stewblack

Our new album just came out and is selling reasonably in a few countries, but it's the day job for me and at 47 years old a half decent tribute band on the next one up from the pub circuit is the best I'll ever do. But hey it's better than a lot do and it's good enough for me. But like the OP I wonder how life may have been. I ran a live music venue for 13 years so I saw a lot of aspiring musicians. One 'made it'.

[quote name='algmusic' post='956794' date='Sep 15 2010, 02:14 AM']I don't ever get nervous on big gigs, but I tremble at playing in front of other bassists... I feel I can fool an audience, but not another bassists :-)[/quote] With me it's small crowds, intimate venues that are more nerve wracking. Bigger the gig the more remote the audience so they seem less of a threat.

First gig new band, completely ott rig.

I only met the man once and it was immediately clear that he was a real gent. What terrible news.

Sigh. About three songs in, first proper gig with my new band and my Eden starts buzzing and farting and generally sounding like a piece of crap. I'll be honest these amps come highly recommended and this is the second one I've had play up on me. Made it through to the end somehow but seriously regretted giving away my old Behringer head to our keyboard player (he runs his keys through a small Roland and takes a line out to the NA450 which drives a Behringer 1X15) as his sound was wonderful and mine was pants. The funny thing is I thought I was stepping up to a world of better quality. Previously I've used Trace Elliot and (briefly) Laney but I have to say to all those Behringer haters out there the stuff I've used has been 100% reliable. Now I have to buy a new head. Harumph. Rant over. Carry on.

Thanks guys. Didn't realised he strayed from the precision. Weird looking beast non?

Anyone recognise the bass Bruce is using here? [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJKt-DhII_4&feature=player_embedded"]Red Shoes[/url]

Great ideas - thank you. I have yet to do Bob B, I certainly will.

Thanks guys. I have done Norman, Bruce Thomas, Macca, started of course with James Jamerson. Covered Tina Weymouth, Jean Jacques Burnel and given air time to Phil Lynott, John Entwhistle, Sir Horace and Bruce Foxton. All other suggestions will be gratefully received. if nothing else it's fun to discover new stuff I'd not heard. If you have any little interesting snippets about the bassist that would be good too.

Thanks guys, it's a shame as I've been invited to do a slot on a local radio show called 'Bass Corner' Basically I get to pick a song and waffle about the bass player each week. Once you've done the obvious you naturally look further afield, and there are a couple of stunning bass lines on that album. Maybe I'll never know. I did Barry Adamson from Magazine/The Bad Seeds today, he wrote some great stuff. Maybe you folks have other ideas? Great tracks from a bass perspective and who played on them? Just a thought.

Anyone know who played bass on Scott Walker's 1970 album 'Til The Band Comes In' ? Ta.

I'm starting to like it. At first there was too much noise as I eased off the strings a funny twanging zing which I eliminate by being more 'bold', more 'definite' as I take my finger off if that makes sense. This exercise has made me look more closely at the instrument in question. I've never been wholly comfy with it and along with the action I'm altering the strap length and eliminating a bit of neck dive with cunning and cable ties. Minor tweaks but it's coming together.

Thanks guys. I am trying to contact him but maybe email is the way.

Hmm. Can't raise them on the phone, - does anyone know how much the fabric relaxes with use? This is stupidly tight. Takes about 20 minutes to drag it on inch by inch.

Cover just turned up for my nemesis 8X10 combo. It is very well made but a very snug fit. Took a lot to get it all the way down - I'm guessing it'll ease with use.

Thanks guys - all makes a lot of sense. I'm going to do some work on a new song tonight and I'm leaving the action as it is to see how it feels (and sounds)

[quote name='charic' post='316483' date='Oct 28 2008, 11:04 AM']i personally like a nice high action on my fender p [/quote] Why though, charic? That's what interests me. I've always seen action as a no brainer, low as possible = easier to play well. However I am open to new ideas at all times.

[quote name='sgt-pluck' post='316425' date='Oct 28 2008, 11:13 AM']In my not very experienced experience, I've always got more/better tone with a slightly higher action. Every bass I get, I always set it up as low as I can get it ( which usually equates to medium-low ), and then up it marginally. For me that's about the sweet spot for tone/playability. Pluck[/quote] It's a trade off from what I've noticed. More lively tone for harder playability.

Since my better half got central heating installed (much against my wishes - I'm a jumper and woolly hat man through and through) all of my basses have to a greater or lesser degree suffered. I picked one up to play last night and the action was a little higher than I like but it's a nice bass so I soldiered on. I noticed that the sound was different. Substantially different and highly variable too. I've always been aware that one can change ones sound by playing closer and further from the bridge, stroking softly or plucking hard etc, but these are all right hand techniques (for a right hander). What I'm discovering is that with a high action there is potential to alter the sound of the instrument with the left too. It seemed somehow more dynamic. Not sure I like it but it is 'twangier' What do people think? Is it worth persevering? Or should I get the action set 'properly' again? What are, if any, the advantages of a high action? Cheers.

Bruce Thomas Jamerson Norman Watt-Roy

I've spoken to the guy at Silverstone (my 8X10 comes with two different handle arrangements - potential disaster!) and he was really on the ball, great comms now awaiting the cover.

[quote name='TJ72' post='305968' date='Oct 14 2008, 08:03 AM']love the weight of the body and feel of the neck. Really easy to play. Think Im on a winner for once [/quote] I bought a Peavey from their e-bay shop and play it out of choice over other supposedly better makes. There is a great range of tones and the comment you made about loving the feel of the thing is for the me the single most important aspect of any instrument. Nothing makes up for an instrument that doesn't feel comfortable. Not the price tag, label, strings, amazing sound or output - none of it matters if you don't feel right holding it.

Just ordered one - never had cover gas before, thanks Jase.