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Showing content with the highest reputation on 14/03/18 in all areas

  1. I am an expert here on compression, and I can categorically say that sometimes I cant hear it, out of the context of a mix. Because you just cant, not a 'transparent' compressor with a soft knee set to just pull everything up a couple of dB on the softer stuff especially in parallel. Good luck to anyone who can, you're definitely not normal. But put that in the context of a mix and if you know what to listen for you can hear the difference the compressor makes. So why bother if its that hard to consciously perceive? Because perception isn't conscious, psychoacoustics are hugely important and influential and definitely can make a band sound far more pro than the level of the venue they are playing in. Lets put it another way, would you rather an expert live engineer use everything at his disposal to make your band sound as brilliant as possible regardless of the venue, or would you prefer him to keep some of his tools in the box? Do you think your punters would tell the difference between Dave the drummer throwing some faders up on a shitty 6 channel Behringer desk and Wes 'The Wesernator' Maebe with a Midas Pro One and some choice outboard? What about Wes using the same desk as Dave and a few choice dynamics tools? I reckon Wes could make my band sound better live than I can with the same gear literally anywhere, he's the absolute canine undercarriage at his job, so I'd be some kind of an idiot if I didn't feel that. What does he use to achieve this? Simple, the basics that every sound engineer understands: good mic placement, good gain structure, good dynamics control, good spacial and additive effects, great musical understanding, great ears. He will use compression all over your bass to make it work in the mix better, think I'm kidding, check this out and especially this where he daisy chains two 1176s, the man is a master of compression, its his bread and butter. So what does this have to do with the OP question? Its simply the wrong question. It actually shows why most bassists probably shouldn't be trying to use compression, because it breaks down like this:- The audience should not generally be able to tell that a compressor is being used per se, but they will know that something is different if you turn it on and off. It depends on what the compression is for. A transparent gain riding compressor is going to work at a psychoacoustic level. On the other hand if you are using a compressor to drastically change the envelope of your bass sound then every single punter will hear the change as you swap it in and out. Its just a daft question really. Think like a bassist and you cant tell what its for, think like a sound engineer and you cant imagine a world without compressors on nearly everything.
    7 points
  2. Learn "Forget You" by something called Cee Lo Green they said. Is that a band? A person? I wondered. Never mind let's have a listen. Ah good, given my hectic learning schedule a nice repeated three chord pattern is just what I need. I like days like these, they make up for the 'now let's learn Everybody Dance' days. Then, just as I'm smiling at myself for having essentially learned the bassline during my first ever listen to the tune, just under three minutes in and the bloody bass player wakes up and decides he's bored. Never count your tofu until it curdles folks.
    3 points
  3. Just got this. Huge Kings X fan...
    3 points
  4. I wandered into Norwich PMT a while back to blag a box for a bass I was flogging. Figuring that even asking nicely wouldn't cut the mustard for a very crumbly 63 year old who looks disturbingly like Compo, I thought I'd better buy something before asking. A charming young man, helpful, knowledgeable and chatty but never patronising or irritating, introduced me to their two secondhand bass cabs. Deciding I didn't really want a Fender combo, we switched focus to an MB 121 Traveler in great nick for £280 label. He went to endless trouble to set me up with a head I liked and left me alone in a booth to noodle as long as I needed. He was so nice I could see no alternative to buying the bloody thing (but TBF it was starting to make sense to me - God I love MB tone). Once I'd got my wallet out said lad was willing to haggle but wasn't a push over, and happily agreed to work several suitable guitars boxes into the deal (what I originally went in for, if you recall). Then when he learned I was parked 400 yards down the road he carried (yes he did) my new cab all the way to my car. I almost put him in the boot too and took him home to introduce him to my daughter. Then I remembered I don't have one.
    3 points
  5. Hey all, So here's my quick and simple comparison of La Bella flats with Chromes on my Precision, and Lakland Rounds with Gold White Nylon Tapewounds on my 55-01: https://soundcloud.com/simonpoulton/sets/la-bella-vs-daddario-lakland Each track has a description of what is happening, test environment etc My conclusions are that La Bella's are quieter, across their ranges, than strings I've previously used (my Gold Flats on my other Lakland are also quieter than the rounds they replaced too, but just means my amp does a little more work, easy enough, doesn't bother me). New La Bella flats, sound like 3 year old Chromes, so more mellow out of the pack. Gold White Nylons do an excellent impression of broken in rounds, whilst feeling very smooth and lasting a hell of a lot longer hopefully (due to being tapes). All in all, am very happy with these early tests, think I've finally found a company that has a varied and interesting string roster, where I can get everything I need from one place! Cheers Si
    2 points
  6. Hi Basschat! I recently purchased a beautiful Ocean Turquoise 4-string jazz elite bass, and had our monitor engineer send a desk recording from one of our recent shows @ Alexandra Palace, I'm super happy with how its tracking in a live situation, thought I'd share it and have this thread for other people to share their live recordings of their Elite's! (precision + Jazz)
    2 points
  7. For me, it's this by a long way: That'll gleam with a coat of Andy's Magic fluid - No innuendos please!!
    2 points
  8. Was just listening to this album today and thought I'd put something on here as it's an integral part of my Bass playing influences. I can see it's been mentioned before, but you usually get a discussion about how it's divisive so I thought I'd put my two penneth in. When the album came out, I was a pure 'metaller'. If it wasn't 'eavy', I didn't like it. I was a teenager then, and had already been playing bass for a year or so in a rap-metal band (I know). I bought Earthling 'blind', having a fleeting admiration of Bowie, mainly due my older sister buying the Dancing in the Street single years earlier. (I know). The thing that struck me about the album right away was the bass playing of Gail Ann Dorsey. I appreciated the magnificent tone, and the concise, accurate yet still impressively written basslines, even though I didn't realise at the time this is what I was hearing, if you get me. The songs are amazing and yes, the album probably did sound dated for a while, but in my opinion, it has been long enough for the 90s drum and bass elements to now sound 'vintage' to younger ears and would be well worth a listen. It's easy to see why it's not everyone's cup of tea but It's the album that got me to listen to bass players, appreciate not over playing, and get the importance of a good balance between instruments/vocals, not to mention getting me to explore Bowie further, which obviously opened a pot of gold.
    2 points
  9. Shang-a-lang always goes down well at our gigs.
    2 points
  10. I'll just incarcerate any future threads you start on the topic. Job done
    2 points
  11. Thanks for all the positive feedback..!!!! Inspiring to see the other kids basses too; bands like the Royal Blood, 21 Pilots and current established groups that feature prominent bassists (Chili Peppers, MUSE etc.) appear to be driving the instrument to new popularity.. Anyway, he got to see and play it last night; he was speechless (which is a lot with him..!! ) and managed four solid hours playing Chili Peppers, MUSE, Killers, Arctic Monkeys, Green Day and anything else he could think of...!! He is at his first band practice tonight, as a bassist, so got four days to learn 4 songs from scratch - he's done it too..... They're not simple tunes either and he didn't have a hand in choosing them (Mardy Bum, My Sharona, Mr Brightside and Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor). When he got up this morning, he went to play it before school and said "every time I open the bag, I think - what a beauty!".............. I can't ask for more really. Going to film him playing it and I'll put it up here shortly. Peace..
    2 points
  12. This ^ Are you sure it's nitro? It looks more like poly to me. Same solutions if it is poly but probably gives you more options of lacquer products you could use.
    2 points
  13. I learned about mirroring too and it really opens your eyes to peoples intentions. My experience is that when you point this out to people in Britain though is they take it very defensively. Things in Britain you can talk about: Weather, football, immigration. Things in Britain you shouldn't talk about: Feelings, death, other peoples intentions. The rumours are true.
    2 points
  14. I take it not as spectacular as your HGBM? But seriously, well done @tonyxtiger and @Cuzzie for making this happen - it's great to see BC in action like this!
    2 points
  15. Ohh.. well that explains that awkward incident then...
    2 points
  16. After an 8 hour drive to Newcastle and 2 hours back to Yorkshire on Sunday and a 6 hour journey back home to Somerset yesterday, I now have the following in my arsenal: Just need to find a key for the case...oh it's a 2003 CIJ. Big thanks to the Monkseaton Mikes who helped.
    2 points
  17. If you're used to gut-a-likes and change for a new brand you'll find any of the Innovation "slaps" quite thin and snappy by comparison. Better sustain but higher tension, theyll solve your problem but will feel different. If you like the gut-a-likes and just get a new E, the "twister" E (copper wound) they make matches great, used that in my main gigging bass for some 3 years now. I have a Presto Ultralight that would match well too. An Innovation E would feel weird on its own as the thickness would be like a Gut-a-like D. Your post suggests you like the strings you have but the E has deadened beyond usefulness over time. If that's the case and you otherwise like the strings I'd just get a snappier E, as the Gut-a-like is a bit floppy (currently using one with Superior Bassworks A-G on my back-up bass tho)
    1 point
  18. I'll see if I can get hold of them. Can't promise though. I'll let you know.
    1 point
  19. ... and you're 'available' any week-end or weekday, for the next few years. Am I wrong..?
    1 point
  20. A bushel of fags washed down with alka-seltzer?
    1 point
  21. Actually I have to give County Music in Canterbury a mention. No high end bass stuff in there as such, but I bought a short scale Squier Jag from them a couple of weeks ago. I took in my own pickups and they installed them and set up the bass at no extra cost, and they had it ready in a couple of hours. I know a pickup swap is not a big deal but it's nice of them to do it for free, especially when I wasn't spending big bucks.
    1 point
  22. Thread compressor you say... hum... (wrong thread, probably)
    1 point
  23. I should caveat the above with - assuming you’re convinced you want to try this? To echo what others have said, there’s no guarantee that it’ll sound any better, and every possibility that it’ll sound different
    1 point
  24. If you can post the cab model you may find that someone already knows something about the cab and could suggest a suitable replacement. Alternatively if you are able to take measurements to confirm the overall dimensions of the cab, and importantly the exact dimensions (including length) of the ports, then someone will probably model it for you. In fact, seeing as I have another thread on the go here where I’m hoping for some relatively expert comment, I’m happy to put something back into the community and model the cab myself, though being relatively inexperienced I might ask for someone else to mark my homework!
    1 point
  25. Serched a little and found what they do in mine. From the web: I see you have earlier models of the TRB, mine has 2 trim pots and are for this exact reason, to balance the "phantom" coil or whaterver it's called with the pickups to eliminate noise. Take out your backplate (post some pics here of your electronics in each bass) and rotate the trim pots with the bass plugged in and see if you notice any difference.
    1 point
  26. Hmm, the science says that cones should be matched and there`s a lot of on-line help - plus Bill F on here is pretty exceptional on this. You can luck out and get good results by just swapping, I have on the times I`ve done it, but I am aware that it could have gone horribly wrong.
    1 point
  27. Hi. Folks just an update on this, I used UPS and had the bass insured for £5500 by a 3rd party,. Thanks for all the advice and special thanks to Grangur for the kind offer!
    1 point
  28. OK, I realise it ain't glam, but is there any way you could work this into the set? https://youtu.be/mQEPYfXWWnI
    1 point
  29. It always amuses me that when this topic comes up folks tend to start discussing it in polarised extremes. It's worth bearing in mind that there is a spectrum of different approaches between... ...and... I think Gary put it very well above. It's about the band demonstrably enjoying being there and connecting in some appropriate way with the audience, wherever on the spectrum that is!
    1 point
  30. Not as much as the wonky pickup. That one on eBay is made from what is probably the blandest piece of wood never to have been covered by a solid paint finish.
    1 point
  31. What, spinning plates on sticks on a slack-rope whilst thumping out AC/DC..? Maybe we should try that.
    1 point
  32. It'd be fabulous if it finally did. Failing that, you can always start another thread on this topic in future to add to your collection
    1 point
  33. Velvet Blues are pretty growly on my bass.
    1 point
  34. Paul's a great keys player, he'll be hard to replace. Good luck.
    1 point
  35. I think you might have misunderstood. He used in-store vouchers (not cash) to pre-order a pedal that has been delayed (as pre-order items often do, due to production schedule delays). The vouchers were then used to buy alternatives as store credit is rarely given back as cash and Thunderpaws was also quite happy with this. I doubt GG we’re at fault in any way, it’s their supplier who has delayed the product shipment.
    1 point
  36. I`m not sure about this as a whole, but I do know that having worked with great musicians/great song-writers who had those as their only redeeming features, I wouldn`t choose to work with similar again. I`m not sure if I have any stage presence, aside from - not my words I should add - looking scary and staring the audience out. Which in fact means that with my middle-aged eyesight I`m just looking at the audience to see if they`re enjoying it. Wearing appropriate clothing for genre, and not looking at the floor, even if you don`t leap about like a deranged gibbon conveys a better stage presence than looking like a bunch of guys who don`t even know each other, and won`t make eye contact with the audience. If the people on stage look together, look like a band, and connect with the audience even if they don`t say a thing, well already their stage presence has taken a step up.
    1 point
  37. My lad Dan got this for his Christmas present a couple of years ago, I sprayed it blue and got Scratch-It to make a Pickguard of his favourite team... Started as a Harley Benton 3/4 lefty. Mores the pity he’s got his hands on the wrong way - a very serviceable little bass 😑
    1 point
  38. I think Youtube among others has created a lot of insta-musicians. Impressing themselves in their bedrooms (oo-er) but quickly finding out that playing in an actual band involves a lot more than just hearing how to do it. This means there are a ton of poor quality bands around and either really good musicianship, or some great stage presence/gimmicks can get your head above the rest. I have mostly played original stuff for most of my playing life, and in that scenario you really need both to do anything other than what is essentially playing for friends imo (though its hard to believe, looking at a lot of up and coming 'professional' bands).
    1 point
  39. I can't read play instruments 'cos my eyes are too old now.
    1 point
  40. Great, I guess I get it now. Thank you all for your answers, very clear!
    1 point
  41. If the shop in question is the one I think it is, I was just going to add that I have been considering going for a bit and have decided against it due to several bad experience internet posts and anecdotes. They are dotted around the net on various different platforms, and although I wouldn't usually 'cut my nose off' as some have put it here, what worries me is that the reviews are all talking about the same specific issues, despite being in totally different places, from different times, and are fairly well spread out chronologically. This tells me that the problems are consistent, long standing and most importantly, not learned from after bad feedback. Interestingly, the pattern also includes a bit of smarm following each problem, with no changing of attitude, which is even worse. I would say this is a good reason to raise grievances like this. Everyone has an off day, and maybe writing off a place due to one bad experience is rash, but a consistent lack of consideration for customers walking in the door is inviting people to go elsewhere, and how else will consistent bad practices be challenged? It won't happen by just individually moaning a bit AFTER handing over your money, (that's advocating bad practice), but shared experiences being exposed on forums like this. A lot of people here probably have a good idea of the shop that's being talked about..which kind of highlights how much of a problem there is. Good on you for bringing it up AND challenging it I say.
    1 point
  42. Nice one, having recently picked up a Squier Affinity Precision I`ve been amazed at the quality and playability for a "budget" instrument. OK, I`m changing the pots as the ones in there are 500s, a bit fizzy for me, but that`s a cheap change, and I`ll have a decent bass as a backup. I`m sure your son will be very pleased with the above.
    1 point
  43. Fantastic I've got the text, but not the scores or mp3s. Could you add them to this thread plz?
    1 point
  44. Session 16d.mp3 Session 16e.mp3 Session 16f.mp3
    1 point
  45. Session 15d.mp3 Session 15e.mp3 Session 15f.mp3 Session 15g.mp3
    1 point
  46. Session 15.mp3 Session 15a.mp3 Session 15b.mp3 Session 15c.mp3
    1 point
  47. Session 14.mp3 Session 14a.mp3 Session 14b.mp3 Session 14c.mp3 Session 14d.mp3 Session 14e.mp3
    1 point
  48. :eft to right: 2002 Fender Standard Jazz fretless w/ epoxied fingerboard, Lollar pickups & Gotoh bridge 2005 Geddy Lee signature Jazz with Antiquity II pickups and vintage style bridge 1966 Jazz, refin & refret 2001 Blade B2 Tetra Bass with Nordstrand pickups and Aguilar OBP-1 preamp 2013 De Gier Bebop 5, custom order
    1 point
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