lowdowner

OK, it's good to know about the 'thousands' of hours. I take a spare to gigs of course, but I've actually changed the battery mid set (!) because I hadn't realised how old the battery in there was. Stressful 30 seconds!

[quote name='SpaceChick' timestamp='1343807622' post='1755389'] I know I am only a relative beginner, and so am not a great bass player, but I can hold a tune and a groove, and I am learning fast. And I would like to think that what I lack in skill I make up for in hard work and dedication. [/quote] Good on you for posting this bit - I feel *exactly* the same, and i'd rather have a committed relative beginner in the band than an arrogant diva. It's all part of the mix of playing with a group of musicians: some of angels, some are w*nkers... Good luck!

[quote name='charic' timestamp='1343804519' post='1755342'] Beat me too it If you actually have him come back again and he starts it again then mention at a part of a track that he should try not playing because it sounds better (or creates a sense of space). If he actually does it then tell him he should do it more often [/quote] Oh yes - I *love* the 'sense of space' comment - top quality!

OK - a very bass-ic question Does anyone know if the 'active pickup' power draw (i.e. using the bass's battery) continues on my warwick thumb whilst the lead is plugged in regardless of whether the amp is on or off? I've always assumed that the power continues to draw even with the amp off if the lead is still plugged in, but I've accidentally left one of my basses plugged in to an amp which was switched off for 24 hours without use, and it doesn't seem to have drained the battery This got me thinking... maybe is *doesn't* draw power with an 'inactive' lead... Anyone know for definite?

A band (IMHO) is 80% dynamics and 20% talent so even if you weren't the best in the world (and it sounds like you're pretty good to me) then it wouldn't be anywhere as near as important as how you guys 'gel' together when playing. It seems like this guy is causing a lot of stress which will almost guarantee failure in quality of performance/music. The question is whether the other guys in the band see this or not. If you gel then you can get better and better *together* - which is what makes a band work. In some ways, if they *don't* realise this then you may already be in the wrong band, and if they do, then it'll work out OK because they'll realise where yours, and his, relative value sits. Try not to stress and just loudly remind everyone that he has a motive to keep knocking you. You could even remind them that 'the groove' is black magic and needs constant good and peaceful vibes to grow and prosper (or some such comment... - which I actually believe by the way ) Anyway, who'd ever choose a rhythm guitarist over a bassist? They'd have to be completely insane!

Welcome from another defector (though from classical guitar)... the theory still works a treat, but the technique is completely different - you'll be hopelessly hooked soon

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1343763422' post='1754939'] I bet it was! Did he play your bass, too? (Boom-tish!) ...I'll get me coat. [/quote] I wouldn't wait to get your coat!

Lefty Warwick? Fab... I'd like to see those being played

Beatles (for the first time in about 10 years!) Come together!

I'm still buzzing so I thought I'd share my bass happiness today! I had a great bass lesson with my teacher - played through some Radiohead and Cream bass lines and I was reminded why I wanted to play bass in the first place. Listening to my teacher play my Thumb was an eye opener (as usual). Wow - bring on the next gig!

OK, so trying one out 'properly' seems the way to go - can anyone recommend a decent dealer? I'm based near Gloucester, but I'm more than happy to travel for such an important decision

*so* many fender-fans... but when I hear Stingrays on different tracks I'm impressed... I guess trying one is the way to go.. but 4 or 5 sting??

I keep hearing about the Fender 'P'/'J' argument (i.e. there's nothing to touch them), but I don't like the look of them - I know it's all about the sound, but I need to have warm glow when I look at my bass too...

[quote name='Gunsfreddy2003' timestamp='1343418457' post='1750595'] I would also advocate getting the East preamp put into it as that makes such a massive difference to the tones you can get from them! Not sure if that helps or not? [/quote] What is an 'East preamp' - is this a MM option, or an aftermarket job?

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1343417504' post='1750555'] I`d say get hold of a used one - my 4 string Ray was £680. A bit battered, but I like that anyway. Factor in a bit more for better condition. At least going used, if you don`t like, you`ll get your money back on here, selling it on. [/quote] Excellent advice - thanks

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1343417300' post='1750545'] I'll delete my post if you like, then you can just wait until all of the Stingray lovers come along & tell you what you REALLY want to hear. [/quote] but now there's always going to be a nagging little doubt in my mind... a little demon whispering in my ear with worries and fears

oh god - two completely opposite views - that's no good... I was expecting/hoping for a whole slew of BC-ers telling me how brilliant they are and how I couldn't go wrong <slips his credit card back into wallet>

OK, so I've been paid a bit of a bonus and I've always wanted to try a Musicman Stingray (probably 5 string) - every time i've heard one online it's sounded phat!). Are they worth the money, and would you get a 4 string or a 5 string? I'll have to keep it hidden from the other half until I can find an explanation/excuse, so it'll have to be worth it... Advice?

Although they say 'a bad workman always blames his tools' don't underestimate the effect of the amp on the overall sound. I returned home from a band rehearsal on Tuesday and wanted to play through a few ideas so unloaded all my stuff from the car, plugged in, and just played away. I just couldn't believe how bad I sounded - nothing I could do with the guitar would give me back the tone I liked (and I played during rehearsal). Because I was tired, it took me half an hour to realise that the knobs on the amp had been moved quite a lot by being put in, and out of, it carrying bag. It was as simple as that - the treble was pushed right up, the bass right down, and the cut-off was different. The tone was really thin and scratchy. Sort out your amp and you may be pleasantly surprised

[quote name='Dave Tipping' timestamp='1343252837' post='1747984'] Why not just use one cab, turn your amp down and give them what they want? Are you really considering buying a new amp for one acoustic night? [/quote] I suspect it may be a regular thing - my band used to do a lot of acoustic sessions before I joined so I'd like to be supportive I'm coming down on the side of one cab with existing amp though...

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1343251034' post='1747930'] I'm guessing you haven't heard one... [/quote] Now what makes you say that? I'll find one and listen - honest! <wanders off with tail between legs>

38 eh? I'm 46 and still remember 2112 being released and was so excited I almost p*ssed my pants! Never seen them live, but now you've reminded me that they're appearing I will go and check out the tickets! Enjoy!

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1343250314' post='1747893'] As far as genuine advice goes... [/quote] Are you mad?? I'd sound like an imp trapped in a baked-bean can Yup - I guess a single cab is the answer - I may try to persuade them it's the latest in small bass rigs!

Think of all the possible different people in the world - some amazing, some plain, some mad, some unfathomable... you'll meet some of each in rehearsals/auditions... move on and chalk it up to experience. Thank your lucky stars that you're not them