Elwood Francis Unveils His New Two-String Bass: A Shift in ZZ Top’s sound
Elwood Francis, the bassist for ZZ Top, has recently shared an exciting update about his latest musical instrument: a two-string bass guitar.
previously serving as the band’s guitar technician,Francis was responsible for the upkeep of their iconic fuzzy guitars. “I really disliked the task of keeping the fur clean – we had little brushes for that!” he humorously recounted in a recent interview with GW.
After the unfortunate passing of Dusty Hill, Francis transitioned to the role of bassist, embracing the band’s legacy with his unique gear choices. He gained critically important attention for his massive 17-string bass, which he first showcased during a performance in 2022.
As he explained, the 17-string instrument was originally a lighthearted purchase from a Chinese retailer, stemming from a late-night browsing session. “I stumbled upon this guitar,took a screenshot,and sent it to Billy,joking,‘We should get one of these for me to play. It’ll be hilarious!’” Francis shared with GW in 2024.
“Three months later,billy surprises me with this enormous yellow 17-string bass and says,‘Alright,we’ll use it for a song,right?’ I replied,‘Sure,I can manage that…’ After the performance,I thoght that was the end of it,but then it went viral!”
Since then,Francis has been performing with the 17-string bass nightly and has recently introduced a more manageable 15-string version,dubbed the High selecta bass,which features a faux Teisco logo (though it’s not actually made by Teisco).
Now, his latest addition must feel like a breath of fresh air: a two-string Sam Hill offset bass crafted by Waterstone guitars.
“Life becomes a whirlwind when you start playing a @waterstoneguitars Sam Hill 2-string bass,” Francis posted on Instagram. “That’s 15 fewer strings than I’m accustomed to….”
According to Waterstone’s website, the name of the bass is derived from the common reaction it elicits: “What in the Sam Hill?” While detailed specifications are scarce, the two-string bass is said to feature a remarkably slim maple neck, two single-coil pickups, and comes with a padded case, all for a reasonable price of $549.
Can this new two-string model hold its own against the 17-string behemoth? Fans will have to wait until ZZ Top’s upcoming tour in March to find out.
From 17 Strings to 2: ZZ Top’s Elwood Francis Takes a Hilarious Journey into Bass Innovation!
The Rise of Elwood Francis in ZZ Top
Elwood Francis, the talented bassist for the legendary rock band ZZ Top, has made headlines recently with his unique approach to bass guitar. Transitioning from a 17-string bass to a more streamlined 2-string model, Francis’s journey is not just about music; it’s a testament to creativity and humor in the world of rock.
From Guitar Tech to Bassist
before stepping into the spotlight as ZZ Top’s bassist, Francis was the band’s guitar technician. His responsibilities included maintaining the iconic fuzzy guitars that the band is known for.“I really disliked the task of keeping the fur clean – we had little brushes for that!” he humorously shared in an interview.
The Transition After Dusty Hill
Following the passing of Dusty Hill, Francis took on the role of bassist, bringing his own flair to the band. His gear choices quickly caught the attention of fans, especially when he introduced a massive 17-string bass during a performance in 2022.
The 17-String Bass: A Comedic Experiment
The story behind Francis’s 17-string bass is as entertaining as it is indeed unique.Initially ordered as a joke from a Chinese retailer,the instrument was the result of a late-night browsing session. “I stumbled upon this guitar,took a screenshot,and sent it to Billy,joking,‘We should get one of these for me to play. It’ll be hilarious!’” Francis recounted.
The Viral Sensation
what started as a lighthearted prank turned into a viral sensation. “Three months later,Billy surprises me with this enormous yellow 17-string bass and says,‘Alright,we’ll use it for a song,right?’” Francis recalled. The unexpected popularity of the instrument led to him performing with it nightly, much to the delight of fans.
Introducing the 2-string Sam Hill Bass
recently, Francis unveiled his latest acquisition: a two-string Sam Hill offset bass crafted by waterstone Guitars. This new instrument marks a significant shift in his playing style and showcases his innovative spirit.
Why a 2-String Bass?
“Life becomes a whirlwind when you start playing a @waterstoneguitars Sam Hill 2-string bass,” Francis posted on Instagram. “That’s 15 fewer strings than I’m accustomed to….” This playful remark highlights the ease and simplicity that comes with the new instrument.
Specifications of the Sam Hill 2-String Bass
| Feature |
Details |
| Neck Material |
Maple (extremely slim) |
| Pickups |
Two single-coil pickups |
| Case |
Padded case included |
| price |
$549 |
Benefits of Playing a 2-String Bass
- Simplicity: Fewer strings mean less complexity, making it easier for musicians to focus on rhythm and groove.
- Lightweight: A 2-string bass is generally lighter, allowing for more agreeable performances.
- Unique Sound: The distinct sound produced by a 2-string bass can add a fresh element to a band’s music.
- Creativity: Playing with fewer strings encourages musicians to think outside the box and explore new musical ideas.
first-Hand Experience: Elwood Francis’s Outlook
Francis’s experience with the 2-string bass has been nothing short of transformative. He has expressed excitement about the new possibilities it brings to his playing style.“It’s a completely different approach to bass playing,and I’m loving every minute of it,” he stated in a recent interview.
Case Studies: Other Artists Embracing Unique Instruments
Francis is not alone in his innovative approach to bass guitar. Several artists have embraced unconventional instruments to create unique sounds:
- Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers): Known for his energetic performances, Flea often plays a custom-made bass that features unusual designs and configurations.
- Victor Wooten: A pioneer in bass guitar techniques, wooten has experimented with various string configurations to push the boundaries of the instrument.
- Les Claypool (Primus): Claypool is famous for his unconventional bass playing style and has used a variety of unique bass guitars throughout his career.
Practical Tips for Musicians Considering Unique Instruments
If you’re inspired by Elwood francis’s journey and considering experimenting with unique instruments, here are some practical tips:
- Research: Look into different types of instruments and their specifications to find one that suits your style.
- Try Before You Buy: If possible, test out the instrument in a store to see how it feels and sounds.
- Embrace Creativity: Don’t be afraid to explore new techniques and styles that come with playing a unique instrument.
- Join a Community: Connect with other musicians who share your interests to exchange ideas and experiences.
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