Reader Spotlight: Craig Bannerman

Meet Craig Bannerman, a long-time bassist who made the switch from guitar many years ago. He has some super interesting gear!

Craig is this week’s No Treble reader in the spotlight (you could be next). Here’s his story…

Bio:

I was raised in a family of folk dancers and cloggers. I was the only musician. I screwed around until I was 32, then became a firefighter and spent 30 years doing that gig. I started in high school playing folk music and continued into hardcore mountain old-time and eventually bluegrass. I played in many bands, some with enough polish to win contests and awards. Now retired and playing in several bands.

Location:

Black Mountain, NC

Years experience:

Since 1973.

Why I play the bass:

I was much less a guitar player than my bandmates, so I was asked to try the bass. I was loaned a 1968 Precision and a Bassman rig. I eventually moved to the upright and stayed there for some 35 years.

Gear:

I am currently playing a Guitar Bass assembled by Todd Phillips. It’s a 1953 Kay archtop acoustic guitar body with a custom fretless neck that Todd built. It feels like an upright neck, and the instrument is played in a semi-upright position. This is one of three that exist so far. Todd plays his when he travels, and an upright is not practical.

I play that into a Fender Rumble amp or an Acoustic Image amp. I do lots of playing direct into a PA as well.

I do still own a Kay upright but rarely play it. I also have a 1968 Fender Mustang, a Kay Kraftsman electric (modified), and a Taylor GS mini.

My Influences:

Todd Phillips, Mike Bubb, Bryn Bright, Mark Schatz, and Nick Forester are a few.

My bass superpower/claim to fame:

I’m not the best bass player around, but I am a great band member. I’m always on time, always have gear and set lists prepared, handle social media, try to find and book gigs, and entertain when I’m on stage.

Because of health/back issues, I am also in pursuit of the lightest equipment I can find, which will benefit my band mates as well as myself.

More on the web:

• Crooked Pine Band
• Sour Wood Ridge
• YouTube