make a new one, depending on the progress from my side. I will check that link you gave me. I am not really technical, but I thought that behind the elco's of my PS-5 4x resistors were on the board. behind the left elco two of them became black. I just found a good old fashioned electronics shop here who is willling to check it for me, so I will have no part in reparing it. | ||
| jimmyj
Senior Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 525 Registered: 8-2008 |
The four components are likely diodes which work as a "bridge rectifier" in this circuit. (They're connected in a square shape on the Alembic schematic.) Your electronics shop guy should know just what to do. Jimmy J | ||
| ulli
Junior Username: ulli Post Number: 28 Registered: 3-2014 |
Thank you Jimmy, I learned somethings again here. Oh, and Mica replied to me and gave me a positive answer about the switch. Weekend never started better here, happy :-) Gr. Ulli | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 4083 Registered: 6-2002 |
Right on JJ on a wicked cover by Dave Weckl's band. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RS5RsSPssw Jazzyvee | ||
| growlypants
Member Username: growlypants Post Number: 96 Registered: 3-2011 |
Caught your show with James Taylor here in Atlanta a few days ago... what can I say? Outrageously excellent!! | ||
| jimmyj
Senior Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 532 Registered: 8-2008 |
Thanks a lot Dan, I appreciate it. You caught a good gig, even the weather cooperated. And that's a nice "shed" to play. More fun than Chastain - in my opinion. Jimmy J | ||
| growlypants
Member Username: growlypants Post Number: 97 Registered: 3-2011 |
One more quick question - What does the "MD" stand for, after your name and instrument, in JT's "Life on the Road, Meet the Band" e-mail? You're not a doctor, too, are you??!! | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 2052 Registered: 2-2005 |
Musical Director? Keith | ||
| jimmyj
Senior Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 533 Registered: 8-2008 |
Ha! "Doctor Johnson", I like it. Keith is correct in that in this case MD means "musical director" but it's an inaccurate usage. JT sometimes refers to me as the band leader (maybe because I've been there so long) but there's no doubt that HE is the musical director of the operation. I'm more like the "assistant concertmaster", or maybe librarian. Organizational assistance for the band. Only title I'll claim is "bass", and I'm still just subbing for Sklar anyway!!! You betcha! Jimmy J | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11452 Registered: 5-2002 |
Every band should have a librarian. | ||
| basriber
New Username: basriber Post Number: 3 Registered: 10-2006 |
Hey Jimmy. For some reason I was under the impression that my message got moderated (although not particularly offensive in my own opinion) ;-). Anyway, it wasn't until now I realized you actually wrote this danish dude back. Thanks :-). AND - since your little danish portion of the tour is approaching heavily, I'm looking forward more and more to the show and possibly a chat with you and thought I'd remind you by now. As it turns out, It's not in Tivoli Gardens but in Falconer Salen, which is a pretty nice venue. Again, stop me, if I'm crossing the line, but... I know Gadd is probably arranging tickets for a friend of mine. Am I a jerk to ask you the same favor? probably... but I COULD pay you back in loads of Lakrids :-). Either way, I'll be sure not to miss out on hearing you live and sending you thanks for endless inspiration. And I agree with Dave. I think "Librarian" is very descriptive. And catchy to boot :-) /Mikkel | ||
| jimmyj
Senior Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 534 Registered: 8-2008 |
Hey Mikkel, Thanks for the reminder note. Right, I still haven't seen the detailed itinerary but I guess we're not at Tivoli this time so no Flyvende Kuffert ride for me. Wa! I'm sorry but I can't arrange tickets for you, neither as comps nor as a "broker" (purchased for you). I reserve that favor for immediate family members or very close friends - and only if they don't ask. Ha! If you are able to get yourself to the show the best I could offer is a couple after show passes if you wanted to come back and say hello. This doesn't mean you would meet anybody but me ... but it could be a bass chat opportunity. Let me know (right here) if you are able to make it and we'll see if we can connect. Thanks for understanding. Jimmy J | ||
| basriber
New Username: basriber Post Number: 4 Registered: 10-2006 |
I totally understand! A couple of backstage passes with bass chat included would be ideal :-) | ||
| jimmyj
Senior Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 535 Registered: 8-2008 |
OK Mikkel, thanks for going along with that, I appreciate it. I'll see if I can arrange some passes. Seeya, Jimmy J | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 2232 Registered: 9-2002 |
Jimmy, Bon Voyage ! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5tIHtbctFQ J o e y |
