What Brand Of Bass Does Rick Savage Play? Unpacking Def Leppard's Iconic Low End
For anyone who has ever felt the earth move during a Def Leppard concert or cranked up one of their classic albums, the thumping, foundational rhythm of Rick Savage's bass guitar is unmistakable. It's the very backbone of their massive sound, a deep groove that truly gets you moving. Fans and fellow musicians often wonder about the tools behind that signature sound. What kind of bass does this rock legend actually play? It's a question that, you know, comes up a lot among those who appreciate great music and the instruments that make it happen.
Rick "Sav" Savage has been holding down the low end for Def Leppard since 1977, a really impressive run that covers over a quarter of the band's entire 47-year history. Over those decades, his gear has seen some changes, adapting to the band's evolving sound and the needs of their tours and recordings. So, if you're curious about the specific basses that have helped shape Def Leppard's legendary tracks, you're definitely in the right spot.
We're going to explore the various instruments that have been part of Sav's arsenal, from his early days with the band right up to his current setup. It's a pretty interesting journey through rock history, showing how different basses have played a part in creating some of the most enduring rock anthems ever. You might be surprised by some of the choices, or perhaps you'll recognize a familiar name from the stage.
Table of Contents
- Rick Savage: A Musical Journey
- Personal Details & Bio Data
- The Early Days: Fender Precision Bass
- The 80s Powerhouse: Hamer Blitz Bass
- The Washburn Era: From 1992 to 2009
- Current Rig: The Custom Jackson Bass
- Recording Today: Diamond Star Halos and Remote Work
- The Five-String Advantage
- People Also Ask
Rick Savage: A Musical Journey
Rick Savage, often called "Sav," has truly made his mark as a bassist. He’s heard it all, played it all, and helped sell millions of copies of Def Leppard’s music. Few rock bass players, you know, have really embraced their special spot within a band as well as Sav has. He's been the steady anchor for their sound for a very long time, and his contribution is a big part of why their music has such lasting appeal. He even spoke to Amit Sharma of the MusicRadar website about his bass playing, sharing insights on recording classic tracks and making albums like "Hysteria."
Personal Details & Bio Data
| Role | Bass Guitar |
| Band | Def Leppard |
| Active Since | 1977 |
| Latest Recording Method | Remotely (for "Diamond Star Halos") |
The Early Days: Fender Precision Bass
When Rick Savage first started his musical journey, his very first bass guitar was a Fender Precision Bass. He picked this up in the late 1970s, and it quickly became a foundational piece for him. This model, with its sleek design and comfortable feel, is a pleasure to play, and it’s easy to see why it was a popular choice for many musicians back then. You can actually spot Rick Savage playing a black Fender Precision Bass in a photo from the Pyromania tour, which, you know, shows it was a key instrument during that iconic period for the band.
The 80s Powerhouse: Hamer Blitz Bass
As Def Leppard moved into the 1980s and their sound grew even bigger, Rick Savage's instrument of choice also changed. Back then, the Hamer Blitz bass became his go-to "weapon of choice." This particular bass was quite famous, and it’s the one many fans, like, truly associate with Sav during that explosive era of rock. In fact, some of these basses were even signed twice by Rick, once on the headstock and then again on the body, making them very special collector's items. It really just shows how much he connected with that instrument.
The Washburn Era: From 1992 to 2009
Moving into the 1990s and beyond, Rick Savage brought Washburn basses into his touring setup. Specifically, the Washburn XB925 5-string bass has been a part of his Def Leppard touring arsenal since 1992. This model, along with the XB920 (4-strings) and XB925 (5-strings), were his primary basses from 1999 to 2009. These basses were, you know, very reliable workhorses for him on the road, accompanying the band through many tours and recordings. It's almost like they became a familiar sight for fans during that time.
Current Rig: The Custom Jackson Bass
These days, Rick Savage is using a custom bass made by Jackson. This is his current instrument for live performances and studio work, representing the latest evolution in his gear choices. Having a custom-made instrument means it's built to his exact specifications, which, you know, can really make a difference in playability and sound. It’s a pretty significant shift from the production models he used before, highlighting his ongoing search for the perfect instrument to complement Def Leppard’s sound.
Recording Today: Diamond Star Halos and Remote Work
In what is perhaps a very profound sign of the times, it’s worth pointing out that Rick Savage actually 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 quite a change from traditional studio recording. This just shows how adaptable he is, and how technology has changed the way musicians create music. Even though he was physically separate from the other band members, the bass lines still mixed well with the drum machines, creating that familiar Def Leppard vibe.
The Five-String Advantage
Rick Savage has made good use of 5-string basses, particularly the Washburn XB925. The benefit of a 5-string isn't just about having those extra lower notes. It's also about being able to play more across the neck, rather than just going up and down, which allows for different fingerings and more creative musical choices. This gives him a lot more flexibility in his playing, and, you know, helps him find just the right sound for each song. Learn more about bass guitar techniques on our site, and you can also find details about famous bass players.
People Also Ask
What was Rick Savage's first bass?
Rick Savage's very first bass guitar was a Fender Precision Bass, which he bought in the late 1970s.
What bass did Rick Savage use in the 80s?
During the 1980s, the Hamer Blitz bass was Rick Savage's main instrument and his "weapon of choice."
What bass is Rick Savage currently using?
Currently, Rick Savage is using a custom bass that was made by Jackson.
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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
