Reader Spotlight: Jon Wolske

Jon WolskeMeet Jon Wolske, our bass player in the spotlight for April 20, 2010.

Bio:

Bass playin’ fool since the age of 16, Jon played for a few years in an original project ‘Mourning Stone’ before he found the fun world of Cover bands. The draw of having fun and actually pulling in some side-cash took him on a 10+ year long journey playing classic/southern rock and blues. All the while, Jon has played in churches doing contemporary Christian music and lending his experienced hand to the bass or guitar seats. Jon found his fire again last year and has been writing original music for his current bad, ‘Nasty Habits’ and working on an album.

Location:

Las Vegas, NV – USA

Day gig:

Zapposinsights.com I work at Zappos, the worlds largest online shoe retailer. Insights is a department that helps other businesses look at the management and culture of their company and the values of the people who make up the company so that they can focus on some changes to make it a better place for the employees, business partners and customers. I get to share the Zappos culture all day long! Lucky me!

Years experience:

16 years

Bands & Gigs:

I play bass and sing lead in ‘Nasty Habits’, a Classic Rock cover band. We are currently working on an original album of material (something new for us) and are very excited. We will be gigging again soon in the smaller pubs and locals joints in the Las Vegas valley.

Gear:

  • Schecter Stiletto Studio 5
  • MIM Fender jazz 5 Deluxe
  • Yamaha RBX 260F Fretless 4 string
  • Essex BG-205
  • Prima Upright bass
  • Aphex Punch Factory
  • Boss CEB-3 bass chorus
  • Custom active EQ for upright
  • Peavey Basic 12
  • Yorkville BM200
  • Amplitube 2 and SVX (just for fun)

Why I play the bass:

Long story short: I found an old cassette tape that had a bass player I knew (he had played with my parents in the 70’s and 80’s)… Since I knew the bass player I LISTENED to the bass parts for the first time. I was hooked and knew that I had to create grooves like that too (it was a fun southern rock studio project with tons of great, moving bass parts!)

My bass superpower/claim to fame

I sing lead while playing moving/walking bass lines. Need I say more?

My influences

Sir Paul, Flea, Robert DeLeo (STP), Steve Ostick (the guy from the tape in my bio – RIP), Leon Wilkeson, Stones, Delbert McClinton, Fogerty, Tommy Shannon.

More on the web:

Want to be featured in an upcoming Reader Spotlight? Just fill out the interview questionnaire.

Get daily bass updates.

Get the latest news, videos, lessons, and more in your inbox every morning.

Share your thoughts

  1. Carla

    Hey, that guy is my brother! Proud of you, Jon! Love ya!

  2. Ive moved over to the dark side the past few years, playing guitar and singing backups in a band called the Beau Hodges Band. My Schecter Stiletto Studio 5 is still getting a workout at home and at shows, just in another man’s hands… oh my! just kidding, I loaned it to our some-time bass player while he looks for his ultimate bass.

    I encourage you to check this project out! Last year we opened for ZZ Top, Counting Crows, Matchbox 20, Moonshine Bandits/Rehab and Gary Allan! This year, we are playing every week and are confirmed to play at the Life Is Beautiful Festival in October (headliners include the Killers, Imagine Dragons, Beck….)!