The Real World: February 2014 - Rod Turpin
Home base Washington, DC
Occupation Musician, college financial-aid rep
Gigs Studio, local DC events
Basses Custom Traben Array NT, fretless Gibson Ripper
Rig Gallien-Krueger 800RB and 400RB heads
Effects ART Bass Command Center, DigiTech BNX3, Electro- Harmonix BassBalls
Strings Ken Smith, Rotosound, Elixir
Heroes & inspiration Larry Graham, Chris Squire, Les Claypool, Stanley Clarke, Jaco Pastorius, Alphonso Johnson, Jesus Christ
Contact rockbassrt@aol.com
How did you come to play bass?
I was an early bass freak—I made a guitar into a bass. After learning the viola as a kid, I was drawn to the bass.
What’s a lesson you’ve learned along the way?
Play to improve your mind and artistic knowledge.
What are your musical goals?
To get good management and great gigs.
Want to introduce yourself? Find submission guidelines at bassplayer.com/realworld. Get selected for The Real World and receive a set of D’Addario EXL170 bass strings and a T-shirt. All those who submit will receive D’Addario’s FretBuzz newsletter.