As one of the earliest pioneers of the 9-string bass, Nuclear Rabbit’s Jean Baudin has been taking the instrument to an entirely new level since 1999.

Jean is known throughout the world for his work with Nuclear Rabbit and Element of Surprise. Jean’s style mixes intense tapping, slapping and fingerstyle. Primarily self-taught, Jean has studied privately with guitarists Marty Friedman and Jason Becker as well as bassist Wally Voss. Over the years, Jean’s bands have shared the stage with groups such as: System of a Down, Papa Roach, Alien Ant Farm, Deftones, P.O.D., Linkin Park, A.F.I., Green Day, Mindless Self Indulgence and Bad Brains.

Jean is currently working on a Solo CD that will feature solo pieces on 9, 11 and 12-string basses. He also has an instructional book/dvd in the works for tapping on 5-string (and above) basses.

Jeans Site: www.JeanBaudin.com

Here is a vid of Jean working his magic:

And here is my interview with the man:

1. What are you up to right now, musically?

My main focus is getting my solo CD finished right now.

2. Who are your main musical influences and why?

I’ve been listening to a lot of solo musicians lately… stuff like Glenn Gould, Joe Pass, Keith Jarrett, & Philip Glass.

3. What made you want to play bass in the first place? What did you dream?

Bass was the easiest to play and from the music I listened at the time (metal) it seemed like it was something that I could put a mark on.

4. What equipment do you use? Is good equipment important to you?

Accugroove Speakers, Phil Jones Speakers, Conklin and Ken Lawrence basses. When you have excellent equipment the only limitation is yourself.

5. Have you exceeded what you thought you may become when you first started to learn the bass?

In some ways yes, in some ways no. I never thought that I would be playing solo music by myself. However, I know I still have a long way to go.

6. If you have one, what is your favourite technique?

Tapping… there is just so much you can do with it.

7. Do you have any good practising tips for newer players?

Have a goal or something to work on when practicing instead of mindlessly running through scales and exercises.

8. Do you ever get stuck in a rut, or get “writers block”? Do you do anything to remedy this horrible dark place?

Whenever I do, I find that I’m playing too much and not listening enough. So, I spend a couple of days off the instrument, listen to music or just go do something out of the house.

9. How can you see the bass evolving?

Well, for me, my basses have been evolving because every few years I’m adding strings (as technology makes it possible) but that’s a big can of worms, because many people argue that my instruments aren’t basses anymore. However, in a general sense, I don’t follow the current trends in basses/bassists because I’m kind of on my own little path.

10. Any parting words of wisdom?

Eat your vegetables.

Thanks, Jean!

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