Lemmy Kilmister: The Man, The Myth, The Bass Rig 🚬🥃
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- When you think of the Lemmy bass rig, the next words that come to mind should be Marshall amplifiers and Rickenbacker basses. While you’re not wrong, have you ever stopped and wondered about his other basses?! There's more to this legend than meets the eye and today we uncover the secrets!
We get down into the weeds and look at pickups, string choices and effects.
#lemmy #motorhead
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SHOW NOTES
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Head to the show notes for a list of all equipment mentioned today. This includes a full detailed timeline of the Rickenbacker 4000 modifications as well as the Marshall amplifier history.
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THANKS TO
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My thanks go to Antoine for helping with the research in this video. Please go say "Hi" to him on Twitter / apakep
If know your stuff about your favourite bass player and think you could help make a video with me get in touch!
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CONTACT
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Follow me on Twitter @AlfieWilliamsUK or visit knowyourbasspla...
I've had SO much fun researching and writing this video. I hope it was worth the wait. Lemmy has so many stories in his legendary career but this is my favourite.
""I knocked [on Motörhead's] bus. No answer. So I open the fuckin' door and there's Lemmy in a complete full-in Gestapo uniform spanking a naked chick with a riding crop. She was loving it. So was he. I apologized and closed the door."
IT WAS A HELL OF A WAIT.. but i have my patience. Thanks man for doing this
Adam, I thank you for your patience. I promise it will be worth it!
THAT'S a goddamn awesome tour tale HAHAHAHAHAHAHA what a sight, damn. I'd probably laugh my ass off after closing the door!
That was Al Jourgensen who said that if I recall correctly.
Which Bass awesome video🤘🤘 can you do david ellefson next?
Wow, Lemmy had THAT guitar!?! Hot Damn!
Lemmy liked to call it "The Rickenbastard" ♠️
That's the name of his signature bass line
That's fkn awesome
Even as a bass playing guitarist I never thought he’d play a six string like that 😂 absolute revelation
I could NEVER guess Lemmy would own a guitar like THAT
Lemmy had such a unique sound. A legend. RIP Lemmy.
LEMMY FOREVER. It was so weird seeing Lemmy with a Beatles haircut.
Weird for me to see him short haired at the start
Yeah its weird not seeing moles on his face either.
When I listen to Motorhead so do my neighbors.
Only way to do it.
Did you ever see them live? They used ALOT of volume
Fucking great,my neighbours does the same. Sometimes I get a text message:can you please turn down the volume 😨
@@WhichBass he he great answer. It made my day
That "when I listen to ---------so do my neighbours" thing is getting really dull...
Lemmy Kilmister from Iron Maiden............. My life starts from now!!
oh yes well known fact is that :d :D from a pro music equipment seller ....utterly hilarious
I cant believe that idiot from Seymour Duncan actually said that
You must have missed that album. It's a classic XD
Everybody knows he played banjo in Jethro tull 🙄
'kin iron maiden. Thats feckin' hilarious
Wow, love those guitars, can't believe Lemmy used one
Funny Lemmy says in the quote at 24:35. : "I would get rickenbacker basses and change the pickups. I put a Gibson Thunderbird pickup in my first one. It sound like a fucking bulldozer.
Just imagining crankin up a bulldozer to play Ace of Spades.
Do it!!!!!!
I like to think that Lemmy didn’t die. But that he was tired of how hell was being ran, so He went down there to run it himself
I mean, he IS god... so...
@@salvadordollyparton666 yes he is the Lord and savior
I read Lemmy didn't die either , he completed the game.
Lemmys last name mayve well been Richenbacker. Theres no other guitar for Lem. Built for Him. He was built for IT
1:11 POg! Look at lemmy shred that double neck
OMG 😮 I CAN'T BELEIVE LEMMY 🎸 HAD THAT 😫 GUITAR 😲
Sam Madden Seriously! Like it’s not even a reissue!!
Absolute MADLAD.
My Grandpa has one of those!
OMG EW
Oh no! I missed it, i have to go back
Thanks! The happiest and most congenial crowds I've ever seen were at Motorhead shows. Lemmy is loved beyond belief.
Impressive video, finally someone who thinks of Lemmy as a bass player who is worth checking out and not 'only' as some hard drinking rock star. It's sure worth checking into Lemmys gear and tone, as he was an awesome and very unique bass player. His right hand phrasing is absolutely undoable(!), as you will find out listening to his bass intros to songs like "Back At The Funny Farm", "Queen Of The Damned", "Evil Eye", obviously "Ace Of Spades", "Iron Fist", "Orgasmatron" and the list goes on. Listen to cover bands playing those bass intros. Try to play it yourself. Yeah, it's mostly only two notes in the left hand, but does it sound the same? No. It's not as good. Why? Cause he was a rhythmic genius! AND he had a killer sound, which his equipment, that he customized, helped him to achieve. So, thanks for this video. Very good research!
Thank you Alex. I completely agree with you. Some of the comments here (trolls no doubt) see Lemmy as a drug addict. Or as you've said just an old rocker. They're clearly missing the bigger picture Lemmy had on Rock music. And of course. A brilliant lyricist to boot.
Your attention to detail is astounding! Please keep these coming! You are amazing at what you do!
Thank you Sir I appreciate good words :D
Once again you have done an excellent job on this one young man. Great information on Lemmy's equip. And a hell of a lot of it. Even down to pup changes..shows just how much detailed research you do. So much advancement since you started. Thanks for keeping this very interesting..✌
Fender Jay, you flatter me sir. Thanks so much. It's been a long journey and I'm thankful you've noticed an improvement. \m/
Can you do Robert Trujillo before metallica then in metallica
Yes! Definitely. I'd love to finish the Metallica trio for sure.
Thank you very much for your time and effort to research these players rigs. Keep up the good work
That would be awasome. :D
Met him at a gig - suicidal tendencies were supporting someone, can’t remember who. He was just standing in the crowd along with the rest of ST at the Brixton academy years ago. He was more interested in two girls and disappeared with them - nice work if you can get it ! Suicidal were nice friendly guys, really chatty.
Lemmy will always be the best bassist Iron Maiden ever had, it's a shame nobody remembers. Anyway, how about John Paul Jones from The Who next?
Your funny.....
I love Lemmy but Steve Harris is another level compaired to Lemmy.
i always liked that jimmy osbourne from black purple ....that song residual gasses from combustion over H2o is my fave
What about Dusty Hill, the bass player from Nirvana? He's often overlooked when discussing bassists, but I like him.
Best Iron Maiden album.
Everybody knows that Lemmy's bass tone is actually Chuck Norris growling into a microphone behind the amp stack
You know. I think you're goddamn right.
@@WhichBass Wow! A reply from the actual maker of this video! This was GREAT, btw, excellent job. Consider me subscribed
ya got that backwards. Lemmy plugged into a computer, put a bra on his head, and Chuck Norris came into existence.
ya got that backwards, Lemmy plugged his amp into a computer. some chick threw her bra at him and it just happened to land on his head, and voila... Chuck Norris. that's where they got the idea for weird science.
Thanks, Dude. Good job. Very informative. Met Lem after a show once. Not too many rock stars hang out with their fans after shows to chat and sign autographs. He was one of a kind. Miss you Lemmy!!
Thanks Michael, ah dude lucky you. What an experience.
Excellent video! I enjoyed the way it was so thorough. I've always liked Lemmy, everything about him is so badass. R.I.P. Lemmy Kilmister. There will only ever be one Lemmy.
Thanks Riley, I appreciate that.
Fabulous documentary. I consider myself a long term fan (listening since about 1983 or so) and this is by far the most comprehensive and interesting documentary on Lemmy's gear that I have ever seen. Great research!
Thank you Scott, very glad to hear you enjoyed it.
The Born to Lose Out to Lunch bass is also still in the studio with Cameron Webb as well as Lem's cabinets and heads, he posted a recent video of him even doing a little demo on it, so that bass has been used for recording on albums as well, just not on tour
Once in 1994 i has seen the 1975 , Rick 4001 withe with black binding and ace of spades sticker, for sale in Denmark str. in London, i guess was andy music shop or something like this, i get in and asking if i can see the bass, and has been a friendly guy and pass the bass with a price immediatelly, what kill all my chance to get it, was about 6000 quits !!..soon he sayed , i give back the bass and leave the shop, 3 days later i come back just to see that bass and has bein sold out.....that happened, and was it like this. Thanks for the cool site !!!
I’m shocked he actually played that guitar. I did NOT expect that!
I'm a lifelong Lemmy fan. Fkin luv n respect the man and his antics and music, I'm a massive Hawkwind fan too. I really enjoyed your video and all the details held within it.Unlike other bands that can pick up the pieces when a band member passes away it's different with Motorhead because without Lemmy there is no Motorhead.
Good video man. 👍👍👍
I think John Deacon would be rad.
A classic, of course. Will have to do him one day.
I love watching people that look and sound so different than I expect or can imagine thats what makes life so beautiful. So many different ingredients to make the same things. Passion, obsession, expression and information. Shine on you crazy diamond! Sorry im a bit pissy pissy tonight!
You talking about me or Lemmy?! I'll take the compliment if so.
Peter Steele!
His bass was a weapon of mass destruction. That tone is quite hard to compare to something, it's just unique.
Hell ya and talk about his chain strap!!!
A lot of love for Peter! Let's see how this goes.
@@funkatron800z9High five man! My personal fav is WWs 3&4. All tracks are awesome and the bass in particular sounds truly thick and sick in the mix, but those massive notes in the pre-chorus... Ground shaking. That's what is called a POWER trio.
I heard back in the day he had a custom rick body with a fender neck . ./ at lest that's what I remember.
Perfect timing...just when the bass bit starts...👍...i remember him in Hawkwind & playing guitar, jeez i'm old..
When I Think Lemmy the first thing that comes to my mind Is bastard,whiskey,harley davidson and aces of spades and off course OVERKILL
WOW I was just checking out some videos on UA-cam and I ran across this video. I have never taken any type of music lessons and when I was 16 got a beat up Fender Mustang Bass from a friend for 50 bucks taught myself to play and have been playing ever since I'M a huge Motorhead fan and huge fan of the man himself. I am now 54 years old and a new subscriber this channel is great thank you for the video on Lemmy!!🤪🥃
Thanks very much Tim! I'm glad to have you subscribed!
Lem was given a Rick as a gift by Phil Campbell. The truss rod cover had been replaced with a brass one engraved ‘Rickenbastard.’ An oak leaf design was add around the guitar body with a soldering iron by superfan and friend, Paul Hadwen.
So that's how his backup bass was done with that design, I found that interesting and prefer that bass
One tiny detail to note on the 4004LK, Lem’s was different to the production signature models.
The one Lemmy played has the original bridge pickup housing & string guard in gold, but didn’t have any pickup underneath it. There purely for the feel of playing over the pickup guard for him.
I got told this by his tech sometime in 2008. Tiny bit of info but worth mentioning!
I always saw that as being his resting position for his wrist, which makes sense given his strumming style and it prevents him from muting the strings by accident
I never thought that lemmy would have a guitar like that!!!
Just wanted to say thanks and express how much I like these videos. I love geeking out on details, and these are just the thing for it.
Thank you Skeeter, it's nice to share this hobby with like minded people :D
OMG, Lemmy had that guitar! Mind blown
I can't believe Lemmy had THAT guitar!! 🤘🔥🤘
Peter Steele from Type O Negative would be great to see you cover
I'm excited, I'd love to do a vid on Peter. Glad you would too.
Rock N’ Roll is gone but will be worshiped and cherished forever .
Best research on Lemmy's gear and I know what I'm saying, respect man !!!
Thanks a bunch Lem! I appreciate that a lot.
@@WhichBass I've finished the first part of my video series about the secrets of Lemmy's Marshall amplifier, you can check it out on my youtube channel if you're up for it.
He was even editor of the school magazine
I used to nasturbate, constantly!
You forgot about the Thunderbird, the pickup in the neck of the first Rick came from the Thunderbird he played in Hawkwind right up until Overkill era Motorhead as a backup.
Bruh ... - ua-cam.com/video/J_kLZPB2zj8/v-deo.html
Wow I loved that guitar can't believe he played that one!
wow, i would have never expected him to use THOSE GUITARS!11! hahah
I know! What an absolute crazy person.
Which Bass Lem was a legend.
love the channel man- I could watch the geezer butler videos another 1000 times at least!
Shit man I don’t think I’ve ever seen a channel so high above the usual video quality/number of subs curve. We gotta fix that. Liked, commented, and subscribed.
Thanks a lot Kamleko, I appreciate the good word, nice to have you on board.
The 4004LK was only supposed to have the carvings around the rim of the bass, but due to a miscommunication between him and Rickenbacker, it was done on the tops of the basses. Regardless, he gave his approval on the project.
I found this out from a "Dear Guitar Hero" article, in which he answered my question on what his design project was like on the signature model.
Dude...never realized that Lemmy played that guitar before the first record
Legends never die. Even when they are killed by death ♠🤘
The 4004LK only had 60 made as the guy who carved the oak leaf pattern on those, who normally worked on shotguns, and custom orders including motorbike engines, died, and Lemmy decided that if he was gone there would be no more 4004LK basses made.
Fourth day, five day marathon.... We're moving like a parallelogram
first song I ever learned the lyrics to, classic
As a drummer, I don't know what I'm doing here but I'm damn sure learning a thing or two.
Please keep these videos coming, I'm in love.
Asaur, you're most welcome here. Drummers and Bassists are the back bone of the band. We keep shit together while the guitarists and singers flail across the stage XD
Which Bass Couldn't have said it better myself XP
"THE MISFITS" JERRY ONLY
Definitely Jerry Only
I like it Johnny.
Wanker
Particularly the Static Age and Earth A.D. albums. Thick and distorted, not unlike Lemmy's sound.
wow !! lemmy had a few guitars
You're kidding me, he got THAT guitar from HIM? That's amazing!
Another detail, perhaps nobody realized is , in the Rickenbacker bass the firma Rickenbacker did in his name , with the leaves carved in the woodbody, and 3 pick ups, Lemmy added a HAND REST as comes into the bridge pick up into the standar 4000 , 4001 and 4003.(he installed in between the bridge pick up and the middle pick up) Just that....Thanks and always enjoyed your site !!!
Thanks for sharing Albert, I didn't know that, good stuff!
I can NOT believe LEMMY had THAT guitar 🎸!!!!
Great video! As a Lemmy nerd myself, I can confirm this video covers everything! Excellent job, this videos need to be seen by every Lemmy+Bass fan!
CHEEEEERS!!! ♠♠♠
Thanks for the endorsement Fleig! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
My pleasure! Because I am in a Ramones high these last few months, I suggest looking into the Ramones bass rigs. I don't know if it would be enough for an entire video(basically P Bass + Ampeg 8x10 =y), but it might be cool.
I did consider the Ramones but like you say. It's just Pbass! I was thinking of mini episodes of players who's gear doesn't change. Ramones would be a good start!
Not a bad idea! Those could be some good videos between the longer and more researchy ones.
Most interesting, and well done. To clarify your speculation, and doubt, regarding the 4003 being a refinished 4001; it is not. The early 4003’s are distinguishable by the two-piece pickguard, identifiable in the photo by the “three-screw” cluster where the neck portion of the pickguard meets the knob portion. All early 4003’s have this layout, as Rickenbacker experimented with moving the truss rod adjustment from the headstock to the body. They abandoned this and moved it back to the headstock a couple years later. With that in mind, the maple bass pictured is DEFINITELY a 4003, and the white one is DEFINITELY a 4001.
Thanks for the clarification Gravl that's excellent. It's nice to get a second opinion on the matter.
Thanks for the video mate, that was fantastic research, really enjoyed it. About 35yrs ago I met Lemme before a gig in Australia, we played a pinball machine together and then again after the gig, which he finished by jamming his bass in the ceiling!
Thanks for watching Ross, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Ah lucky you! The man did like his pinball/slot machines huh! Awesome stuff!
I can't believe he played that guitar!!
I'm impressed by all the researches you did for this video, that's a great job and a great video, thanks !
Thank you very much Soulhunter, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Great show dude!!! One word
"LEMMY"
Hash browns an' bacon strips
Thank you Dave! Glad you enjoyed the video. Ah yis, gimme dem Hash browns and Bacon.
Very thorough, which is perfect because you didn't miss anything I wanted to know.
Thanks Falk. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Lol! I can't believe Lemmy started off with that guitar! ;)
All have to start somewhere!
It is truly unfathomable Lemmy had THAT guitar!!! O M G
What an absolute madlad! 😎
"Lemmy Kill-Meister of Iron Malden"
Have you never listened to the MotorMaiden album?! Missing out.
@@WhichBass the w h a t
When I was young I trained as a musical instrument repairer - was crap at it but a couple of friends made successful careers and still doing it now. One fella worked in the spray shop for Chandlers guitars which I think were in Isleworth at the time. Popped in to see him and one of Lem’s Ricks was sitting there awaiting a good service, can’t remember but think it was the ‘Born to loose - out to lunch’ bass. It was so knackered - battered, strings were so high off the finger board. Mate said they just did it up, it would go out on tour and come back again like that.
What on earth was he doing to these basses?! lol
BILLY GOULD! BILLY GOULD! BILLY GOULD!😎😎😎
YES BILLY GOULD
@Wyatt The Metalhead i have his SB integra and zon bass
Yessss
@@jackshittle i've got the BG4 it's awesome. it's gloss black version before joe started making the signature model. signed by bill gould and i've got a matching gloss black zon 5/1.
Sounds good to me.
Dude I really can't believe Lemmy had all those guitars! Sweet!
Lemmy is good. GOD!!! Rock on guys
I'm one of the lucky few that owns a 4004LK. A fine bass it is too. Thanks for putting this together. Really good job.
Oh dude, that's awesome. Look after it won't you. That's got to be a killer bass.
Fantastic work bro. I would be interested in a video on Peter Steele or David Ellefson.
Great work, been looking forward to seeing you break down Lemmy's rig history
Thanks Kyle! I hope you enjoyed it.
I love Lemmy as a the bass player for Iron Maiden!
So stoked for this, Lemmy is such a badass bassist so I'm looking forward to seeing the video. Still waiting on Novoselic but I'd also love to see if you can do anything on Geddy Lee, John Paul Jones or even dudes like Mike Dirnt or Mark Hoppus
nhe was in Iron Maiden too :o lmaooooooooooooooo
Everyone you've suggested will make an appearance at some point for sure.
0:35 to 3:04 is why I subscribed. Great video on many levels. I'm cuirous: if Lemmy considered himself a guitarist who played bass and he got "stuck" playing bass with Hawkwind, why didn't he go back to guitar when he formed Motorhead? He apparently had more experience on guitar since he didn't start playing bass until Hawkwind.
Thank you LRD, I'm happy to have you subbed. That's a brilliant question! I think it has to do with being a roadie for Hendrix.
“I was a roadie with Hendrix,” Lemmy says. “And what I learned about guitar from him was that he told me I was never going to be a good guitar player [laughs]."
Maybe he thought he could do better at bass?
www.guitarplayer.com/players/motrheads-lemmy-tells-how-he-stole-his-first-gigwith-some-help-from-jimi-hendrix-video
Do one on John Paul Jones, Geddy Lee and John Entwistle
The classics. I like it Keith.
Great video!
Update on the Lemmy signature P/U, at the end he DID have the SD bridge installed between the chrome handrest and the string bridge replacing the resident HB 1. There are pictures of an outside gig with the P/U installed on Google. Tabs were soldered top and bottom and small cut outs were made in the wood body to accommodate them with screws for adjusting. Also look for the eight pole dots.
I believe the P/U stayed on the bass until the end but can't be sure.
Great Video, Loads of information, very interesting to finally know what Lemmy used to achieve his unmistakable bass.guitar sound. Thankyou & Well done.
Thanks for watching Iain, glad to have you.
Neil Peart -Rush.!! You sure know alot about Lemmy Kilmister !! Great job ! I even learned a few more things,so thankyou!
His name was Lemmy, and, he played Rock 'N' Roll!
"We are Motorhead, don't forget us"
And we play fucking rock n roll
@@WhichBass I cried when he dies. Glad I got to see Motorhead in '99
22:16 - IMHO - You should update your Show Notes to reflect that Lemmy did use the Seymour Duncan LK bridge pick-up for the last year of his life. It was on the #1 bass for the entire last tour, along with two HB-1s. There are plenty of pictures and films to prove it ... and it's still on the bass now, as far as I know.
Hey Fuzzy. I looked through a bunch of videos from Lem's final performances and I never came across the pups. Can you share any specific videos or pictures?
Lem had red ric with iron cross, on eat the rich tour
yep he did ...there are several missed here ..promos ,edited vids etc ...he also had one that was a motorhead inferno triple skull but was never actually let loose ...thats sat in someones house right now ...think the body was too wide for lems taste but would have looked epic ,one of the best covers
How did I not see this?! Do you have a pic or a video?
I got foto
What you waiting for dude, show me!
At first I couldn't believe lemmy had that guitar
You should do Al Cisneros he's quite the bassist.
It's been suggested a lot. I'll see what I can do.
@@WhichBass thanks dude!! And thanks for replying!
Of course! You took the time out to make a suggestion. I wouldn't leave you hanging ;)
I don’t know sh*t about classic music guitars basses or anything. I grew a handlebar mustache for Movember and have since kept it. Bros called me Lemmy-Clause when I took a profile pic w a Santa Hat on for Christmas. I then stumbled on this video to learn about my apparent doppelgänger. I watched the whole thing because I love when I can get a good lecture about ANYTHING from ANYONE who really is passionate about their subject and can back it with facts facts facts. You sir are gifted. I would watch a 2 hour video on guitar pick enamel if you made one. Motor on!
I can't believe Lemmy had THAT guitar OMG?!
Can you believe it?!
no fantastic That's Heavy Metal for you brother
Got the nickname of Lemmy after crushing Ace of Spades at karaoke after Lemmy died. Only nickname I ever liked. "Lemmy Lives" a few said. Warmed my heart. I always belt that song out like a Barbarian. Shocks most people.
Good man!
24:02 Peter Hook!!!!!!!
i never would have thought Lemmy would play something like that
There is no way a bassist owned THAT guitar
I can't believe it's already been 5 years since he passed, feels like yesterday :(
Blimey 5 years already. Still missed.
Oh my Cliff Burton I didn't know that Lemmy played such a ugly looking guitar. I mean it literally looks like vomit on moldy cheese
Hahaha, Tinfoil. Which one are you referring to?!
Which Bass none of them
I had to play bass because nobody else would.
Wasn't great. So glad that Lemmy existed! :p
Could be worse, could be a guitar player ;)
Hes back!
I never left!
Well, this earned you a sub! Brilliant video, superbly researched and about my favourite bassist and possibly one of the nicest men ever to be on this planet.
Welcome aboard! I appreciate the kind words Aaron, good to have you.
Do Billy Gould from faith no more
A popular suggestion thanks Richard.