Though he began collaborating with Sonic Youth in late 1997 for the improvised SYR3 disc, and later played an integral role in the recording of the SYR4 release, it wasn't until the "nyc ghosts & flowers" sessions in summer 1999 that Jim began to truly become a part of Sonic Youth. He originally served as producer/sound manipulator, contributing bass to several tracks on the album in addition to some electronics, but by the 2000 tour he was a full-fledged touring member of the band and as of late 2001 he was participating in the composition process. Jim's addition to the band provides a definite enhancement to their sound, supplying bass when Kim plays guitar and vice versa. He also utilized an EMS synth onstage, to control samples of Kim's vocals for the backdrop of "side2side" on his powerbook. Over the next few years he continued to help push SY to create some of the most exploratory, compelling music of their career. Jim left SY after the Nurse tour, but his contributions to the band and the many live shows he played over the 5+ years are noteworthy enough to leave this section intact (especially considering how many long-buried guitars Jim pulled from SY's stash).

I'm not sure what his gear was in 2003-2005, whether it changed significantly from 2002 (probably a bit) -- his guitar usage is covered throughout the site, however.

GUITARS