ambient

[quote name='tobiewharton' timestamp='1439553391' post='2843824'] [size=2]Here's Andrew Gouche with his fretwrap behind first fret. Six string bass, no floating thumb and it's just intended to clean things up. I find mine useful.[/size] [size=2] [/size] [size=2]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J5d5knOKjs[/size] [size=2] [/size] [size=2]Tobie​[/size] [/quote] Nice, thanks for posting that. 😁

Some people's idea of what's acceptable to not be mentioned, and someone else's can be entirely different. My Modulus for example is 16 years old, but looks like it was maybe built last year. Someone else can own an instrument from new, and after 6 months, and it can a right mess, but to them it's acceptable, and 'the norm'. I like it when you see sale adverts here they describe the item as 'mint, except for......', and they go on to list various dents and bumps.

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I'm selling a Diago power supply, and 12 daisy chain things. There's an advert in the sales section.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1439391605' post='2842422'] The Gruvgear Fretwrap is to stop open strings ringing too much and it damps overtones, etc. I had one for a while but find it pretty useless as a mute because it only works on open strings. Once you've fretted a note it's out of the picture, obviously. You might suppose it would be useful for ERBs (as said above) as string muting is more difficult with these basses, but I'd say that development of the floating thumb method would be far preferable as it's effective on [i]all [/i]notes, fretted and otherwise. Pretty much a chocolate teapot as far as four-string basses are concerned. You could always use the tried and tested 'stick a bit of foam under the strings at the bridge', but you're committed to having the strings muted all the time unless you want to faff about in and out with the foam while you're playing. I'd say floating thumb if you're serious about your string damping and muting. But I prefer palm muting myself. Gruvgear also do a thing like a rubber flap which goes over the strings at the bridge [i]à la[/i] foam rubber, but I've not heard anything good about it. As always, your mileage may vary. [/quote]. As you've said, I tried one briefly but found it a bit of a waste of time. I had to play a Stuart Hamm tapping piece for an exam at uni, that was the only time I found it useful. I use muting quite a lot, but find it betterer to use my left hand or right hand palm or forearm.

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1439376259' post='2842218'] With the exception of a drum solo, I'm not sure what instrument would ever play completely solo within a band context. You always need a rhythm and bass line to accompany a solo. As I wrote before when the bass solos you need something to fill the rhythm and bass function that you lose when the bass isn't fulfilling that role. It can be done to very good effect but it's hard and you don't often hear it. Possibly because the other instrumentalists don't understand what function the bass actually does. Just roots isn't it? [/quote] But to my mind, the function that most members on here assign to the bass, is just one. The bass can exist and can solo beautifully outside of a rhythm section, just listen to anything my Michael Manring. Too many people listen to music with their eyes, rather than their ears. They see an instrument and have a preconceived idea regarding what it's function or sound is going to be, or should be.

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1438856137' post='2837993'] I agree. I'm really hoping you have misunderstood what some posters have written. I really can't believe anyone actually does believe bass should only be a supporting instrument. Particularly any decent bass player who regards themself as a musician. Scary. [/quote] I have to agree with you. I can't believe how some people can be so blinkered and narrow minded with regard to music. Music is, well music, what does it matter what instrument produces it ?

It's a mute, mostly used on basses with 6 strings or more. It just cuts down on unwanted notes ringing out. It's especially useful if you're into tapping. You can buy them ready made by a company called Gruvgear. They concist of a pad with a wrap that attaches around the neck using Velcro.

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1439306602' post='2841741'] There is indeed a big market for it. Doesn't stop it being tedious beyond belief though. [/quote] 😁

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1439308615' post='2841773'] Quite. And refusing to listen to or play certain genres seriously limits your opportunity for work as a bass player. Why would you want to do that? Play anything with anyone. . [/quote] I agree to a point, if I'm being paid I'll play anything. The problem with a lot of these gigs is there's very little money in it. Most bands in this field are playing the local pub on a Friday night for little are no money.

[quote name='Gottastopbuyinggear' timestamp='1439296758' post='2841614'] Scandalous. One can only imagine they thought you might have a diverse range of musical interests and be interested in another project - how very dare they! I hope you sent them packing with a suitable admonishment. [/quote] I have a very wide range of musical interest, unfortunately trying to stay awake during a 10 minute long, over loud, blues rock style guitar solo, during a cover of ZZ Top's whatever in F isn't one of them .

[quote name='Rich' timestamp='1439292523' post='2841559'] Do you mean a dislike for the guitarists as people, or for their chosen field/techniques? [/quote] I guess their attitude or mindset, they're usually far too loud and prone to constant widdling. 😊

I've recently gone from lots of separate pedals, to just using an Eventide Space. The great thing with it, is that you can easily swap the chain of effects around.

I hate blues rock as a genre, I also have a strong dislike of guitarists who play blues rock. I was advertising for experimental/ambient musicians for a project, I had 2 guys contact me both looking fora bass player for their blues rock bands. I also dislike classic rock

Theo Travis's new album is rather good, and definitely falls into the 'Prog' pigeon hole.

It's a little out of my zone, but If it's contemporary stuff, then maybe D'Angelo with Pino, or try Erykah Badhu, her live album is good, it's just her, bass drums and keys. Great bass playing too, I think he plays a 6 string MTD. 😊

For more up to date stuff, I quite like either 'The raven that refused to sing', or 'Grace for drowning' by Steven Wilson.