Reader Spotlight: Craig Martini

Craig Martini

Meet Craig Martini, a bassist with quite an impressive resume of touring, recording, and performing with many well-known musicians.

Craig is this week’s No Treble reader in the spotlight. Here’s his story…

Bio:

I have toured and recorded as a bass player with Phil Collen (Def Leppard), Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big), and Colin Hay (Men At Work). I’ve recorded with Alan Parsons, and I’ve performed with Joe Satriani, Mike Keneally (Frank Zappa), Kiko Loureiro (Megadeth), Andy Timmons (Danger Danger), Warren DeMartini (Ratt), Mimi Fox (Jazz great), and Jani Lane (Warrant).

Location:

Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.

Years experience:

35 years

Why I play the bass:

My brother, who is four years older than me, came home from school one day with the idea to play guitar. So I decided I would play bass!

Gear:

My main bass is a ’97 Yamaha BBG4 with EMG-J pickups. I use a Hartke LH-1000 head and 2 4×10 HyDrive cabs, and a Hartke KB15. (I am endorsed by EMG & Hartke).

My Influences:

Larry Graham, Geddy Lee, Victor Wooten, Cliff Burton, Billy Sheehan, Bootsy Collins, John Patitucci, Les Claypool, Flea.

My bass superpower/claim to fame:

I am 100% reliable! What I mean by that is actually a compilation of things. #1 If you hire me, I will be there early, and I will know your songs better than you, #2 I will play what the song calls for without ruining the groove by overplaying. What you send me to learn, will be played exactly as it’s sent, unless otherwise noted. #3 I can play anything you throw at me, due to my varied experience with so many artists.

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  1. “I am 100% reliable! What I mean by that is actually a compilation of things. #1 If you hire me, I will be there early, and I will know your songs better than you, #2 I will play what the song calls for without ruining the groove by overplaying. What you send me to learn, will be played exactly as it’s sent, unless otherwise noted. #3 I can play anything you throw at me, due to my varied experience with so many artists.”

    And that, in so many words, is what makes a pro. Oh, and good gear, which is also included in Craig Martini’s profile. My new hero.