urb

[quote name='mcgraham' post='169636' date='Apr 4 2008, 09:43 AM']Looking forward to checking that out when I get home. Such entertainment is blocked at work. Definitely a good thing! I was hoping to at least inspect your Sei at the bash, perhaps another time. How's it working out for you now you've had it for a bit? Mark[/quote] Hi Mark Sorry you missed the chance to try it out - my name badge fell off so I wasn't that easy to spot if you don't know what my ugly boat race looks like - you'd have been welcome to try the bass. It really is lovely to play - and it sounds just wicked with my Epi UL502 head and the EBS 1x15 I'm still using sounds really sweet with it as well. Let me know what you reckon to the vids - I really love setting up my own looped backing as I can make it sound like I want to not some poxing loop in Band In A Box etc - having a lovely bass helps things as well. Cheers Mike

Hey peeps I'm loving my new loop pedal - a Boss RC2 - it has a built in drum machine that you vary the tempo plus there are a ton of very usable beats - plus you can add your own via a jack input and even use it to transcribe stuff by add a track and then slowing it down to transcribe it - but I have tried this yet. Anyway - here's a couple of jams - one a tune I wrote called 'Early Summer' then other I just improvised - hope you enjoy some of it: Early Summer Jamin' funk thing Cheers Mike

Despite the impression some of you might have - post-Bash - of my playing I always plays play for the gig, or song or whatever - If I'm playing to please myself then fine - but if my band expects me to play a bassline with no bull***t in there then I'm happy sitting in the pocket - and yes I've played weddings and functions and yes I agree bass solo/features in those situations- aside from the bass beak in Carwash - are pretty much uncalled for. At one point I had learned and could play stuff like Classical Thump (so boring) and tap 'Overjoyed' etc - but now I'm more concerned with playing good notes in time... and getting the band grooving with the drummer - I find that as much if not more fun than soloing, which on a good day I find enjoyable - but on a bad day incredibly stressful! As for bass features in general I don't mind them if they fit the mood of the gig - even playing (yes folks I'm saying the 'j' word) jazz actually means locking down the changes with a rock solid time feel etc and as a bass player in jazz is actually (mostly) about being the coherent one while everyone else goes off on one - it's great fun but that's where the work is - soloing after that is easy cos you can get away with one note per bar instead of 4 or 8... Right, that's enough crap from me - someone else take over... M

[quote name='OldGit' post='168157' date='Apr 2 2008, 09:06 AM']It's stuff like this - the instantly available repeated programmes for free - that make the licence fee so worthwhile.[/quote] Even my mum uses it - on her Mac Book - I have a cool mum Re the clip it's nice to see a band really letting rip on Jools Holland - I find a lot of performances a bit po-faced but this one rocked - even if it got a bit OTT at times. M

Yeah he was alright... [url="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/page/item/b009r6cn.shtml?filter=txdate%3A01-04&filter=txslot%3Aevening&start=1&scope=iplayerlast7days&version_pid=b009r64c"]http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/page/item/b00...on_pid=b009r64c[/url]

[quote name='BigRedX' post='167855' date='Apr 1 2008, 07:19 PM']Having worked a lot with click tracks the best practice is just for the drummer to have the click and everyone else plays to the drums. However unless you're looking for a super-tight feel or you envisage patching mistakes from other places in the the song where the part is right I wouldn't consider playing to a click essential. However if you are going to use one use whatever the drummer is most comfortable with - some like a straight click with a n accent on the first beat of the bar others prefer a loop with some sort of groove to it. Whatever you decide practice with it until you're happy that it's right before going into the studio. Allocation of time - I would consider giving the same amount of time to each section as follows: 1. Backing tracks (including recording guide instruments) 2. Lead vocals 3. Instrumental and vocal overdubs including harmony vocals (ie anything extra to 1 and 2) 4. Mixing Mixing is always better if it's done at least a week removed from the recordings with a rough mix to listen to in the mean time so you can get a feel for how the songs are sounding and what extra 'production' is going to be required.[/quote] +1 on the click track being an option not a necessity - if you (as a band) have a tendency to drastically speed up or slow down then fine - but even if the tempo shifts a little it often adds to the authenticity of the feel. I've done recordings with and without, both with reliable and consistent drummers - and the ones without definitely feel better. It can be off putting and distract you from playing the music as best you can. If you have a decent engineer they can normally work wonders when patching up the odd duff note or slipped kick drum... all I'm saying is be open to not using it - the music will sound more 'human' without it - it can really stifle a good performance IMHO. Good luck and try to enjoy it - but also see it as a job of work and you'll get the most out of the time you have booked - time really is money in the studio. And also +1 on mixing the sessions at least a week later - your ears will be toast, and your mind a mushy mess when you have finished recording... . Mike

DLloyd - great work fella - I'm sure loads of people will find this useful - I know most of this stuff but the term 'enharmonic' was definitely new to me - but I've encountered this way of writing both chords and notes - so it's great to have a refresher reference around for me too! By all means keep adding to this - anyone that is - and if some kindly mod can 'pin' it that would be great. Nice one Mike

Hey guys - thanks for great day - a mark of the success was much discussion of the NEXT bash - which I think will be even bigger and better - +1 for CK's Celinder Jazz - surprisingly my fave bass to own if I could like... and Ped's great V4 - and aside from some excessive bass end volumes (I know I was partly responsible) it was a really fun day - great meeting and talking to some of you at length - special thanks to Jimbo for the lift and excellent chats on route - hope to see some of you soon. I'm off to be a dad - so expect my playing to be all over the shop the next time you hear me...I'll let you know when the little fella (it's a boy) arrives. Cheers to one and all - apologies for the excessive slapping. Mike

[quote name='OldGit' post='165316' date='Mar 28 2008, 03:16 PM']Ishibashi has an Emporer in its used section if you really want one ... Lots of Yen though ...[/quote] Thanks for the info OG but I've thankfully cured any Fodera-pangs with the arrival of the Sei - it's plays and sounds as close as i could hope for - Fodera's do have wonderful woods and great tone on them but I think we all know luthiers who can glue, carve, sand and finish basses just as well as Vinnie and Joey... See you at the Bash? Cheers Mike

Just wanted to add one last pic - of the main man Martin Petersen himself - adding my 'ramp' while the bass was still on the bench. It was kind of weird being their when the bass still being finished - but having seen Martin also cut the facings while I was there last year - and see just how skilled he is and how quick he can do things (because he knows exactly what he's doing) is pretty thrilling really. Anyway - thanks for making me an amazing bass Martin! [attachment=6969:martin_peterson.jpg] Cheers Mike

[quote name='ped' post='164172' date='Mar 26 2008, 11:14 PM']They look really great together - they all compliment one another nicely. ....CRASH....[/quote] Cheers Ped - but re them falling off the wall, they are SO well attached I'm really confident they won't - the sling-swings have serious bolts running into the wall, they don't move at all...! Plus the Sei and fretless are so light that they will be fine - it's ten ton Warwick that might fall off - tho I doubt it. Cheers guys Mike

Hey peeps Finally got my basses properly 'hung' in my office at home - thanks to my sister's ace boyfriend who's a a chippie on the side, he's studying theatre set design as it happens - anyway I got the 'slings' a while ago but they now have bolts in them and are rock solid. Anyway enough waffle - basses - three of them: [attachment=6925:basses.jpg] [attachment=6926:basses1.jpg] [attachment=6927:basses2.jpg] More bass eye candy here: [url="http://www.munkio.com/music/music_seibass.html"]http://www.munkio.com/music/music_seibass.html[/url] Truth be told the other two are getting much attention at present - the Sei is just a gift that keeps on giving... See some of you at the bash. Mike

Good work Alun - lovely phrasing dude! M

[quote name='The Funk' post='162479' date='Mar 24 2008, 01:24 AM']I've just listened to Static. It's cool. The fingerstyle bass tone is perfect. My only suggestion would be to either play it faster or slower: my preference would be for slower. Faster it would have more energy and slower the groove would be that much dirtier. The other thing is that it got a little same-y in terms of the arrangement and the dynamics before the end. As soon as the song finished and Flipoutthefunk came on I wished that some kind of quirky break along those lines had been slipped into Static. I'm not trying to be an @rse - only giving you the negative 'cos the positive stuff is all obvious and it's quality material.[/quote] Cool - I appreciate your comments/criticisms - it's all good or rather it's constructive, which is great. I actually really like the tempo of Static - it's low and dirty and skanky - and it was done in one take at the end of a long session so it was just a kind of groove that we hit straight off the bat and sat on it - I think it's great - but yeah I'm sure we could play it faster or slower - but I think it came out OK IMO. The drummer is a beast! Thanks for listening. Mike

Hey good bass people - I just added a new version of 'Sing Your Own Anthem' with the Sei bass making its debut outing - it sounds good me thinks - first tune on the ole Myspace page here: First two tunes on here: [url="http://www.myspace.com/flynnbass"]http://www.myspace.com/flynnbass[/url] Let me know what you reckon - thanks as ever. Mike

Can I play? Here they are again - she's so damn fine: [attachment=6670:front_long.jpg] [attachment=6671:pups_close.jpg] [attachment=6672:back_flat.jpg] [attachment=6673:back_close.jpg] [attachment=6674:headstock.jpg] [attachment=6675:top_down.jpg] Mike

[quote name='Finbar' post='160338' date='Mar 19 2008, 05:01 PM']I was just reading urb's thread, and noticed the Shuker comment in it. Didn't want to derail the thread, as it should (quite rightly) be about that beautiful new Sei! So I'll derail my own a little instead... I've noticed a fair bit of Shuker hate around here. Well, not 'hate', but there's definitely a feeling of 'not another one...' when someone gets one comissioned. Why is that? I'm sure Jon's got a lot of business from this forum, but that's just because he builds good instruments, surely? For me, the price was right, the location was right (same city as Jon), I'd played his instruments before, I knew he'd build my vision, and he is a very nice man who is very knowledgable! It was a decision made independent of Basschat, and from what I've seen of this beauty so far, I think I'm going to be very happy with my bass.[/quote] Nice one Finbar - like I tried to tactfully state in my own thread it all boils down to personal choices and these definitely include cost and location of builder - for example a two or three year wait for a Fodera, quite frankly would do my head in - and I'm sure you will get a great, great bass that will utterly rock your world - cool! By the way - your bass is looking great - that neck looks amazing. Mucho respecto Mike

[quote name='largo' post='160317' date='Mar 19 2008, 04:25 PM']Mmm, dangerous thing to say on these boards Josh. I own a Sei and Shuker (both Jazzes) and have to admit the Sei just pips the Shuker in playability, but I mean just and it's probably a personal thing. Jon Shuker is actually going to make a few amendments for nowt to get his bass playing just how I want it, so things might change. In terms of cost there's no comparison. S[/quote] Absolutely Largo - while I love my Sei I'm not here to make judgments on other people's preferred bass - there are many fine makers out there and it really does boil down to personal choices and that does include price. I chose Sei because I knew Martin could build me exactly what I wanted - end of - plus he's a London-based builder (possibly the only one I know of) - so that was a big factor as well. I'll also add that I'd seen and played a lot of his basses before I commissioned mine - so I knew what I was likely to get in return - as a result I'm extremely happy with my choices. So please let's not go down the "this maker versus that maker" on this thread - thanks guys. Mike

Cheers guys - it really is an amazing bass - the pics just don't do it justice and the more I play it, the better it feels - it's just effortless fun and dangerously addictive! Better shots coming soon. Mike A little snap of the happy couple.... [attachment=6581:Mike_SB_new.jpg]

OK dudes - she's finished! I got the call last week to say Monday or Tuesday and as it happened I had to go into the office very early this morning but was finihsed by 3.30pm - so I called Alex and he said "bas is not ready sorry - tomorrow for sure" - I was just about to jump on the tube (not on the tracks BTW!) and my mobile buzzed again and it was Al - "Martin says come by - the bass will be finished today..." - so I did. Basically it's late - I've had a long day - so I won't post loads of pics, plus the ones I took look crap (I need natural light to show off the burl best) - there's a link to them on my website below - I couldn't resist knocking up a very quick 'Sei Test' video just so you get the vaguest idea of how lovely the bass sounds - it really does sound awesome. [attachment=6573:SB1.jpg] [attachment=6574:SB_backclose.jpg] [attachment=6575:SB_full.jpg] Better pics soon - I promise: [url="http://www.munkio.com/music/music_seibass.html"]http://www.munkio.com/music/music_seibass.html[/url]

Looking amazing Red - it'll be absolutely stunning when it's back from the polishers - M

[quote name='BigRedX' post='158392' date='Mar 16 2008, 01:23 PM']I saw this bass on Martin's workbench on Friday when I was checking the progress on mine. I have to say it looks even more wonderful 'in the flesh' than the photos.[/quote] Nice one Red - I can't wait to collect it - your new one looks absolutely amazing too! Sei's totally rock! M

Hey all - just had an amazing few days at the Frankfurt Musik Messe - I'll try and get my pics posted soon - but on my arrival just as I was walking through Heathrow to baggage reclaim I got a message from the Gallery... ...my Sei will be ready for collection on Monday/Tuesday this week. Yay! So I'll almost certainly be at the bash with it in a couple of weeks - pics here first obv. Cheers Mike

One very important thing a certain Mr Vic Wooten pointed out was that it's important not to "sing what you play" but "PLAY what you SING" - there's a big difference. The first way you will simply be singing along with tones on the bass and falling into the same old patterns etc the second way should - ideally - stretch you away from those familiar patterns. One interesting thing I have seen demonstrated at a jazz course was the tutor played the piano - laying out one chord then another slowly - and asked a student to sing an improvised melody over the top - nothing complicated, just what came to his mind and ear at the time. Amazingly the student sang a perfectly good improvised melody no trouble at all. So why is that to that on an instrument is so much harder? Well that's where you have to go back to really listening to the way certain notes sound over a chord - from exploring the different intervals in the scale that the chord is derived from. A starting point for this is singing along with the scales and arpeggios that you practice - do them slowly and not only try to sing each note but also visualise its relation to the root of the scale on the neck - and then extract that out to the chord tones root, third, fifth. seventh, ninth, eleventh etc. Also look at scale intervals - how do they sound played from one note to the next? Try playing a whole tone scale, then just minor thirds, then just major thirds, minor major scales, diminished, augmented etc etc - try and get familiar with the basic differences between major and minor first though! Which is essentially means the sound of a major or minor third, or seventh. When you learn a song - try and look at how laying certain chords next to each other sound - minor to major, etc. That's just a few tips - it's a huge area and not one to be over looked - getting your ear together is way more valuable than getting loads of speed or fancy techniques - the easiest way to do it start by learning loads of songs - see if you can find some stuff y0ou like that's not too hard to play. Learn the chord sequences then try and learn the melody too - that way you will start to develop a very real sense of how harmony works - it's not rocket science but does require a bit of deeper investigation. However if you stick at it and get confident enough to start writing your own stuff it's a fantastic thing to be able to do. Hope that helps a bit Mike

Warning: YOU WILL PROBABLY NEVER USE THIS TECHNIQUE IN A BAND OR ON A GIG. Music is a massive thing, it takes years to master even a small amount of the stuff involved with playing it at a reasonably high level - bass is the most fantastic instrument to play for a thousand reasons - but this stuff isn't necessarily one of them. I'm not saying don't try to learn some of this stuff - develop your own way of doing it - but it's far better to get out there, play with people and learn music from a wider 'base' than just zipping up and down arpeggios as fast as you can - out of time! (Sorry I'm referring to the first clip not the fantastic Mr Nitti) Sorry I really honestly don't want to sound like a miserable twat but I just feel like saying this stuff kind of sucks... learn some songs and get with a good teacher. M