Author: Danny Knapp

Danny Knapp, aka “The Melonhead” is a Southern California-based musician and composer, specializing in electric and fretless bass guitar. He also sings and plays ukulele. Danny is a diverse musician that has been performing and recording professionally since he was 16 years old. Early in his career he played bass for Feedbags with Scotty Johnson (later of Gin Blossoms). In 2006-2010, Danny recorded and performed on bass, keyboards, and ukulele for Mikioi, a Hawaiian reggae band that received attention on Polynesian radio for their singles “Hawaii, My Home” and “Mikio’i Music”. Danny is an energetic live performer as well as being an efficient session musician. Danny performs at least 100 gigs per year, offering his skills for a wide variety of bands and artists, including original bands, tributes, and covers, in genres ranging from reggae to rock, EDM, pop, metal, folk, latin, funk, jazz and more. Danny is currently the bass guitarist for the emo/alternative-rock band We’re No Gentlemen, singer/songwriter Serena Foster, and the reggae/pop/alt-rock band, The Bredren. Danny also regularly records and performs with Marlon Hoffman, For Pete’s Sake, LA Sound Machine, Prizmatic, La Vida Loca, Thank-U Drive-Thru, and several other L.A.-based projects.
on by Danny Knapp

New Addition to the Quiver

All set up and ready to make noise! My new Fender American Professional II Precision V now has an Alperious pickguard and custom fret markers with an ocean wave theme. It’s been PLEK’d and set up by the amazing team at 13th Street Guitars. It’s ready for gigs and recording sessions. Now, the most important thing…it’s name is ‘Ehukai (Hawaiian word for sea spray) — thanks to @dgomes818419 on Instagram for helping me name it.

on by Danny Knapp

My Vocal Coach

Since during the quarantine, I’ve had the opportunity to start working with a talented and inspiring vocal coach (something I’ve wanted to do for a while). Much thanks to Julian (@vocal_power77 on Instagram) for helping me establish new found confidence in singing lead and helping me to extend my vocal range and agility.

Just for fun, here’s a short clip of me having a blast singing and playing “Don’t You Want Me” to a great crowd at the New Wave Bar with my band mates in Radio Waves, because nothing says “80s New Wave” quite like a pirate shirt and faux leather pants.

on by Danny Knapp

My Bass Rig

I’ve been using my current amplification rig for about 5 years now, and I have to say it’s really been the best sounding and most trustworthy setup I’ve ever had. I’m using a Kemper Profiler, Source Audio and Panda effects, and Shure QLXD & PSM900 wireless systems. It’s all loaded into a Gator shallow 6u case, and I use my Sensaphonics IEMs or my Schroeder custom 2×12 cabinet for monitoring.