zero9

Have you checked the 'action' near the nut. I had a similar problem with buzzing from the open 'A' (the A slot at the nut was cut a bit too deep). My luthier took the fingerboard level down a bit near the nut which cured it. You could do it yourself with a file A lot depends on the 'shape' of the fingerboard near the nut in terms of giving enough room for the string to vibrate.

+1 for Stringbusters Mark King uses 30 - 90s (Status hotwires), which are also great, but very light gauge (more 'flexible' to play due to lower tension but not as much bottom end as heavier gauge). Others to try are Rotosound (keeping it British). I've just changed from Hotwires to Rotosound and am liking them. Aim for a good value (cheap) known set of strings and you can't go far wrong (Rotosound / Elites / LaBella / Status Hotwires etc.). Other manufacturers strings are also available (without endorsing a particular brand)

I suggest you ask your teacher just that: "Figured I need some direction as I've plateued..." A good teacher will establish where you are now and come up with suggestions how to move you forward, that's why they're teachers. It also depends what you want to achieve. Do you want to be able to solo over various chord shapes / changes or simply to learn better technique / scales / play along to songs. Only you can answer that. A good teacher will be invaluable and be much more helpful than me trying to answer your question Good luck with getting a teacher.

[quote name='Commando Jack' timestamp='1339154457' post='1684441'] "let's ROCK IT UP!!" [/quote] Maybe they thought, let's FUNK IT UP!! and couldn't spell FUNK?

I was at a Rockabilly / Psychobilly gig over the weekend and everyone I saw playing a DB was using Rotosound RS4000 strings and the K&K 'Bass Master Rockabilly' ([url="http://www.kksound.com/bassmasterrb.html"]http://www.kksound.com/bassmasterrb.html[/url]). I got my K&K from Thomann.

Next gig at the Woolpack, Peterborough [url="http://www.peterboroughpubs.co.uk/woolpack.html"]http://www.peterboroughpubs.co.uk/woolpack.html[/url]

Has anyone had any experience with [url="http://www.guitarbuild.co.uk"]www.guitarbuild.co.uk[/url] at all? I'm looking to put together a Jazz and their bodies look very reasonably priced. Thanks Wil

Groeten uit Peterborough, en welkom. Enjoy the forum!

Hi Mike Ed, glad you're enjoying P'boro', many aren't as complimentary. Like you, I didn't grow up here but have lived here for the past 16 years. It's got a healthy and vibrant music scene if you're prepared to dig around. I'm currently gigging with Ramshackle Serenade (see the gig section under forums) and we're getting busier. There are a lot of rock type cover bands though (not that there's anything wrong with that!!!)... Wil

If it's roundwounds you like, just go for it. Basses are meant to be played and wear the more you play them. I will only ever use roundwounds on my fretless. Plenty of scarring on my fingerboard, but it's only superficial (it's a Status Graphite with phenolic board), however, it just sounds great. I'll even use it for slap. With a wooden neck / wood fingerboard you could always get the fingerboard replaced once it's worn too much, although IMO this would take many many years of playing. Even a fretted bass will need a re-fret after many years of playing...

Don't know about Ernie Ball, however, Status Graphite sell seperate strings. Maybe change to strings where you can get seperates?

[font=tahoma, geneva, sans-serif][size=2][b]Ramshackle Serenade gig list (updated 11/05/2012)[/b][/size][/font] [font=tahoma, geneva, sans-serif][size=2]May 12th - [b]The Woolpack[/b], Stanground, Peterborough[/size][/font] [font=tahoma, geneva, sans-serif][size=2]Jun 3rd - [b]'Help for Heroes', Harlow[/b] (venue TBC)[/size][/font] [font=tahoma, geneva, sans-serif][size=2]Jun 4th -[b] 'Hampton Hargate Gala'[/b], Hampton, Peterborough[/size][/font] [font=tahoma, geneva, sans-serif][size=2]Jun 30th - [b]Swiss Cottage[/b], Peterborough[/size][/font]

Glad I watched this first episode (or should that be debacle) and only wasted 30 mins. Won't be watching again

It depends... Everyone's different. I can only suggests to read up on it as much as possible, but more importantly, play the bass as much as you can and get a feel for how things are working for you. Maybe take the bass to a more experience player / teacher and also get their opinion. If it plays ok (in your opinion), then stick with the current bridge, until you feel something needs changing, for instance, the action, the sustain etc. There are many other variables, especially the strings, but most importantly, technique / ability / experience. As with most things, time will tell. The thing is not to panic and stick with it if it works ok for you. Get it changed when you're ready... Good luck in your endeavours.

Welcome to the forum

I'm looking to do a similar thing to combine the output of a stereo instrument output to a single mono, but am considering using an A-B box to combine the stereo signal. Some will have individual volume controls as well, such as: [url="http://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Belcat-ABS-520-Dual-Input-A-B-Box-True-Bypass/FY4"]http://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Belcat-ABS-520-Dual-Input-A-B-Box-True-Bypass/FY4[/url]

Does it take longer to set up than an acoustic drum kit?

[quote name='marvin spangles' timestamp='1332631773' post='1591073'] Spiro Weich's are low tension. Last forever. Will allow you to dig in. Raise the string height a little bit and you have a good set up for folk/bluegrass. You can but them used with confidence as long as the windings are in good nick. [/quote] +1 for the Spiro Weichs. With the right set-up & technique will allow you to get good volume, pizz, arco and slapping if you want. Bit more 'zingy' (the Spiro's don't have that 'thud') than hybrid / nylon strings, but more versatile IMO.

[quote name='Schnozzalee' timestamp='1332608340' post='1590688'] ...And I wasn't impressed. It took 3 songs into the gig before they got the sound check corrected, the opening artist was boring and Jack looked like he was just going through the motions - not to mention his 3 minute long solo - it was a repetitive ramble that went nowhere and was like me doing a warm up exercise (mis-fingered chord shapes on a fretless is a massive no no. I'm a massive Jack Bruce fan, his songs were the first I learnt on bass and his recorded improvisation is second to none (except maybe Jaco). I purchased one of 5 handsigned paintings and a T shirt but couldn't help leaving the gig feeling disappointed and a lil depressed, I haven't been that let down since I saw Whitesnake. As rule I always assume the more experienced artists to put on a better show but I guess not... Anyone else been to see him on this tour??? [/quote] I saw him at the Stables last Sunday. The sound after the interval was much better, although his Hartke rig seemed to overpower everything else, including the PA. Yes, he did do a longish bass solo and there was a long but very accomplished drum solo. Most of the audience must've been similar vintage to Jack, if not older, we (the missus and me) felt a bit like we were in an old folks home (and we're no spring chickens). However, I thought he played with a lot of soul and the groove was immense on occasions. The brass was superb and really made the whole ensemble sound sharp. I particularly enjoyed Jack's piano playing and singing. I only hope that I'm still able to perform at even a fraction as well as Jack when I get to that age! Overall, it was a great night and I'm glad I finally got to see him live (this being the first time). Wil

He whipped the audience up into a frenzy...

If it's not expensive enough, you could always get it gold plated - [color="#009933"]www.[b]goldgenie[/b].com[/color]

Saw him at the Stables near Milton Keynes last Sunday. Great gig!

Rock 'n' Roll gig at 'the Woolpack', Stanground in Peterborough, Saturday 12th May, on about 9ish. 50's/60's rock and roll covers, some originals and some unique renditions of modern 'favourites', using a Gretsch, a Double Bass and some vocals. FREE entry