Gear Review: Fallstaf bassist Ben Forte on his Custom Explorer 5 String Bass

Fallstaf are currently gearing up to release their full length Bastard Sons Of A Pure Breed on October 25th. Bassist Ben Forte gave PureGrainAudio a bit of his valuable time to talk about his Custom made Explorer 5 String Bass that fans will be able to hear on this new album and on stage.

What one piece of equipment do you use to obtain your signature sound?
Ben: My custom made explorer 5-stings bass with double humbucker Musicman pickups. The body is made from Spanish cedar so it gives a nice warm tone.

What about it makes it so important to you?
Ben: As a teen, I had a poster of Metallica’s Master Of Puppets (live stage) hanging on one of my walls. James Hetfield had that white explorer and on it he had put a few pieces of tape and wrote “more beer”. That was it for me!

What are the major pros and cons?
Ben: It sounds unique. It’s very loud and heavy. On the other hand, I had trouble at first holding it ’cause it’s unbalanced due to the fact that the body is very light and the neck long and heavy.

How long have you used this piece of equipment and would you ever change it?
Ben: Since 2009 and NO I would never let it go!

Any final thoughts or comments on the gear?
Ben: I’m never gonna buy another bass from the shelf! If you can afford it, ask a pro to build you one.

Check out the song: “The Cost”