SteveK

[quote name='OldGit' post='717154' date='Jan 18 2010, 09:17 PM']What did it do?[/quote] The switch would switch the capacitor in or out. If switched out, then the tone pot works as a normal Precision pot - Cutting the usual frequency...whatever that is If switched in, then the capacitor changes the frequency that is being cut. If the pot is turned to full, then obviously, the switching makes no difference. I remember trying several different value cap's before deciding which to stick with. Very simple to do. Oh, and while I was at it, I added a series/parallel switch. EDIT: I've never used a varitone pot,[i] but[/i], stikes me it's the same thing that Aria SB's had/have.

[quote name='bass5' post='716351' date='Jan 18 2010, 09:29 AM']I have no idea and can't be arsed to google, what's a varitone, an add-on preamp circuit?[/quote] In the time it took you to write that post you really could've Googled it...but, I guess you knew that - it's an attitude thing - I understand. Many years ago I fitted a simpler, DIY type, to a Precision, which was basically a micro switch and capacitor connected to the tone pot. It was very effective and is still on the bass today.

[quote]Has Trevor Bolder left the band then?[/quote] No, he's still there...at least, he was in December [quote]So what are the Heep like these days then Steve?[/quote] Judging by crowd reactions, they still seem to be delivering. We did several shows with them in Germany, co headlining (alternate nights), for part of their 40th anniversary tour. There's a bit of history between Heep and ourselves - ex label mates (before my time, of course ) We still cross paths on a fairly regular basis.

Did several gigs before Christmas with a band who played Easy Livin'. Funnily enough, their whole set consisted of UH songs. They sounded pretty authentic to me. There was some geezer called Mick Box playing guitar.

For all you Paul Jackson fans. You may be interested in these clips from my good friend and colleague, Jimmy Copley's website... [url="http://www.jimmycopley.com/subpage3.html"]Jimmy Copley -Slap my hand - live in Japan[/url]

[quote]P.S. Wooten is a seriously talented musician, but his tunes don't do much for me. ph34r.gif[/quote] As is so often the case. Unfortunately, a great musician doesn't necessarily make a great writer.

If you grow up listening to a musician, have their posters on your bedroom walls, eagerly await their next release, read any articles/biogs to do with them - then there is the (false) feeling (but nevertheless, a feeling) that you somehow kind of know them. To me, it's quite understandable to feel moved by the death of an influential (in a personal sense) musician/artist. If you feel emotional about it, fine. If you don't, fine also. Wouldn't say musicians are any more emotional than the next person.

[quote]Ha Visconti is known for that,[/quote] Indeed! I also recorded an album with him in '81 (same singer) He was an absolute joy to work with. Always positive, and always trying for something different...A legend! [quote]Under rated Trevor Boulder[/quote] Funnily enough, did a handful of gigs with him (Uriah Heep) just before Christmas. He may be "underrated", but he sure as hell isn't under powered [quote]Did Visconti play bass on The man who sold the World - some fantastic bass playing on that[/quote] Quite possibly, he was a bass player before turning to knob twiddler.

[quote]Steve, you should reveal what the song was so we can decide whether we agree with Visconti.[/quote] Okay, no sniggering though [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tr3Usn3mFgI"]Embarrassing clip[/url]

[quote]I think that's probably the best note he ever played.[/quote] I wouldn't argue that I'm reminded of a record that I played on in 1981, which, incidentally, made number 6 (IIRC) in t'charts. There's a line in the chorus, octaves played from root, Maj 3rd, 5th. One time I accidentally played a b5. Went back in to the control room to apologize for my goof, and [i]could I do it again[/i]. Producer said it was perfect (?) and I should do it again, and [i]this time[/i] play the b5 every time... Who was I to argue with Tony Visconti.

Not wishing to pick a fight with the OP... But, "Save a prayer"!!! - in the verse - Why did John Taylor play a Maj 3rd over a minor chord? It's plain wrong, and sounds horrible. Wince every time I hear it. Don't really think in terms of "overrated" or "underrated". And don't really have any one [i]favourite[/i] player, although I was a big Jaco and (to a lesser degree) Stanley Clarke fan in the 70s.

IME the better bands are those where each member is able to make suggestions to other members.This works well...to a point!.. ...[i][b]some[/b][/i] musicians really don't take too kindly to being told what to play. My current band (25 years and counting) has an unofficial policy of all chipping in with suggestions, and [i][b]all[/b][/i] suggestions are tried. The boss makes the ultimate decision.

[quote],Someone was once speaking to me about visiting a music college, where he was amazed by the quality of music he heard being played when walking past the practice rooms. My opinion was that if they were practicing properly, they would not sound good, as they should be practicing things they can't play as opposed to things they can.[/quote] It may have sounded good to you, but possibly to the student and tutor there may have been vast room for improvement.

[quote]I for one would advocate learning theory, harmony, chord construction etc.[/quote] As I did at the beginning of this thread... However, I realise now that I was wrong. Repeat after me: [b][size=4]Theory is bad - very bad![/size] [/b] There's far too much competition for the decent gigs as it is.

[quote]what nuggets of theory are most needed for an average bassist?[/quote] For an [b][i]average[/i][/b] bassist?.. none! .. For an [b][i]above[/i][/b] average bass player... [quote]are these nuggets collected together in any one book, or website?[/quote] As mentioned, you could start here in the "Theory & technique" forum. I'm sure there's plenty there to keep you going for quite some time. [quote]I'm sure I read somewhere that some very, very talented musicians can't read music, let alone understand the theory.....Mark King comes to mind?[/quote] Yes, and...what's your point?.. May I refer my fellow BCer to post No 24 of this thread.

[quote]I look at the fretboard as a grid and remember the changes as almost geometrical patterns.[/quote] If I understand correctly...it sounds like you are seriously restricting yourself. ie, confining yourself to that "grid". [quote]A couple of days later I get a call from the teacher, telling me never to contact him again.[/quote] Result!

[quote]ever considered the viewpoint that knowing theory may well cloud your judgement, cause you to overthink things and base your lines on what your told sounds right, rather than what your ears thinks sounds right?[/quote] OK, I'm going to make a wild guess, your music theory is, at best, limited? Not sure what you mean by "what you're told sounds right". By knowing a bit of theory doesn't mean that your natural feel/ability goes out of the window. You don't forsake one for the other.

[quote]when the key is already D. He said the first chord doesn't matter, as the song is in C, so I need to go up a tone. Cue embarrassment.[/quote] [quote]I know I've missed out, especially on getting more work,[/quote]You yourself have quoted 2 very good reasons for learning (at least a bit of) theory. [quote]I was just wondering if other players feel a bit daunted by a lack of theory. [b]I believe Jimi knew nothing,[/b][/quote]I assume that the above quote implies, "If Jimi can do it, so can I". This is a common but dangerous attitude for a musician. Most non-theorists will reel off names of great musicians who don't/didn't know any theory to justify their stance. Don't assume that you are one of these geniuses...the chances are that you aren't.

Maybe, if you're playing a line way up the neck that relies on pull-offs to an open string... Otherwise, it's just says "look at me...I'm crap" Happy New Year to all BCers Edit: Post taken too seriously. Edited to add smiley thing

I'm reminded of a support act we head many years ago, from Canada, she had a hit with a song something to do with a dark, soft cloth. I remember we were sitting FOH to hear them sound-checking. Drummer played a bit - we looked at each other - Wow, great sounding kit. Guitarist played a bit - again, we looked at each other - sounded great. Bass player played a bit - sounded like thunder, fantastic, this is gonna be good! They then played a song together...at least, I think it was together, couldn't really tell. The sound was probably akin to sticking your head out of a train window doing 210mph. No real moral to that story, other than... it's a very well getting "your" sound, but if it doesn't sit with the rest of the band, then perhaps a rethink is in order. If you're one of those that is forever trying new gear, looking for (what you hope is going to be) "your" sound, then, I think, perhaps a look a your technique [i]may[/i] pay more dividends.

[quote]Damn that sounds good. Bet it wasnt cheap though :-)[/quote] £1,800 I must admit to having been slightly apprehensive. It's the first bass since about 1979 that I've actually paid for. In those days you got to try the actual instrument that you were interested in. Nowadays, it seems there are fewer shops, with less stock, but more component choices available. Shopping online is the only real option. Anyway, fingers crossed!

[quote name='maxrossell' post='694035' date='Dec 26 2009, 11:23 PM']What do you want to know? I don't have all the details, but as far as I know Ibanez were doing a bunch of artist showcases at the time (Korn had just put out the K7s and Ib were all about the nu-metal), which is how Japanese fans started to get into them. They weren't distributed or marketed in the Far East at all, but that all changed based on the response to Ibanez pushing their music.[/quote] Sounds to me that we are in the realms of promotion and sponsorship. I don't think that any artist entering into a "regular" endorsement deal can expect anything like that level of involvement. However, I am willing to accept that there [i]may[/i] be exceptions, and maybe your example is one of them. Anyway, I don't want to labour the point any further, so I'll duck out... for now.

[quote name='maxrossell' post='693958' date='Dec 26 2009, 08:22 PM']Okay, one example: A French band I used to hang out with called Pleymo, got signed to Epic. Their guitar players picked up Ibanez endorsements after a while. Through the Ibanez endorsement alone, their second record broke in Japan and they ended up touring out there and doing extremely well. Their second largest fanbase is still in Japan, and they wouldn't have achieved that without the support of Ibanez.[/quote] Any more info? Curious to know how that worked.

[quote name='maxrossell' post='693849' date='Dec 26 2009, 05:43 PM']I don't think that that's necessarily true. Unless you're Jimmy Page or Slash or someone like that, you'd have to be pretty naive to think that you wouldn't benefit from a major brand basically saying "this dude is a guitar player with enough talent and status that we want him to represent our gear". Fender are a good example of that, they have hundreds of endorsed artists, and most of them are guys who, while they no doubt enjoy getting gear at cut-prices, also benefit to a degree from the credibility that they gain from being a Fender-endorsed artist.[/quote] Of course, I can only speak from personal experience, and the experience of others that I work, and [i]have[/i] worked, with. It's a buzz being associated with a brand name, of course it is, but I can honestly say, that in all my years as a full time gigging musician, I have never heard the words "raised profile" or anything like in regards to an endorsement. Any benefit in that respect is pretty insignificant. It really isn't a consideration.

Ordered a SR 5: Candy red (matching head), Rosewood board, black scratchplate, HH, 3 eq, piezo, a couple of months ago. Haven't seen that configuration in the flesh, but hoping it looks a sexy as in my head. Hopefully take delivery in a couple of weeks