Artist Profile: Lance Tolbert

Lance Tolbert is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and music producer who has contributed to 10 Grammy-nominated works. He holds a Master's degree in Jazz Studies from the Indiana University School of Music. He constantly tours the world with some of the most elite artists in the music industry.  

Lance is the bassist for global superstar Mariah Carey. His work on bass, bass synth, and double bass is featured on “Mariah Carey’s Here For It All Holiday Special”, which was livestreamed to millions of viewers on Tik Tok on Dec. 13 2025, and is currently streaming on Apple Music. Lance is the bassist for the legendary lyricist and Hip Hop icon Nas. He has been touring with Nas for a couple years, performing his classic album Illmatic (which Billboard named the greatest Hip Hop album of all time). Nas along with a live symphony orchestra delivers a dynamic show, and Lance holds down bass and double bass. Lance also performed piano, keyboards, and synthesizer with The Backstreet Boys for their “Into The Millennium” residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas. Other artists Lance has worked with include The Black Eyed Peas, will.i.am, Estelle, Jennifer Hudson, Britney Spears, Charlie Wilson, Kenny Lattimore, Boyz II Men, and many others. 

Also an accomplished songwriter/producer, Lance has several Billboard #1 R&B songs to his credit. His compositions and productions have been featured in films and have been singles at radio. Lance Tolbert is the owner and operator of O2 Studios, a recording facility located in North Hollywood, CA. 

RIG OF CHOICE? Lance Tolbert plays his signature bass, the LT5  by Mike Lull Custom Guitars. The LT5 is absolutely perfect. The tone, power, and clarity will deliver for any genre, and in any venue or recording studio. One of the highlights in the design of the LT5 is the inclusion of Nordstrand Fat Stack pickups. These versatile pickups help make every note across the fretboard sing.

Lance uses the Trickfish Amplification Bullhead 3K amp and the L410 and L115 cabinets. Lance also plays Moog, Korg, and Nord synthesizers. 

How did you discover Nordstrand? I first discovered Nordstrand at the NAMM Show in 2012. That was where I met Mike Lull for the first time and played one of his basses. It was a 5-string jazz bass with soapbar pickups. I fell in love with the tone and versatility. I asked about the pickups and was informed that they were Nordstrand Fat Stack pickups. I’ve used these pickups ever since. 

What do you like about Nordstrand? Professional gear is a necessity for creating the best music. Nordstrand absolutely delivers. Working with a variety of artists across different genres means that your tools have to be top notch and versatile. With Nordstrand pickups, I can authentically play any style of music and pull the best tone out of my instruments. Nordstrand has been an important part of my sound for over a decade, and I am excited to continue making music with their gear in the future.

Artists with whom you are currently working?

Mariah Carey
Nas
The Backstreet Boys

Other artists on your roster?

Black Eyed Peas
will.i.am
Jennifer Hudson
Estelle
Ledisi
Charlie Wilson
Britney Spears
Kenny Lattimore
Boyz II Men

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Lance Tolbert Signature Bass