Who's the Greatest Bass Player Ever?

[1Boner]

Talas2 from my squad is Billy Sheehans 1st cousin.

[Masherbrum]

Damn it! Are you looking over my shoulder? 

Was it that easy?
Trying very hard not to laugh, because that would only encourage you. 
(Can you even play a bass in handcuffs?)

It was that easy.    Entwhistle would be next, followed by Dee Murray.

[Xargos]

John  Entwistle is teh bestest.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVl39LBZGMw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQk0av8L0oY&feature=related

I rest my case.

That's always the first name I think of as well when asked that question.

[VonMessa]

John Myung is the Bass Player from Dream Theater. Since nobody has mentioned it I'll throw Bootsie Collins into the mix.

He and Mike Portnoy are both patients at the Chiropractor that my wife works for.

Oh, yeah.... John Paul Jones

 

[Seraphim]

I have always like Claypool, but I would have to say Cliff Burton. What he achieved in his short life was incredible, and to me, was the most musical out of all the bassists I've. Someone told me that Sheehan was the best ever, but he just plays superfast without really feeling anything (at least that's what I hear in his playing). Simply put, the 1st album, with his recorded solo, says 'bass solo, take one.' and to this day is one of best I've ever heard.

[Cthulhu]

It was that easy.    Entwhistle would be next, followed by Dee Murray.

Starting to wonder if any of these guys know who he was.

[Cougar68]

James Jamerson without a doubt.  I would follow it up with Tommy Shannon from Stevie Ray Vaughan's band.  The guy was smooth as glass and could hold down the bottom with elegant lines.

[Hajo]

No doubt about it.  Easiest question to answer.

The man who changed the sound of Bass playing.....James Jamerson.

[bozon]

If I had to pick one, it would be Les Claypool.  That guy has done so many different styles and types of songs. 

This includes the south park theme I believe

At the top of my list as well.

[manurin]

I would say in no particular order:

Marcus Miller
Cliff Burton
Les Claypool
flea

[MoeRon]

Jaco Pastorius

[TheZohan]

stever harris of iron maiden

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Harris_(musician)

Cliff Burton  of Metallica (before he died of course)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cliff_Burton

are my two choices

[sluggish]

Paul McCartney was the first bring the bass up in the mix like we're used to hearing today.  While there are better players, he deserves kudos for his inovation on the instrument.  He is also one of the most melodic players of all time.  I won't make a bold statement like "there would be no modern bass as we know it without McCartney" but he was right there at the cusp and deserves his place as an original inovator of the instrument.  Add into this the fact that, whether they'd admit it or not, Paul inspired a generation of musicians to pick up the bass by bringing it to the fore as an instrument that really mattered in the mix, and Paul gets my vote as being the greatest bassist of all time.

[Jebus]

I would have to say les Claypool.  Like stated so many times he does so much and is so different he has to be right up there.

I heard a story that after Cliff Burton died Claypool tried out for Metallica.  After his audition James Hatfield said thanks but your to good.  I dont remember where I hear the story... I think it was on VH1 Metallica behind the music.


I also like;

Giddy Lee
John Paul Jones
and John Entwistle

[TheZohan]

I would have to say les Claypool.  Like stated so many times he does so much and is so different he has to be right up there.

I heard a story that after Cliff Burton died Claypool tried out for Metallica.  After his audition James Hatfield said thanks but your to good.  I dont remember where I hear the story... I think it was on VH1 Metallica behind the music.


I also like;

Giddy Lee
John Paul Jones
and John Entwistle

yeah i heard thats story i think it was behind the music on VH1 but i dont think thats what was said. i dont think he fit the metallica look for them