Mark Stoermer

Mark Stoermer is seen playing the Fender Geddy Lee Jazz Bass. Mark can be seen playing this bass in many live performance stills.

Mark Stoermer's main bass of choice in almost any picture, concert, or video you can see him play his Jazz bass

Stoermer uses the Starfire when playing "This is Your Life" on the album Day & Age.

Stoermer uses the Hofner 500/1 on "Joy Ride" on the album Day & Age.

Stoermer used the 4001, along with a vintage Fender precision bass, during the recording of Sam's Town.

Stoermer used the a vintage Fender precision bass, along with a Rickenbacker 4001, during the recording of Sam's Town.

"I wasn’t able to get the Fender Bassman I wanted, so I tried a Fender Hot Rod DeVille 2x12 guitar amp, and it worked out well. But what really made my tone different on this album is that I played with my thumb on a lot of it. I also used my fingers on some parts, which is different for me, as I’m mainly a pick player. I would plug into the DeVille, set the level so that it wouldn’t distort, and then play very softly. I got a really nice, warm sound that way."

This rig was used during the recording of Stoermer's solo album, "Another Life", in 2011.

"Listening to playback during recording sessions has made me aware of the nuances of my playing. When I was just banging away and not paying attention, my tone sounded more youthful and energetic, but as I’ve gotten older, I can’t help thinking about the subtleties. Sometimes you can get to a point where you know too much; luckily, I’m not there yet. But I do know a lot more than when I started."

Listening to playback during recording sessions has made me aware of the nuances of my playing. When I was just banging away and not paying attention, my tone sounded more youthful and energetic, but as I’ve gotten older, I can’t help thinking about the subtleties. Sometimes you can get to a point where you know too much; luckily, I’m not there yet. But I do know a lot more than when I started.

Listening to playback during recording sessions has made me aware of the nuances of my playing. When I was just banging away and not paying attention, my tone sounded more youthful and energetic, but as I’ve gotten older, I can’t help thinking about the subtleties. Sometimes you can get to a point where you know too much; luckily, I’m not there yet. But I do know a lot more than when I started.