Official site for Danny Knapp, professional bass guitarist and session musician from Southern California

Biography

Danny Knapp (aka “The Melonhead”) is a Southern California–based bass guitarist, composer, and vocalist known for his precision, tone, and versatility across genres. A professional musician since the age of 16, he performs nationwide with both original acts and high-energy tribute shows, bringing powerful groove and stage presence to every performance. Danny is also an official artist for Sandberg Guitars, S.I.T. Strings, and Schroeder Cabinets. Explore live performance videos, read artist updates and press mentions, and find upcoming tour dates and appearances.

Featured Tracks

Danny Knapp, bass guitarist

Upcoming Shows

  • 22 Nov

    Pretty in Pink: Long Beach CA

    Long Beach, CA, United States
  • 10 Jan

    Goodwin Club: Garden Amp

    Garden Grove, California, United States

Featured VideoS

News Highlights

Danny Knapp Joins the Sandberg Guitars Artist Family

Artist Overview Sandberg Guitars, including Danny Knapp

California musician and professional bass player Danny Knapp — known to fans as The Melonhead — has officially joined the Sandberg Guitars artist roster. This endorsement recognizes Knapp’s long-standing relationship with the brand and his reputation as one of Southern California’s most dedicated and versatile bassists.

For years, Sandberg basses have been an essential part of Knapp’s tone and stage presence. His primary instrument, the Sandberg California VM5, has become a defining element of his sound both live and in the studio. “The first time I plugged in a Sandberg, it just clicked,” Knapp explains. “The tone, the feel, the response — it felt like the instrument already knew what I wanted to say.”

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Maiden United Rocks Garden Amp on Halloween Night

Maiden United tribute band at Garden Amp on Halloween 2025

Halloween night brought thunder, theatrics, and pure heavy metal energy as Maiden United, Southern California’s renowned Iron Maiden tribute band, delivered a powerhouse performance at Garden Amp in Garden Grove, CA.

Fans packed the amphitheater for a night of galloping bass lines, dual-guitar harmonies, and classic Iron Maiden anthems performed with precision and passion. From the opening riffs of “Murders in the Rue Morgue” to the epic finale of “Hallowed Be Thy Name,” the crowd was on its feet, singing every word.

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Danny Knapp Joins the Official S.I.T. Strings Artist Roster


Danny Knapp S I T Strings
Danny Knapp S I T Strings

Southern California–based bassist Danny “The Melonhead” Knapp has officially joined the S.I.T. Strings artist family, marking another milestone in his growing list of professional endorsements. Known for his energetic stage presence and versatile musicianship, Knapp has built a national reputation performing with top original and tribute acts, including We’re No Gentlemen, The Goodwin Club, VK Lynne, Maiden United, and L.A. Sound Machine.

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Danny Knapp Lends His Bass Groove to Bryn Ryan Van-Dyke’s “It’s OK (Special Edition)”

Bryn Ryan VanDyke It s Ok Special Edition Official Music Video YouTube

Southern California bassist Danny “The Melonhead” Knapp has added another exciting collaboration to his growing list of recording credits, contributing bass to the newly released “It’s OK (Special Edition)” by Bryn Ryan Van-Dyke. The track, which debuted on YouTube on August 29, 2025, showcases Knapp’s dynamic low-end presence and intuitive musicality that have made him a sought-after session player across genres.

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Maiden United Featured in Voyage LA Magazine

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The Los Angeles-based Iron Maiden tribute band Maiden United was recently featured in Voyage LA Magazine. The spotlight came through an interview with vocalist Rich Abronson, who discussed the band’s origins, mission, and growth.Bass guitarist Danny Knapp, known in the band as ‘Steve Hairless’, was also mentioned as a key contributor to the group’s authenticity and thunderous sound.

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Whirlwind trip to the East

In just five days, Danny Knapp had 6 flights, 5 hours of van rides, performed two high-energy tribute concerts in Cincinnati OH and Buffalo NY, and experienced one of North America’s greatest natural wonders, Niagara Falls. His journey wasn’t just about musicianship—it was a celebration of diversity and an unforgettable travel tale.

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