Burns-bass

This is a great question I was asked by a new bass player wanting to explore the genre. I have to say my experience is more in the funk, soul and (ashamed to admit it) fusion side of things and so rather than fudge it I thought I'd ask you guys what you'd say the 10 top jazz albums are for someone looking to learn about the idiom - and about how to construct a solid walking line. We're talking about classic jazz, 'cool' period I guess, but some BeBop too. While I love the sound of the electric bass, these have to be records that feature an upright. The more the merrier as I'll pass the list on (and use it myself too, naturally). Links to transcriptions (not tab) would be doubly fantastic too...

Ahh, sorry - my fault for misunderstanding. Yes I’d say they are a good replacement. I left the bass on the floor in a shared space with the pin extended. It broke because it was hit with force, not because it’s partricularly fragile in any way. Carbon is really strong. Had I used a steel endpin for example the damage could have been more severe. Entirely up to you but don’t let my experiences put you off. I’d also say that the Glasser company in the States have been really helpful too when I’ve contacted them.

Great work Davebass! I’m trying to get my reading chops back (and have never really nailed Kid Charlemagne properly) so will download that next week. This is what the internet should be about!

It’s a real shame as they’re lightweight and excellent things. I’ve sent mine to the legend that is Nick A and have a replacement lined up of that doesn’t work.

Same as most vintage basses to be honest! The whole mojo thing I’ve figured out is mostly nonsense. Anyome who spends money like this on a bass like this is mad.

Wow, what a wonderful offer. PM incoming.

Hi all. I’ve got too many guitars and basses in our lounge and have been advised that o need a rack stand. There are so many out there, what would you recommend?

Hi. Sorry, I’d missed this! You can see a couple of pictures here... I wouldn’t know where to start with fixing it, to be honest.

See how Brexit goes I reckon.

Hi all, short story is a guy in my office snapped the endpin on my bass. It was laid on the floor and he walked by and did it. It was an accident. It’s a Glasser unit and retails for about £60 (https://m.thomann.de/gb/glasser_carbon_bass_endpin.htm) I could buy another unit entirely, but I thought I’d see if anyone here had a 10mm carbon (or any material) endpin for sale? Oh and before anyone says, the guy has done a lot of favours for me over the years and while this is annoying, I’m not going to get upset or demand he fix it because it was a genuine accident and partially my fault for leaving it on the floor in a communal space.

There was one last weekend (and they seem to appear regularly). I don't know whether they're blanket offers, or ones for selected sellers, but I sold an NS design bass and paid just £1, which I was well happy with.

People seemingly buy and sell gear as a hobby. The item itself is less important than the thrill of purchase and the excitement of expectation. Perhaps were realising that having more and more gear is a distraction, and that we should spend more time playing and lesss time browsing? I know I should! I’d also echo the thoughts here that some of the gear is priced very highly. I always assume a typical retail markup is about 30% and take this off to give me a guide for private sales. It’s a crude metric, but it helps. When I see vintage Fenders on here priced the same as you’d pay in a London shop I’m always surprised. I personally know that a dealer like Andy Baxter spends a huge amount of time - and a reasonable amount of money too - documenting the history of his basses, and of course buying through a shop gives you significant amounts of consumer protection.

Looks nice. I bought a 70s fretless jazz from Dave once - wonderful bass. I still have the flight case in the loft (and have tried selling it, but novody wants something so heavy!).

Love Richard Thompson. My dad introduced me to his music years ago but never thought of playing along... stupid me!

Good recommendations everyone, really appreciate it.

Good recommendation. I enjoyed that

Ahh I should have said, Tom Waits is on the list! That album (and Closing Time) are absolute solid classics and I love playing them.

Hi all... I’m appealing to the collective knowledge. I play upright at home and while my wife (and kids) don’t like walking bass to Standards too much, they love it when I play a bit of Norah Jones, Gregory Porter, John Martyn etc. Just wondering what examples of tasteful upright playing there are out there that I could add to my practice regime that won’t upset the wife and kids.

Someone else would have said it at some stage, I guess. My point was that these guys become first-call for a reason - they've established a formidable reputation. It would be impossible to brand themselves without this, which makes the whole task difficult for the OP. As I said, I'm just offering what I hope is constructive and helpful feedback to help the project, not to be a smart derrière or know it all (because I certainly don't).

This isn't technically true. Some session bassists are brands (Will Lee, Pino Palladino etc.) but they develop their brand through years of playing and exposure, not because they simply tell people they're great.