dmccombe7

Don't think i've seen the Martin Mendez version. Off to google UPDATE : had a listen to the Mendez Jazz but not so keen. Had another listen to the Marlowe and it just sounds so much nicer. Dave

Thought i'd run thru our set list today while standing for a change and started using my Jazz mainly because its always readily available and after about 45mins my shoulder and back started to ache so i finished the first set of about 60-70 mins approx. Took a break for lunch and decided to bring my Sandberg VM4 out its case for the 2nd set. I couldn't believe how light it felt compared to the Jazz bass. 2nd set of 80mins without issue. That is why its my gigging bass these days plus it just sounds and feels so nice. Does leave me thinking i should try the Marlowe Jazz as suggested by @Cuzzie few months back. I love the sound of Jazz basses but the Fender weight could be a problem for a full gig now that i'm getting a wee bit older and gig lazy because of Covid. Does the Marlowe Jazz compare with the VM4 with regards weight. Gout our first gig booked in October so once band all vaccinated its straight into rehearsals Dave

Love hearing wee snippets like that. What would i have bought first ?? who knows but another WAL might work for me. Dave

Probably same for me too altho i think i might have bought Do They Hurt first and then Product and Unorthodox Behaviour. Brand X and Bruford were a turning point for me and when i moved from Rock bassists to Jazz. I would sit at home after work for approx 2-3 hrs every night learning those albums and a few others. It took my playing to a new level where i was playing things that were way different to the rock bands i was playing in. John Giblin, Percy Jones and Jeff Berlin were guys i could only dream of playing like. Dave

First came across John Giblin on Brand X albums and was astounded. Quite different to Percy Jones and loved his style ever since. Was a bit surprised he joined Simple Minds but he made quite an impact with their sound IMHO Was never able to quite capture his smooth flowing fretless technique. Dave

Aye he's no too bad that young fella.😂 He did some of the Mesa Subway cab demos too. Dave

Would you not be safer putting your gear in proper secure storage. Might be too expensive ? Any local family, mates or neighbours that would let you keep it with them. Dave

Today i finally managed to nail the one song that i struggled with using a pick. Reasonablly happy with it but it will never replace the feel of using my fingers. I did take on board the Bobby Vega clip above where he explains his use of the pick and keeping the wrist flexible and use a light touch. Also not to think too much about the technique and just go with it. That worked out to be so true for me. When i just went for it the song fell into place. Just wish i had a rehearsal to play it with the band 😂 Dave

Good question. Gig money ?

If i buy an album via Amazon i sometimes get the streaming version for free and i just add it to my Itunes. Have to admit i'm not using itunes as much as i used to. I now just download my own albums onto a USB and use in the car rather than ipod etc. Dave

That list has highlighted something i never gave a 2nd thought. I do watch bands on youtube. On many occasions someone mentions a band to me and i go and have a listen and if i like it i buy the CD album. I just thought of that as similar to old vinyl days when you would listen in the music shops before buying. If you like it you buy it. Sometimes i'll play a band on youtube even tho i already have the album. Interesting how i never really appreciated what i was doing. Will it change me ? i'm not sure but i'm being honest. Dave

I'm old school and still buy CD's. Only downloads i get are when i buy the CD on Amazon and i get the free album download too. I don't use Spotify or any other streaming. I'm a great believer in the artists should get some of the profits from their own albums. Some of the stories i hear are quite surprising and such a shame really. Dave

Ran thru first half of our set with a pick and the song in particular i wanted to use it for was mainly the Sweet Ballroom Blitz. Guitarist in our band now wants to do the live version with more attack. Good news is that i found the pick not too difficult after all. Still needs a lot of work to get my confidence in using a pick. The bit in middle where bass is prominent is the bit i struggle with. Not fast and not technical its all about the rhythmic feel of it. Comes so naturally with my fingers. Good first stab tho. The DAVA picks have certainly made a big difference. Dave

There's no right or wrong way to play bass as long as you can play with confidence and enjoyment. I see pick playing as an added tool. No different from slap or finger-picking styles. I don't deny i prefer fingerstyle and it feels more natural to me but that's probably down to 40+ yrs of fingerstyle. Then again i'm no expert or even competent at slap as a style but i muck around a bit with it just for fun. To get to a decent level using pick i want to try and play our full set where appropriate with the pick and eventually i can pick and choose when i want to use it. Dave

I haven't used a pick in such a long time but the HD DAVA ones are pretty good bits of kit. Dave

Gave them a quick try and they definitely feel a lot more comfortable in the fingers and no sliding between my fingers with the rubber type material. Just got to master the technique now. I just dont have a natural rhythmic feel with the pick but if i use my index finger like a pick it feels more natural but i'll certainly give the DAVA a chance. Who knows this might be the turning point where i master the pick 😀 Dave

WOW that is so nice Dave

New DAVA picks arrived few mins ago, will give them a wee shot later on today.😎 Dave

that's quite impressive pick style. I'm amazed at that. Nice. Dave

My brain is constantly muting my thoughts. Sometimes i'm a complete blank. 😂 Dave

Even with you're name @fingers211 ? 😂