jakenewmanbass

[quote name='bilbo230763' post='135123' date='Feb 6 2008, 04:19 PM']There used to be plenty of jazz in Cardiff (that's where I cut my teeth in the 1980s) but I can't speak for it now. There is a guy called Jon Caulfield that knows his stuff, or Julian Martin (piano), Andy Maule (gtr), Paula Gardiner (bass), :ee Goodall, Osian Roberts, Dick Hamer (saxes) - keep you eyes out and go see some people play![/quote] I was in a band with Andy Maule in the late 80s (I'm from Cardiff originally) with regards to the tone of the rest of the conversation. re 'electric in jazz', surely you can accept that the double bass has qualities that are all its own, and that some people like those qualities, and they are entitled to like those qualities. I understand its frustrating when a sh*t UB player gets the gig before the player I imagine you to be Bilbo. I know there are some awful double bass 'owners' and I know that there are some instances of snobbery (BTW I play both and regard them equally) but there are certain gigs where I wouldn't dream of playing either one of them dependent upon what is required. The double bass deserves to live on and is definitely appropriate for certain gigs. Can you imagine three bass guitars in a section playing Eine Kleine Nachtmusik? I think there is sufficient like for like comparison in that example to make the desire to hear the qualities that an UB has, entirely legitimate. Its just that in other areas of the Genre the BG has entirely legitimised itself also. I would like to hear your thoughts on this further. I think my view is a reasonable one. what do you reckon? Jake

[quote name='philw' post='147787' date='Feb 27 2008, 01:25 PM']Chris, I can't find it in Basses For Sale. Am I being dim or is it nor there? Phil[/quote] Its here: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=13989"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=13989[/url] Chris is a good guy, I knew him and his brother when I lived in Manc, also if you look at the thread above you'll see I've added a comment about the bass, best of luck Jake

doesn't pay pal protect you under these circumstances, and if not what is the point of it?

It is a nice bass although I prefer omega cut outs (like mine ) couldn't get the link to work so I'm trying it: [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Alembic-Bass-Mark-King-Signature-Standard-Quilted-Maple_W0QQitemZ270215022105QQihZ017QQcategoryZ4713QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Alembic-Bass-Mark-Ki...1QQcmdZViewItem[/url] I think its a little pricey.

[quote name='bassace' post='146760' date='Feb 25 2008, 05:24 PM']Has anyone tried a small Markbass combo with Double Bass?[/quote] not tried one, but heard a guy on the same bill as me in the Isle of White. he had a decent carved german bass around 100 yrs old, good tone, and a realist pick-up it sounded absolutely awesome, very warm and woody, loads of balls, very good representation up to a high volume. I find most DB rigs are great up to a certain volume then they mostly turn to sh*t. Jake

Yes I sing BVs although I don't consider myself to be a very good singer (others think I'm too hard on myself) It's just that I have very high standards, I listen to the likes of the Eagles, Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, Stevie, James Taylor etc and think now thats BVs I think in general the Americans have got them down much better than us Brits, It's an honourable profession over there wheras I think there are those over here that think if you are a backing singer you can't cut it as lead. The opposite is true in my experience, good backing vocalists are often more versatile and capable. I had the great good fortune of working with Ike Willis and Bobby Martin (I'm on albums with them both) both singers (lead and backing) with Frank Zappa, those guys just blew me away with their vocals. I even had to sing with Ike (I was shitting myself) but he was very encouraging and very kind. Do it, people love it if you try. Jake

In principal I'm very much into the idea of sharing costs/carbon output etc.. I just have to wait a little while longer to see that no gig comes in for my Bread and Butter Band if you are doing it with spaces to spare then I'll jump in at the last minute, I'm not far from the M25 so I'm sure we could sort a meeting place.

[quote name='WalMan' post='145560' date='Feb 23 2008, 12:57 PM']+1 to that I get asked at gigs on occasion & always say "sorry, no" with a follow up that for me it is 30+ years of gigging, playing along to stuff, & general noodling, but no actual formal teaching, so that I would find it difficult to impart knowledge I just know what I do (if that makes sense) and would be worried to teach someone - particularly a novice - my bad bass playing habits.[/quote] While I applaud your honesty at not taking someones money when you don't feel qualified, I do think it's often the case that people underestimate the value of what they take for granted, would be to a total beginner. There are very few really hard and fast rules to playing bass guitar as many people are successful with the techniques that work for them (obviously there are some rudiments that aid progress) It might be more realistic to answer, I'll show you what I can and then if I think you need more than I've got I'll pass you on to someone who knows more. Presumably the asker likes what you do by dint of their asking you! Jake

[quote name='Low End' post='145455' date='Feb 23 2008, 09:42 AM']this comment truly deserves some some of an award, legendary.....[/quote] +1

welcome Andy you'll find "nuts" of all kinds here. which is why it's a cool place to be. Jake

[quote name='99ster' post='145425' date='Feb 23 2008, 01:46 AM']As the old joke goes: Q: What do you call a guitarist ([i]bassist, drummer, singer, etc[/i]) without a girlfriend? A: Homeless. I know a bass player in a huge band - and I mean internationally very famous... But because he's not part of the publishing deal he only makes any serious money when they tour. He could hardly be called poor - but I was astonished when I found out he little money he makes relative to the fame of the band. And another friend from a pretty well known band in the 80's/90's (major label deals - 10 LPs, toured the world) - who really does struggle to make ends meet... They had a fantastic studio built for them - which they got to keep when they were dropped by a major label. They were forced to sell it for an absolute pittance a few years later - as they were all broke & were desperate for the cash. Some of you may have seen this piece before by Steve Albini (Nirvana producer): [url="http://www.mercenary.com/probwitmusby.html"]http://www.mercenary.com/probwitmusby.html[/url] Probably best not to read it if you're young & dreaming of being 'signed' & becoming rich & famous. Being a 'pro' can very often be a very hard career choice - and my feeling is that it's not going to get any easier...[/quote] Really just adding this for balance, I'm not disputing that what you write is true, but I know plenty of players who are in signed bands, tour, do sessions, write, produce and freelance and do very nicely out of it. The stories you speak of do seem to exist but so does the opposite I guess we just need to go into it with heads up and eyes wide open. Jake

I'll give a less flippant response, got some time now. Over the years one thing I have noticed about some musicians, and this can include bass players, is a high proportion of lack of awareness of the fine details of what playing bass is about. In the majority of music, you are required to perform a support role and as such have a responsibility to maintain, at once, harmonic and rhythmic stability for the music and the players around you. It [i]is[/i] the responsibility of others too but its very noticable if you shirk that responsibility in the bass chair. Even some very good keyboard players who can do a good 'left hand' job can miss the nuances that make really good bass playing. All the above leads me to one conclusion, listening very closely* is a critical part of understanding what is going on under the fingers of the bass players we love to listen to. The truth, of course, is that there is a huge variety of topics that could come under the heading 'how does one play bass' as you rightly pointed out in the thread title its not a short answer, what I have indicated is what I consider to be a starting point. I will happily answer specific points as you encounter them on your journey (and I'm sure many others on here would do the same) * when I say closely, I really mean closely, bordering on obsession, I have on numerous occasions in my life listened to single tracks for literally days on end, absorbing every tiny nuance of every part/voice etc an awareness of the music in its entirity is another (I consider) essential quality as a bass player hope that helps Jake

Commit to the root movement first. In time the rest will come

a fascinating thing cheers

I don't really go into shops very often but the bass players I encounter teaching or depping to or from, going to gigs, or just knowing them are in the main nice guys. I do think it lends itself to bass to posess certain personal qualities and i think one of them is a level headed easy to get on with attitude. I'm possibly using my arse to speak with here. just a thought/fart.

[quote name='bilbo230763' post='144939' date='Feb 22 2008, 12:05 PM']My ego's smaller than yours... [/quote] pissing myself at that

[quote name='cheddatom' post='144843' date='Feb 22 2008, 09:38 AM']Maybe we could talk more about the wiki though, I think it's a great thing and should be developed more. It needs the members to contribute though, we can't just ask the mods to do it all for us.[/quote] agreed, for me the point of the thread has ironically been hi-jacked by the OP

You clearly have an axe to grind on a subject about which I know nothing and further have not an iota of interest. The main reason for the low level of my interest is the nature/method of your expressing your opinion, you have literally set my mind against your plight with your combative, abusive and totally unnecassary abuse, and I in my posts have shown myself to be a person prepared to speak his mind on unfairness and in defence of those who are attacked without apparent immediate cause. You have no idea how to conduct yourself sir, and therefore, given the tangential approach you give to responding to reproach I can only assume that my words will have as little impact as a fly on a windscreen. I will not respond further Jake

If you use the side of your thumb while resting the pinky side of your palm aganst the strings near the bridge you get a great thumpy tone.

I just have to say that I think your comment to Ped was neither warranted nor proportionate to what he said. And in your fervour to, apparently, be as abrasive as you can summon, you managed to denigrate someone else (Kiwi) who had not even spoken on the topic. Peds observation was a viewpoint, something it appears you believe that you are the only person to have validty in holding. Please refrain from insulting people in this way. Its ugly and not commensurate with the tone of this community. And for the record the first time I read an example of you being so abusive, I decided to keep my mouth shut to give the benefit of the doubt so this is not the first time. Jake

jeysus that man could groove

Great glad to be of help its a long road but the views are beautiful

[quote name='TheRinser' post='144301' date='Feb 21 2008, 12:12 PM']Just a quick update... Lovin' it! Spent last night trying to play along with some jazz standards and some fingathing tunes (awesome instrumental hip hop band, just EUB and decks, UK based too!). I'm actually finding 4 finger technique easier than the 124 double bass thing. Hand strength has still got a long way to go, and intonation, but it's great fun. My back aches a bit. If anyone fancies giving me a few pointers that'd be nice... Or generally any info about standing position relative to the bass. Tried to find some stuff on the net but doesn't seem like there's much about... Cheers, Tom[/quote] Hi Tom, stance: feet just wider than shoulders, knees slightly bent (think boxer) left hand: you may be fine using 1234 on an EUB you would be less likely to get away with it on acoustic (although some do) I would urge you to persevere with correct LH technique though (you may want to play double at some point) upper register: is actually known as thumb position as the orientation of your hand changes from horizontal to downward pointing (ironically "up" the neck) where your back is concerned, think of it like this your bass won't get injured standing but you could so adjust its position to suit your posture. avoid "holding" your body in any positions that create muscle tension as over time they will tire and ache. I'm doing my best to explain in the written word, but if you do it wrong I'm not there to say "nearly, thats it like that" etc one lesson on posture and LH positioning would last you a month, so I would say do it, save yourself the pain of undoing bad habits. Hope thats useful Jake

All good Guys, the best approach I ever heard for how to apply the right kind of pressure with your fingers is to visualise a violinist the way they hang their fingers off their fingerboard using a hook shape by curling their fingers, if you open your hand and don't squeeze (hence me being so vocal about the vice) and use the natural weight of your arm to "hang" your left hand (although really its slightly pulling back) you can create a really powerful stop (fretting to electric players) with the weight of your arm. the net result of this is a tremendous freedom of movement in your whole arm throughout the range of the instrument. Linus, If you are serious about lessons, I'm between Aldershot and Farnham and can throw a stone into Surrey from my house so PM me if you're interested. Best of luck with it Jake