Larry Graham, the iconic bassist best known for his innovative slap bass technique, has had a profound influence on the world of music, particularly in the funk, soul, and R&B genres. His playing revolutionized the role of the bass guitar, turning it into a lead instrument with both rhythmic and melodic functions. Throughout his career, Graham has used a variety of bass models, each contributing to his signature sound. One of the most significant instruments in his arsenal is the Moon Larry Graham Signature Bass, a custom-built model designed specifically to meet the demands of his unique playing style.
The Evolution of Larry Graham’s Bass Setup
In the early days of his career with Sly and the Family Stone and later with his own band Graham Central Station, Larry Graham primarily played Fender Jazz Basses. These basses, known for their bright tone, versatility, and narrow neck, allowed Graham to perfect his slap bass technique. The distinct punchy tone of the Fender Jazz Bass complemented his style, providing the sharp attack needed for slapping and popping while maintaining a rich, full low-end.
During his time with Sly and the Family Stone in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Fender Jazz Bass became Graham’s go-to instrument, featuring prominently on many of the band’s most famous tracks, such as “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” and “Dance to the Music.” The natural percussive qualities of the Fender Jazz Bass, combined with Graham’s revolutionary playing style, helped define the sound of funk music.
The Moon Larry Graham Signature Bass
As Graham’s career progressed and his technique evolved, he sought out a bass that could handle the demands of his slap-heavy playing while delivering the tonal clarity and punch he required. This led to his collaboration with Moon Guitars, a Japanese company known for producing high-quality custom basses. The result was the Moon Larry Graham Signature Bass, an instrument that would become closely associated with his sound and style.
The Moon Larry Graham Signature Bass was specifically designed to cater to Graham’s needs, with a focus on delivering the sharp attack and deep lows essential for funk music. The bass features:
- Active Electronics: The active electronics in the Moon Larry Graham Signature Bass give it a powerful, clean sound with a broad dynamic range. This allows Graham to get the distinct slap and pop tones he is known for, with the added ability to tweak the EQ for a variety of different sounds.
- Dual Pickup Configuration: The bass has two pickups (typically single-coil or humbucker), which gives it tonal versatility. The neck pickup provides a warm, full sound, while the bridge pickup offers a bright, cutting tone, perfect for slapping. The combination of these two pickups allows Graham to blend the highs and lows in his playing.
- Maple Neck and Fingerboard: The maple neck and fingerboard on the Moon bass are designed for clarity and brightness, qualities that are ideal for slap bass. The smooth feel of the maple fingerboard also allows for fast and fluid finger movements, a must for Graham’s complex slap and pop techniques.
- Body Design: The body of the Moon Larry Graham Signature Bass is often made from ash, a tonewood known for its resonance and balance of bright highs and deep lows. This makes it perfect for the aggressive style of slap bass playing that requires both punch and sustain.
- Custom Features: The Moon Larry Graham Signature Bass often includes custom design features, such as white or gold finishes, and sometimes inlays on the fretboard that reflect Graham’s personal style. The overall aesthetic of the instrument is designed to reflect Graham’s flamboyant stage presence while ensuring maximum playability.
Larry Graham’s Endorsement and Influence
Larry Graham has been an active endorser of the Moon bass since the 1980s, and the instrument has become an integral part of his sound. He has used the bass in many live performances and recordings, helping to cement its reputation as one of the top choices for funk bassists. Its clear, punchy tone and responsiveness to slap bass techniques make it an ideal instrument for funk, soul, and R&B musicians.
While many bassists still associate Larry Graham with the Fender Jazz Bass due to his early work with Sly and the Family Stone, the Moon Larry Graham Signature Bass has taken on its own legendary status, thanks to its association with his later work, including his collaborations with Prince and performances with Graham Central Station.
Other Instruments in Larry Graham’s Arsenal
In addition to the Moon Larry Graham Signature Bass and Fender Jazz Bass, Graham has also played a variety of other instruments throughout his career, including the Fender Precision Bass and Alembic Basses. The Fender Precision Bass, known for its thick, warm tone, has occasionally been part of his setup when he wanted a more straightforward, classic bass sound.
His use of Alembic Basses, high-end custom instruments known for their craftsmanship and tonal clarity, also allowed Graham to experiment with different sounds and approaches, particularly in his solo work and later recordings. Alembic basses are often favored by players who seek precision and tonal flexibility, qualities that are essential for Graham’s dynamic style.
The Legacy of Larry Graham’s Bass Choices
Larry Graham’s choice of bass guitars has played a crucial role in shaping the sound of funk music. His innovation with the slap bass technique demanded instruments that could handle the rigors of his aggressive playing style while delivering the clarity and punch necessary for live and studio performances. From his early days with the Fender Jazz Bass to his longstanding partnership with Moon Guitars, Graham has always sought out basses that complement his virtuosic technique.
The Moon Larry Graham Signature Bass, in particular, stands as a testament to his influence on bass playing. Its design, tailored to his playing style, continues to inspire bassists across genres, and its association with Graham has made it a coveted instrument for players looking to capture the essence of funk bass.
Conclusion: Larry Graham’s Enduring Impact on Bass Guitars
Larry Graham’s contributions to bass guitar playing go far beyond his technical prowess. His choice of instruments, particularly the Moon Larry Graham Signature Bass, has had a lasting impact on the world of bass guitar design and performance. His innovative slap bass technique demanded a new level of responsiveness and tonal versatility from his instruments, and his collaborations with companies like Moon Guitars have resulted in some of the most iconic bass models in music history.
As both a bassist and a musical innovator, Larry Graham’s influence continues to be felt today. Whether through his early use of the Fender Jazz Bass or his later work with Moon Guitars, his sound has shaped the evolution of the bass guitar and inspired countless musicians to push the boundaries of what the instrument can do.
