SpondonBassed

[quote name='Yank' timestamp='1493716038' post='3290040'] I use floating thumb, and mostly index and middle. However, sometimes my ring feels left out and joins in the fun without my conscious knowledge or consent. [/quote] [attachment=244470:FinbarrSaunders.png]

[quote name='KingPrawn' timestamp='1493670499' post='3289893'] For many many years I've been using my index, middle and ring finger to play. Often its my index and ring finger. Initially i moved to this as a kid because Billy Sheehan had that shred thing going on. As time went on i realised my index and ring finger are the same length so my playing style was much straighter/flatter than my index and middle finger, which as my middle finger is about 10mm longer, meant i had to place my hand at quite an angle to play consistently with my index and middle finger. Ive found that using index and ring finger means my middle finger is free and poised to move to the next string really quickly. Any one else experienced this or uses this technique? ( please someone say yes or ill have to leave BS) [/quote] (No. Please leave your B[u]S[/u] in a plain brown paper bag on the doorstep of B[u]C[/u], light it, ring the bell and run away.) Yes. It makes good mechanical sense to take advantage of your own natural dimensions. Two main advantages are comfort and efficiency. Both of these things help your sound.

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1493464149' post='3288531'] ...All it seems you want to do is bitch & sneer at people who aren't exactly like you. [/quote] I have [u]never[/u] seen this sort of behaviour from Blue. However, I think it helps to keep in mind how different his culture is from ours when reading his posts.

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1493429738' post='3288296'] Completely different than when I started. You turned on the TV ,you saw tons of bands people playing rock and roll and you wanted to get in on it. You wanted to learn and most important you wanted to gig. Now you rarely see bands on TV and many millinials are perfectly happy jamming with friends or staying in the bedroom and in some cases for good reason. In someways I think the new players are smarter and more advanced technically than my generation. But keep in mind the opportunities for good live gigs have dried up for most. Used to be, if you wanted, you could gig 7 nights a week. I'm not sure if they're having much fun, but maybe fun has changed too. And these videos with guys playing the bass like a guitar that's a little different for me as well. Things have to change I guess.Me I'm staying with the joy of live gigging and the old 4 string world. I only have 10 years before I throw in the towel. Comments or thoughts on the new direction of bass. Blue [/quote] At 54, I understand your thinking. It's not even like it was in [i]my[/i] twenties. It's hard to see where I'd fit in if I'm honest. No longer can I drop in and out of sessions like I did then. I only do it for a hobby though not for a living. It is a rare privilege for me to play to an audience at all these days. Never the less, as a hobby, it occupies enough of my time to keep me out of (serious) trouble. Like you say, current players tend to be better educated and technically more savvy. If I was doing it all again I'd make better use of my youthful eyesight and learn to sight read.

[quote name='Jenny_Innie' timestamp='1493627368' post='3289441'] Musicians performing live on TV is good. [/quote] Yes. Although the Late Show doesn't go for the minimalist approach of TOGWT it does at least allow viewers to see music actually being played. Maybe air guitarists don't like it but so what?

[quote name='timhiggins' timestamp='1492706532' post='3282606'] I do the loosening and snapping thing too and it actually works ! not for very long but it does work ,for some reason each time you do it the E string [u]zing duration[/u] shortens at which point I give in and buy new strings [/quote] Zing Duration eh? I'll have that as the name of my next band ta. That or Zing and the Durations.

[quote name='lowdown' timestamp='1492682308' post='3282228'] Bert, was cool and a lovely guy (he was much loved in the music business). I did quite a few gigs and shows with him over the years. Not exactly a taxing Bass gig, but enjoyable, non the less. (And i got I signed copy of his book)..... [/quote] I'm sure he was. I wouldn't want to suggest otherwise but we didn't have the choice of learning resources that there are today. Bert was about the extent of it where I lived at that time. My dad was unsympathetic. He absolutely refused to start me off with an electric guitar because I had to prove my ability on an acoustic first. He might have had a point but the acoustic I got was horrible. Made for nylon strings but strung with cheap steel ones it was a right old cheese grater. Between Dad's classic tendencies (he dabbled with piano but only ever to himself) and Bert's "Bobbie Shafto" or whatever it was, I had little inspiration other than admiring the fake performances that were on TOTP. I am clearly traumatised by the whole experience and am better off putting it behind me. Long live YT, vlogging musicians and isolated tracks. That's what really brought me back into learning for fun in my fifties.

[quote name='uk_lefty' timestamp='1492681148' post='3282207'] I use an alcohol based string cleaner after each gig or rehearsal where the strings can be sticky with sweat then dry with a microfiber cloth. Hair product also gets in there too and make the strings feel sticky. I use fast fret before playing to make sure the strings don't feel rough. I do this for both flat and round wounds. I don't take the strings off to clean them, never really had the need. I have been told recently by a luthier they don't go back up to correct tension when back on the bass... Sure lots of people do this anyway... [/quote] That's interesting. You actually put stuff on the strings and so guarantee your strings are cleaned each session. I'd heard briefly about Fast Fret but passed over it. Is it like silicon polish or summat? I wont ask about the hair product I but can imagine how it could easily happen in some scenarios.

[quote name='FinnDave' timestamp='1492679023' post='3282179'] Quick wipe over with a bar towel between songs, that's all I bother with. Rounds or flats, they last for ages, they get replaced when they are worn by the frets rather than because they're grubby. [/quote] One day I hope to play bar venues. It is my dream that I will pull enough punters to be able to demand a bar towel that is soaked in [s]the finest vodka[/s] solvent just to clean my strings, oh, and to freshen my gums but that's wholly incidental.

Aaaaaargh! Someone had to go and mention Bert flipping Weedon! His "Play in a Day" guitar book presumed a knowledge of songs that were out of date before I was even born. I gave up trying after using his "method". It was years later that I got over myself but I [i]still[/i] don't want to play six strings, even on a bass. He might as well have been Ed Winchester! It is said that he was the first British guitarist to have a hit record in the UK singles chart but come on... that was 1959! I had his book twenty years later and its practice material didn't bear any relationship to any of the music that the youth were listening to.

[quote name='pfretrock' timestamp='1492678400' post='3282167'] I've tried ultrasonic cleaners, they work well but check this hazard warning if using IPA. Ultrasonic cleaners produce significant emission of vapours (they are used as humidifyers) [url="http://www.tovatech.com/blog/3953/ultrasonic-cleaner/how-to-safely-use-ipa-in-an-ultrasonic-cleaner"]http://www.tovatech....rasonic-cleaner[/url] [/quote] This can't be overstated. Good point.

[quote name='xgsjx' timestamp='1492676950' post='3282147'] I use finger sweat. Occasionally I'll grab the string between my fingers & wipe or rub with the butt of the palm of my hand if needed. Oh, I use flatwound strings. [/quote] Two of my three guitars are now wearing flats. During my "crusty" phase, I considered swiping them down my very own bass cleft just to get rid of the worst of the foreign matter build up. (Not really) Seriously though. There is a vast difference between the expectations of a roundwound user and the likes of you and me. It seems to be a characteristic of Rotosounds in particular that the desired sound of the string lasts for a relatively short time.

I didn't like Prince in the eighties. When he first appeared he was an object of ridicule because of his music video where he appears to ride a full dress touring motorcycle. When we saw that it was a teeny weeny Honda 250, he lost all credibility. Well, right or wrong, that was the opinion of my peer group at the time. We were all about surface, never the substance that supported it. I was young and had no sense. Not very long after, I learned that Prince as a performer was just a facet of this small man's huge talent. He was controversial in his own right but all of the time, his writing was making hits for other musicians. I realised that the persona of Prince was merely an outlet and not the main body of his work. We laughed when he dropped his name for that symbol thingy. Branding was not one of his strong points. However, he was always there working away in the industry and occasionally making the news. I grew to appreciate him for his music much more than his stage appearance as a maturing adult. He was innovative, lyrically pithy and always worthy of attention. I would have liked to meet the man behind the persona and shook his hand. First impressions don't always last

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1492540474' post='3281107'] Yes. Unfortunately it now appears that 'Bullying' someone is now seen as a sustained activity done to someone until they are psychologically disturbed for life. Although this is the internet, so I suspect people like to feel all pompus and believe that's what I meant by it. [/quote] The word "bully" is widely understood Tim. I wish it hadn't come up here but your casual attitude towards bullying is questionable. As a special favour to you I have copied over a dictionary definition to help refresh your memory; bully[sup]1[/sup] [ˈbʊli] [b]NOUN[/b][list=1] [*]a person who uses strength or influence to harm or intimidate those who are weaker. "he is a ranting, domineering bully" synonyms: [url="https://www.bing.com/search?q=define+persecutor"]persecutor[/url] · [url="https://www.bing.com/search?q=define+oppressor"]oppressor[/url] · [url="https://www.bing.com/search?q=define+tyrant"]tyrant[/url] · [url="https://www.bing.com/search?q=define+tormentor"]tormentor[/url] · [url="https://www.bing.com/search?q=define+browbeater"]browbeater[/url] · [More] [/list] [b]VERB[/b][list=1] [*]use superior strength or influence to intimidate (someone), typically to force them to do something: "a local man was bullied into helping them" [/list] I will speak no further of this. IBTL

Twincam was the most recent example I've seen of a Rotosound string user complaining of premature string death. I wondered how many users have successful restored the sound of their strings by cleaning. I've been using ultrasound for a while. About ten years ago I spotted a small ultrasound bath intended for cleaning jewellery that was for sale in our local ALDI. It was less than a tenner so I had to give it a go. I have found it cleans sweaty watch straps, spectacle frames and guitar strings really well. At first I used warm soapy water as the solvent but quickly changed to 100 percent iso propyl alcohol when cleaning strings. 100 percent concentration is important as there is no significant quantity of water present and the solvent evaporates off without leaving water behind to cause corrosion or damage to string tails. The solvent is available on the 'net. I would warn that string tails may not be colour fast in this solvent however. Observe all of the warnings on the label. I'd also check that coated strings are safe in this solvent else I'd use warm soapy water and gently blow dry the string thoroughly. The solvent on its own would be good for cleaning using a brush but with iso propyl alcohol the fumes are noxious and inhalation is not recommended. Here's an inexpensive example of a cleaning bath that is available today; [url="http://www.lakeland.co.uk/25650/Ultrasonic-Jewellery-Cleaner?src=gfeed&s_kwcid=AL!49!3!{creative}!e!{placement}!o!{adwords_producttargetid}!&ef_id=WPhKmwAABF7HOq-e:20170420054355:s"]http://www.lakeland....0170420054355:s[/url] [attachment=243443:UltrasoundBath.png] Am I the only one who uses one of these?

If all the component parts of the band are there but not slotting together, you can't really call it a band. Whether the aim is to replicate a song as in a tribute or to do an original arrangement of a well known song, the band has to gel and appear as one entity. That's fundamental.

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1492505134' post='3280695'] So with enough effects, some sunglasses, and a few hats, you can make electric guitars sound like a church organ. Who knew? [/quote] Mike Oldfield, that's who. He used something like sixty odd guitar overdubs on Ommadawn. I suppose he did it that way to avoid dealing with the unreasonable demands that church organists make during recording sessions. Another option at the time would've been to hire Rolf 'Arris and his stylophone. Even with the benefit of hindsight I'm not sure what would've been a dodgier prospect to work with. Gary Glitter with a comb and tissue paper? I think I'd rather be left alone in a room with sixty guitarists. That clip though. I had to stop watching it because of the bloke with the long hair. After the second flick of his quiffy bits I was stuck with an image of him as the back end of a horse flicking bot flies away with its tail. I'll listen without looking next time.

[quote name='Burns-bass' timestamp='1492507769' post='3280735'] Brilliant, thanks guys! I'll check it out when I'm not working on a policy brief about Short Bowel Syndrome. (This isn't a joke) [/quote] Let us know when you've worked it out. Meanwhile, I'll find out if I am allowed to use a calculator while listening.

[quote name='Chris2112' timestamp='1492385049' post='3279864'] SMV was never meant to be a long term thing. Stanley announced to a magazine interviewer that they were going to do it, as before that they'd only kicked the idea around. But once Stan said it was happening, it was on. There was no real chance of it going further as all three of them have other commitments, especially Marcus, I would say. It's a bit like Jeff Berlin, Stuart Hamm and Billy Sheehan doing Bx3, just a bit of good luck with a calendar and a one off project of good, wholesome fun. [/quote] I wouldn't like to think of them as being that naive as to look at it that way. If I think about it, it is probably the way for all "supergroups". That the Travelling Wilburys got two albums out was perhaps remarkable. Many thanks for the pointer to Bx3. I wasn't previously aware of them together. I will enjoy a blast of that later.

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1492338982' post='3279464'] The only thing I'm moving up in, is the line at the Chinese restaurant down the street. Blue [/quote] Hahahahahaha!

I wonder if this will last longer than SMV? They managed a year from 2008 to 2009. In the last thirty five years or so, I've seen this a few times. It's one of those band models that is born out of discussions that contain phrases like "wouldn't it be cool if..." and "what's the worst that could happen". I was one of two bass players in a side project to my main thang back in the eighties myself! That Stanley Clark, Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten all thought multiple bassists was a cool enough notion to fly just proves that they aren't infallible either. It can work but perhaps it is best as an intermittent feature rather than the USP for a band. In their defence, SMV isn't always three basses together, sometimes there is a DB in there too. I did like the "Thunder" tune. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBKJrgdn8oQ

[quote name='Elfrasho' timestamp='1492290518' post='3279287'] This is bang on. That spitfire analogy is miles off the mark. I simply don't understand why it seems to be acceptable to do this. In any other walk of life, rebadging an item to pass it off as a premium brand (hmmm) is just simply wrong. If you're happy to play a Harley Benton for example, then you should be giving them the credit. In fact, [u]i love to see guys playing not that expensive instruments and making them sound decent![/u] Fraser [/quote] So do I.

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1492297885' post='3279317'] At first I thought it was odd, the festival organizers never meet the artists. Now that I think about it there's no reason for it. Plus many of the A list artist are mukti-millionairs and probably have people around them to keep people like me away from them. Blue [/quote] I get the sense that you feel ready to move up an echelon within the industry. It also sounds like you are putting in the work to achieve it. That is to be respected because a lot of players go stagnant once they reach a perceived "average" level of skill - whatever that is for their little pond. Remember your roots though bro.

[quote name='ezbass' timestamp='1492260190' post='3279064'] My thoughts exactly. It's like it's a music program devised by a focus group (like a lot of BBC programming). Speaking of TOTP, given that the Beeb don't seem to tire of rehashing that cheese-fest, why don't they repeat some Whistle Test too? [/quote] Keep an eye on BBC4 because they sometimes put on docs using TOGWT footage and such late on in the night.

[quote name='gjones' timestamp='1492249839' post='3278942'] At the local Womans institute, old people's care home, open mic night, go busking. It doesn't have to be a support slot with a reformed Led Zeppelin (although that would be cool) [/quote] I've done two out of your four choices but I ain't telling which ones. @ OP - If you feel you are turning your back on your mates, I understand. I think you might have little choice however and it is a common enough scenario for the territory. Take 'em out for a curry night and let them down gently. Good mates will tolerate a lot as long as you don't seem to be going behind their backs or giving them the opportunity to respond before the event. Good luck. It's nice to hear of people who want to make the effort.