Ilse Van den Broeck

bass@ilsevandenbroeck.com

Gallery

Ilse’s favourite basses

Without the Fender bass, there’d be no rock n’ roll or no Motown. The electric guitar had been waiting ’round since 1939 for a nice partner to come along. It became an electric rhythm section, and that changed everything.

Quincy Jones

When I first strapped on the Fender Jazz Bass Deluxe 4-string, I understood why so many legends swear by this instrument. The sleek body, the smooth satin neck, and the active electronics—it’s the kind of bass that makes you want to play for hours without realizing time is slipping away.

The Deluxe’s active preamp gives me enough tonal range to chase that singing midrange when I need it. And if I roll the tone down, I can step right into Marcus Miller territory—tight, punchy tones that cut through a mix like a razor.

But the Jazz Bass isn’t just for jazz or funk. Geddy Lee from Rush pushed this bass into the realms of progressive rock, using its bright attack and clarity to carve out intricate bass lines that stood right alongside Lifeson’s guitar and Peart’s drumming. I love how, with just a tweak of the EQ, I can go from warm and round to aggressive and snarly, perfect for those complex, melodic lines.

Then there’s Flea, whose high-energy, percussive playing with the Red Hot Chili Peppers has defined an era of funk-rock. He’s primarily known for his ‘61 Jazz Bass, but when I dig into the Deluxe with my fingers on those stainless steel frets, I can feel that same punch and response.

Of course, Victor Bailey also left his mark with a Jazz Bass, blending fusion, funk, and soul in ways that made bass feel like a lead instrument. His use of dynamics and articulation on this bass showed just how versatile it can be.

Even in the realm of blues and classic rock, the Jazz Bass holds its ground. John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin often reached for his Jazz Bass when he wanted clarity and warmth in the band’s thunderous sound. And let’s not forget Noel Redding, who held down the groove behind Jimi Hendrix—his Jazz Bass tone had that distinct vintage growl that sat perfectly in the trio’s mix.

That’s the beauty of the Fender Jazz Bass Deluxe—it’s a chameleon. Whether I’m thumping out Motown grooves like James Jamerson (who, despite being a Precision guy, proved that Fender’s craftsmanship is second to none) or laying down fusion-inspired runs, this bass responds to whatever I throw at it. The active EQ gives me modern flexibility, while the classic Jazz Bass design keeps me connected to the instrument’s deep history.

Every time I plug in, I feel like I’m tapping into a legacy that spans genres, decades, and some of the greatest players to ever pick up a bass. And honestly? That’s a pretty inspiring feeling.

The moment I picked up the Yamaha Billy Sheehan Attitude Limited 3, I knew it wasn’t just another bass—it was a statement. The sheer power of its dual-output design, the thunderous lows from the woofer pickup, and the biting midrange of the DiMarzio Will Power set this bass apart from anything else I’ve played. Every note punches through the mix, just like Billy intended when he helped design it.

Of course, Billy Sheehan himself is the reason this bass exists—a legend in the rock and shred scene, known for his jaw-dropping solos and unmatched technical ability with Mr. Big, Talas, and David Lee Roth. But what’s fascinating about the Attitude Limited 3 is how it’s found a home in the hands of bassists from all walks of music.

Take Doug Wimbish, for instance—his work with Living Colour and hip-hop pioneers like Grandmaster Flash demands a bass that can handle everything from deep, funky grooves to screaming harmonics, and this beast delivers. Even jazz-fusion virtuosos have taken notice, pushing the limits of its tonal flexibility in ways you wouldn’t expect from such an aggressive-looking instrument.

For me, the real magic is in the neck. The scalloped upper frets allow for effortless bends, and the chunky yet smooth maple profile gives it a feel unlike any other bass I own. Whether I’m locking in with a drummer on a tight groove or letting loose with a flurry of tapped harmonics, this bass doesn’t just keep up—it pushes me to play harder, faster, and more expressively.

It’s not just a bass; it’s an extension of the player. And no matter what style of music you throw at it, the Attitude Limited 3 is ready to roar.

Ilse’s wikipedia page