LemonCello

Interesting thread this. Having played 'cello semi-professionally for longer than I care to remember, I did come across a good few pro orchestral players and in particular soloists who need several large Vodkas before going on stage. I think there are two reasons for this. Nerves being one. I knew a singer who used to go on stage bursting for a pee because it gave her something else to worry about other than her performance! Funny thing stage fright. The other reason is simply to 'get through it'. A lot of professional players become jaded with the whole thing after a while, playing every weekend, leaving the family to go abroad, having to play yet another piece of music (well) that you really dislike! Personally, I made the mistake once of having two pints of lager in the interval and as soon as I sat down for the (45 min) second half I began to sweat I wanted a pee so much! I've never done that since! Each to his own I reckon! LC

[quote name='OutToPlayJazz' post='485740' date='May 12 2009, 11:08 AM']Yes, I am - And a cellist too. On the classical instruments you have to do the north-south method, as the fingerboards aren't curved like an electric. There're usually two lightly bevelled edges, making the board more angular (on three planes) than curved. I usually tell pupils to group fingers - The index finger is pretty stong, but can be supported a little by the second finger. The second finger can pretty much stand alone. The third finger works better when combined with the second for stability & the little finger again, works well combined with the third. The thumb should always be kept in contact with the neck as well. I try to get people to think of vibrato as a "cyclic" movement - Almost moving to the feel of groups of eight semiquavers (think "wa-wa-wa-wa-wa-wa-wa-wa.") This gives the vibrato a more rhythmic feel, although the speed can be varied according to the speed and feel of the music. I also try to get people to start the note first (gaining stability in the note), then adding in vibrato & making sure it carries on until the end of the note. This also gives the note more of a shape and some extra variation in texture. Vibrato can also start before the note - This gives a more urgent and musically passionate feel to the note. There's so much you can do with it! Rich.[/quote] Ah, another 'cellist! Do you still play Rich? I spent the last 25 years playing in Orchestra's, but am enjoying the freedom the Bass gives me playing in my blues band. Vibrato, like other techniques requires practice. I still use the classical technique I learned for 'Cello on the Bass, although it requires a bit more intensity because of the thicker strings. Cheers, Gary

Note JD's axe of choice...the ubiquitous Precision! Well mostly The point about Queen is, that they don't bear comparison with anyone...they were unique You don't find lyrics like those anymore and I bet some of you can recite them with ease! A moving documentary, glad I caught it LC

I bought a Korean Squier P off here not so long ago for a song. A new set of Ernie's and a jack socket and I love it. Don't think I'll be able to part with it. It just feels right in the hands and is very easy to play. I also have a US standard which is different to the Squier but not better in the hands? Play loads and buy the one that feels right. P's rock! LC

[quote name='Zach' post='448701' date='Mar 29 2009, 02:55 PM']Pretty good, shall definitely have a go at that. One thing I can't work out is what the numbers are over the notes, such as on line 39. My guess is it's some cello thing i'm unaware of.[/quote] The numbers are suggested 'cello fingering.

The Guitarist in Yuck was playing a Gibbo? Every band I go and watch these days comprises: Lead Guitar: Strat Bass: Precision/Jazz Fenders have the 'image' I guess but are also gigging workhorses. Leo got it right first time, and like BMW, the product has evolved 'slooowly' and hasn't lost it's essential mojo. LC

There is essentially no explanation for this......wait hang on a minute it must be.... GAS...... and there nowt wrong with that! LC

Just bought Tom's Yam TRB4 and she's a beaut! Very pleased with the seamless transaction and she was packed very well indeed. Cheers Tom, it was a pleasure to do business with you! Gary

Ha, Weller also happens to be my surname! No relation unfortunately... Wrong part of the country for me but good luck guys Gary Weller

[quote name='Ed_S' post='1240980' date='May 22 2011, 10:43 PM']I got up to grade 7ish (playing) as an orchestral violinist before ditching it and taking up bass. I say 'ish' because I never took any of the exams beyond grade 4 due to my complete hatred of theory, so my yard-stick was just being able to play the higher exam pieces. I could sight-read very well back then, but it only ever made any sense in direct relation to the fingering for a violin, so as soon as I stopped, that was the end of it. These days I have no idea what I'm playing on bass, but the classical training tuned my ear in to such a degree that I really don't feel that I need to; I can hear what's right, what fits, where a progression is going and what my options are for the next note to jump to, and that works just fine for me [/quote] As a classically trained 'Cellist +1 to that. Cello/Bass doesn't translate from a fingering point of view because they are tuned differently. Being able to sight read is however useful if you want to do certain paid stuff. Theater stuff springs to mind. Other than that, If your in a band and gigging your set then there's no need to worry. Plenty of resource available like TAB and You Tube. Oh and Bass Chat of course! I know Dood won't like the above however!!! LC

Just sold Steve my Roger Waters P Bass. Easy transaction and a nice bloke to deal with. This is the second transaction I've done recently in a motorway service station. Better knock it on the head before I get locked up! Anyone thinking of doing a deal with Steve, do not hesitate, he's a top geezer! Get your band over to Wales mate!! Cheers, Gary

I've had a Warwick and several Fenders and it does depend on the type of music you play. The Warwick I had - Corvette $$ had a huge tonal palette and was good for Heavy Metal right through to Funk. With a Fender (and like Lozz I'm a Precision fan) you know exactly what sound your gonna get and they are utterly reliable. My USA P with flats is great for the bluesy stuff I play so no need for the clever Warwick. I just couldn't get on with the cricket bat neck and lack of fret markers in the end. I also don't really like small bodied basses. It really is down to personal taste. I have a Korean made Squier 50th Anniversary P which is in mint condition Black and Rosewood and it plays like a dream. I might be persuaded to part with it if you are interested? LC

Some of you may remember Doctor of the Bass (Nick Smith) who used to be a moderator on here. If you do, you will know that he has a collection of almost 70 basses, a good deal of which he has now decided to sell. These range from cheap and cheerful to exotic and interesting: Carvin, Jay Dee, Aria, Fender, Epiphone, Music Man, the list goes on. He is now at a new studio in Peterborough with Adrian Hardman (Vanquish Guitars) who is also selling a good range of second hand guitars along with his own custom built examples and Amplifiers. You are more than welcome to drop in for a noodle and a coffee! I have no personal interest in the business save for Nick is a mate. If you want to know more please pm me and I'll give you all the details. Cheers, LC