Ian King
Bio / CV
For most of the past two decades, Ian has worked on many of the most popular Musical Productions in Londons West End – currently holding the bass chair for Hamilton: An American Musical. A player with huge versatility and feel and with over 20 years experience, Ian is now part of the ‘Become a Bassist Summit’ online bass educators group which includes other world class bassists including Bryan Beller (bassist for Joe Satriani, The Aristocrats and Steve Vai), Nick Clark (who plays bass for Kanye West’s Sunday Services), Ryan Madora (bassist for Robben Ford) and many more.
Notable musicians/bands/shows you have played for/with/in?
The Temptations, The Supremes, Sister Sledge, Ronan Keating, Huey Lewis, Paul Young, Don Felder (The Eagles), Odyssey, Hugh Jackman, Michael Ball, Tim Rice, Rick Astley and Albert Lee, amongst many others. Ian has toured arenas with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, ‘Dr.Who Live!’ and ‘Symphonic Rock with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’. He has held the bass chair in the West End for Dreamgirls, The Book of Mormon, Shrek the Musical, Sister Act, Hairspray, Fame & Daddy Cool and is currently playing in Hamilton: An American Musical at The Victoria Palace Theatre, London.
Which model Overwater bass do you play?
All with Bartolini ‘dual in-line’ humcancelling pickups and John East Preamps.
J5 – Ash body, maple top in trans black with maple neck & fingerboard, black hardware.
J5 – Ash body with natural finish, maple neck & fingerboard, black scratchplate, blocks and hardware.
Hybrid J5 Fretless – Ash body with Walnut top, maple neck with lined ebony fingerboard, black hardware.
Why do you choose to play Overwater basses?
The basses are handmade with the utmost attention to detail. They resonate and feel great in the hand, and importantly a lot of effort goes into ridding the instruments of hums and buzz; a real bonus for professionals who work in studios and theatre environments.
How long have you owned an Overwater bass?
I can’t remember, it’s been so long…. Ages!.. Since at least 2010, maybe closer to 2000??
