Burns-bass

Plays amazing, looks amazing, sounds amazing and took a few years to save up for. And the paintwork is utterly destroyed so, as my dad pointed out, is pretty much worthless and I should take it all off and start again.

(Firstly, move this if it’s interesting he wrong category - I couldn’t figure out what was right). I’ve been asked to record some backing basslines and share them as MP3s with some band mates. I’ve got some super gear but no idea what I need to do this. I’ve got a nice MacBook with GarageBand and an iPad Pro, so guessing either of these would be fine. I’ll be recording an electric upright bass through a Fishman preamp, or 60s jazz which has quite low output pickups. Budget wise I don’t want to spend huge amounts. It’s a bit of fun during lockdown. Links to things I can buy is best.

Dragging this back to the topic in hand, I’ve found that practicing in front of a mirror has done wonders for my left hand technique. It may sound weird but you can see the position of your elbow, your fingers and even the thumb too. (Think this was a Geoff tip, can’t remember) I’ve also found being conscious to get the right thumb position has improved my fingering too. I’m actually a fan of the Simandl book as I like the way the exercises build on one another, but I can see why they may be frustrating (and in some places not musical).

I only had a 60s jazz for about 10 years. Now I have added one more jazz to the pile and the I’ll thought out Shuker.

I built a Jaco replica bass from a 68 body and a 70s neck. Fitted it with Wizard pickups and vintage hardware and it was amazing. Sold it a decade ago and still miss it.

The US Fenders are, in my opinion, worth the additional price over a Mexican jazz bass. The components are better, the build quality higher, you get a hard case and the resale value is better. Mexican jazz basses are brillint but even US ones justify their premium. Previously they didn’t as they were awful!

I don’t entirely understand what you mean! Current Mexican Jazz basses are great (I’ve had two) but I was so impressed with the Special run Fenders (I forget the model) that I bought one. I also tried out US standard fenders and they’re fantastic instruments now. This is my view etc etc. The Player Series are exceptional entry level basses but personally I’d say they would need nodding and upgrading if I were to gig one regularly.

The current models are actually very well made basses.

I once had a Wotsit that was just a big lump of cheesy seasoning. Nearly blew my head off.

I just remembered a couple. A Wal pro in 2005 for £850. A mint condition 1970 Precision bass for £900 (the guy even dropped it off at my office), a 1978 Mustang for £150, a 74 Jazz for £600 (sold that to a guy in the states for £1500), and a 1968 Jazz bass for £900. There are a couple of regret. A 64 jazz bass refinished in Olympic white for £2000, a 1978 Musicman stingray for £500 and a 70s 4001 Ricky for £650. Plus the 78 jazz I sold for £750 in 2005.

I’ve seen that done. Very cool.

I once bought a near mint condition Hiwatt DR103 which I then sold for £1,500, which is the best real return I’ve ever made on a piece of music gear. In terms of the best deal, I got a 66 candy apple red jazz that I love with all my heart and have played for 17 years for £3,000. It was expensive at the time and took me years to save for and I still consider it my best musical friend. I used it record a few albums and gig all over Europe.

What a tone that guy gets out of his bass...

One more fan here. Not used the videos much recently, but when I was starting and could only meet my teacher once a fortnight they were brilliant. Will check them out for some inspiration!