The Top Five Bands Featuring 2-String Basses

When C. B. Gitty announced the launch of the  G-Bass 2-string Bass Kit, I started freaking out in pure musical ecstasy.  Ever since I started playing 3-string cigar box guitar, I've continually looked for other musicians who follow the less-is-more stringing ethos.  In doing so, I've discovered a pocket of musicians who take the stage with just two bass strings.  Here's five of my all time favorites...

Morphine

This power trio called their sound "implied grunge" when they hit the scene in the 1990's, and played some of the most sultry non-guitar music ever.  Led by Mark Sandman on 2-string slide bass, the band also featured baritone sax and detuned drums for a low-rock sound.  Sandman's bass was a pawnshop Premier bass strung with two bass strings and very high action.  

Here they are with their classic song, "Cure For Pain," from the album of the same name.  It's amazing to think this was released 25 years ago already.

The Presidents of the United States of America

These post-grunge darlings of the mid-90's showed up with conventional electric guitars strung with bass strings.  Lead singer, Chris Ballew played a 2-string guitar/bass hybrid he called a "basitar" while second guitarist, Dave Dederer played a 3-string "guitbass."  Both were tuned to Open C#, placing them more in the baritone guitar range.  Here they are playing their classic, "Peaches."

D. A. D. 

Denmark's biggest rock band, D. A. D. features Stig Pedersen on 2-string bass.  Pedersen originally started on conventional 4-string bass, but soon realized that he only ever played on 2 of the strings.  Since then, he has commissioned the world's most insane array of custom basses ever seen.  In this video, he attacks a huge 2-string acrylic bass.

Alien Knife Fight

Austin Texas' most exciting duo, Alien Knife Fight is lead by singer/bassist Monique Ortiz.  Originally discovered by Mark Sandman of Morphine back in the 90's, Ortiz has performed in several notable bands, Bourbon Princess, A.K.A.C.O.D. and others.  She is equally known for her prowess on fretless bass as she is on 2-string slide bass.  Unlike Mark Sandman's mellow, jazzy tones in Morphine, Ortiz prefers a more punk grind to her 2-string.

Jug Fusion

Ok, I'm totally cheating on this last one, because Jug Fusion was MY old band!  LOL.  In the song X-Ray Spex, I ran a 2-string bass into a screaming amp and added a 3-string cigar box guitar over top.  This song has since fallen into obscurity and never played in my shows.  It was a fun one to record!

Check out the brand new G Bass 2-String Bass kit: