The Tools We choose to Use

The bass Eric plays is an NS Design US5 electric upright bass. It is one of the earliest built basses of that series. It is the instrument all his recordings have been made on since he got it some ten years ago or so. Up until then he played an acoustic four string.

"This bass really became the instrument of my musical voice on bass. It was the first electric upright that I played that I felt had its own presence. It wasn't trying to be an acoustic and it wasn't a fretless electric (though it can lean close to either tone if you mess with the knobs and switch). The arco response is what I love most. I haven't recorded this bass much that way, but I play it with a bow often". - Eric Mingus

Eric also plays a Gibson SG EB3L an early seventies long scale model.

"It was the bass of my youth... CBGB's punk and ska... Still my favorite Rumble."

Eric has played guitar for years on His own recordings and soundtrack work. Guitar is the primary instrument for him when he composes. With encouragement from Hubert Sumlin, He has begun to get out there and play a bit more guitar during his shows. He plays a Gibson ES-335 and  Fender Telecaster.

He plays through Euphonic Audio's iAMP800 combo. This amp covers the full range of the bass beautifully.

As for vocal mic, Eric prefers the Audix VX10. Warm and responsive.

"Covers me from shout to soft falsetto."-Eric Mingus

Catherine Sikora uses a Jody Jazz HR 10* Tenor Mouthpiece, with Bari hard plastic reeds.