From Guitar World · · 1m 20s
Gwen Stefani's Dad Discount Led Tony Kanal to Yamaha Bass
Tony Kanal bought his first bass with a Yamaha discount from Gwen Stefani's dad, borrowing $350 for a BB1600.
In brief
Tony Kanal bought his first bass with a Yamaha discount from Gwen Stefani's dad, borrowing $350 for a BB1600. Tony Kanal used a Yamaha employee discount from Gwen Stefani's dad to buy a BB1600 bass in 1987, which he played until 1995. Originally reported by Guitar World.
Tony Kanal's Early Bass Journey
Tony Kanal started playing bass at 16 with a school Rickenbacker but needed a new guitar.
Gwen Stefani's Dad Got Discount
Gwen Stefani's dad worked at Yamaha's WaveRunner division, giving Tony Kanal an employee discount.
Borrowed $350 for BB1600
Tony Kanal borrowed $350 from his dad to buy a Yamaha BB1600 bass in 1987.
Played BB1600 Until 1995
Tony Kanal played the BB1600 bass from 1987 until No Doubt traveled to Japan in 1995.
Found BB3000 in Store
Tony Kanal found a BB3000 bass in a store and started playing it after 1995.
Yamaha Collaboration Begins
Yamaha contacted Tony Kanal after he found a BB3000, starting a long-term collaboration.
Yamaha Restores Vintage Basses
Yamaha strips vintage 1980s models, updates electronics, and repaints them for Tony Kanal's style.
Long-Term Yamaha Partnership
Tony Kanal has used Yamaha basses since 1987, with ongoing collaboration through the 2020s.
The main idea
Tony Kanal used a Yamaha employee discount from Gwen Stefani's dad to buy a BB1600 bass in 1987, which he played until 1995.
