I Played Anthony Jackson's Bass… And Wasn't Ready for What Happened

#AnthonyJackson #Fodera #vlog #BassPlayer #SixStringBass #paulthompson What started with one unexpected phone call became one of the most meaningful days of my life as a bass player. A few weeks ago, I traveled to the ‪@Foderaguitars‬ factory in Brooklyn, New York, where I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play Anthony Jackson's legendary "Career Girl" Fender and his final Fodera Presentation 6-string bass guitar (aka #12). Thanks to the kindness of Anthony's longtime manager and closest friend, Danette Albetta, I was able to spend an unforgettable afternoon learning more about the man behind some of the most influential bass performances in music history. Anthony Jackson wasn't just one of the greatest bassists ever—he changed the instrument forever. From pioneering the modern six-string contrabass guitar to his legendary work with Steely Dan, Quincy Jones, Chaka Khan, Donald Fagen, Grover Washington Jr., Hiromi, Michel Camilo, Steve Khan, and countless others, his influence can still be heard in modern bass playing today. In this video, you'll see: 🎸 Anthony Jackson's famous Career Girl bass up close 🎸 His final Fodera Presentation 6-string bass (#12) 🎸 Stories from people who knew Anthony personally 🎸 Rare insights into his instruments, his approach to music, and the legacy he left behind 🎸 My honest impressions after playing two of the most iconic basses ever played This wasn't just about playing legendary instruments—it was about getting to know the remarkable human being behind them. Spending time with the people who loved Anthony most gave me an entirely new appreciation for his life, his music, and his extraordinary legacy. A heartfelt thank you to Danette Albetta, Joey Lauricella, Chris Jisi, and everyone at Fodera Guitars for their generosity, hospitality, and for sharing Anthony's story with me. If Anthony Jackson's playing has ever inspired you, I'd love to hear your favorite recording or memory in the comments. 00:00 Intro 02:08 Going to Brooklyn 05:35 The 'Career Girl' 08:01 'Number 12' 10:45 Sharing Stories 11:25 What I Learned