Stewart McKinsey
For Stew McKinsey, bass has been more than just an instrument since he first started playing in the early 80's. Driven by a need to create the meaningful music on what he feels is his ideal instrument, he pursued the development of a bass which would enable him to express himself eloquently and always challenge him to be a better musician. By the late 80's, as a student of Steve Bailey, Gary Willis, Jeff Berlin, and Alexis Sklarevki, he had already joined the elite ranks of those playing a 6-string bass.

He wanted more but had specific ideas about what would best suit his needs. After bouncing unsatisfactorily between luthiers and bass manufacturers, Stew lucked into the Conklin website. With some trepidation after trying so many builders unsuccessfully in the past, Stew described the features he was looking for in an instrument. Not only was Bill receptive to Stew's ideas, he was enthusiastic!

More than simply being pleased with his first Conklin, Stew was inspired about playing for the first time in years. He even purchased a Groove Tools 7-string as a backup instrument! Stew, Bill, and Mike have several designs on the drafting board...

Stew's first custom Conklin, his fretted 8-string, can be heard on his website and on the Brotherhood of Groove's as well. It is featured prominently alongside his gorgeous 10-string on his solo album, "Subcontrabassist".

More info:
www.subcontrabassist.com
www.brotherhoodofgroove.com