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That Smell - Lynyrd Skynyrd

The Don McLean classic, 'American Pie' is one of those songs that I've always loved, but never thought to learn properly. I did play this live way back at school, and I have to admit that I just 'blagged'' it from the chord chart! But recently, a one-to-one bass student of mine has been encouraging me to transcribe and make a lesson on the American Pie bass line. I'm sure though, that he just picks epics so I've got my work cut out for me! 😂 The song is over 8 minutes long and Rob Stoner's bass line is through-composed, meaning that it doesn't repeat anything. As you can image, it took me a while to transcribe! To make this song more approachable for everyone, I've made two video lessons on the bass line. In the lesson this week, I've come up with a simplified bass line that still sounds really great. Next week I'll show you the original bass line. So, if you've always wanted to play American Pie, here's your chance, whatever your playing level. You can pick up a simplified bass line transcription in the video description. Enjoy!

Looks amazing, but can only give a score of 9/10 as it's not left handed 🤣

So, I am looking at switching as many of my pedals as possible to mini pedals as my pedal board is becoming too big and weighty. I now have my chorus pedal and EQ pedals sorted so am now looking for an overdrive pedal, what is out there that has a small footprint but doesn't lose low end? I would like to keep the cost below £100 but preferably I love a bargain so the more inexpensive the better. I see there are a lot of of mini overdrive pedals out there but they all seem to be made for guitar. Thanks

I think this will make a nice fretboard?......👍🏻🤟🏻

My brother reports he had a great gig for a Harley Davidson club in Llandovery last night. It's a long journey so the band had a wet night of camping instead of driving back!

Haha, that's the problem though, it's a real looker and would be a shame to part out 😀

I’m currently looking at replacing my battered old Mono M80 double bag and I’m wondering if it’s still the best or whether something like the Gruv Gear Kapsule Duo is a decent alternative. The M80 has served me well but I like the wheels on the Kapsule and although Mono are putting detachable wheels on one of their models, they are reluctant to tell me whether this will extend to the M80 range. Anyone got a Kapsule they can tell me about?

Maybe, I have no experience with EMG's but the EQ in this pedal is very strong and my marginally-OK-at-best Cort pickups are 90% the way to sounding like full blown Sadowsky pickups.

I'll reserve the neck for you if I break it I looked the other day and the roasted Fender neck alone is £380 these days! I seem to remember that the original builder spent £8-900 on parts alone. Having played it hard in a three hour session yesterday to get a new drummer through a whole trio set, I can confirm it's lovely to play - just that harsh edge. It's also my years-old gripe with Mark Bass amps which suit Status basses to a tee, but anything 'vintagey' sounds a little too harsh and artificial through them - my back likes them, though!

Oddly enough, I did the same some 17 years ago when I was dissatisfied with the sound my then 2008 American Standard Jazz. The Sadowsky Pre Pedal was a very good option for a bass with standard pickups. In this case however, I think it might just amplify the angrier aspects of the EMGs.

I'm sure you'll be able to shift the EMGs if you pull them out and put that towards the Lollars. So maybe look at it as a £120 ish upgrade? I think Lozz's advice is good. I just did a passive pickup swap in an active bass that otherwise I'd have put back in its case and moved on, probably at a significant loss. The new pickups have brought it to life. If it ends up being a bust I think you could part this JB out and recover a good chunk your outlay (I sat down and calculated this as I was interested in the roasted neck for another build 😀).

I had the same dilemma. Do I spend £400 improving the sound of a £200 bass My lightbulb moment was to buy a Sadowsky preamp for £50 (other preamp pedals are available). This has improved the tone 1000%.

Lots of good things happening there then

Either what Lozz said, or try some cheaper pickups and see what you think? I put a Tonerider in the neck position of my 70s Jazz as getting a bit broke but wanted to replace the ole DiMarzio bridge pup someone had shoehorned in there. I should qualify this by saying that I've never been shy of spending on gear. I want expecting much, but it honestly sounds excellent.

Sound advice, Lozz. Thank you.

After so many years and so many amps the GR Bass range is so transparent and clean. https://www.grbass.com/portfolio/one/