Jelmer de Haan on SoundBetter

Full time Berlin Based Bassist. Specialized in laid back groovy lines.

I'm a full time session bassist living in Berlin. I have a lot of experience recording in studios. With my selection of analog (pre-)amps, effects, mics and good quality instruments, I provide high quality bass and synth tracks from my studio in Berlin.

For each recording I provide 3 takes. The 1st being the basic 'pocket'-feel, the 2nd a version with some more variations, and as 3rd a version with some experimentation in it.

I provide you with raw files of the (Tube)DI channel, and if you want also a Mic channel. If requested I can also do a pre mix of the Bass.

Specialized in:

Laid-back Grooves, Pop, (Neo-)Soul, R&B, Rock, Jazz, Funk, Ska, Singer-Songwriter, Folk

Able to play with or without click-track

I can read notes, chord symbols, midi tracks, or learn by hearing.

If you don't have your bass line or arrangement ready, I can help you to create these.

More Samples at the bottom of this page

Selected gear list:

Custom- 5 String Jazz-Bass, Bartolini pickups, roudwound D'addario's
'83 Japanese Precision-Bass, flatwound La Bella's
Ibanez SR1000 Prestige LTD.
Various other basses (Fretless, Uke, Acoustic, Upright)
Minimoog
Korg MS-2000
Various synths

Recording:
Focusrite Clarett+
Ampeg PF-50 Tube (Pre-)Amp
Tech21 Sansamp Analog DI/Driver
Boss OC-2
Various fx's
Epifani 2x12 cab
Various cabs
Ableton 11 Suite
Various Mics

Would love to hear from you. Click the contact button above to get in touch.

4 Reviews

Endorse Jelmer de Haan

by Niklas B.
Verified
I've had the great pleasure to work with Jelmer on 4 of my tracks for a live-video-session. It was simply wonderful. I got to know an incredible bass player with amazing (!) groove and feel for the music! Jelmer helped us a lot with his experience, professionalism and calmness. Thank you Jelmer!
by Andrew W.
Verified
Fast turn around and great tone that fit right into my song . Quality recorded and well played tracks . i look forward to working with Jelmer again .
Andrew
Australia
by Laura Lloreta
I met Jelmer in 2017, back when he was part of the house band of two of the greatest jam sessions in Berlin: the Urban Base jam at the Greenhouse, and the Noize Fabrik session.
Ever since then, we have worked together and partaken in various projects, and he is my go-to bass player because of his undoubtable talent, impeccable taste, versatility, professionalism, and last but definitely not least, his high level of humanity. I always learn a lot from him and his approach to the industry, and I would recommend him to everyone.
by Garfive
I've had the pleasure of working with Jelmer de Haan on several projects in the past couple of years - both in the studio and on stage - and I'm still always baffled by his professionalism and his competence. Jelmer is a complete musician, full of experience, master of his trade and extremely reliable. I believe him to have a perfect balance in bringing his own initiative and skills to a project, while staying well on track and delivering more than satisfactory results tailored to the brief. 1000% recommend.

Interview with Jelmer de Haan

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: There are so many, some small lists Bassists: Pino Palladino, James Jamerson, Tim Lefebvre, Meshell Ndegeocello, Jaco Pastorius, Nathan East, Thundercat. Producers: Apparat, Terrace Martin, Flying Lotus, Arca. Music: David Bowie, Björk, Radiohead, Moderat, D'Angelo, Pink Floyd.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: My musical life started at age five. After a brief stop at the drums, I followed classical piano lessons from age six till thirteen. I enjoyed the piano a lot, but after holding a bass once during a school class, I decided to switch instruments. I formed my first bands in high school, and discovered that one of my favorite things to do is to improvise. This led me to the conclusion that I should study jazz music. After high school I got accepted into the Prins Claus Conservatorium's ´New York comes to Groningen´ jazz program, from which I graduated in 2015.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My studio is based in Berlin's Neukölln district. Upstairs there is my desk with computer and monitors. And downstairs there is the basement filled with basses, synthesizers and other studio equipment.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Most often a client will come with a demo song without any bass line on it. They ask me to write and play a bassline for them in a certain style.