ianrendall

I say mostly, but gear is very important. Also, does anyone else find that having a good sound makes you play better?

My 'secret' is my Nordstrand NP4, 15" speaker and valve preamp. My technique has also developed. It's mostly in the fingers, and should not be underestimated.

I went to five strings 10 years ago after having played 4's for 10 years. I felt that going to a fiver was a sort of natural "progression", much the same way a racing driver would progress to a higher formula. While I didn't take long to adjust to 5 strings, I didn't feel my musical ability altered for better or for worse. Much of the music I play is big band swing, with notation rarely, if ever, going below low E. I could have put in below E notes if I wanted but the music didn't really call for it. A few months ago I went back to 4 strings with a great P bass, and given the style of music I play, I've found it much more suitable. I found with less strings to concern myself with, I feel more able to 'let go' and my fills/improvs and general playing have improved as a result. There are doubtless others here that would say the opposite, but this is just my story. It really is as simple as horses for courses, one man's meat etc.

Just a little update to this thread. Sold the 410 cab and got myself a MAG 115 Deep and a lovely 96 MIJ 57 RI Precision. I play in a 20 piece big band and the sound I can get is perfect for the style. I just don't understand why it's taken me so long to go back to the P bass after 10 years of 5 strings with OTT controls. Simplifying my stuff means no constant tweaking of knobs and dials, I can just concentrate on the dots. Gigging with this setup for the first time tomorrow at the local Navy base officers mess. I can keep the EQ pretty much flat. Any tone adjustments I need to make depending on the piece of music can be done exclusively with the tone control and plucking hand position. I'm using Roto 66's but am leaning towards a set of groundwounds/pressurewounds.

Sold my Hartke 410 to Ash. Instant payment and great to deal with

I'm really not fond of the Status Streamline.

'The Jazz Police' by Gordon Goodwins Big Phat Band. Absolutely love the piece, but can't play it for love nor money. Oh, and pretty much anything Glenn Miller, especially Moonlight Serenade.