Who's Who: Nell Rollins, Bass Player and Massage Therapist

Name: Nell Rollins
Age: 54
Occupation: Massage therapist.

Do you live in El Cerrito? No, I live in Richmond.

How did you start playing bass? I always enjoyed bass and watching people play. Recently, on the last Super Bowl Sunday I won $500 in a pool. So I came in here () to buy a bass. I first thought I was going to get a new one, but there was a guy jamming here who said, “Have you thought about getting a used guitar?” So I bought a guitar for $80 and an amp for $90 and started playing. I wanted to play the drums, but they're a little loud and you can't take them anywhere.

A few days after I brought it home, it's 2 a.m. and my 18 year old son comes out of his room saying, “Mom, what are you doing?” So then I got myself earphones.

Have you gotten your son into it? No, he's not that into it. He likes sports. But, you know, it's not like I don't leave it there. I see him picking at it sometimes. He's graduating from Kennedy High School in June.

Did you teach yourself how to play? No, but I took a class. I bought my bass in February and the class started in March. I can play Happy Birthday, Amazing Grace and a couple of other songs. I think of it as when I first started driving a vehicle it seemed so difficult! But I kept doing it and I got better. Practice really makes perfect, so I'm practicing.

I already have my stage name. When they announce it it's going to be, “And now, Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Nelly Nell on bass...”

So what brought you into Guitar Center today? I came here because they're having this trade-in sale, that's why everyone is in here with their old instruments. I don't think I'll ever sell the bass that I have now because it's the first, you know. One day I'll get a nicer set-up. I'm getting better at playing and my fingers are getting calloused. I'd like to go play at convalescent homes and things like that. Just play for everybody's birthdays. I think I can bring a lot of joy with this.

Do you like what you're playing right now? Yeah, what I'm looking for is a shorter neck which seems to fit me well. I like it when my strings are low. You know, I'm starting to find things that work for me. Finding a proper way to sit. Things like that.

What are some of your favorite bassists or artists? You know, I can't really choose one because I like all music. But I'm finding myself pulling the bass out of any song now. I'm really paying attention to it.

What type of music did you grow up with? I grew up with a lot of motown and I went to a Baptist church so there was a lot gospel music.