redstriper

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1351551790' post='1852645'] FX make no difference to your ability (or not) to play. [/quote] They do in my case cos they distract me and I don't get into the groove.

I'm intrigued by these little basses and wonder what they are like to play. They are now available in the UK from Bass Direct, has anyone played one and if so what's the verdict?

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1351382187' post='1850767'] GHS Precision Flats are indeed the UK equivalent, but it's still cheaper to import the Laklands from Chicago - what's that about, then? [/quote] I get my GHS flats here for a better price than Lakland. [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GHS-Regular-55-105-Precision-Flatwound-Long-Scale-Plus-Bass-Strings-3050-/190746210837?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item2c695c3215"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GHS-Regular-55-105-Precision-Flatwound-Long-Scale-Plus-Bass-Strings-3050-/190746210837?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item2c695c3215[/url]

I keep thinking I'd like to try some FX but I want to wait until I can play well enough without them. It's been 35 years so far...

I've been playing for 35 years and I've never taken a spare bass to a gig and can't see that changing any time soon I like to live on the edge

[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]GHS Precision Flats are cheaper shipped from the states on ebay than here in the UK, (providing you don't get hit for import duty).[/font][/color] They rule on a Jazz too

I think those strings are the same as GHS precision flats and I love them, especially after a few years - the more you play them, the better they sound A higher action helps get rid of the dreaded clank.

Here we are having fun at a festival this summer: [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb2YxSuW1mI&feature=plcp[/media]

I've bought lots of strings from the states via ebay and usually don't get hit for import duty. Last time I was caught in the net. The note on the envelope said 'Customs charges are applied to imports into the EU with a value over £15 for VAT'. They also added £8 Royal Mail handling fee.

PMd

I like shorties for their weight and playability, but the strings seem slacker and rattle on the fingerboard, so it's standard 34s for me.

I've got a new set of GHS light gauge precision flats that are too low tension for me, only been on the bass 5 minutes. PM me if interested.

[quote name='owen' timestamp='1351202564' post='1848781'] It lives! [/quote]

[quote name='The Bass Doc' timestamp='1351166820' post='1848122'] [attachment=121996:002.JPG] [/quote] I love the red one, please let me know if you ever want to sell it.

[quote name='iconic' timestamp='1350996015' post='1845964'] Very light bass, surprisingly, looks like it should be a fatboy!.... by far & away the lighest of my bunch. [/quote] Thanks, it sounds like my kinda thing and I need a lightweight bass. There aren't many around now it's an older model and they seem to go for about £280 on line. Some stores describe it as a Precision and others a Telecaster, which is a bit confusing and Fender call it a Precision, so I guess that's what it is? [url="http://www.fender.com/en-GB/products/vintage-modified-precision-bass-tb"]http://www.fender.com/en-GB/products/vintage-modified-precision-bass-tb[/url] I presume it has a chunky Precision neck and I wonder how it compares to the new Fender modern player telecaster.

[quote name='iconic' timestamp='1350991704' post='1845886'] [b]And my Squier VM TB has one of the hotest pups and best necks I've ever had my hands on![/b] [b][/b] [/quote] I like the look of the Squier, is it a heavy or lightweight bass and does the bridge cause problems in setting the intonation?

[quote name='skej21' timestamp='1350811387' post='1843616'] To say that ALL tuition is bad for all musicians is just moronic (ruins creativity mentioned earlier). If formal tuition isn't your thing then fair enough but why put it down and put off others who might thrive on it? [/quote] Can you quote where anyone said that? I can't find it and I'd like to know who you're calling moronic.

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1yl0MFYzXc[/media]

[quote name='Doddy' timestamp='1350673077' post='1842239'] No,I'm saying that the only people who say that lessons hurt their creativity,had very little,if any, to begin with. [/quote] I don't know of anyone who said that lessons hurt their creativity. I simply suggested that it was a possibility and you said that my opinion was bullshit, but you also agreed with it, if the learner 'let it happen'. How do you know how much creativity someone might have or not, with or without lessons? There are many great self taught players and there are also many who were taught by people like you. I wouldn't be so arrogant as to suggest that either was more or less creative than the other.

[quote name='Doddy' timestamp='1350672298' post='1842217'] I'm sorry,but that's [b]bullshit[/b]. Lessons do not stifle anyones creativity or originality-the only way this will happen is [b]if you let it[/b]. [/quote] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif][size=3] [/size][/font][/color] So you agree bullshit can happen then

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1350669327' post='1842156'] That's a thread about covers versions, posted in by people who play in cover bands. [/quote] Exactly - there are many such posts, usually very popular, whereas there are very few posts about original music. Unless I'm missing something

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1350668819' post='1842147'] Lets be honest about this - for the majority of pop & rock music you really don't need a tutor, regardless of what instrument you play. [/quote] I agree and I think lessons can stifle creativity and inhibit the players originality. I started playing many years ago, before youtube and I couldn't find a tutor anywhere. I begged various people to give me lessons and they all advised me to teach myself and develop my own style. I must admit that I love youtube tuition videos now though and they could have saved me a lot of time back in the day.

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1350665949' post='1842081'] 'Different'...? Can you give an example? [/quote] Here's one: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/189766-my-top-ten-most-played-songs-by-pub-function-covers-bands/page__fromsearch__1"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/189766-my-top-ten-most-played-songs-by-pub-function-covers-bands/page__fromsearch__1[/url]

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1350666040' post='1842083'] What about a "Neither" option for people who, for whatever reason, don't play in bands? [/quote] Fixed now - sorry I forgot lots of bassists aren't in bands or perform in public.

It sometimes seems so and maybe that's why I always feel a bit different on here I know good covers bands are very popular and I respect them because it looks like hard work and they provide a lot of entertainment. I also know there's good money to be made playing covers and people like to hear familiar tunes, but it's just not my scene. I'm not comfortable playing any direct cover versions, although I do sometimes use established bass lines to create a new version of a tune. This is an established tradition in reggae music where there are many songs and versions using the same bass line. I'm not a purist in any way and I respect everyone's choice to play whatever they want. I just wonder who else here is actively writing and recording new original material?