thebrig

[quote name='Feelgood' post='1158651' date='Mar 11 2011, 08:59 PM']Some interesting options here! Anyone care to get the kitchen scales out and give me any specific weights? Just been browsing the Ibanez website and see they also do an SR600. Looks like the same spec as the SR500 but with an ash body. Is this likely to be lighter or heavier than mahogany-bodied SR500?[/quote] I've tried both and there's not a lot in it, but I would say that the SR600 is slightly heavier IMO.

[quote name='icastle' post='1158542' date='Mar 11 2011, 07:59 PM']+1 I have an SR505 and, although weight wasn't a deciding factor in buying it, it weighs next to nothing and has one of the most comfortable neck profiles I've experienced.[/quote] The neck is unbelievable on the SR500 too, and I'm now on the lookout for SR505.

[quote name='Feelgood' post='1158380' date='Mar 11 2011, 06:12 PM']OK, I won't bore you with my medical history, suffice to say I have some pre-existing neck & shoulder issues that are presenting a problem when playing. As a result I've already had to suspend playing a couple of times and park my Stingray in the stand or pack it away in its case. Being conscious of my posture when playing certainly helps but if a lighter bass means I can play for longer without discomfort then I need to consider it. So, what are my options folks? I realise this isn't exactly a unique scenario so thought you might have some experiences to share. The only bass I can remember playing that was noticeably lightweight was an Ibanez SR (can't remember which model). But I've seen one recently up for sale on here because it wasn't lightweight enough to solve a back problem - so maybe they're not consistently lightweight (?). For reference, my Stingray isn't exactly a boat anchor at 9lb! I've never considered it previously, but I suppose I shouldn't rule out short-scale as an option. Although, other than potentially being lighter, I don't know the pros and cons of short-scale. Anyone care to enlighten me?[/quote] Same problem! I've played about thirty different basses over the last few years, many of them top-end basses, but due to my neck and back problems, I was forced to look for something really light. I eventually took the plunge for a Ibanez SR500 which I saw on Gumtree for £250. As soon as I picked it up, I new the weight was perfect, but when I actually played it, I was completely bowled over by the playabilty, the feel, and the sounds that it produces is just amazing. They sell for around £450 new, £250/300 s/h, and IMO they are worth twice that. Like I said, I have played many great basses such as Fender J/P, Musicman, Warwicks etc. but I can honestly say that the Ibanez SR500 is the best of the lot, and I would play it through choice, even if my neck/back problems cleared up. Go and try one, you will get a whole lot of bass for your money, and it really is extremely light!

[quote name='lowdown' post='1152025' date='Mar 6 2011, 10:57 PM']i went W7 64 OS and 64 bit machine, Quad core AMD & 8 gig of good RAM, and it was not that expensive, although that was desktop. To be honest that would be a great move. Most of the DAW's all have the option of 64 bit software, And most of the Audio interfaces have 64 bit drivers. If you need any help PM your email, or if you want to chat on the phone no problem. Garry[/quote] Thanks Garry.

[quote name='Blademan_98' post='1151974' date='Mar 6 2011, 10:21 PM']Does your hardware support the extra ram? The OS will but thats only if the motherboard can take it. Just something you may wish to research before purchasing. [/quote] According to PC World it will.

[quote name='lowdown' post='1151940' date='Mar 6 2011, 09:58 PM']No need to ditch Sonar [ its a great DAW with plenty of features, and lots of good on board stuff] But you might want to tweek up the Laptop. Vista with S8 does have its problems, but its easily fixable. First of go and check out my second link - its the sweetwater one...its aimed at Vista & Audio. Your Laptop should do the job what you are aiming for. Have you got all the update patches for Sonar 8 [ i think there are a couple for that version] Garry[/quote] First thing I'm going to do is install windows7, 64 bit version, after speaking to a few computer boffins, they seem to think it should make a big difference to the performance, and it would allow me to add another 2GB of RAM if needed.

[quote name='lowdown' post='1151853' date='Mar 6 2011, 08:33 PM']Yep it can be done, and has been done for years, but track count recording and the amount of Audio files/tracks have not been the problem.. [Apart from Audio interface limitations etc] Its the use of plug ins, VST's, soft synths etc... they get heavy on the system.... Of course there are work a rounds, rendering, bouncing , freezing.... These days vendors are upping software specs to match the computer specs, and it all starts to become heavy weather... which i think is the OP's take on it all. And his DAW [Sonar] likes to take its toll on the machine.... Garry[/quote] Thanks for the info Garry, and also to all the basschatters for the advice and help, it's very much appreciated. Would I be better off ditching Sonar and perhaps try using something a little less heavy on the system, maybe Reaper which I also have?

I recently been thinking about getting a decent interface so I can record my band, and make some of my own music as well. I've looked at the [b]Focusrite Sapphire Pro 40[/b] along with a few other similar interfaces. On the face of it, they seem to be fine for what I want, 16 tracks simultaneous recording, but I have spent weeks researching, going on countless forums, and I am now totally confused, and at the point of thinking I will be wasting my money! I already have [b]Sonar 8 Producer[/b] installed on my laptop, and use an [b]Edirol SPS-66[/b] interface. Luckily, my laptop does have a Firewire connection, but I still have all sorts of problems with latency etc. My laptop specs are: [b]AMD Turion64 x 2 TL-58 1.90 GHz RAM 4GB Vista 32 bit[/b] As I've stated, after visiting countless forums, it seems that almost everyone experiences problems despite their setup. I have even been told by salespeople in stores where I have intended to purchase an interface from them, that it might not work very well. Firewire always seems to be the way to go according to all the advice, and yet, where do you find a laptop these days with firewire, and they don't even have an express card slot any more. I do realise that I will need a more powerful machine to have any chance of trouble free recording, so where do I get one with everything I need, and will cost nearer £2,000 than £1,000? The other option I have considered is something like the [b]Zoom R24[/b], so I can record directly into it, and transfer the tracks into Sonar to edit. A bit long winded though, and I would only be able to recorded 8 tracks at a time. Advice please.

[quote name='icastle' post='1151113' date='Mar 6 2011, 07:12 AM']You've put two years into getting to the point that YOU feel you're ready. To me that speaks volumes. Wishing you all the very best![/quote] Spot on! You played for a living in the past, so you obviously know what it takes to cut it. And I'm sure your standards are quite high. So if [b]YOU[/b] feel that you are ready, then I'm sure you are. Best of luck, and do let us know how you got on.

Every week our lead guitarist jams with some guys he used to play with in the past. Anyway, last week the bass player could not make, but he sent his bass along for someone else to have a go. Yes! you've guessed it, our lead guitarist, who doesn't usually listen much to what I'm playing, but still likes to tell me [b][u]how[/u][/b] I should be playing, decided that he would be the bassist that night. And yes! you've guessed right again, by his own admission, he made a total mess of it. Even though I'm not the greatest player around, he now thinks I'm the dog's whatsits! So maybe the penny has finally dropped, and he now appreciates what the bassist does! Maybe all guitarists should be made to have a session on bass, just to drag them out of their own backsides!

After much research in stores, and positive advice from basschatters, I think the Focusrite Saffire PRO 40 Firewire Audio Interface will certainly do what I want. I am quite new to recording so the question I need answering is: [size=3]Is it reasonably easy/straightforward to use?[/size]

Unfortunately, our band has not been in the studio yet, hoping to soon though! So obviously I don't know how it all works. But surely the band listens to, and then decides on the final mix, how can it be down to the engineer alone to decide your sound? I thought the job of the engineer is to produce the sound that [u]you[/u] want. If he does not achieve this first time, then surely they continue until they do at no additional cost. After all, you was happy with the sound you put in, if the engineer has altered it in a detrimental way, then he/she should put it right. I might be way off the mark here, but I am interested to know how it works, as we might be doing some studio work ourselves soon.

Anyone know where I can get the transcription for Cockney Rebel's - Make Me Smile? I know it's one of those songs that every cover's band in the world does, and I must admit, that I'm fed up with it too! But we have a wedding gig coming up, and the "happy couple" have requested it, so do it, we must. I can get by playing it my way, but I would really like to play it as close to the original bassline as I can, because IMO, it is a great bassline and I imagine great fun to play, especially having seen this: [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5BPka3zRmE"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5BPka3zRmE[/url] But I have to admit, I am finding it difficult to replicate it properly. So if anyone out there knows where I can find the transcription/tabs, I would be most grateful.

Following my post regarding audio interfaces, [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=123567"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=123567[/url] there has been a lot of recommendations for the [b]Focusrite Saffire PRO 40 Firewire Audio Interface.[/b] [url="http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/focusrite-saffire-pro-40-firewire-audio-interface--58155"]http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/foc...nterface--58155[/url] I am computer literate, and have some decent DAW's installed such as SONAR Producer, although I'm not that competent with it yet, but I'm sure if I use it more, I will get to know it eventually. I'm after being able to record my band in various situations, and maybe make some half-decent demo's. Would this be a good choice, And is it reasonably easy to use for a novice? Also, at £399, it is just under my budget of £400. All advice would be welcome.

[quote name='Bankai' post='1139527' date='Feb 24 2011, 06:03 AM']I have the Saffire Pro 40 Firewire. Definitely recommended, IMO best in class, and exactly what you're looking for it seems![/quote] I must admit that the Saffire Pro 40 Firewire seems to be a good option. I will check it out soon, along with some of the other suggestions.

[quote name='algmusic' post='1140006' date='Feb 24 2011, 02:39 PM']I've made my own cables in the past and they were very good, not blowing my own trumpet (toot, toot).. but OBBM cables are king and very well priced over making your own and as mentioned they are made by pro's not idiots like myself OBBM all the way!![/quote] Just received three cables from OBBM, and that's the reason I changed my mind about making them up myself. They are brilliant, and feel like they will last a very long time indeed.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' post='1135862' date='Feb 21 2011, 05:37 PM']What me? I'm hardly ever on here [/quote] I knew you would be the first to respond!

Don't know whether this has been done before. But since joining BassChat a couple of months ago, I find myself hooked to it. I log in every day and spend ages reading all the great posts on here. Problem is, I should be learning new material instead of being on this site all the time. I have to say though, I have learnt so much, and picked up some great tips from all you guys/gals out there. [b]Anyone else neglecting their practise to be on this site?[/b] That's it, I'm logging off now, and I'm going pick my bass up, and start on the three new songs that I [u]should have[/u] learnt at the weekend.

At great expense, I think I have tried almost every flatwound out there, and I really liked Fenders. But a couple of months ago, I put some Ernie Ball flats on, and they are fantastic to play. Twiddling the knobs on my bass gives me all the sounds I need, from deep bass, right through to slapping, if that's what you want. They are a joy to play, very easy on your fingers, and sound better as they get older, IMO.

[quote name='Stuee' post='1134153' date='Feb 20 2011, 10:56 AM']Very wise. Much like with bass playing, buying an expensive iron and top quality solder won't get you a good solder joint without a certain level of skill, and it's a lot harder than it looks! [/quote] That's right, although I have done a bit of soldering in the past, there is no way I'm ever going to achieve a pro level joint.

[size=2]Just received some cables that Dave (OBBM) made for me. Don't think I will bother making my own now. I'll never be able to make anything as good![/size]

[quote name='JTUK' post='1132497' date='Feb 18 2011, 05:44 PM']Good to see that this may have been resolved although I'd prefer to know what had been fixed ideally or what it actually was. I was going to suggest the output trans may have issues but I'd be seeing if I could borrow a spare amp just in case. Definitely invest in decent leads...preferable studio quality cable that is garaunteed.[/quote] OBBM is going to busy making up cables and leads for me!

Don't know whether you prefer shortscale because of less reach, or less weight, but I was having back problems etc. and also found the longer reach painful. So I hunted around for lightweight bass, and found myself a Ibanez SR500. Not only does it weigh only 7lbs, I was staggered as to how it feels to play. It feels like you are playing a guitar rather than a bass, and the reach is similar to a shortscale bass. I urge you to try one, not only is it the easiest bass I have ever played, it sounds absolutely amazing too, and is very versatile. You really don't notice the weight at all, trust me, I've had back problems for years, and was considering giving up until I found this little beauty. You should be able to find one second hand for around £250/300.

[quote name='Earbrass' post='1132069' date='Feb 18 2011, 12:06 PM']Does this mean we can expect a "road-worn" edition of the shuttle? A few scratches and dents and voila - "mojo".[/quote] I guess that over the next 50 years, they will annually re-issue the 'Shuttle' dressed up in many different guises. Just imagine, it's the year 2060, and Fender announce the release the 50th anniversary edition of my 2010 shuttle 6.0, and I've still got my original, do I put it on eBay for £150,000?

I've just been speaking to two separate stores on what they would recommend, and both advised against the [b]Zoom R24[/b], but I sort of expected that in a way, because these are guys who use recording gear all the time, know the stuff inside out, and would almost certainly turn their nose's up at something like the [b]Zoom R24[/b]. I emphasised the point, that I don't know that much about computer recording, and being a bit long in the tooth, I did not want to spend too much time learning new tricks. Anyway! They came up with a couple of suggestions, and the only one that really grabbed me, was: [b]Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 FireWire Audio Interface[/b] [url="http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/focusrite-saffire-pro-40-firewire-audio-interface--58155"]http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/foc...nterface--58155[/url] It's packed with quality for the price, and records 16 tracks simultaneously. But, I don't know whether it will be too difficult for me to learn how to get the best from it. What do you guys/gals think? and are there any places I could go to get hand's on tuition? I know purely from a quality point of view, it will much better than the [b]Zoom R24[/b], yet only costing £20 more. But at the end of the day, I feel the [b]Zoom R24[/b] would do what I'm looking for, just simple recordings of the band, for rough demo's to hand out, and for our own use.