« Want to Play Bass? Build One. »

by Felice Axelrod

Jonathan Elyashiv is a 14 year old musician who took things into his own hands, literally. He wanted to play bass, and because he didn't have one, thought it would be fun to build one.  How's that for motivation?  After building the first one,it just became a hobby.  He has since built two others. The process usually takes about six months.  Jonathan designs the instrument and determines what kinds of wood will go where.  He prefers using maple wood for the neck and body because it doesn't chip or splinter and Ebony or Brazilian Rosewood for the fingerboards.

His father provides some woodworking assistance and what they can't figure out together, they get from the internet. To their advantage, they have access to a wood shop which has all the tools they need, while the last stages of wiring, oiling, and assembling can be done at home. Jonathan's favorite part in the entire processs is putting on the oil finish:"It makes it all come to life." 

Brian Carey, the Director of the DayJams campus Jonathan attended, thinks Jonathan is an outstanding bass player. "The band Jonathan was in demonstrated his ability to comprehend advanced music theory, knowledge of diverse styles, and odd time signatures."  Jonathan has been playing bass for about four and half years but just started taking lessons less than a year ago.  Currently, he plays in a Jazz ensemble of the local Philharmonic music school, his school's jazz ensemble, and is in a band with some of his friends. They like to write and record music on garage band.

When asked if he had any musical aspirations, Jonathan said he'd like to play bass professionally in the future.  His inspriation is Jaco Pastorius. "He inspires me to play close to the bridge of the bass for a brighter tone.  I like his unique bass lines and the fact that he turned the bass into a solo instrument."

Jonathan enjoys listening to jazz and classic rock and of course he is working on his fourth project, building a hollow body bass.
    

 

Comments

[sethleaf]

I think guitar building would be a great NGW course. I would take that class for a week.

[Gal]

The young man is amazing. He's not only a gifted musician and an outstanding bass player, he is the most beautiful person. God bless.