Published on 19 July 2026 by The Chadwick Folding Bass

The Chadwick Folding Bass has become an essential tool for a remarkable array of professional musicians, spanning virtually every genre where the double bass is heard. From the intimate settings of acoustic folk clubs to the grand stages of symphony halls, this portable instrument has earned the trust of players who demand both exceptional sound quality and practical travel convenience. The following overview highlights many of the renowned bassists who have integrated the Chadwick folding bass into their performance arsenal, demonstrating its versatility and appeal across continents and styles.

Bluegrass and Acoustic Innovators

In the world of bluegrass and acoustic music, where the upright bass provides the rhythmic and harmonic foundation, the Chadwick folding bass has been embraced by a who's who of top-tier players. Barry Bales, known for his long tenure with Alison Krauss, and Alan Bartram of the Del McCoury Band are among the prominent artists who rely on the folding bass for its roadworthiness and rich tone. The instrument's ability to collapse to a fraction of its size makes it a game-changer for touring bands that travel by van or plane, a factor that resonates deeply within the close-knit bluegrass community.

The list of bluegrass innovators using the Chadwick bass is extensive. Sam Grisman, son of mandolin legend David Grisman, uses it in his own projects and with his father's band. Dan Booth of Dirty Kitchen, Mark Schatz of Nickel Creek, and Morgan Jahnig of Old Crow Medicine Show all appreciate the bass's portability without sacrificing acoustic projection. Additionally, Mike Barber of The Gibson Brothers, Ronnie Simpkins of The Seldom Scene, Mike Fleming of The Steel Drivers, Brian Dickel of The Steel Wheels, and Charles Humphreys of The Steep Canyon Rangers are among the many who have made the folding bass their instrument of choice. Other notable players include Tim Dishman, who accompanies Dale Ann Bradley, and Jeff Campbell of Colebrook Road. Even in the more progressive and jam-oriented bluegrass scenes, artists like Corey Dimario of Crooked Still and Zoe Guigueno of Joy Kills Sorrow have found the folding bass to be an invaluable companion.

Beyond traditional bluegrass, the folding bass has made inroads into folk and acoustic ensembles. Trisha Gagnon of The Jaybirds, Paul Gabrielson of The Kingston Trio, and Keith Grimwood of Trout Fishing In America all use the instrument to navigate the demands of frequent travel and diverse performance spaces. In the vibrant old-time and Americana world, players like Morgan Jahnig (again here for emphasis on his old-time work), Leslie Ziegler of The Railsplitters, Matt Donovan of The Random Canyon Rangers, Dave Howard of The 23 String Band, and Kene Hyatt of Wayne Taylor and Appaloosa have incorporated the folding bass into their rigs. Even in the eclectic folk of The Wood Brothers, Chris Wood's innovative bass work benefits from the flexibility of a folding instrument.

Jazz, Classical, and Orchestral Virtuosos

While the folding bass might seem most suited to the casual stage, its professional-grade construction has won over some of the most discerning ears in jazz and classical music. Eric Revis, a Grammy-winning bassist best known for his work with Branford Marsalis, and Christian McBride, one of the most celebrated jazz bassists of his generation, both recognize the Chadwick's ability to deliver a full, resonant sound despite its collapsible design. The instrument's setup and acoustic properties have been refined to meet the exacting standards of these virtuosos, proving that portability need not compromise tone.

Within the jazz community, the folding bass has found favor among a diverse group of players. Tom Kennedy, who has worked with guitarists Lee Ritnour and drummer Dave Weckl, Lorin Cohen of the Monty Alexander Trio, and Richard Hammond, longtime bassist for vocalist Patti Austin, all utilize the Chadwick for touring and recording. Even in the realm of vocal jazz, Gary Wicks of The Manhattan Transfer has adopted the folding bass, appreciating its ability to blend seamlessly with vocal harmonies while remaining easy to transport for international tours. The instrument's presence is also felt in traditional jazz settings: Clint Baker of The Hot Club of San Francisco and Fuller Condon of The Two Man Gentlemen Band bring the folding bass to swing and gypsy jazz gigs, where its warm, woody voice fits perfectly. Alex Morissette of The Lost Fingers, a Quebec-based gypsy jazz trio, relies on the Chadwick for its reliability and consistent intonation.

In the classical and orchestral world, the folding bass offers a unique solution for professionals who frequently travel between engagements. Paul Unger of the Fort Worth Symphony and Helle Solberg of the Jönköping Chamber Orchestra in Sweden both use the instrument when touring or performing in non-traditional venues. The bass's design allows it to be carried on flights without the exorbitant fees and risks associated with full-size instruments, making it an ideal choice for international collaborations. Even within the structured environment of a symphony, the Chadwick folding bass stands up to the demands of professional performance, as demonstrated by its adoption by these accomplished section players.

Rock, Pop, and Contemporary Sidemen

The rock and pop world demands versatility and endurance, qualities that the Chadwick folding bass delivers in spades. Richard Parry of Arcade Fire, a band known for its elaborate stage productions and extensive touring, uses the folding bass to navigate the challenges of arena shows while maintaining a powerful low end. Similarly, Robert Sledge of Ben Folds' band and Steve Garrington of the indie rock group Low have found the folding bass to be an indispensable tool for their relentless touring schedules. The instrument's ability to be set up quickly and easily in tight backstage areas or cramped tour vans makes it a favorite among working musicians.

The roster of contemporary sidemen using the Chadwick includes many notable names. Dave Roe, who has anchored the bands of John Mellencamp and countless Nashville sessions, and Dave Jacques, longtime bassist for folk icon John Prine, both appreciate the folding bass's roadworthiness. James Prescott of G Love and Special Sauce, Brian Allen of Robbin Ford's band, and Bridget Kearney of the soul-pop group Lake Street Dive are also among the players who have integrated the instrument into their performances. Kelly Looney, known for his work with Steve Earle, and Andrew Pressman of Steve Poltz's band rely on the folding bass for its consistent quality night after night. Even in the high-energy world of rockabilly and roots rock, players like Jimmie Sutton of JD McPherson and Bruce Haynes of The Prestleys have adopted the Chadwick.

For many contemporary artists, the folding bass is not just a travel convenience but a creative tool. Ben Somers, who plays with British singer Seal, uses the bass's unique tonal characteristics to craft bass lines that cut through dense pop mixes. Zoe Guigueno, mentioned earlier in bluegrass, also employs the folding bass in her work with Joy Kills Sorrow, demonstrating its crossover appeal. The instrument's presence is also felt in the Americana and singer-songwriter scene, where David Leach of John Fulbright's band and Nikolaj Wolf of Jonathan Byrd's ensemble use it to support intimate storytelling. Even in the bluesy, funky realm of G Love, the folding bass provides the deep groove that drives the music forward.

Country, Roots, and Western Swing

Country music has always valued the upright bass as a cornerstone of its sound, and the Chadwick folding bass has become a staple for many of Nashville's finest. Terry Hale, the longtime bassist for George Strait, uses the folding bass for the King of Country's extensive tours, relying on its durability and consistent tone. Randy Smith, who plays with Lee Ann Womack, and Dow Tomlin of Wynonna Judd's band are also among the notable country players who have made the switch. The bass's ability to handle the demands of traditional country, western swing, and modern country-rock makes it a versatile choice for these artists.

In the realm of western swing and roots music, the folding bass is particularly well-suited. Fred LaBour, better known as Too Slim of Riders In The Sky, uses the instrument to keep the rhythm swinging while adding comedic flair to his performances. Gavin Kelso of The Western Flyers, Bing Nathan of The Saddle Cats, and Dave Martin of Carolyn Martin's Swing Band all rely on the Chadwick for its authentic, old-time sound. Jake Erwin of The Hot Club of Cowtown and Clint Baker (mentioned earlier for his jazz work) also bring the folding bass to their western swing and hot jazz gigs, where its portability allows them to play festivals and venues across the country without the burden of a full-size bass.

Other country and Americana artists who have adopted the folding bass include Christopher Crepps of Dale Watson's band, Kelly Looney (again here for his alt-country work with Steve Earle), and Ben Whiteley of New Country Rehab. Lex Price, who has performed with k.d. lang, and Charlie Chadwick of Suzy Bogguss' band are also among the players who appreciate the bass's quick setup and tear-down, which is invaluable for multi-act festival stages. The instrument's presence in this genre underscores its authenticity and connection to the roots of American music.

Educators and Institutional Players

The Chadwick folding bass has also found a home in educational institutions, where its portability and durability make it an ideal teaching tool. David Clark, a faculty member at the prestigious Berklee School of Music, uses the folding bass in his instruction, demonstrating that the instrument meets the high standards of academic settings. Julie Hill of Olympic College and John Cooper of Western Illinois University similarly incorporate the Chadwick into their bass programs, allowing students to experience a professional-grade instrument that is easy to transport between practice rooms and concert halls.

Beyond academia, the folding bass serves in institutional and ceremonial roles. Thomas Fowler of the United States Army Band uses the instrument for a variety of performances, from formal ceremonies to public concerts, where its reliability and consistent quality are paramount. The bass's ability to be quickly stowed and deployed makes it well-suited for the diverse environments encountered by military musicians. Jonathon Wires of Middle Tennessee State University also joins the ranks of educators who trust the Chadwick for both personal performance and student instruction.

International and Eclectic Artists

The appeal of the Chadwick folding bass extends far beyond American shores, resonating with artists who traverse global musical landscapes. Helle Solberg, a member of the Jönköping Chamber Orchestra in Sweden, has already been mentioned for her classical work, but she also exemplifies the bass's international reach. Ji Peng of the Peng Ji Group in China uses the folding bass to blend traditional Chinese music with contemporary styles, showcasing the instrument's adaptability to non-Western musical idioms. Gabriel Vivas, the longtime bassist for new age composer Yanni, relies on the Chadwick for the elaborate world tours that have become a hallmark of Yanni's performances.

Other eclectic artists who have embraced the folding bass include Ben Somers, whose work with Seal spans pop, soul, and R&B, and Joey Mitchell of the blues-folk duo Swampcandy. In the realm of gypsy jazz and Hot Club music, Jake Erwin of The Hot Club of Cowtown and Alex Morissette of The Lost Fingers have already been noted, but their inclusion here highlights the bass's ability to swing with authenticity in any language. Even Bruce Haynes of The Prestleys, a rockabilly band, and Leo Eilts of Three Trails West, a western group, demonstrate the instrument's versatility across distinct American roots styles.

The Chadwick folding bass has become a trusted companion for musicians who demand both exceptional sound and exceptional practicality, proving that portability and professional quality can indeed go hand in hand.

In every genre, from the most traditional to the most contemporary, the Chadwick folding bass has earned its place as a serious instrument for serious players. The breadth of artists who choose it—from bluegrass legends to symphony musicians, from rock stars to jazz icons—speaks volumes about its design, craftsmanship, and tonal integrity. As touring becomes increasingly challenging, the folding bass offers a solution that never compromises on the music.

Written by The Chadwick Folding Bass