Hailing from Jonesboro, Arkansas, Jeremy Nichols’ obsession with the bass guitar began after his cousin received one as a birthday gift. Soon after, with nothing more than a Mel Bay instructional book and an awful pawn shop Les Paul knockoff bass in hand, Jeremy set out to learn how to play. After a couple years of practicing the basics and jamming with fellow friends, he started playing regularly with a local country/rock band while still in high school. This exposure lead him to frequent subbing with other area bands as well.
Later majoring in music education at Arkansas State University, Jeremy became the bassist for ASU’s top jazz band “The Tribe” after current Nordstrand artist and friend David Snell exited the program. Jeremy also began to play bass with other college ensembles, including a 6-piece pep ensemble supporting the ASU women’s basketball team, and also Dad’s Bones, a jazz/pop trombone ensemble. He also continued to regularly play bar/club/party dates on the weekends with various groups. Seeing value in sharing his love of music he also began to teach bass lessons to a handful of young students. Word of mouth began to spread and he also began to pick up studio work with area sound engineers. This lead to first-call opportunities on many rock, pop, gospel, country, and even a few commercial jingle sessions.
Relocating to the Cincinnati area in 1998, he was accepted to the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music’s jazz program but chose not to attend at that time due to financial reasons. Instead he joined the workforce by day and played sub gigs with local artists whenever possible. In 2000, he joined the Cinci-area original band Endive, playing throughout the SE Ohio/Northern Kentucky area. Through a series of life events, Jeremy relocated in 2004 but continued to find consistent bass work to keep sharp. Upon returning to the Cincinnati area in 2011 he rejoined Endive, who continues today to play an increasing number of original and cover gigs. Released in August 2018, Endive’s 3rd album “Car Ride Philosophy” features Jeremy’s work on fretted and fretless bass.
Describe your rig and/or instrument of choice: I am currently playing through an Ampeg PF-500 head and use an Aguilar GS112 cab. Although this may be a smaller setup, it easily fills most venues with sound and the tone is fantastic. I recently traded my Jazz V Deluxe for a G&L L2500 and it has become my "work horse" bass. The series/parallel and active/passive switching make it extremely versatile and the humbuckers are loud and punchy. I also have an SBMM SUB 4 with a U.S. Stringray fretless neck, and a SBMM SB 14. Between the three of these there isn't much musical territory that can't be covered.
How did you discover Nordstrand? I have been using the Nordstrand 2B-3A preamp in my fretless bass since September ('18). The improvement over the stock preamp is incredible, and the installation was very straightforward. I like the adjustable output trim pot and there is a huge tonal improvement overall. It now has a fuller low end, more pronounced mids, clearer highs and harmonic content yet the characteristic tone of the bass is preserved. Eventually I would like to upgrade at least the pickups in my two SBMM basses with Nordstrand MM replacements. I had been hearing and reading about Nordstrand products for a number of years before acquiring any of my own. Everything that I heard or read was very positive, and I liked that the company seemed to be innovating rather than just mass producing the same old designs that have been around for years. I see Carey as a visionary who is making history in the world of musical electronics.Instagram: @endivebandMusic also available on iTunes, Spotify, and Tidal.
