It is nice to read positive things about Adam as a bass player. I frequent the talkbass forum, and there's a good balance of opinions, not overly negative, people who think he's an excellent bass player, and some who think he's not good at all. Actually over at this site, there is an unofficial "Adam Clayton" Lakland bass neck. A tapered neck with blocks and no binding is called the "Adam Clayton" neck.
Adam was my inspiration to learn bass. I have been playing piano off and on for about 8 years, but it was definitely Adam who inspired me to take up bass. My mom had an acoustic guitar I used to always try to play when I was a kid. She actually sorta discouraged me from learning an instrument as she would often get mad at us for even touching her guitar. Oddly enough, when I did play it, when she was gone, I was frequently playing the 2 lowest pitched strings on it. My favourite thing to do as a kid was tp put my ear against the guitar then pluck the lowest string, and let the sound ring till the sound stopped.
I did get in contact with Adam's bass teacher and author of the Bass for Dummies book.
"Hi ----,
I just got your message. Thanks for writing, and thanks for the nice words about my book! The answer is: ABSOLUTELY be inspired by Adam's bass playing. Most people don't realize how good he is, but I'm telling you that his skill is "deep" in the music rather than flashy on top. He's a great bass player and a great cat, truly a gem. So, on every level, he's an inspiration! Be well, and all the bass to you!
Peace,
Patrick"
Really nice guy! He sometimes posts on a forum called activebass, that's how I found him.