mcnach

it's always "the other guys"

My (4-string) Model T will be modified very very soon. I never really liked the 2 band EQ on this one, so I'm about to order a few components from EMG to rewire it like this: 1) stacked volume + PASSIVE tone control 2) blend, like the original 3) VMC module: semiparametric mids. I really don't need an active bass control on the bass, and the active treble is a bit meh, I much rather have a passive tone control. The mids cover 100-1000Hz... Can't wait!

Never been a big fan, but I used to work in the same lab as Mayo's wife so I got to meet him briefly. Cool guy.

Precisely With one of these and the EHX Microsynth I already have, that's the two 'synth' sounds I could ever possibly want live sorted!

Playing in a RHCP band, we had to play "Under the bridge". By the second verse, a lot of people were singing. So our singer points the mic to the audience and guitar stops... the roar of the venue singing together made the hair in my arms stand up. Hard to describe, but there was something really intense about having all those people singing back at us. I don't get that in our originals bands

stinky poo. I might end up with one of them then...

Some cool ska by the Hoodska Explosive

Certainly tempting. That's a lot of combo for £350... I'd bite your hand if I needed amplification, but my needs are covered for now. Thanks, 'though!

In my two originals bands we're constantly suggesting to others what they could play. Sometimes it sounds good, sometimes it doesn't, and while the player has the most important input, anybody can chime in if they have an idea. Why not?

Not in a long time but... yeah, I've got stories. It goes with the territory, unfortunately. Some people really make an effort at talking the talk... you'd think that they know one day you'll find out they were not exactly realistic, but that doesn't stop them.

Banshee Labyrinth. It's not a place I've been in much, so I have no idea whether that's their usual bass amp. Very good, 'though. It seems it costs around £500 new, and weighs 16.5 Kg... Very attractive.

Do you want a handbag match? OP asked Precision and Stingray positions. It was answered on the next one very well, so I didn't get my ruler out. Some people don't realise the MM on J/MM and P/MM basses is *not* at the Stingray position. That's my input. Now go do one.

Just a quick note. On FRiday night I played at a local venue where they provided a Fender Rumble 500 combo for me, on top of a box, so its speaker was at belly level for me. I loved that thing. Ended up with the controls set flat, using my Stingray. Very powerful sound, great definition... If I were looking for a nice combo that would not cost the earth... I'd be getting one of these, no question.

But the MM pickup is not at the Stingray position (not sure about the P)

DR strings (black beauties and the like) definitely suffered from wear more quickly than I'd have liked, both at frets (leaving marks underneath, which become very visible if you ever remove and reinstall the strings) and where you pick. I also had Elites nylon coated guitar strings and they also pealed quickly, but at least I was replacing guitar strings regularly so it wasn't bothersome. The damage was only cosmetic, 'though... they still sounded good. If you don't need to keep the strings on for more than 6 months then you'll probably be ok. Nylon tapewounds seemed to not really be affected.

I guess you don't like blues or rock either?

Audience probably loved it 'though And isn't that what it is about?

Drunk audiences can tolerate almost anything, it's true. But I don't agree about the "covers should be different". They CAN be different, and that's great when done well. However most people I hear saying "the cover should be different" or "we play our own version" really what they're doing is saying those words to justify their being lazy. I'm not saying that's what your attitude is, since I don't know you just stating my experiences

+1 sometimes I've wondered what's wrong with people's ears. Sure, use a tab to help you get the bits faster... but if what you play does not sound right, throw it away and make it sound right. I've met people who just stick to the wrong chords just because that's the first version they downloaded a tab for... then when they play say a major chord (wrong) and you're going along in minor... they look confused. One thing I like about originals... learning covers was a pain with some bands...

I can see both sides. On the one hand, if I'm asked to learn song X, I learn it, and find that they play some other version or a rehash... I'd be like "why didn't you give me your version to start with?". At the same time... I'm the guy who might be joining whatever it is they're doing, so my place is to make my bassline fit in. If I'm playing a cover and my note perfect line does not fit what they play, then it's for me to change it to something that does. Anything else is being a little precious, IMO. In general, 'though, I have to like the music, the people, and what they want to do with the music. If one fails, then I would not be interested.

Me too, and I don't mind simple repetitive basslines. But I find blues lethargic rather than hypnotic.

That's what I recall too. I had to double check, and indeed he's credited as writer on that one. I don't know. edit: ha! it looks like the horns section had been playing strings for a bit (trombonist in question playing cello!) and this period was right before their departure from the band... so maybe he didn't even play in the recording? It sounds like it was a band with far too much drama.

Join a ska band! Only half joking... Back in late 2009 I don't think I had ever paid any attention to any in the ska universe, but a drummer friend of mine invited me to join this new project. Monday evenings at 8pm. I was tired, I was hungry (straight from work). It was cold, miserable weather. I was going through a bad period personally as well. I'd drag myself to the rehearsal... I didn't drive then, it was a bad bus ride... Every Monday I'd tell myself "what am I doing? I'll come along but I have to tell them I can't continue". However, I arrived... sax is practicing some harmonies with the trombone... and my bass amp was in front of them, one on each side... so I got the full brasstereo effect... and 10 minutes later I was all smiles, happy, and revitalised. Of course, everybody is different but if you're here chances are you probably enjoy music more than the average person. For me, music is the drug that always helps me. No, it doesn't fix anything and doesn't cure me... but makes things more bearable and at times it's entirely changed my outlook. Still does. And that band? lasted a month... drummer had issues, and we disbanded. Months later they reformed with another bass player and no trombone. But the ska bug had bitten. Our paths crossed again and I've been their bass player for two and a half years now

Two 5-string Stingray basses, with two humbuckers. One fretted and one fretless. That's for maximum versatility. Do I need maximum versatility, 'though? Nah. I just need something that sounds good in many situations. A Precision and a single humbucker Stingray for me, both fretted, then I'll sneak in a fretless Precision when you're not looking.

Yeah, there must be... but I'm not going to check