James Robert Johnston (born 25 April 1980) is a Scottish bassist, vocalist, and songwriter, best known for his work with Scottish group Biffy Clyro. He is also known as Jim or Jimbo and sometimes signs his name as such.
James Johnston | |
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 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | James Robert Johnston |
| Born | 25 April 1980 |
| Origin | Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland |
| Genres | Rock, alternative rock, progressive rock, nu prog, art rock |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, bass guitar, synth |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Labels | Beggars Banquet, 14th Floor |
Early life
editJohnston was born and raised in Kilmarnock with his twin brother Ben (who became the drummer for Biffy Clyro), and his younger brother, Adam Johnston (who was Biffy Clyro's drum tech[1]). The first gig he ever attended was Rancid at Glasgow Barrowlands in 1995, when he was fifteen.
Career
editBiffy Clyro
editHaving previously played bass with schoolfriend Simon Neil and brother Ben Johnston in a band called Skrewfish in 1995,[2] the trio moved to Glasgow, and were soon discovered by manager Dee Bahl, and then signed to Beggars Banquet, in 2001.
Marmaduke Duke
editJohnston plays bass guitar when the conceptual rock duo Marmaduke Duke plays live.
Personal life
editJohnston is fond of cycling, and can often be found cycling around the hills of Ayrshire.[3] Johnston currently resides with his wife in Glasgow, Scotland.
Musical equipment used
editThe following is a list of musical equipment used by James Johnston.
Bass guitars
editJohnston's basses are usually tuned to Biffy Clyro's preferred tuning of (DADG), but sometimes (BADG) for "Pause it and Turn It Up" and (CGCF) for "Living is a Problem Because Everything Dies", as well as "That Golden Rule", "The Captain" and "Got Wrong".
- Ashdown Engineering[4] - Ashdown The Saint - Seen in his playthrough of "End Of" on YouTube
- Fender Jazz Bass[5] – Lake Placid Blue USA model with upgraded pickups.
- Fender Jazz Bass[5] – White USA model with tortoise shell plate.
- Fender Precision Bass[6]
- Fender Jazz Bass - American Standard - Black and Sunburst
- Fender Precision Bass - American Standard - Olympic White
- Fender Jazz Bass - American Deluxe - Natural
- Ernie Ball MusicMan Stingray[5]
- Rickenbacker 4003 - Mountains music video
- Squier Jazz Bass - Squier James Johnston Signature Jazz Bass - Lake Placid Blue
- Nik Huber Rietbergen Bass - Nik Huber Rietbergen Bass - Red
- Gibson Grabber - Black, used in some acoustic sessions
- Fender Jazz Bass - American Standard - Frost Metallic (Q-Awards Acoustic Set - Camden Jazz Cafe, London 2013)
Effects pedals
edit- Tech21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI Preamp[5]
- BOSS LS-2 Line Selector[5]
- BOSS ODB-3 Overdrive[5]
- BOSS TU-2 Chromatic Tuner[5]
Amplifiers
edit- Ashdown CTM-300 Head[5]
- Ashdown ABM 900 Head[5]
- Ashdown Classic Cabinets[5]
- Eden World Tour WT550 Amplifier Head[5]
- Eden WTDI Preamp Di box[5]
Other
editHis tech is Dave White
Notes
edit- ^ Puzzle Album Booklet, p. 2
- ^ Beggars Banquet USA – Biffy Clyro Biography Archived 19 September 2002 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Kerrang! #1159, p. 21
- ^ "Biffy Clyro - End of (Bass part by James)". YouTube. 24 March 2020. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l BiffyTabs Equipment – James Archived 22 October 2007 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Fender Interview with Biffy Clyro Archived 22 August 2007 at the Wayback Machine