Rayman

#groove

I could use some too...

David Bailey (photographer) once said if you can't take a decent picture on a Kodak disposable camera, you can't take one with a Leica SLR either. Same with anything, the magic's in the fingers.

Oh blimey yes. I started on a Columbus Jazz in the late 70s, so Sire basses would have been a bloody godsend. I think they're good solid guitars, for the money.

I watched that a couple of days ago... and remember thinking how uninspiring the bass sounded. I get it, they're "affordable" basses, I'm all for that, but it was noticeable as they all took turns to solo... when it came to Vic... it was a bit meh sounding. Could have been for a bunch of reasons, but still....

Tony Levin is an amazing stick player too.... check out "Stick Men"

Oh the stick is out of my league... NO idea how that works! But yeah, Rob Chapmans' stuff. It looks and sounds lovely, I just wondered how they played. Obviously it's a fairly young brand, and the basses in particular aren't tried and tested too much by the wider public, I'm just liking the vibe of the company, and it's something a bit different to the regular well known brands.

I'm after a 5er. My first port of call is either Ibanez SR, or Warwick... but I'm wondering about Chapman basses. I'm on the verge of buying an ML3 guitar... and now I'm wondering about a bass too, even a trip down to Andertons to try one. Anybody got any experience with them? I know they're a new thing, but I thought I'd ask?

I used pound the strings like a ruddy jack hammer, Steve Harris style. I was always a heavy player with heavy strings, and it was a bit of a workout doing gigs, especially being the singer too. Then I watched Gary Willis play. Effortless technique and beautiful tone. He looked like he might doze off mid song it was that easy. Now I'm with the Billy Gibbons school of thought. Make it easy for yourself. Lighter strings, lighter touch.... just turn your amp up!

I've always loved the look and feel of a Precision, and I love my basses simple. I'm not into massive EQ options, or pedals or any of that shizzle. I like a bass into an amp via a lead, simple. So.... the simplicity of a P bass appeals to me, like my jazz, and Stingray. I've been playing a long time (you'd think I'd be better at it), so I know the score, but I've just always struggled with the Precision tone. Awesome with a pick.... but I play with my fingers mainly. Why am I "forcing" myself to like them? I'm not really, it's just curious to me that I'm so attracted to them but just can't get "that" tone. Maybe I AM over thinking it.... I guess it's become a bit of a bloody challenge now.... Anyway.... I thought I'd post the thread and get some opinions. I haven't taken part in the forum for some years even though I've been here since day one, a few of the old guard might remember me, and I'd forgotten how much fun these discussions are. Thanks for the input. It's a bloody beautiful bass... and I'm sticking at it. I might put the other basses into storage and just have the Precision here for a while to bond with it. Defo thinking flats is the way to go on this particular bass.

If I had to have one bass.... it would be the Stingray. Done the flats thing.... I'll persevere and see how I get on. A bunch of whisky and the Precision tonight.... I'll keep you posted.

Thanks for all the responses. I love the look, and feel of Precisions. Some of my favourite players use them, and I just really want to like them.... its nothing to do with anything other than the tone. I just can't get a tone I like. I've tried TI flats, Superbrights, DI High Beams etc..... Straight out of the case the Jazz and the Ray are just perfect.... I guess I'm going to just persevere for a bit or trade it out for something else. Its a beautiful instrument, I guess just maybe it's not my sound.

Yeah.... I need to give it time. I love bright punchy tone I guess, or sugar in my tea, I'll try and cut dien my sugar a bit.

Why can't I get on with Fender Precisions? Why? I have a beautiful American Standard, just bought it, determined to love it.... it plays amazing, looks beautiful (sunburst, tort, rosewood) brand new strings, set up.... but I... just.... cannot.... bond with it. I've tried dozens over the years, but I just love my Jazzes and Stingrays too much.... Sigh....