Nadine Microphone for Upright Bass Continues to Win Over Top Players of All Genres
The list of notable users of Ear Trumpet Labs Nadine microphone for upright bass continues to expand with Dan Lutz and Kyle Whalum signing on as two of the latest players. From bluegrass, folk, jazz, R&B, pop, and beyond, Nadine has established itself as the premier microphone for upright bass across all genres.
Lutz is one of the most in-demand electric/upright bass players in Los Angeles, touring and recording with artists such as Jonathan Butler, Josh Groban, Melody Gardot, Michael Buble, and Lizz Wright among others. He regularly performs for musicals and major motion pictures including the upcoming Eddie Murphy film Coming 2 America. Lutz is currently the Music Director at Expression58 Church and has taught at Colburn University, the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA), California State University, Northridge, and the California Institute for the Arts.
“I first met Nadine while playing FROZEN THE MUSICAL at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood. Instantly fell in love with the aesthetic, the warmth and the punch in this mic,” notes Lutz. “I also love its ease of use and simple installation process. Some bass mics feel flimsy or fragile, but Nadine is sturdy and solid and using her in the studio or live couldn't be easier.”
As word of mouth rules king in music circles, Whalum, a friend of Lutz’, heard about the Nadine from his glowing recommendation. Also an electric/upright player, Whalum resides in Los Angeles, CA and is the son of legendary saxophonist and recording artist, Kirk Whalum. He performs with some of the biggest names in pop music such as Katy Perry and Kelly Clarkson, as well as in Clarkson’s house band on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
“I first heard about the Nadine from my buddy and unofficial Bass Sensei, Dan Lutz. I’m a HUGE fan of Dan’s playing and tone in equal measure. When he recommended Nadine, I didn’t hesitate to check it out and I’m so glad that I did. His exact words were “Nadine’s gonna be sweet to ya”—he sure was right,” Whalum shares. “The first thing you notice about the Nadine is the beautiful craftsmanship that has gone into its construction. The design is timeless and perfectly compliments the aesthetic of the centuries-old, playable work of art that is your double bass. It simply looks like nothing else out there.”
Both players agree that the sound matched with the usability of the microphone is unparalleled. “I'd say this mic is warm and dark but able to capture the ‘finger noise’ and a bit of air in the tone,” Lutz adds. “There's a solid low-mid punch in the mic but it is done in a tasteful way, and allows the bass to sound really natural and clear. Getting a good, usable tone with this mic is a breeze.”
Whalum echoes, “What jumped out at me was the natural balance between the boomy thump of the lowest frequencies of the instrument, right up through the warm, woody mids, and all of the string noise and that delicious top-end sparkle that comes from the face of the instrument...I actually leave it on the bass 90% of the time, whether I’m using it live or on the Kelly show or at home in my studio.”
Catching fire throughout the upright bass community, other notable users include 6-time GRAMMY Award winner Christian McBride, 8-time IBMA Bass Player of the Year Missy Raines, Barry Bales (Alison Krauss and Union Station), Daniel Kimbro (Jerry Douglas Band) and more. Stretching effortlessly across a variety of genres and players, Nadine continues to affirm its place as the premier microphone for upright bass.
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