On this episode of Bassed., we sit down with legendary bassist Tim Lefebrve for a wide-ranging conversation covering his career, tone, gear, and the mindset that's kept him at the top of the session world for decades.

Tim opens up about coming up in New York City after moving there in 1993, saying yes to everything, and why he never learned the power of no — and why that approach paid off. We get into his journey from Sadowsky 5-strings to vintage P-basses and flat wounds, the practical reason he switched (hint: it was about front-of-house), and how his deep love of drum and bass and electronica ultimately caught David Bowie's ear and led to the Blackstar sessions.

We also talk in depth about the Jad Freer ecosystem — the Capo, the Sisma, and the new Luce DI. Tim also breaks down exactly how he's integrated the Quad Cortex.

🎸 Topics covered:

• Coming up in NYC & the power of saying yes

• P-bass, flat wounds & front-of-house

• Nate Smith live at Big Ears & backline upright stories

• Jad Freer: Capo, Luce & Sisma

• Quad Cortex in a stadium rig

• Empress compressor, Union Tube and Transistor LAB, Doc Lloyd DLA-2A & more

• Tyler Chester, Good Shepherd & session work

• Gear picks

Sorry for the clickbait.

WE ARE BUILDING A COMMUNITY, ARE YOU IN?

Discord https://discord.gg/BE9Fgqg88y

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bassedthechannel/?hl=en

Clanker Notes:

Carson Childers and Nick catch up on life updates, gear adventures, and their evolving perspectives on music production and touring. Dive into their candid conversations about studio setups, digital gear, touring logistics, and personal milestones.

Key Topics

Carson’s upcoming studio session at Mountain Art Center, featuring full live band recording with a big SSL console

The decline of traditional band experiences in the studio and the shift toward remote and digital workflows

Insights into touring logistics: Sprinter vs. Tour Bus, hotel stays, and driving long distances across the US

The transition from performing to tour managing: managing artists, logistical decisions, and new perspectives

The evolution of gear: quad cortex, HX Stomp, and the significance of capturing and processing in digital setups

Comparing gear options: size, processing power, workflow, and market pricing, including the mini quad cortex

The importance of signal flow, capturing chains, and custom presets for consistent tone

Personal milestones: Carson wins Bass Player of 2026 Award and celebrates mentorship and community

Exploring hobbies like coffee brewing and espresso gear as analogies for gear selection and investment

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction and updates on Carson and Nick

02:46 - The art of live band tracking in modern studios

03:47 - Unusual studio tricks: marching snare and goofy percussion toys

04:13 - The shift away from traditional studio experiences and remote work

06:15 - Touring stories: van vs. bus, hotel stays, and travel experiences

10:14 - The challenges and benefits of touring in Sprinters and high-top vans

12:34 - Logistics of gear: gear stays on the bus or in the van, packing routines

14:24 - Transitioning out of performance to tour management roles

16:23 - Producing and performing with artists like Taylor Lansdale and Nathan Evans Fox

17:45 - The journey of collecting gear, studio setup, and shifting priorities

18:41 - Nashville performances and touring logistics, including day trips and hotel stays

19:30 - New music releases and working with production teams

20:54 - Carson’s recent awards and mentorship reflections

24:14 - The significance of community, mentorship, and recognition in music

27:03 - The role of Discord as a community hub for gear tips and collaboration

28:58 - Deep dive into quad cortex capabilities, captures, and workflow strategies

33:45 - Gear size, analog vs. digital, and capturing complex chains for tone

36:00 - The mini quad cortex and its fitting into smaller pedalboard setups

39:48 - Managing gear sales, gear appreciation, and the importance of processing power

43:10 - The aesthetics and workflow of digital gear: the importance of interface design

44:03 - Recording with captures, presets, and creating versatile tone chains

55:45 - Strategies for capturing intricate gear chains for consistency and tone preservation

58:35 - The future of digital models: market evolution, open source possibilities, and market dynamics

62:17 - Personal hobbies: coffee, espresso gear, and analogies for gear investment

63:56 - Wrap-up and community engagement: join the Discord for tips and conversations

WE ARE BUILDING A COMMUNITY, ARE YOU IN?

Discord https://discord.gg/BE9Fgqg88y

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bassedthechannel/?hl=en

Clanker notes:

In this episode of the podcast, host Carson Childers interviews renowned bass player and producer Gus Seyffert. They discuss Gus's journey in the music industry, including his work with Roger Waters and the production of the Dark Side of the Moon Redux. The conversation delves into the challenges of performing with a legendary artist, the creative freedom in live performances, and the intricacies of gear selection, including basses and amplifiers. Gus shares insights on his approach to music, the importance of artistic expression, and the technical aspects of sound production. In this conversation, Gus and Carson delve into the intricacies of music production, focusing on amp selection, mic placement, and the nuances of mixing and recording techniques. They discuss their preferences for bass amplification, the importance of sound control, and the challenges faced when mixing classic records. The conversation also touches on the art of limiting and compression, as well as future music projects and releases.

00:00

Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

01:59

The Dark Side of the Moon Redux Experience

12:15

Navigating the Challenges of Playing with Roger Waters

22:24

The Art of Live Performance and Creative Freedom

25:03

Gear Talk: Basses and Amplifiers

28:01

Exploring String Preferences

30:19

The Evolution of Bass Guitars

33:41

Custom Strings and Unique Instruments

37:02

The Importance of Amplifiers

40:56

Tuning Techniques and Personal Preferences

46:40

Navigating Amp Brands and Their Characteristics

48:05

Choosing the Right Amp for the Job

51:03

The Importance of Speaker Selection

54:07

Navigating Live Sound Challenges

56:04

Recording Techniques and Preferences

01:04:03

Mixing 'Dark Side of the Moon Redux'

01:09:39

Finalizing the Mixes

01:12:30

Capturing Vocals with Precision

01:15:52

Drum Recording Techniques

01:27:48

Approaching Limiting and Compression