Monthly Archives: October 2012

Bass Find: Chadwick Folding Bass

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I recently bought my upright bass and I love playing it.  However, it has been the number one source of stress in my life.  Ok… that might be a little dramatic, but I’m CONSTANTLY worrying about dropping it, the price of strings, playing in tune, not being completely dwarfed on stage by it, etc. But, I think the biggest problem with this instrument is traveling with it.  I haven’t had to take it on the road yet, but when I do, would I have to check it if I fly? If so, how much would THAT cost?  That instrument is six feet tall! When I travel by car or van, will it fit with all the other gear,  5 or more other musicians, and all the empty water bottles and potato chip bags?

Well, those days of worry are over! In the November issue of Bass Player Magazine, there was an article on Charlie Chadwick, the inventor of the Chadwick Folding Bass. This is a 3/4  bass with a neck that can fold into the bass itself, making for easy transport! Also, it comes with a hard case… How convenient!  Check out the demonstration video here:

Now, I’m sure you’re probably wondering the same thing I was, “But how’s the sound quality?  Something this cool has to sound odd and cheap, right?” WRONG! Artists like Christian McBride and Barry Bales (from Alison Krauss and Union Station) use this instrument and it sounds as good as any other high-quality, professional upright bass.  Check out a video of Barry Bales playing the Chadwick on the Ellen Show:

So, if you’re needing an upright bass that sounds great and is easy to transport, definitely look into the Chadwick Folding Bass.

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Bassists You Should Know: Glenn Worf

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Lately, I’ve been listening to Miranda Lambert’s “Four the Record”, and I gotta say that the playing is phenomenal. The album has some pretty impressive names in the Musician’s Credits, but I was most interested in who played bass (of course). I was pretty impressed with who I found!

The session bassist on “Four the Record” is Glenn Worf. He has been playing for OVER 40 YEARS, and is mostly known for his session work with artists like Craig Campbell, Trace Adkins, Miranda Lambert, Toby Keith, Alan Jackson, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Shania Twain, Sugarland, Keith Urban, and many more. That’s a pretty impressive resume! Check out any of those albums on which he’s featured – you’ll definitely be impressed with his riffs and AMAZING precision. A “Must Listen” especially for all the upright players out there.

Glenn Worf does NOT have a website, however you can read his authorized biography here.