ezbass

That extends beyond pick players too, Geddy and Entwistle spring to mind. I started with 2mm picks, using my guitarist brain that thicker picks give a more pleasing tone and I still think that for guitar this applies, at least to my ears. However, since then, I reduced the gauge I used until I was down to .73mm, not least due to Bobby Vega’s use of that gauge and using the rounder corner. Although it does add a sharper attack, it does make the bass punch through, whilst still retaining good low end. This might be desirable if you have a guitarist who insists on a low end heavy tone.* I still mess about with other gauges, but I don’t stray too far above the .73 (never lower), a Dunlop Jazz 3 being about as heavy as I’ll go. I was wondering what Chris Squire used, he being one of the more famous pick users and a Google search revealed a Herco Flex 75, which, despite the name, is apparently around the 1mm mark. *I’d be inclined to put a sticker over his EQ section that says, “You already have a bass player.”

Turning the pick around to use the rounder corners will also soften the attack.

I have to say that I’m really enjoying the single coil setting on my shorty Ray. It’s placement just behind the lower half of a P pickup seems perfect when the more nasal, standard Ray tone isn’t quite full enough. Not much in the way of single coil buzz either.

Both mine were/are fine as was the off the peg Jake I had for a while.

I wanted to minimise the marks on my fretless. I liked them so much, I fitted them on the fretted basses too.

Ian is very much like Scott after way too much coffee and with a trans-Atlantic accent. Killer player too.

Pencil - check Digital rule - check Wire clippers - check Dog paw - er… check Whatever you used, quality result.

Ped nails the very definition of the P bass tone. Having seemingly moved to short scale basses in the last year or so, I can confidently say that my JMJ Mustang (which sounds just like my old ‘63 P) and shorty ‘Ray (the series/single/parallel switch is super useful) cover all the fretted tones I usually need. A short ‘Ray fretless added to the pack would see me complete.

Great playing, great tone. Passive ‘Ray FTW.

This was the tuning method de jour back before electronic tuners became widely available. It was either that or the awfulness that are/were pitchpipes.

Sugar Sugar - The Archies

The only bass I still have reservations about letting go (regret seems too strong a word) is my old ‘Ray5. I bought it 2nd hand and eventually sold it back to the seller when he enquired about it.

Patrice starts to shut up shop, just as Guitar Guitar takes the brand on.

Cold As Ice - Foreigner

Perhaps try wiring the p/up directly to the jack socket. That’ll certainly highlight if the circuit is lacking. Even bypassed you’re still going through some parts of it.

Coo! That’s a great weight for any MM, let alone a fiver.

I Can’t Drive 55 - Sammy Hagar

Just as well as they probably don’t mean anything anyway. Outboard, river Bluetail, tailfly Luther, in time Dood'ndoodit, dah, d't-d't-dah

Bad Bad Leroy Brown - Jim Croce

Rocco Prestia endorsed a good many products: Fender, ESP, Conklin, SWR, TC Electronics…

I used to play this in a blues band I was in many years ago. I always liked playing Tommy’s lines, his ability to just sit behind the beat and let Stevie run amok is great and an object lesson in pocket playing. Tommy and Chris Layton are one of my favourite rhythm sections. Check out their playing with Storyville, especially the Piece of Your Soul album.

The 2022 abstinence thread is so far away in your rear view mirror, it’s a tiny speck. 😂 Amazing story, amazing friend. It’s the best colour too. Congrats.