Skol303

[font=Helvetica][size=3] [size=4]A slightly old yet useful thread about this on GearSlutz:[/size][/size][/font] [font=Helvetica][size=3] [size=4]http://www.gearslutz.com/board/low-end-theory/581299-affordable-1176-style-outboard-compressor.html[/size][/size][/font] [font="Helvetica"]As mentioned already, the [url="http://www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-and-Lighting/Warm-Audio-WA76-1176-Style-FET-Compressor/1CYM?origin=product-ads&utm_campaign=*PLA+Shop+-+All+Products&utm_medium=vertical_search&network=google&adgroup=**All+Products&merchant_id=1279443&product_id=63454d1&product_country=GB&product_partition_id=41477300408&gclid=CMv3tcvi58gCFYZAGwodRUsI1A"]Warm Audio[/url] product is meant to be a good one that retails around £500 [i](disclaimer: I don’t own it myself as I work entirely ‘in the box’ with software).[/i][/font]

[size=4][quote name='blue' timestamp='1446153683' post='2897432']A lot of these guys that make these YouTube vids are the bedroom noodles many Bass Chatters are so protective of.[/quote][/size] [font=Helvetica][size=3] [size=4]And some of them are even playing Beatles covers… [i]sitting down!![/i] Heretics [/size][/size][/font] [font=Helvetica][size=3] [size=4]Truth is, why not post a video of yourself on YouTube? It’s just another way of sharing your playing with other people - especially if you’re not currently performing live in a band.[/size][/size][/font] [font=Helvetica][size=3] [size=4]I imagine that the majority of YouTube Noodlers do so for one or more of the following reasons:[/size][/size][/font] [list] [*][size=4]They want an audience[/size] [*][size=4]They want feedback on their playing[/size] [*][size=4]They like sharing stuff on social media[/size] [*][size=4]They enjoy it[/size] [*][size=4]They’re a bit vain[/size] [/list][font=Helvetica][size=3] [size=4]Etc…[/size][/size][/font] [font=Helvetica][size=3] [size=4]For a lot of people, I imagine is goes something like: [i]“I’ve been practicing lots and I think I’m actually starting to sound quite good. I’ll post something on YouTube to find out what other people think”.[/i] Cue plaudits or mass trolling, as is the way of YouTube.[/size][/size][/font] [font=Helvetica][size=3] [size=4]It’s just social media in action.[/size][/size][/font] [font="Helvetica"]You could ask the same question about why people Tweet what they’ve had for breakfast; or Instagram a picture of their cat; or share their mood swings on Facebook; or a picture of their arse on Snapchat, or whatever. Some people like to engage in this sort of thing, others don’t.[/font] [font=Helvetica] [size=4]Truth be know, if you have to ask [i]why[/i] people post videos about anything on YouTube, then you’re probably a little bit out of touch with social media in general. That’s no bad thing, of course. I'm very much in the Why Don't You camp myself: switch off and go do something less boring instead.[/size][size=3] [/size][size=4]But there are millions of people who love this sort of thing.[/size][/font] [font=Helvetica][size=3] [size=4]And let’s not forget, some people just like seeking a bit of attention. That’s why we play gigs, right? [/size][/size][/font]

[quote name='JellyKnees' timestamp='1446115307' post='2896960'] Well I've only just spotted this thread, but what can I say? Generous, witty, entertaining, insightful and lacking the cynicism that so often permeates and sullies music reviews. A great read and, for someone who has never entered this competion lark before, most encouraging. Thanks Douglas! [/quote] Ditto! He's a good 'un. And likewise, great reviews Douglas. Very generous and insightful, as always. PS: in my head, I [i]still[/i] hear these read aloud by the voice of John Peel

[b][color=#800000]VOTING THREAD IS UP[/color][/b] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/271906-october-composition-challenge-voting/"][b][size=6]Go, go, go...!!![/size][/b][/url]

[size=5][color=#800000][b]Voting has now started on October’s Composition Challenge![/b][/color][/size] [size=5]Here's the inspiration for this month's music, chosen by our previous winners [b]Bilbo[/b] and [b]xgsjx[/b]…[/size] [size=5]…and here are the compositions. Please vote for your top [b][u]THREE[/u][/b] favourites:[/size] Dad3353 [url="http://soundcloud.com/dad3353/you-know-the-closer-i-get-the-less-i-want-to-go-there"]‘You Know, The Closer I Get, The Less I Want To Go There…’[/url] Bilbo [url="http://soundcloud.com/robert-palmer-1/bicycle-ride"]‘Bicycle Ride’[/url] lurksalot [url="http://soundcloud.com/lurksalot/emmatopia"]‘Emmatopia’[/url] Leonard Smalls [url="http://soundcloud.com/dredd-and-the-badass-weed/say-what"]‘Say What?’[/url] fingers211 [url="http://soundcloud.com/nigel-jewell/journey-of-dreams"]‘Journey Of Dreams’[/url] xgsjx [url="http://soundcloud.com/gxmix/citra-bc"]‘Citra BC’[/url] JellyKnees [url="http://soundcloud.com/jellyknees/becoming-a-city"]‘Becoming A City’[/url] Che [url="http://soundcloud.com/papa-dusko/enter-from-within"]‘Enter from Within’[/url] the boy [url="http://soundcloud.com/theboysings/these-colours-are-for-you"]‘These Colours Are For You’[/url] Skol303 [url="http://soundcloud.com/skollob/on-my-way-feat-donnie-ozone"]‘On My Way’[/url] [color=#800000][size=5][b]Voting ends at midnight on Saturday 31st October [/b][/size][/color]

Been away for a few days so just got to finish mine: http://soundcloud.com/skollob/on-my-way-feat-donnie-ozone [i]“Something, something, chap on a bike, something, cityscape, blah, we are all journeying on our way here or there, sort of, something, etc…”[/i] That’s pretty much the rationale behind it. Produced in collusion with my chum Donnie Ozone in Brooklyn (lyrics and vocal). Bass by yours truly. Guitars and turntable scratches are written using REX samples (chopped up and re-arranged). Drums and synth written in MIDI. Produced in Reason as per usual with me, using Softube plug-ins. [color=#800000][b]Voting thread will be posted up imminently…[/b][/color]

Afternoon all. A quick note to say that [b][color=#800000]I'll be posting up the voting thread around lunchtime on Sunday[/color][/b], so you have a little extra time for last minute writing, recording, polishing, etc, if needed [i]Unless of course you are heeding the day of rest...[/i]

[font=Helvetica][size=3] [size=4]Good work guys! Loving the entries so far.[/size][/size][/font] [size=4][quote name='JellyKnees' timestamp='1445333001' post='2890565']I really enjoyed doing this – it was good to work to a specific concept, rather than the more organic way in which I usually write. I probably won’t do this every month, but I’m sure I’ll have another go from time to time.[/quote][/size] [font=Helvetica]That’s great to hear and welcome aboard. Of course there’s no obligation to write something each month… but I warn you that it is hopelessly addictive [/font] [font=Helvetica][size=3] [size=4]My own effort is currently in the works. Far less sophisticated than what’s been offered up already, but heh, it takes all sorts right?[/size][/size][/font] [font=Helvetica][size=3] [color=#800000][b][size=4]Deadline for entries is this Saturday at midnight.[/size][/b][/color][/size][/font] [font=Helvetica][size=3] [size=4]Look busy.[/size][/size][/font]

[quote name='Che' timestamp='1444834409' post='2886522'] Thanks Skol! When you say "twiddling around with the ‘Mids’ instead" can you share your settings in the clean channel for some styles like funk, rock, or whatever you play. [/quote] No. That's not me trying to be unhelpful... it's just that the correct way to EQ your bass [i]might[/i] be 1% improved by whatever setting I recommend for a particular genre, but it should certainly be 99% determined by the song in question, your own amp, instrument, playing style, etc. So whatever settings I suggest will be next to useless, as there are just too many variables involved. For example: on this track, I'm playing a P-bass with the mids at around '3 o'clock' on my amp (i.e. dialled about a quarter way up). Everything else is set flat (i.e. at zero). https://soundcloud.com/skollob/never ...see, I told you it would be useless advice! The best way to go about this is to shortlist a handful of songs that you want to sound like (sometimes called 'reference tracks'). Then spend some time experimenting with the setting on your bass, amp - and also your playing style - making a note of how different parameters affect the sound, and whether it's getting closer or further away from the sound you're aiming for. Write down your notes if it helps; I do. It's a laborious process, but it gets easier the more you practice. In time you'll get quicker at achieving the sound you want, as you'll have a stock of ready made 'starting points' for dialing in different tones. All that said, when I'm recording I now tend to keep everything flat and do all of my EQ'ing and tone work as 'post-production' (i.e. once the bass line has been recorded). I just find it much easier, but that's because I know my way around the music software I use. Again, something that takes time. I suppose the gist of all this is about spending time "training your ears" as well as your playing hands. It's something that comes naturally when you start mixing and producing music - as Dad mentions above. Plus you get to learn a bunch of useful skills too. So dabbling in some home music-making would be a good place to start. Big thread on that [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/248509-beginners-guide-to-home-recording/"]right here[/url]. Have fun

Seems quite straightforward to me why mass-produced basses tend to fair better than custom-made ones in the marketplace. Firstly, us consumers tend to gravitate towards brands we recognise and trust. Wal, ACG, Ritter and other boutique brands are familiar to some of us here on Basschat… but not [i]everyone[/i]. I'd wager that many bass players don't know much about them at all; hence they're full of ‘unknowns’. Secondly, custom-made basses tend to be considerably more expensive than mass-produced ones (often by an order of magnitude). Yes, we occasionally see ACGs for sale around £600-£700. If anyone spies a Wal or Ritter in the same price bracket then let please me know Combine a high price tag with an unfamiliar product and you end up with a niche offering that only a few people will be interested in. Thirdly, custom-made basses tend to look a bit ‘funny’ to some folks, especially those who believe all basses should look like Precisions. Ergo, custom-made basses don’t shift so readily.

[quote name='the boy' timestamp='1444773657' post='2886007'] Wow... A lot of early entries this month guys. [/quote] Indeed! I have an idea. I can hear it playing in my head. I just need to go through process of 'dumping' it into reality. Actually, don't linger too long on that thought...

[font=Helvetica][size=3] [size=4]Excellent feedback here from Dad! [/size][/size][/font] [font=Helvetica][size=3] [size=4]The only things I’d add are:[/size][/size][/font] [list] [*][size=4]Despite the name, the secret to a good bass sound tends to be found in the mid-range, rather than the low end. For some genres cranking up the ‘Bass’ dial is fine - e.g. dub reggae. For most styles, however, you want to be twiddling around with the ‘Mids’ instead. That’s where you’ll find what most people refer to as being a “punchy” bass sound.[/size] [/list] [list] [*][size=4]Go easy on the reverb. ‘Verb works beautifully with guitars, but less so with bass… where it tends to just ‘smudge’ the sound and make it lose definition. Try using a compressor instead. Bass can really benefit from compression - helping the sound to be consistent, solid and well defined.[/size] [/list]

[quote name='uncle psychosis' timestamp='1444393898' post='2882861']When I go home and make a delicious pizza for my dinner tonight I won't need someone else to taste it to get enjoyment from it. "Unless you're cooking in a restaurant then it doesn't count" is basically what some of you are saying and its bollocks.[/quote] Good analogy I think it’s safe to say that judging from this thread, nobody actually “puts down” gigging as suggested by the OP. Everyone seems to think it’s a truckload of fun, so a big [i]hoorah[/i] to that! I personally don’t gig. I have a young family and a stupidly busy day job (self-employed), one of which I’d need to compromise significantly if I were to attempt gigging. So at the moment it’s off limits to me and I’m fine with that. It’s something I’ll explore a little later in life, once the kids are less feral. However, I do produce music at home - and that gives me an important outlet to express myself. Of course it’s very different to playing live; in fact comparisons between the two are quite meaningless. Apples and pears. Yes, both are musical endeavours but the skill sets involved in each are quite different. I’d probably go to pieces if you put me on stage tonight. Equally, I image that if some if you were plonked in a studio and asked to produce a song it might turn out sounding poop. Each to their own. I do miss the buzz of a live gig. But I’ve encountered new buzzes… having my work played on the radio, picked up by labels, blasted to a crowd of two thousand French clubbers. It’s great fun and very rewarding, just in a different way Is it better or worse? That’s like asking whether I prefer ice cream or custard. Both are great and deliciously different. [size=3][i][Although the answer is always custard, just for the record].[/i][/size]

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1443912977' post='2878716'] Here we go, then... [url="http://soundcloud.com/dad3353/you-know-the-closer-i-get-the-less-i-want-to-go-there"]You Know, The Closer I Get, The Less I Want To Go There...[/url] Enjoy ... [/quote] Well done Dad! A worthy benchmark to kick off proceedings [quote name='JellyKnees' timestamp='1444224596' post='2881314'] I'm going to have a go at this..I have a 'concept' in my head, not sure how it will work out but it will be interesting to write like this for a change, i.e. using a picture as inspiration and also within a fixed time period. [/quote] Good on yer, go for it!

I am not Bruce Lee. And neither is my hair a blue rinse [size=3][i](...but give it time).[/i][/size]

Just listened to the 'Love Is Real' taster and I dig it! Right up my alley Nice production. Lovely vocal and tight bass playing. Works a treat. My only constructive criticism would be that the beat could do with some variation - it's a nice break, albeit a touch repetitive. But that's me being picky. Anyway... really nice. Keep us posted on how this develops as it'd be great to hear more.

Cheers Mark

I'm sure some of you remember this 'classic' from the early 90s (or was it late 80s)... but did you ever see the video?? A mate of mine just stumbled across it on YouTube and I thought I'd share here. Enjoy http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=jxmZZBJQAKM [size=3][i]PS: can't embed the video (yeah, I've deleted the 's' in 'https'), so just click the link above. Like in the olden days.[/i][/size]

[color=#800000][b]October's thread is up.[/b][/color] Get the heck over there [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/270487-october-composition-challenge-get-writing/"][b][size=5]NOW![/size][/b][/url]

[color=#800000][size=5][b]October’s Composition Challenge is now underway![/b][/size][/color] [size=5]Here’s the image for your inspiration, chosen by last month's joint winners [b]Bilbo[/b] and [b]xgsjx[/b]… [/size] [size=5]And here are the rules 'n' stuff…[/size] By entering the competition you agree to the [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?app=forums&module=extras&section=boardrules"]Basschat Terms & Conditions[/url] and [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/3178-forum-guidelines/"]Forum Guidelines[/url], which are designed to help ensure the forum remains free of offensive and/or illegal behaviour and material. In a nutshell: [b]1) Please avoid any content that other forum users may find offensive.[/b] If your track contains explicit lyrics, for example, then please warn other forum users so they can choose for themselves whether to listen to it. [b]2) Please make sure you have permission to use any 3rd party sounds included in your track[/b] (ie. sounds that you have not recorded yourself, such as samples of other people's music). The owners of Basschat accept no responsibility for infringements of copyright or other forms of legal ownership, which are solely the responsibility of competition entrants. If we spot any breaches of copyright then your track will be removed from the competition. For reference: here's a great source of copyright-free material, all available under Creative Commons license: http://www.freesound.org/ [b]3) Entries should be no more than five minutes long and written/produced during the month of the competition[/b], taking inspiration from the photo provided. No cheating! If you have any questions about the competition rules, just ask. [color=#800000][size=5][b]The deadline for entries is midnight on Saturday 24th October. [/b][/size][/color]

[b]Well done Bilbo and xgsjx![/b] And also a doff of the cap to Leonard... great tracks, as are they all. Please conflab as you wish about who's going to choose the photo for this month. Tradition dictates that both winners pick their own image and we have a 'double-header'. But if you want to go about it by some commie-pinko-egalitarian process [i]("you first... no you, I insist!")[/i] then go right ahead. I'm fine with that. Just message me with the damned picture(s), will ya! ...saying that I'm traveling for much of today, so no immediate rush. Again, well done.

[quote name='roceci' timestamp='1443621152' post='2876326'] Whilst I respect everyone's opinions, it's nice to see the odd contributor who agrees on the community spirit angle. Like I say, with that gone we're knackered. On here, in everyday life. [/quote] There's a saying we use at work: [i]"There's no 'I' in Team... but there's always a 'C***' in Community".[/i] I think Basschat offers one of the most genuine and trustworthy communities of this type, certainly that I've come across. But like any form of online gathering, there's always going to be some people (thankfully a minority) who don't "share the love" in the same way as others. Don't take your experience as being indicative of the masses on here. The vast majority folks on BC are good eggs... albeit some of them are a little scrambled

I understand why the OP might be peeved at what happened. [size=6]BUT[/size]... [i][that's a big but][/i]... trading online is always a case of Caveat Emptor / "buyer beware". It's ultimately your own responsibility to negotiate terms that you're happy with. And walk away from the deal if you're not. Once a deal is done each party can do what the heck they like with the goods, in my opinion. Being 'vague with the truth', concealing faults or being fraudulent are of course different matters entirely - dishonesty is never welcome. But pretty much everything else is 'fair game' to be judged by those involved. That's how I've always approached it personally.

[i]Aaargh, noooooo[/i] Sorry 'Bubs. I agree with 99.99% of your taste in good music... this being the 0.01% It's just one of those tracks that causes me to have a reaction akin to sucking lemons. Probably because it's the antithesis of what the 80s were about for me. But to each their own!

[size=6][b]BUMP![/b][/size] [i]...180 views eh? Must be the neuro-linguistic programming that I carefully wove into the thread title[/i]