Grassie

I actually like solo bass. I think that anyone who can take an instrument as "background" as the bass guitar, and proceed to absolutely tear up the rule book and show traditionalists what is possible on such an instrument, should be applauded, not slagged off. I've seen some of Victor's other stuff, and I'm not the biggest fan of the cilicky-clack stuff - his version of "Norwegian Wood" is beautiful up to the clickyness, but you cannot dismiss the guy's ability. In a lot of people's eyes, the bass guitar should be played in a supporting role - heard but not seen. Imagine what the world of music would be like if we all thought that way, you lot would have nothing to argue about... Players like Wooten, Mark King, Michael Manring, Jaco, Marcus Miller, Mick Karn are all trailblazers, and my world is all the better for it. And I dig his beard.

As a fan of more "traditonal" looking basses (Fender, MM, Gibsons), but also a fan of more "high-tech" offerings by the like of Dingwall, Sei and, in particular, Status (I would sell my left nut for a MK1 Kingbass) I believe that Dingwall have got this particular P "clone" absolutely spot on. If Status had stuck to the headless, angular look of the original Series 2000 from the 80's, they probably wouldn't sell a lot of basses in 2012. This is because (unfortunately) the aesthetics of an instrument are sometimes more important to a player than how the instrument actually sounds. If the bloke from Embrace turned up for a rehearsal with a Series 2 headless in FPPR and adorned with LED's in the neck, it's not going to look right, is it? But because he likes the technology involved in graphite necks, the stability of graphite with regards to touring (the neck is going to stay the same in humid eastern countries as it would in, say, Leeds) and the sound from a modern EQ system, coupled with a retro look, perfect for a more traditional "rock" band, then why would he want to play anything else? Same with the Dingwall - some of their "original" designed basses would look totally out of place in a more trad setting, and players are acutely aware of this, so why shouldn't Sheldon Dingwall diversify his range to cater for that type of player? It's ridiculous to suggest otherwise. As much as artistry goes into his basses, Mr. Dingwall is a businessman, who (as one member has already pointed out) has found a niche in[i] his [/i]market for this type of bass. There are hundreds of cars on the market that look incredibly similar to other manufacturer's vehicles, but so what? Hats off to him. If you don't like the look of it, then don't look at it. I want one...

Right, At the mo, I and my band are rehearsing rock covers by bands we love, doing songs that you may remember but don't usually see other bands playing (Terrorvision, Manics, Foos, Feeder etc.) Rather than playing the obvious stuff, we're going for album tracks and some fun covers. We seem to have settled on the name "Pump Action Sunshine" which, if I had to describe our setlist in three words, that would be it. We have myself on the bass guitar, Mr. Jason Blowman on guitar and Mr. Graham Rose on the drums. Hopefully we'll be ready to go out by early spring and start putting a smile on peoples faces! Alternatively you can also check out my electronica project "Bonneville" at [url="http://www.soundcloud.com/bonneville"]www.soundcloud.com/bonneville[/url]. Not "bass-centric" in the slightest, nor is it particularly difficult to listen to, but it's me getting my Vince Clark head on and it's something that I love doing. Great thread by the way!

Same as mine. Except mine has a rosewood board. And is a Mexican, not American. So not the same really... Still a lovely bass though. God, I love a nice Jazz...

The thing is, the muso's in your audience will probably be more impressed if you can get a nice sound out of a supposedly "inferior" bass, than getting a nice sound out of a re-badged bass that's supposed to sound nice anyway because it's got the right logo on it. If that makes sense...

First band I played in had two girl singers. It was 1998. the Spice Girls still had a career. When I joined, "Wannabe" was already in the set list. I voiced my concerns that it probably wouldn't go down to well in some of the more "select" venues. Sure enough, first time we played it, everyone in the pub was like this at the end.. That song survived two more gigs before it was dropped. All I remember about playing that song is trying not to make eye contact with any of the punters, and dying inside...

They left out (or ignored) the great Mick Karn and the perhaps less great but fellow bassist Paul Gray. Knobs. [url="http://www.rollingstone.com/music/photos/2011-in-memoriam-20111221"]http://www.rollingstone.com/music/photos/2011-in-memoriam-20111221[/url]

I thought it was the frontman's[i] job [/i]to front the band, not the bassist's. Anyway, there's only one Manic's song you need and that's "Faster".

I had a '96 Jazz Deluxe V with string-thru and it was great. Sold it a few years ago (to fund a new amp), bought a Mex 4 string (non string-thru) and it sounds as good as the Deluxe. Go figure...

[quote name='billyapple' timestamp='1321814662' post='1443411'] Now polishing up a bit with 'Mer' car polish [/quote] I use Mer to clean my frets, brings 'em up a treat!

[quote name='NancyJohnson' timestamp='1321793141' post='1443030'] for my sins I actually liked Def Leppard, [/quote] So did I. "Hysteria" is a groundbreaking album. There - I said it.

Mark King is another. And my nine year old is a leftie, but plays drums with a kit set up for a righty.

Never tie your shoelace in a revolving door.

Always liked the look of a the trans teal with a white pearloid plate. Having said that, I think you should restore it to it's original scheme. Your bass will appreciate that, and reward you with tone and sexyness.

I think the guy with the green-pointy-whammy-8string is particularly scary. I can't believe anyone would think this was good. Now, don't get me wrong, I love a bit of slap (even though I can't do it for love nor money), but there doesn't seem to be any merit in playing like that whatsoever. The tone of those two just grate. A cacophony of sh*te.

Just watched this. Only just managed to watch all the way through. Apologies if it's been posted before... [url="http://www.notreble.com/buzz/2011/10/19/casiopea-vs-the-square-eccentric-games/"]http://www.notreble.com/buzz/2011/10/19/casiopea-vs-the-square-eccentric-games/[/url]

[quote name='AntLockyer' timestamp='1319107839' post='1409928'] The chances are I'd be replaced on any album by a good session musician anyway [/quote] Could be worse - you could be replaced by the guitarist's untalented, overweight 17 year old son like Michael Anthony was. Now[i] that's [/i]a kick in the teeth... Still, imagine having to live up to 33 years of classic rock, knowing that you weren't even born for the first half of it.

[quote name='E sharp' timestamp='1318484381' post='1402668'] TBF , I've always called them that , and so has every muso I've ever worked with . [/quote] Erm...so have I. Are we knobs yet?

"Did you start playing the bass because it's easier to learn than a guitar?" "What's the difference between a guitar and a bass guitar then?" Knobs.

+ 1 for singlecuts. They always remind me of a sperm whale, especially that Warwick Thumb SC. Speaking of Warwicks, isn't the Dolphin the same as the Reverso, just with the corners sharpened? Still an awful, lazy design though.

"Can we do "2 4 6 8 Motorway?" No, f*** off.

[quote name='zac362' timestamp='1317938249' post='1396569'] glad you had a good rehearsal mate, and its always nice when you hear your bass, and it just sound exactly how you wanted it all being well i should be getting a GK mb500 head soon, so i hope i have the same results as you. [/quote] GK have created a mighty fine amp. I don't know what their heads are like with other cabs though. I'm sure you'll have a great sound whatever you put it through. [quote name='Delberthot' timestamp='1317956845' post='1396681'] I've done a lot or reading up on these and that was the last piece of info I needed so it looks like its a go [/quote] I did a lot of research too. Lots of reviews, youtube, and Harmony Central. The main selling points for me were the price (I paid £480) and the weight. At 16kg, when I first picked it up, I had to check that it had speakers in it. All my previous amps have been extremely heavy, and I've suffered with my back since the age of 20 (I'm 36 now) so neodymium is my new best friend. The only downside with the MB210 is the hiss when the HF horn is on, but to be fair, I found that it can sound a bit [i]too[/i] bright when it's engaged, so I just switch it off... I'm sure you'll love yours too!

Thanks guys, it's been a good evening! Graham (the drummer) is a good fit - plays well (for someone who originally stated he was "rusty" after not playing for a few years) and is a nice bloke too. No egos in this band. The shift patterns might be a problem but I think we can work around it as he does permanent nights (4 on 4 off) and I do earlies and lates (Monday to Friday). We're not in too much of a rush to get gigging (yet) so we're just going to have to take every opportunity to rehearse and book our gigs around Graham. It's all cool. [quote name='Delberthot' timestamp='1317922355' post='1396368'] Quality - let me know how you get on with the Gallien combo. That's what I'm looking at getting [/quote] As for the GK, well, when I first got it, I was worried that it wasn't going to be loud enough.... how wrong was I? That is one powerful, clear sounding combo. Even with a set of dying strings on my jazz bass, it still managed to cut through like nothing I've played through before. The bottom end is quite monstorous for a 2 x 10 and, at 16kg, will not break my back! And it looks sexy too... I am a happy bunny.

So, after searching for a drummer for what seems like forever (3 months actually) I have our first rehearsal later tonight. We are a three piece doing rock covers (Feeder, Manics, Foos, Kasabian etc.) and hopefully we'll get our own stuff going in the new year. Ironically, the drummer works for the same company as me, except different department and different shift, and has basically been sat under my nose for 3 months while I've been scouring every other corner of the Isle of Wight for a decent drummer! And tonight I'll get to use my new Gallien Krueger MB210 combo for the first time too, in a band setting...so could be an interesting evening!

[quote name='Grant' timestamp='1317745757' post='1394066'] I'm 36 and ever the optimist. If Seasick Steve can "make it" at 60+, then there's hope for all of us... Can't believe no one's mentioned him. [/quote] DOH!