TheRev

Ah, I wondered what those knobs on my amp were for. THANK YOU EXPERT VILLAGE!!!

[quote name='mikeh' post='72291' date='Oct 10 2007, 05:56 PM']Well after an interesting visit to my LGS today during my lunch break, he's given me a really good price on the Aria SWB so Im going for that!![/quote] Good choice sir. I've only had mine for about six months and I'm loving every minute of it. It's a bit like learning to play all over again but already knowing what you're supposed to be doing. I'm also playing more gigs and sessions than you can shake a stick at - there's something about upright bass that makes people take notice. Sweet.

More space, less notes.

The Stagg looks like a copy (licenced??) of the Aria SWB Lite - probably made in China which is why it's so stupidly cheap. I've got an Aria Swb Lite and I'm pretty happy with it. Although I can see myself wanting to upgrade in a few years time. I've no idea what the quality of Stagg stuff is - it seems good quality for the price but without trying it first there's really no way of knowing. Generally you get what you pay for so if you've got £700 to spend on an EUB, then that's what I'd do. Spending £300 may be a false economy.

I didn't hear a basss line and decide to be a bassist - I wanted to play rock music and everyone and their dog was a guitarist. The first bass line I learnt was Whole Lotta Rosie by AC/DC. The first bass line I heard that made me sit up and take notice was probably Badge by Cream.

I think light guage (35-95) strings will help as well?

How are you finding the lower output power levels of the LM 250? Can it keep up with a full band?

I'm not much of a slapper either but I find a bit of compression helps to smooth the sound out. If you have a compressor/limiter pedal, then even better. Spank on.....

£750?? You got a real bargain there, mate. Funny you should mention an end to GAS - I bought my Sterling in 2000 and it's totally ruined me for other basses, they just have no effect on me. I'd quite like a fetless one though

Just thought of two more: Danny Thompson on John Martyn's Solid Air Flea on Alanis Morrisette's You Aughta Know Both fecking amazing - they move the song along, don't get in the way and make you feel all funny.

[quote name='paul h' post='23458' date='Jun 26 2007, 11:41 AM']"everybody here wants you" - jeff buckley. not sure who the bass player was...might have been jeff, but it's a stunning bassline. simple and effective, and responsible for the key change after the middle 8. if i am ever having trouble improvising a slow groove i actually try to emulate the feel of this bassline. it works a treat. i got a huge ovation once in scruffy murphys in watford after shoe-horning this bassline into some horrible cover we were doing. one of the greatest songs ever written as well. if you disagree, then well you're wrong. [/quote] Jeff's bass player was Mick Grondahl. I love his playing, especially the bass line ot Last Goodbye - the double stops in the chorus are just perfectly placed. Beautiful.

Last Goodbye by Jeff Buckley. That pair of double stops at the end of the chorus get me every time.

I'd probably die if I didn't gig, I certainly wouldn't be happy in a hobby band where everyone just gets together to jam some tunes. I have two regularly gigging bands plus I play in jam sessions and acoustic nights. I'm pretty much a bass slut - any time with anyone. However, If someone wants to sit in a room on their own playing intricate tricksy stuff, then that's what does it for them. It doesn't make them any less of a musician than someone who plays original material is more of a musician than someone who plays covers, or vice versa. I've always considered myself as bassist rather than a musician as my music theory knowledge is abysmal but the harmonica player (a proper professional musician & teacher) in my band insists that anyone who plays a musical instrument is a musician - regardless of what form it takes.

Nice - I haven't seen one of those since WASP were strutting the stage with their exploding codpieces.

I been using a mixer/headphones set-up when I'm trying to learn a bass part from a recording - you can hear the track better, have more control over the EQ and are less prone to distraction. It's also good when I'm trying to learn a new technique - again you're less prone to distraction. Sometimes though, if I just want to play to relax then nothing beats plugging into a proper amp and annoying the neighbours.

You could try the student union? [url="http://www.uwesu.org/ez/index.php/ez_site/activities/societies/societies_list/live_music_best_event_2007"]UWE Live music society[/url] Welcome to UWE by the way. What course are you on?

Here's mine in action at the weekend. [attachment=2202:Dave_crop.jpg] Not as exotic as some of the others posted so far! It's a mid 90s Bass Collection SB301, originally fretted and now with EMG pickups and activer EQ and running on 18 volts. On the lines vs unlined debate - I was always a confirmed lines man, til I started playing EUB.. now the lines just confuse me!

Never seen 'em before but I'm intrigued by the ' impetuous metal tone' Not to mention 'The immaculacy drawthread stainless steel build' or 'the unique metal protectionpole pillar' And as for the inclusion of 'the mystical electron tube', you'd be mad not to 'buy it rapidly crazyly'

I reckon 80 quid is about right - cheap looking hardware and probably made of plywood. You gets what you pays for....

Chris As far as I'm aware, the Bass Exciter is a simply a bass specific stomp box version of the Aural Exciter, so yes, it should do the same job. Dave

I'd definitley go for a 410, given the band line up and the sort of music you play. Even though you're using the PA for most of your out front volume I think you'll find that a 210 just won't shift enough air for you to be able to hear yourself over the drummer. I'd also avoid the Laney - I've never played through one that was any use.

I bought one of the 300W heads as a back up and was pretty happy with it. Can't say I'm mad about the tone - it's a little bright for my tastes, but it seems solidly made and hasn't broken down yet, which is more than I can say for my Hartke... If it's all you can afford & you haven't got a fixed idea about 'your' sound then go for it - it'll do what you need. The only downside is the resale value, no bugger will want to buy it off you if you decide to upgrade at a later date!