What Brand Of Bass Does Rick Savage Play? Uncovering The Def Leppard Bassist's Iconic Gear
Have you ever wondered about the instruments behind some of rock's most enduring sounds? For fans of Def Leppard, that question often points straight to Rick Savage, the band's steady bass player since 1977. His playing has been a big part of their sound for over a quarter of the band's entire 47-year history, and people are always curious about what gear he uses to make that happen. It's really interesting to see how his instrument choices have changed over the years, mirroring the band's own journey through different eras of rock music.
Rick Savage, often called "Sav" by those who know his work, has played a key role in Def Leppard's massive success, selling millions of copies of their music. He's heard it all and played it all, adapting his sound as the band grew. So, what exactly has he used to create those memorable bass lines?
This article will take a look at the different bass guitars Rick Savage has played throughout his long and celebrated career. We'll explore his early choices, the instruments that defined the band's huge 80s sound, and what he's using today, giving you a full picture of his gear evolution. It's pretty cool to see the story of his basses unfold.
Table of Contents
- Rick Savage: A Bass Legend's Journey
- The Basses That Shaped a Sound: Rick Savage's Gear Evolution
- The Sav Sound: Beyond the Bass Guitar
- Frequently Asked Questions About Rick Savage's Basses
Rick Savage: A Bass Legend's Journey
Rick Savage has been the solid foundation for Def Leppard's sound for decades, a truly remarkable run. He's one of those rock bass players who has really made his special spot within a band work, helping to define a sound that has endured for a very long time. His commitment to the group since 1977 is pretty amazing, actually, and it shows in every song.
He's been a part of every release and tour, contributing his unique style to the band's music. Sav has also given rare interviews, like one to Bass Guitar Magazine for their January 2018 issue, which celebrated 30 years of the Hysteria album. He even talked about recording "PSSOM," making the Hysteria album, "Animal," and other big hits, as well as his bass playing and his live performances, which is a bit of a treat for fans.
Personal Details and Bio Data
| Full Name: | Richard John Cyril Savage |
| Known As: | Rick Savage, Sav |
| Role in Def Leppard: | Bassist |
| Years Active with Def Leppard: | Since 1977 |
| Notable Contributions: | Played on all releases and tours, helped define band's sound |
The Basses That Shaped a Sound: Rick Savage's Gear Evolution
Rick Savage's choice of bass guitars has changed quite a bit over his career, reflecting the different sounds Def Leppard explored. From his earliest days to the band's arena-rock dominance and beyond, each instrument played a part in crafting his signature low-end rumble. It's fascinating to see how his gear tells a story of musical progress, really.
Starting Strong: The Fender Precision Bass
For many bass players, their first instrument holds a special place, and for Rick Savage, that was a Fender Precision Bass. He picked up this classic bass in the late 1970s, which is a fairly common starting point for a lot of musicians. This particular model, known for its straightforward design and powerful sound, helped him lay down the early grooves for Def Leppard.
There's a photo from the Pyromania tour where you can actually see Rick Savage playing a black Fender Precision Bass. It's a pretty clear shot, and it shows just how much he relied on this instrument in those early, explosive years. With its smooth look and nice to hold feel, this bass is a pleasure to play, and it's easy to see why it was a good choice for him then.
The Fender Precision Bass has always been a workhorse instrument, known for its reliability and punchy tone. For a band like Def Leppard, whose sound was growing bigger and bolder, having a bass that could deliver a solid, dependable foundation was absolutely key. So, this Fender was more than just his first; it was a reliable partner in the band's formative years.
The 80s Powerhouse: Hamer Blitz Bass
As Def Leppard soared to massive fame in the 1980s, Rick Savage often turned to a different instrument: the Hamer Blitz Bass. This particular bass was his go-to instrument during a time when the band was producing some of their most iconic and best-selling albums. It's the bass that many fans of that era probably picture when they think of Sav, actually.
The Hamer Blitz Bass, with its distinct shape and powerful presence, became synonymous with Def Leppard's arena-rock sound. It helped create the thick, driving bass lines that underpinned hits like "Pour Some Sugar On Me" and "Animal." There's even a story about one of these basses being signed twice by Rick, once on the headstock and again on the body, which is a pretty cool piece of history.
For a lot of us who were teens when Def Leppard really broke big, the Hamer Blitz bass is the instrument we've always linked to Sav. It just fit the band's image and sound perfectly during their peak commercial success. This bass was a real staple for him throughout that decade, providing the deep, resonant tones that made their music so impactful.
The Turn of the Millennium: Washburn Models
As the band moved into the late 1990s and early 2000s, Rick Savage began to incorporate Washburn basses into his touring arsenal. Specifically, he used Washburn's XB920 (a 4-string model) and XB925 (a 5-string model) from 1999 to 2009. The XB925, the 5-string version, had actually been part of his touring gear since 1992, showing his early adoption of the extra string.
The Washburn XB925 5-string bass, in particular, became a significant part of his setup for live performances. These basses, with their modern design and versatile sound, offered him new possibilities for his playing. It's interesting to note that with one of these Washburn basses, a collection of Def Leppard tour artifacts was included, which is a nice touch for collectors.
The transition to Washburn models, especially the 5-string, points to a desire for more sonic flexibility and a wider range of notes. This kind of adaptability is pretty common for bass players who want to keep their sound fresh and able to handle different musical demands. So, these Washburns played a key role in his sound for a good decade or so.
Today's Choice: The Custom Jackson Bass
In more recent times, Rick Savage has moved on to using a custom bass made by Jackson. This is his current instrument of choice, showcasing a continued evolution in his gear preferences. A custom-made instrument often means it's tailored precisely to the player's needs and playing style, which is a pretty cool thing for a musician of his caliber.
Jackson guitars and basses are often known for their sharp, aggressive designs and powerful sound, fitting well with the hard rock roots of Def Leppard. Having a custom bass from a company like Jackson suggests that Sav is still looking for the perfect instrument to deliver his signature sound, one that feels just right in his hands. It's a very personal choice, really.
This move to a custom Jackson bass highlights how even seasoned players like Rick Savage are always looking for ways to refine their sound and performance. It's a sign of a musician who is still deeply engaged with his craft, always seeking out the best tools for the job. You know, it's about getting that exact feel and tone he wants.
Beyond the Brands: The 5-String Advantage
While discussing specific brands, it's worth noting Rick Savage's use of 5-string basses, particularly with the Washburn XB925. The addition of a fifth string (usually a low B) isn't just about getting extra lower notes; it offers a whole lot more. It's also about being able to play more across the neck as opposed to just up and down, which opens up different fingerings and melodic possibilities.
This expanded range allows a bass player to explore new voicings and to move more freely around the fretboard, sometimes making complex lines simpler to play. For a band like Def Leppard, whose music is often rich and layered, having that extra string can provide a deeper foundation and more options for melodic fills. It's a subtle but significant change that can really shape the sound, apparently.
The 5-string bass, with its sleek design and comfortable feel, can be a pleasure to play for those who master it. It shows a thoughtful approach to his instrument, choosing tools that give him the most versatility and control over his sound. This kind of choice is pretty typical for a player who has spent decades perfecting his craft.
The Sav Sound: Beyond the Bass Guitar
While the bass guitar itself is central, Rick Savage's sound also comes from his full equipment rig, including amplifiers and effects. The bass lines he creates mix well with the drum machines and other elements of Def Leppard's sound, creating that big, polished production. When I hear Def Leppard, all I hear is synth bass, but it's clear his playing is a vital part of the overall mix.
Sav has talked about his bass playing and how it fits into the band's overall sound, even mentioning how he recorded "PSSOM" and worked on the Hysteria album. He's a player who truly understands his unique spot within the band, making sure his bass serves the song perfectly. You can learn more about Def Leppard on our site by clicking here.
Recording in the Modern Era
In what is perhaps a big signal of how things are now, Rick Savage cut all of his bass tracks for Def Leppard's latest release, Diamond Star Halos, remotely. He did this from his own setup, which is a testament to how much recording technology has changed. This approach shows a modern way of working, allowing musicians to create high-quality tracks from anywhere.
This remote recording process doesn't mean a compromise in sound quality; rather, it highlights the advancements in home studio technology. It's pretty amazing to think that the bass lines you hear on a major rock album were laid down in such a flexible way. This method gives him the comfort and control of his own space, which can really help with the creative flow, honestly.
For more insights into how musicians like Rick Savage approach their craft and gear, you might explore other iconic bass players on our site by clicking here. Sav also spoke to Amit Sharma of the MusicRadar website about his bass playing, which gives a deeper look into his thought process and techniques. You can often find interviews and gear rundowns on sites like MusicRadar, offering a peek behind the curtain of rock legends.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rick Savage's Basses
People often have specific questions about the instruments Rick Savage uses, especially given his long career and the different eras of Def Leppard's music. Here are some common inquiries.
What was Rick Savage's first bass?
Rick Savage's first bass guitar was a Fender Precision Bass. He got this instrument in the late 1970s, and it played a role in his early days with Def Leppard. It's a classic choice for many starting musicians, and it clearly served him well.
Does Rick Savage use a 5-string bass?
Yes, Rick Savage has used 5-string basses. He notably used the Washburn XB925 5-string model for touring from 1992 to 2009. The 5-string offers him an expanded range and more options for playing across the neck, which is quite useful for his style.
What bass did Rick Savage use in the 80s?
In the 1980s, the Hamer Blitz Bass was Rick Savage's go-to instrument. This bass became very much linked with Def Leppard's big sound during their most famous period. It was his preferred tool for laying down those powerful bass lines that defined the decade for the band.
Washburn 2006 Custom Shop Rick Savage Signature 5 String Proto Bass #2 of 2
Washburn 2006 Custom Shop Rick Savage Signature 5 String Proto Bass #2 of 2
Washburn 2006 Custom Shop Rick Savage Signature 5 String Proto Bass #2 of 2
