leftybassman392

[quote name='AndyMartin' post='513540' date='Jun 14 2009, 08:03 PM']The OP has been given plenty of reasons by various posters why he found one combo apparently louder than the other and seems to be ignoring it all. To say one combo "blew away" the other is a totally subjective statement and is entirely dependant on what he regards as a desirable bass sound.[/quote] Got to say I was thinking along those lines myself.

Unless I've missed something, nobody's asked this one yet: which did you prefer? While I'm at it, is it just me or does anyone else think we're not really getting anywhere? Don't get me wrong, it's a very interesting discussion and all, but........ I dunno..... what does the OP think so far?

[quote name='leftybassman392' post='513275' date='Jun 14 2009, 01:10 PM']I agree - voicing, for example, is just as important. The gear being used by the rest of the band is also likely to be a factor - in a recording environment amps are chosen and balanced so that they occupy as little as possible of each other's acoustic 'space'. It could be that the Hartge's voicing just sits better in the band mix.[/quote] Something else I meant to mention - speaker efficiency. Speakers waste most of their energy as heat (otherwise we'd all be strutting our stuff with improbably loud 40 watt amps - and guitarists would be making their audiences' ears bleed with 15 watt monsters ). I seem to remember reading somewhere that aluminium cones are a bit more efficient. In an otherwise identical setup, ali coned units would therefore be louder (as in actually louder, not just seeming louder because of a different character).

[quote name='Stylon Pilson' post='513249' date='Jun 14 2009, 12:25 PM']Comparing bass amps by wattage is like comparing cars by top speed, or computers by GHz, or cameras by megapixels. It's not a universal measure of goodness - it's just one factor of many. S.P.[/quote] I agree - voicing, for example, is just as important. The gear being used by the rest of the band is also likely to be a factor - in a recording environment amps are chosen and balanced so that they occupy as little as possible of each other's acoustic 'space'. It could be that the Hartge's voicing just sits better in the band mix.

[quote name='Bay Splayer' post='513189' date='Jun 14 2009, 10:53 AM']at a recent rehearsal i played the same songs on the same bass through two different combo amps set 1: Ashdown MAG C115-300..... [u][b]300 watts [/b][/u](RMS) through 15" speaker set 2: Hartke A100..... [u][b]100 watts [/b][/u](RMS) through 15" speaker the Hartke absolutely blew the Ashdown away, despite having only a third of the wattage! howcome? [/quote] At the risk of sounding anal, can you specify what you mean by 'blew away'? Are we talking volume? Tone? Projection? Approval of other band members? Could be any of quite a few things. You may know already that the amp/speaker interface is an incredibly complex relationship - not to mention the differences in the individual units. You haven't said anything about settings on the amps. I suspect this will either run and run - or die a quick death.

[quote name='Johngh' post='512400' date='Jun 12 2009, 07:54 PM']I've had a Sei Flamboyant 6er and also had a Shuker 6er made. I've got to say the Shuke is incredible value for money and just as good as the Sei for a fraction of the cost. I don't really know how Jon Shuker does it. Just my opinion of course. [/quote] I have to say I was very impressed by the ones I saw - I didn't realise they were so much cheaper than the SEI's. Time for a closer look methinks!

[quote name='whynot' post='512151' date='Jun 12 2009, 02:33 PM']I think if I went custom again for a jazz type it would be with Shuker, being uk based and first class workmanship/service.[/quote] The Shukers I saw did look structurally very similar to some of the SEI models (In fact at first glance I thought they were SEI's). How do they compare?

Just thought I'd drop in this Wikipedia article I found. It's long, a bit technical and doesn't have much to do with playing bass, but it does give lots of detail about the social, historical and scientific backdrop to being left handed. Read if you can be bothered or can't sleep. If not, you'll live anyway (just not quite as long....). [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Left_handedness"]Follow this link for more about your 'affliction'[/url]

[quote name='whynot' post='511494' date='Jun 11 2009, 06:12 PM']Your ok. Only joking about having it back. I'm very happy with the Shuker that replaced it, although must confess to having an itch for a 5 string jazz type. I tend to be taking a Jazz deluxe 4 on most gigs at the moment. I can't phone Martin as anytime I speak to the guy or go into the Gallery I order another bass. Not healthy.[/quote] So you won't want to hear that he's got a Lefty Jazz 5 in stock at the mo. Not sure if I should be telling you this anyhow cos i've kinda taken a fancy to it myself Do like the look of the Shukers tho'. Roger Inniss is a friend of a friend, and he showed me his sixes last time I met him. Nice! (Don't think I could deal with 6 strings though - 5's plenty for me right now.)

[quote name='steve-soar' post='511449' date='Jun 11 2009, 05:27 PM']So you got that lovely walnut Sei, with the blue LED's? Nice one. [/quote] Yup. If you've played it you won't need telling what a beauty it is.

BTW Steve, current evidence on handedness is actually inconclusive, but the general consensus is that it is at least partly genetic. Not trying to be argumentative - just trying to have an intelligent debate, so please don't take it personally. Try this:- [url="http://www.psychologistworld.com/influence_personality/handedness.php"]Recent research[/url] Andy

[quote name='whynot' post='511235' date='Jun 11 2009, 02:33 PM']I think I should add to this thread but appears to have all been said. I tend to agree with Steve that a dedicated lefty thread (other than the excellent idea of the l/h basses for sale thread) is not necessary. There are already other sites that cover the issues very well I think, leftybass.com and various ongoing threads on Talkbass as example. Having said that there is (what I hope) a minority on here who just don't get what being left handed is all about. In a recent thread where a regular contributor on Basschat commented that he believed left handed instruments should not be produced. It's that kind of ignorance that makes you think we should have our own community. Leftybassman392 did buy my SEI I believe so I won't dismiss the idea completely, in case I ever try to buy it back.[/quote] Hey! Good to hear from you again. The SEI has worked out really well for me - what a lovely instrument. Actually it's at The Bass Gallery right now getting some minor work done. Martin asked if I could remember your details. Unfortunately I have the memory of a goldfish for that kind of stuff so I forgot. Sorry! You might care to give him a call when you get some time. Oh, and no, you can't have it back... it's mine, d'ya hear... mine I tells ya!

Concilliatory gesture: I still think there is a good case for a non-exclusive Lefty Forum (and please don't anyone take it personally but I still haven't heard a convincing argument against it). However I'm content to have raised the profile a bit so that it can be properly aired. If it turns out that the consensus is against it, then I'll accept the group's decision without whingeing. If anyone does want to chat about Lefty stuff though................................ I'm thinking about a career in politics btw - maybe I could stand as a Monster Raving Loony Lefty candidate! Couldn't be any worse than the current shower.

[quote name='steve-soar' post='510766' date='Jun 10 2009, 11:51 PM']Hi leftybassman, I also teach and so far, non of my students have been left handed and as Tomboy has said, a lot of my students find looking at a mirror image of their fingerboard helpful. Can you tell me some of the issues you have faced as a lefty bassist?[/quote] I was going to go to bed but couldn't resist responding to this post. In the spirit of intelligent debate I will make just a couple of points (think of it as your starter for 10): 1. Instruments - where to buy decent gear; and why we need to pay more for it or else pay vast sums to have it specially made for us. 2. For those of us who teach and who take our job seriously - how to spot and respond when students are properly left handed (quite a big topic, this one); and how to deal with right handed colleagues and fellow players who don't seem able to understand why we can't all just be like them, cos wouldn't it make life so much easier? That do you for now? Nighty night fellow travellers.

[quote name='tombboy' post='510759' date='Jun 10 2009, 11:32 PM']What point? Since I appear to be the only poster since your comment who is right handed, how have I reinforced your 'point'. I was just trying to continue the level of humour that some left handed contributors in this thread started. I offer my apologies if you have mis-construed my posts. I'm not Nick Griffin. Personally, I would love to take lessons from a left handed tutor as it would be a mirror image for me..... just an observation and not a derogative comment. [/quote] Ahem... I haven't misconstrued you and I wasn't only talking about your post. Dude, please try to read everything that's actually there before passing comment. I'm trying to engage in a constructive and intelligent debate. I have no intention of engaging in a pissing contest. It's now past my bedtime so I'm off for the night. To be continued hopefully.....

Just so we're clear, I'm not on a crusade (whatever it might look like) and I'm not trying to marginalise myself or anybody else. I've taught guitar and bass as a leftie for around 15 years and I'm comfortable with it - surprisingly, students (especially kids) often don't even notice until I point it out. I'm not going to go and sulk if I don't get my way - I'll deal with it in a mature way..................................................................maybe All I'm asking for is somewhere that we (and anybody else who cares to) can discuss some of the many issues we face as left handed musicians. Somebody care to tell me what's wrong with that? Come to think of it, the responses I've had since I posted the comment kind of make my point for me.

[quote name='tombboy' post='510731' date='Jun 10 2009, 10:55 PM']The reason that proportionate sales of left handed equipment does not equal the percentage of lefty society is because most lefties try to adapt to right handed gear. Supply & demand etc, it's not rocket science.[/quote] Yeah, I know

I guess that now's the time to reveal myself as the other party to the original discussion with Josh. I've watched the conversation develop with keen interest, but have so far avoided trying to influence it beyond expressing support - I haven't been here as long as most of you, and don't want to be seen as an agitator. However I do believe passionately that being left handed is different, despite the subtle but enormous pressure to conform. Sorry to anyone right handed who's reading this (and I'm not trying to be mean or patronising), but you really do have to be left handed to properly understand it. 2 simple examples to underline how pervasive the pressure is:- firstly a thought about language: the Latin word for Left is Sinister; while the Latin word for Right is Dexter (so for example the literal interpretation of 'dexterity' is 'right handedness' while 'ambidextrous' translates as 'right handed both sides')...or perhaps you prefer French (Adroit - literally 'on the right' and Gauche - literally 'Left') second, the prevalence of right handed tools and artefacts all around us - musical instruments for instance - that's out of all proportion to the number of naturally left handed people amongst the general population. Try this - if you go onto eBay's guitars section you'll typically find around 40,000 entries, but when you search on the word 'left' you typically get around 400...approximately 1%, and yet research has shown that around 10% of the UK population is naturally left handed. Or try this; I wonder how many people even know that you can actually buy a left handed piano - Google it for yourself if you don't believe me. To make matters worse, right handed people have an annoying habit of taking the piss when you try to have a serious conversation about it, mostly because they don't really get it. I note the way the conversation is going, and I fully respect the decisions people are taking. But I'm kinda disappointed all the same. Here's hoping, Andy Kerr

[quote name='thedonutman' post='508442' date='Jun 8 2009, 06:49 PM']Hey guys, I decided to go for the RGT bass exam, and I should be doing it this month/next month. Basically one of the sections (other than playing scales, arpeggios, bass patterns, improv and ear tests) is a choice between Sight reading (I don't know who in their right mind would choose to do this ) or solo bass. According to the book I have to play a piece or a series of excerpts that showcase either fingerstyle, plectrum playing, fretless or slap bass. I assume it means you can only pick one. Has anyone done the exam or have any idea of what level of piece is required? I was thinking of doing something like a bit of Teen Town if I'm doing fingerstyle. Or something like Scoop or Power by Marcus Miller if I'm doing slap. Maybe a bit of "Heart of the Sunrise" if I do pickstyle? My exam could be very soon, and although I do know bits of all of those songs I don't know how quickly I could nail it. If the piece doesn't need to be that hard to get to get decent marks then I'd rather play something easier perfectly then try to show off and mess up.[/quote] Hi there. I'm an RGT registered tutor. You've probably seen the following statement already, but just in case you haven't, it reads as follows:- Solo Bass style (Grade 8) - "The candidate should give a confident and musical performance, showing advanced technical ability on the instrument. The performance should be imaginative and demonstrate versatility, accuracy, fluency and articulation." (I take it you've already read the general blurb about the Solo Bass style section so I won't repeat it here. If you haven't read it recently though, it might be a good idea to give it a quick read before continuing.) This section is marked according to several criteria, of which technique is only one (albeit an important one). If for example you choose to do a slap piece, you will need to show a pretty thorough grasp of the theory and practice of the style. That means being able to talk about it as well as being able to play it. Any single piece you choose should allow you the opportunity to demonstrate a good range of appropriate techniques. (A single technical aspect played lots of times, however difficult and however fast, is unlikely to impress the examiner much.) For this reason, some people opt to choose extracts from several pieces in different styles. When you're looking at the 'advanced technical ability' part, try not to forget that the examiner is also looking at the 'confident and musical performance' part. What that means in practice is that a big technique on it's own won't be enough to score well. Try to take a balanced approach, so that you come up with something that is technically difficult, but which also allows you to show off your qualities as a musician. Try to pick something that works well as a solo piece (or pieces) - remember, it's an unaccompanied performance. Oh, and don't get obsessed with speed - however fast you play, chances are the examiner has already seen somebody faster in the last week or two. Hope this helps, Good luck with the exam. Andy Kerr (AK1216)