thumperbob 2002

I must admit I have bought gear in the past hoping for it ( amp/ cab / bass / pedal ) to give me a particular tone, but overall that was just codswallop. It really is in the fingers- I find that setup and strings do more than anything else really, when the right technique is applied. One stack of gear , without being in a band mix can sound very much different to another stack, but in a band environment- ( where its important to judge ) its all in the playing. As Marcus Miller said - you can buy all the cool gear etc but when you have two pickups, fingers, and an amp with EQ, you have a LOT of options open to you.

G30- totally reliable- really small- like an effects pedal- velcro`d to my pedalboard. Superb.

I've had a v4b, bassman 135, Marshall vba400 plus loads of others. Best for me is my current combo Fender bassman tv15. Amazing tone.

I have a couple of cars but use my l200 truck to store band gear and take it to and from gigs. It ends there! I totally refuse to give anyone a lift or drop anyone off. Grown men should be independent and sort out their own transport. You will very quickly be taken for granted.

No problem with not playing pal. I was in a pretty successful band but couldn't stand the other musicians and constant travelling. Gave it up for s good 10 yrs. Started again. In a great band with brilliant people. Really enjoying it. And have a real job too!

No problem with not playing pal. I was in a pretty successful band but couldn't stand the other musicians and constant travelling. Gave it up for s good 10 yrs. Started again. In a great band with brilliant people. Really enjoying it. And have a real job too!

Backing vox are easy. Harmony vox are not. I really learnt a lot when I was in a Beatles tribute band in the 80s. Three parts everywhere! Practice, practice. Learn your thirds and fifths. Sing a line and then do the third. Sing a line and do the fifth. Play ur bass at the same time. Loads of instruction on YouTube. Unless you are a natural singer you'll have to really spend some time on it. Try to picture the pitch in your mind.

Influenced massively by Jamerson, Edwards, Larry Graham and Jaco. At one time or other sounded like them all, though now sound like myself. However I still get those moments when I hear any of those guys in my playing. Jamersons skill with timing is something I will never get though, but I try.

[quote name='bassman7755' timestamp='1358884872' post='1946633'] The fact that you need a high volume to get the sound you like implies to me that there is some amount of overdrive/distortion involved. That being the case then you could look at a suitable pedal/effects unit, something like a sansamp bassdriver DI or bass pod (or similar amp simulator) will give you a pretty respectable "big rig" sound at any volume. [/quote] I have both the VT Bass- ( had a bass driver but the vTis better ) and have a Basspod XT Live ( same sounds as bass pod ) The pod murders the VT bass in every way and will do SO much more too. Want an SVT sound in your living room while the kids are watching TV ? Best sounds for me is the Marshall clone and the Tweed Bassman is pretty good.

[quote name='51m0n' timestamp='1358846954' post='1945830'] +1 My Roscoe through my rig with my technique sounds absolutely immense either slapped or fingerstyle, I have no need to change anything either. Its brilliant too, because it means I can mix the two techniques really nicely in a single bass line. No you're wrong, whats really naff is either your kit, your technique, your ability to make them sound good together, or your ability to switch from one to the other quickly if you rely on some form of eq, gain or preamp change to go from one to the other (IME) [/quote] I would definitely agree with this- inexperienced slap bassists need to change their EQ to sound good, more experienced players dont. Its all in the fingers ( technique ) as the man said. And dont be rude pal- one players naff sound is another mans fantasy.

Smily face EQ when u start to slap- use some compression if you can. Once you get the hang of it- weeks not months-go back to a mid boost EQ. Oh- and use a Fender Jazz- and listen to Louis Johnson and Larry Graham- enough said!!

I think your sound actually starts with your ears- wthout these you wouldnt know what sounds good or bad. Then its your fingers, then the strings, bass and amp. But start with listening to things you like- how you would like to sound and try to replicate bassists you like. You will end up with "your" sound. Most basses can sound like other basses and most amps can sound like other amps so the difference is the squidgy organic thing holding it- you!! I think the gear buying thing- GAS is really about cosmetics- fashion ( how you want to look ), mojo and convenience ( weight and size issues ) than anything else

Its all in the Mids- bass should be clear and defined, hate a scooped sound, hate that superhi- tweeter tone- bass shouldnt be overpowering but powerful and fat- or phat! Should "fit it" to a mix. I play with a 7 piece with keys, brass, loud drummer and gitard. I have no problem fitting in- and can hear myself fine, either back or front of stage. I use a Fender TV 15, only 350W through one 15" but with the tone at- Bass 3- mids 10- treble 3 loads of power- never go above half on volume. Typically 300W will do any gig as long as the low is not boosted too much.

Yep - invented by Louis Johnson I believe.

My Fiesta Red Roadworn Mexican Jazz would murder any Fender I have ever played- both for tone and playability. I have played lots and lots of Fenders!!

Though Clare from Steps is definitely a Giant nowadays.

Even though our guitarist has his own media company and we get free posters and business cards etc, our sax player made up his mind to spend £1500 on a couple of wedding fairs and a pamplet. I didnt agree but had to go through with this as was outvoted. My company, which turns over 40 times what the band earns, spent £297 last year on marketing etc, This was our listing in the phone book!! Most bands do not need to spend on marketing- websites are easy to set up and run- promo material can be done on home printers. Bands should be designed to get gigs from gigs- thats the way it works. Of course this is different if you are pro, but then you`ll have an agent anyway who should be doing this.I hated giving our agent/ manager 15% plus Vat of our earnings.

300W into 8OHms, if the cab is OK will be fine for all gigs. Try to get the best cab you can though- more important than the amp IMHO.

Some people will say that bass tone has got better over time- I wouldnt agree. This is the most subjective thing i can think of. Certainly no definite answer

[quote name='SteveK' timestamp='1357745979' post='1927714'] I'm reminded of an interview of a renowned guitarist (whose name I can't remember), who after playing a few licks was told by the interviewer that [i]the guitar sounds great[/i], upon which the guitarist handed the guitar to the interviewer and said, "Let's hear how great it sounds now". [/quote] On that great comment what else can possibly be said?

The Compressor on my BassPod Live is pretty good- modelled on an LA2 I think. The Rothwell Love Squeeze I have is superb. No colouration at all.

I have one- made it into a vintage styleecab- now I always turn off the tweeter- with tweeters always seemed to scoop out the mids

Diary4 is good.

I have two roadworns Both jazzes. One fiesta red and one sunburst. Fantastic playing instruments. The fiesta red one is the best jazz I have owned in 36 years. It's great that I am not bothered about the odd ding or two. Not really too bothered about the relic thing but they do look cool.