risingson

[quote name='neilmiddlemass' post='523803' date='Jun 25 2009, 03:58 PM']Okay, so I've actually got 2 questions. Firstly, I'm looking at buying a new bass at the moment and leaning towards one of 2 very different beasts. I mainly play in function bands and use my bass to play all different styles, so I need something which is tonally versatile. However, I'm also looking for something which is a bit distincitive too. I like a punchy, throaty sound and so am leaning towards the Warwick Thumb 5 at the moment. I also really love the sound (and look) of the old Fender Jazz basses, and like the idea of the MM signature 5. I've heard that these are a bit of a one-trick pony and that without all the modulators, compressors and effects they're left a little wanting. Anyone played both these basses? Anyone got any other suggestions? Don't really want to go too much about the £2k mark and definitely not above £2.5k. That brings me on to my 2nd question... I've got a Warwick FNA Jazzman 5 at the moment - about 5 years old, been well played and has a few marks on it. Everything else is fine with it. How much is this worth now? I think I paid about £1,200 for it. It's flamed maple body, wenge fingerboard, gold hardware, BO neck. Any thoughts welcome, thanks![/quote] I would argue (and I think I'm about to be met with quite a bit of disagreement, but I don't mind) that the Warwicks sound like Warwicks, and are a bit of a one trick pony. Not to say they're bad basses, but I would say that they're not as versatile. The necks are hit or miss with some people as well. I like them for short periods of time, but I think the finish on them would start to get me a bit worked up after a while. Having said that I still want a Streamer Stage I sooner or later. They're total tone machines to my ears. Fenders have got it all in spades IMO, and are my favoured style of bass, whether it be an actual Fender, or a Lakland or Sadowsky or whatever, and can do pretty much all things well. At the end of the day though, they're two totally different styles of basses, so try 'em both and see what you prefer.

I badly wanted the '62 reissue Jazz from there: [url="http://www.mansons.co.uk/shopping/categories/fender-bass-guitars/fender/custom-shop-1962-reissue-jazz-bass-closet-classic/zoomimage-1.html"]http://www.mansons.co.uk/shopping/categori...oomimage-1.html[/url] But I think it's been sold now!! Grrr

[quote name='wateroftyne' post='523175' date='Jun 24 2009, 11:55 PM']I plug it in, leave everything flat and see what it's like. If need be, I'll give the bass, mid & treble a nudge here and there. I avoid the para EQ though. It's for rocket scientists.[/quote] +1 taking into consideration the room also

That's good to know because I'm about to order 3 pairs from them for a 2 week tour.

[quote name='thisnameistaken' post='522922' date='Jun 24 2009, 08:23 PM']Is it just me who doesn't like maple with blocks? It seems 99% of the blocked boards I see are maple, but I think rosewood + MoP looks loads nicer.[/quote] I do, but not black blocks, I personally think it looks a bit daft. Pearl looks a ton better. I like the new colour all the same, it's got that mid 70's Fender vibe I love. Black pickguard over sunburst = brilliant IMO.

[quote name='skillbass' post='522792' date='Jun 24 2009, 06:08 PM']Cheers Liam, some good advice tnx. I admit i am not great at scales, and that stuff eventhough my dad sais its inportant. I will try and do more, like you say with doing other stuff too. I mainly play along to songs I like. I like alot of pop stuff like the killers, amy winehouse, but I am begining to like jazz and soul more now after listening to more of my dads music he plays me. Illtry and add a song me and my dad did the other day so you can see how good I am. Zak[/quote] No problemo. You're playing sounds good, and you're not overplaying and overstepping. A nice way you can work on timing when playing slap is with a metronome, and obviously playing with good drummers like your dad. Scales I know are a bore when you just start out with them but I actually find them incredibly fun after a while, and there is so much that can be done with them too. Stick at it!

Great playing, but definitely a complete Jaco clone!

[quote name='Josh' post='522274' date='Jun 24 2009, 03:36 AM']I do teach quite a few young guys and few experieced guys as well and have been confronted with quite an array of attitudes towards learning and towards what they know, a few displayed similar traits to skillbass, but beyond talking about his ability he has displayed a bad attitude in general. I do apologise for saying it, but having confronted similar players to skillbass, the attitude does tend to grate my paitence, eventually it passes and we move on and then when things start getting fun. If skillbass is willing to take the advice already without the wiseguy attitude then Im more than willing to contribute to his growth as a musician. Again Ill apologise for the statement, but skillbass, please try approach the advice with a more receptive and respectful attitude, even if your ability isn't the best, having respect for the advice your given will always make you someone other musicians will want to work with because they know your ready to take what they say on board.[/quote] I was of a similar attitude to this guy when I was his age so I know how he feels I suppose. I would agree he has to approach advice without being flippant about it, but it must be hard having to trawl through all the berating he's got so far. Anyhow I'm sure he'll be a bit more careful about what he posts now.

[quote name='Josh' post='522229' date='Jun 24 2009, 12:22 AM']I'm really starting to think he needs a stern hand across the back of his head.[/quote] It's nice to know that more experienced and older players like yourself would disparage such a younger player in such a fashion... you should probably think a bit more before posting comments as above. Whatever you do, don't ever become a bass teacher, it would be a terrible vocation for someone with the degree of patience you've just displayed. [quote]I have been (trying!) to learn too many complicated songs recently, like above but is pretty hard to play all the time. Has anyone any suggestions of good songs to learn that ar not too easy and not too hard?(for say a 'intermediate' player wanting to get better-like me) ps, if you think im joking 'horribleman' why would I be bothering to ask for advice? cheers Z[/quote] Look mate, ignore the guys making daft comments. You've joined a board where the kind of posts you've made are likely to cause a bit of trouble, so be a bit weary of that. I have no idea of what kind of skill you're at currently, but the stuff you've said so far suggests to me that you're still a bit younger and still learning. All things take time, and becoming a good bass player is no exception. You should challenge yourself, but don't punch above your weight (that is to say don't try tunes too hard for you!). Amongst some of the stupider posts in this thread is some really good advice, it's a shame the mods can't delete the stuff that isn't useful... but here's some stuff I'd advise looking at. 1. Scales, major, minor, modal, arpeggios, broken chords, everything. They don't have to be boring either, sit in front of the tv and practice practice practice. Get yourself a good theory book, and get practicing! They will get your ear together massively, that is to say you'll pick things up by ear a lot quicker. 2. iPod on >> shuffle >> play along. Everyone has random and embarrassing music they don't want other people to hear on their MP3 player, but if you can play what you can hear then you will be popular amongst jam bands and alike, and this is a good way of making a cheap penny when you get a bit older! 3. Get hold of cello, double bass and even tuba books and get reading! Anything with a bass clef that you can read will get you work. This shouldn't just apply to bass clef either, treble, alto, tenor, EVERYTHING, just be a monster and turn up to reading gigs completely prepared for every eventuality. 4. Just play for fun... something I'm sure you'll do already but do it all the time. Got spare time to be playing you're PS3? You could be just as easily playng your bass as well. Make sure it's all in good balance! Take care, Liam

[quote name='Kongo' post='521907' date='Jun 23 2009, 05:43 PM']If you play for long periods of time floating one finger cause you don't use it, it's gonna cause perma damage in the long run. That's 1 point.[/quote] Definitely that's something I would agree with, the long effects of bad technique on the hands. Without meaning to be purposely argumentative, the very nature of being a bass player is putting your hands in what is otherwise unnatural positionings, and as with all things, time and practice enables a person to do these things. On the basis that the original poster seemed happy enough with his technique, in spite of several suggestions to amend his unusual use of fingering, I was only really trying to point out that being content with yourself means that suggestions from other people to change your technique only go so far. There is no better thing than good technique to me as a bassist, and I've practiced long and hard to establish this, but I think it's a personal decision, and if you're in a position where you're in demand as a good player, or you're content with your playing, then it doesn't matter, as long as you're doing yourself no harm. Perhaps in any other situation i.e. if that person wanted to actively amend their technique I would have argued otherwise, but in this case I can't see it would make a massive difference. But that's just my opinion.

[quote name='Kongo' post='521896' date='Jun 23 2009, 05:34 PM']"The hook"...but remember, he was a Double Bassist turned Electric bassist and had action set about 3/4" off the last fret...Does anyone here do that? His hand strength from the double bass made him able to do this but that's in no way as comparable as omiting one finger on the fretboard. People also play with picks and use NO fingers on the picking hand...but STILL use a fair number of fingers on the fretting hand.[/quote] You've missed my point a bit again... fine if someone wants to make a conscious effort to amend a technique that they believe hinders them in someway then go for it, if they can get by and be happy with their playing then what's the point?

[quote name='skillbass' post='521483' date='Jun 23 2009, 10:15 AM']ok gys thanks. Sorry im not the best tiper but ill try to spell better... (My dad always said he would prefer me to be a better musician than academick!) Anyway I am trying to learn this song my dad always plays.. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_IKkMi_Yds&feature=related"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_IKkMi_Yds...feature=related[/url] never heard of the player(dont really like it!..) but he says it would be good to lern. I find it v hard t be honest! any tips?[/quote] Listen to what you like, not what your dad likes

[quote name='SteveK' post='521334' date='Jun 23 2009, 12:15 AM']I really don't want to labour the point here...but, I suggest that Leland Sklar is successful [i]in spite[/i] of his bad technique not [i]because of it.[/i][/quote] Oh of course... I just think there is no substitute for good musicianship, whereas there is probably quite a lot to say for a good musician with unorthodox technique. Jamerson used one finger to play on his right hand, and the man is now bass personified.

[quote name='51m0n' post='521245' date='Jun 22 2009, 10:33 PM']Please bother to write in English not text speak.[/quote] The guy is a youngish kid, give him a break. People use text speak sometimes. Skillbass, everyone starts somewhere, but I think based on your initial comments you need to be careful that self-confidence isn't confused for arrogance. It's easy to be competitive at you're presumed age, but do some research into your instrument and note that most of the big guys that you might aspire to be like are generally guys who take stock and play supportive roles. You do that, practice hard and I'm sure you'll be a good bassist. Advice and support from your dad is great and a cool ego-boost, but try your best to learn from fellow musicians and by yourself too, be your own person. Get yourself in a band I would advise would be the next step for you, learn about band politics, and how much girls like good bass players It's all well and good being a bedroom player, but being in a band will get you learning faster. Get in a big band if you can and get your music reading together, that's also an invaluable skill. And most of all just enjoy it Liam

Bakithi Kumalo learnt how to play the bass that way! He still does it from time to time when he plays with Paul Simon, until Paul turns around to look at him and he'll quickly switch back!!

[quote name='Josh' post='521038' date='Jun 22 2009, 07:16 PM']Didn't know teenage bassists were so naive.[/quote] Hook, line and sinker I reckon!

Standard gauge for me! I think personally I can hear a difference in string gauge, but I don't think you're audience will notice

[quote name='SteveK' post='520757' date='Jun 22 2009, 02:13 PM']If Bay Splayer only wants to "get by", then, I'm in agreement...hopefully, he wants more than that.[/quote] You missed my original point a bit, which is that if he's happy currently, then no amount of forcing anyone to play the way they prefer because it's kinda fruitless. Plenty of good players out there that have irregular technique.

Hoho, this has got to be a windup. What's nice though is that people are actually replying with genuine answers because he's actually brought up a reasonable topic

[quote name='Stylon Pilson' post='520815' date='Jun 22 2009, 03:09 PM']My first tip would be: compliments don't count when they come from your friends or family. I think that session work would be an excellent way of finding out, from an impartial source, how good you are. S.P.[/quote] Agreed, even if I do also sense a windup. I like mum and dad being complimentary about my playing at gigs and stuff, but they're hardly impartial judges now, are they. You only have to look at some of the hopeless talent on recent TV shows to see the affect of parents having absolute faith in their children, blind sighted by their love for their kids.

Looks wicked! Pickups look great as well.

[quote name='Pete Academy' post='517811' date='Jun 18 2009, 08:43 PM']There are certain bass parts that seem quite easy to play, but when you actually learn them they just don't sound right, no matter how long you study them. For me, a prime example is 'Sex Machine'. A few simple notes, but you try to make it sound and feel like Bootsy...impossible. Another one is Steely Dan's 'Kid Charlemagne'. I've been playing this song for 12 years, and I've studied it note for note, but I can't for the life of me get it dead right. The feel is unbelievable - funk/reggae. Chuck Rainey freely admits it's probably his finest moment. Anyone else have an example of this phenomenom?[/quote] Both the songs you mentioned definitely have the stamp of the respective bass players on them, and are both really hard to cop! Sex Machine is pure stamina, and Kid Charlemagne is literally something else...

I'd disagree with everyone that has told you that you're limiting your technique by not using your middle finger, simply because if you're happy enough with using what you've got already then why does it matter? If you can get by, then it's fine. Leland Sklar, session ace with the likes of James Taylor, Toto, Phil Collins, Eric Clapton and countless other people never uses his pinky ever and claims to have awful technique, and he was/still is one of the most sought after session aces on the planet.

Actually the more I think about these things, the more I really want one!

Lennon and Harrison made good use of them during the latter years of the Beatles, especially the stuff MacCartney didn't play on.