The story behind – How it all started
Sometimes it’s hard to tell when a thing starts. Not in this case! I’m pretty sure that my passion for music – and playing – formed in my very early years, and then took a serious dive in the 4-string direction during the summer of 1994.
I got my first real 4-string, in one of the local music stores and I remember it was a big thing. It was a US-made Washburn MB-4 and I bundled the bargain with a Peavey TNT 115 1×15 bass combo. From that day on, I considered myself a bass player.
Flash forward to some point in time, where I came to the conclusion that I had been “bitten by the bug” of collecting what I treasured. So, how to make the most fun and joy out of it then?
Any first step will lead you to the next and set the path. In my case, a longtime connection with Kasper Kamuk, brilliant photographer and friend (and founding partner at Kolorit Media) lead to us planning a one-off photo session showcasing basses. This was decided to take place in an old orchard basement storage, that’s part of their cool studio location. That session has now become the first of many bass journeys, that I will embark on.
The Bass Vault is a good case, of a bad obsession. This is my way of sharing the joy of the great basses I like to play. And I mean it, when I say “This is not a closet collection”. Every single one of them is made and meant to be played. Just to be clear; I fully agree to the phrase “You can only wear one pair of shoes at a time…”, but I like to be prepared😉
I thrive on being inspired and particularly Geddy Lee’s Big Beautiful Book of Bass, Rob van den Broek’s the Gibson Bass Book project, and Johnny Marr’s Guitars has sparked the flame. Make sure not to miss my must-read bass books recommendations. A big shout out to all and any of you sharing your stories, collections and passion for bass guitars🔥
Reach out and get in touch. I would love to stand corrected, let me know if there’s any facts or content that need to be rephrased. Want to share your collection, photos etc., I look forward to read your stories.
Thanks for your time and interest.
Best regards, Henrik
It’s all about the passion!
Henrik Bonde Hanfgarn aka. BassGarn has played bass for thirty years and documents the forty-odd instruments in the Bass Vault – photographs, specs and stories, with particular depth in Fender Japan MIJ and CIJ reissues.
He plays live in Denmark with Bad Boys of Boogie and Foo Fighters Tribute. The bass hook on Nü Néon’s “Vi Kysser Natten Farvel” came out of a short-scale Mustang from the vault. He talked about the collection with Danske Bassister.
Main Gear TC Electronic Blacksmith, Fender Bassman ’67 (AB165), Ampeg cabs, and the Line6 HX Stomp when it calls for quick and compact.
Instagram · More about Henrik
Explore basses in unexpected locations or The Bass Vault Playlist.
All about that bass, no treble
You’ve come to the end of the page, but don’t worry! This bass collection is meant to be played and seen and there’s more low-end rumble from Fender bass, Gibson basses, Epiphone, Lakland and many more for you to discover in The Bass Vault.