QQ For LaFaro Buffs

[JSngry]

When did he make the move to the lower bridge?

[David Ayers]

Don't know, but in the meantime...

 

 

 

[JohnT]

I believe Scott LaFaro's bass was set up with lower action after his first bass was stolen in California in 1958 and he then went to the Kolstein Bass Shop in New York to obtan a new one shortly thereafter.

Here's a great short discussion on the history and restoration of LaFaro's bass that was nearly destroyed in the car acident that took LaFaro's life:

The bass now belongs to the International Society of Bassists to loan out. Several notable bassists such as Mark johnson, Phil Polumbi and others have used it on recent recordings and concerts. 

Edited July 31, 2016 by JohnT

[JSngry]

Thanks for that. So are there any meaningful records of him playing with the higher action? Kinda wondering if a "before/ after" thing is do-able, just for fun.

[JohnT]

I'm not sure 100% of when the other bass was stolen in 1958 but this recording from January 1958 with Victor Feldman may have him playing with the first bass (the album that this is taken from is my favorite Scott LaFaro):