Horizontalste

[quote name='Hector' timestamp='1444662209' post='2884869'] Only thing between you and "fretboard rain man" status is time and effort [/quote] That's going on the wall in my rehearsal room / kitchen ;-p

[quote name='Hector' timestamp='1444649125' post='2884705'] It's all about fingerboard shapes and patterns, so it has lots of fingerboard diagrams. It's amazing for getting your reading together, and you really learn the neck. Be warned though, it's hard work, and I know a lot of people who couldn't hack it. [/quote] Thanks Hector, I'll give it a go I think. After all, there are no shortcuts to awesomeness :-)

[quote name='visog' timestamp='1444632293' post='2884550'] I'd recommend above both these books, Gary Willis' 'Fingerboad Harmony for Bass' which teaches the same concept but applied to chord changes from the start. You'll be practising a II V chord tone approach with passing notes with the CD within 15mins of opening it! visog [/quote] I've been thinking of trying this book for a while, do you know if it's notation only? My reading sucks :-/

I'm off to the state's at Christmas, wonder if I'd get away with one in my suitcase ;-p

I think everything mentioned so far has its merits but for me a laptop with an audio interface is the way to go. That way you can use software like "Transcribe" to your advantage when working out tracks. I used to use a little mixer & run my phone or tablet thought it but the software available was very limited in terms of slowing down or looping sections. Of course it's different strokes for different folks & you'll have to decide what appeals most to you or what fits in your budget.

[quote name='dustandbarley' timestamp='1444225694' post='2881324'] Warm, smooth and creamy. There were no noticeable peaks in the mids, and the bottom end sounded full. IMO - I can't disagree with what the Barefaced website says about the sound - "[b]Tone - Big, warm and fat.[/b] Don't let the size deceive you. Sweet treble and smooth mids. Push it hard and it gets growly and thick." [/quote] Maybe it's because I'm working nights but I had to read that twice to confirm it is actually a bass cab your describing. Sorry, I'll have a word with myself :-p

MmmmmmmmmMusicman

[quote name='Thunderpaws' timestamp='1443960298' post='2878958'] I have one 210 like that and would love another. They are uber hard to come by. [/quote] They sure are, I think that's testament to their quality. I was lucky really, after missing out on a couple I finally landed the second one from here. They do crop up from time to time but the 2/10 seems to be the one folk hold on to, I can see, hear & feel why :-)

http://www.gak.co.uk/en/yamaha-bb425-standard-bb-red-metallic/48075 A steal at that price.

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1442913236' post='2870382'] It's all good. I love the early adopters. We have a great symbiotic relationship. [/quote] I almost chocked on my tea :-)

[quote name='Billy Apple' timestamp='1442772475' post='2869360'] Well, by your logic most P and J basses must be firewood! [/quote] I concur ;-0

[quote name='ikay' timestamp='1441537563' post='2859560'] The 1024/5 tuners have a three screw mounting plate (like the old BBs). The BT10 says it will fit BBs but is a four screw mounting. I've already been in contact with Hipshot and they don't do anything that fits the three screw mounting. [/quote] Ah OK, suppose it's a personal choice then weather to fit them or not. If you don't plan on taking it off again it might be worth considering.

[quote name='ikay' timestamp='1441350705' post='2858091'] Hmm that's interesting to know. Hipshot don't make a D-tuner for the BB (I'm interested in a 4) so this opens the way for an ultralite option without drilling holes. Any chance of a pic? [/quote] There is a d'tuner that fits I'm pretty sure it's the BT-10.

I'm surprised by the lack of finish on the neck! My 1024 has a lacquered neck however my newer 425 was unfinished.

[quote name='bassman7755' timestamp='1440666512' post='2852758'] This is the basis on Bruce Arnolds series of ear training courses. Essential it focuses on recognising (and singing) notes as key functions (scale degree relative to root) rather than intervals between successive notes, also called "functional" ear training. Having previously studied interval based stuff quite intensively in the past, the movable-do/functional approach was something of a revelation. [/quote] I think that's the method I'm using, I have an app that plays a cadence then an interval & you have to identify the relationship to the key centre.

Great points raised & I understand the importance of pro's having to be competent readers but what about the average Joe (like me)?. I can't read dots & to be perfectly honest I have neither the time or the inclination to learn but for me what's important is the ability to hear a line or phrase in my head & play it without faffing around looking for the notes. I guess what sparked me to start this thread were the articles I have been reading about ear training and how most of them relate to or are aimed at (jazz) improvisers. I'm putting a lot of time into my ear training & slowly it's paying off. I'm transcribing daily, reinforcing intervals & pretty much singing everything I hear, oh & I have an app or two on my phone. If I have to imagine where I want to be in a year or two it's the guy who isn't flash but can confidently hold his own at a true jam & who has music ingrained so much so that it's second nature & requires little thought. Ok, so maybe a year or two was a bit optimistic but you catch my drift :-)

I posted this on a Facebook page earlier in hope of encouraging some discussion on the subject. It didn't work so I thought I'd try here. I'm firmly in the ear training camp but I'd like to hear what others think. Steve Ear Training is often commented as being the most important aspect of practice yet so many so called musicians overlook it or regard it as a waste of time. EVERYONE understands the importance of having good ears right? So what camp are you in? Do you train your ear or do you rely on other practice methods in your musical development?

Don't overlook the early 90's offering as for me they tick all the box's, mutes, 3 band, wheel of fortune & if your lucky a nice lacquered birds eye neck. You don't see them for sale often & I guess that's testament to how desirable they are.

I had a Westfield Jazz, it was/is a decent bass. Nothing flash but perfectly useable, in fact my brother still uses it as his main bass.

[quote name='nugget' timestamp='1433976815' post='2795695'] I'm 20 mins from you, pop on over and have a go on some 5's. I'm not trying to sell anything just come have a coffee chat and a jam [/quote] There's an offer that's too good to refuse if your seriously considering a five.

Sold Rich my GB combo, he met me at a convenient place (for me) & he's a thoroughly nice bloke. Cheers Rich

[quote name='jonnythenotes' timestamp='1433521973' post='2791863'] Hi Horizontal....... White one..... [/quote] Ah OK, they had a burst one for around the same price, they also had a natural 4 string in there for ages but think it was 1400£

They've been on sale a while I think, I paid 250 for my 425 from GAK a few months ago :-)

[quote name='jonnythenotes' timestamp='1433446447' post='2791211'] I bought it new last year from PMT in Birmingham..... I paid £980 for it. It had been hanging around in the shop for two years... They had forgotten to put it on there web site and never noticed... Know one new it was there, and over time, as the lack of perceived interest continued, they kept lowering the price on it, thinking they had a lemon on their hands..when I first realised it was there, and what it was, the deal was done in 2 minutes..... The original price they had it up for when they got it was £2300. It was literally pushed to the back of the shop, believe it or not with a BB2025X (again not on the web site) which was marked up £1200... (negotiable) I went back a couple of weeks later and the 2025X was sold, awaiting collection. Luckiest bass buy of my life... [/quote] Think I remember seeing that one & commenting here about it! Sunburst?