Fretless Questions, Player bio, photos, videos, music, and more – David Piltch fretless bass
Fretless Questions: David Piltch
FB: What inspired you to play fretless? How long have you been playing?
David Piltch: Jaco Pastorius 1976. BAR 1 of Donna Lee. 54 Years of playing the Bass, self taught.
FB: Who are your main fretless bass influences or favorite players?
David Piltch: Jaco, Pino, Fernando Saunders.
FB: Do you play upright, electric, or both?
David Piltch: Both, I prefer upright.
FB: What was your very first fretless bass? What other fretless basses have you used live or in studio?
David Piltch: 1978 Stuart Spector (I still own it). Also used a Yamaha BB300 (primarily on everything from late 80’s forward).
FB: What other equipment do you use live and in studio (amps, effects, strings, etc.)?
David Piltch:
– 1962 Fender Jazz fretted with Dean Markley ground wound circa 1970
– 1960s Hofner fretted with Pyramid Gold flat wound strings
– 1960’s Gretsch Country Gentleman 6070 with LaBella custom tape wound strings
– 1960’s Goya Panther with flat strings (Original)
– 2 Fender Precision basses 1963 and 1970. Both with RotoSound round wound strings
FB:What bands or projects feature you playing fretless bass?
David Piltch: Blood Sweat & Tears, k.d. lang, Eddi Reader, Strangeness Beauty, Aoife O’donovan, Hugh Marsh.
FB: What are some of your favorite songs you’ve played fretless bass on?
David Piltch:
– Pulling Back The Reins (k.d. lang)
– Outside Myself (k.d. lang)
– Rebel Angel (Eddi Reader)
– Phoenix ( Aoife O’Donovan)
– Echo Meadow (Ted Moses Quintet)
FB: How would you describe your fretless playing style?
David Piltch: Melodic
FB: Are you still actively playing fretless bass?
David Piltch: No
FB: Do you have any basic advice for bass players looking to take up fretless or those who are new to the instrument?
David Piltch: In 2018 I was invited to play Live an entire 25th Anniversary performance of a recording that included my fretless work. I was initially pessimistic but accepted the challenge. Sometimes the people you emulate become your own worst enemy and I did spend a long journey trying to find myself. I feel that after revisiting the instrument that was so defined by others, I was able to feel my voice had in fact become clear.
FB: Do you have websites or social media sites you would like to share?
David Piltch:
http://www.davidpiltch.com/
https://youtu.be/ZWStco-JTHU
https://www.youtube.com/@davidpiltch
https://spotify.link/icVFJubHcEb
https://instagram.com/davidpiltch? igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
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