lojo

When I got back into playing a few years back I brought some naff ashdown gear, thinking I didn't need anything that great as I was only aiming to do pubs/functions covers, after the first gig I hated it and traded it at a loss, since then I've been able to buy and sell 2nd hand with only minor loss, until the start of this year when I brought a TC rig, which I am pleased with and hope I use until it is retro itself I intend soon to sell a bass I've not had for long, and indeed brought a Rick last year and sold it this year, but 2nd hand value you don't lose much so I am happy trying different things out If I knew exactly what bass I would be totally happy with, I would happily spend on it, I have no other vises that cost money But I do see myself getting a top spec or vintage P bass or classic stingray that will become my ultimate instrument for the next 20 years, but for now I am enjoy trying a few lower budget ones out I see friends lose loads more on sports cars and stuff like that, obviously no one should throw money away, but if you are living within your means, its what makes the world go round, or at least the 1st world

[quote name='Musicman20' post='1018884' date='Nov 10 2010, 03:30 PM']In fact on one gig he couldn't use the Base Chopper and he had a terrible gig having to go back to the old amps: they have ordered two more."[/quote] what a pain having to play through a top end ampeg fridge, no wonder he had a bad gig

[quote name='Musicman20' post='1018411' date='Nov 10 2010, 09:38 AM']Made me realise exactly why I like Stingrays so much. Not only did it slice through the mix, it also provided that backing thump for the drums to work along to. Huge sound, and that distinctive tone just sounds even better in a live band.[/quote] Don't say that there is a really tempting lovely classic in the for sale section Glad you had a good gig, thats why you spent all the money on gear

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' post='1019054' date='Nov 10 2010, 05:31 PM']Anyone want to second this? If so I will get hold of it. Thanks PS I will send you a copy of the CD no problem.[/quote] Im in also as a basschat reading YTS boy, as soon as the book gets a bit more of a thumbs up

The reggae thing has come up in the battle of theory vs Groove saga, can you define styles relating to bass in a few words FUNK either you play a note or you don't (read that in a book) Reggae, Im sure I read at the top of a sheet of music once, "lazy feel" So, how about, Jazz, Rock etc..

[quote name='Bilbo' post='1018408' date='Nov 10 2010, 09:35 AM']I think bass tapping is almost universally the worst sound you can get out of a bass without driving over it....[/quote] If i saw a link to both sounds, id most likely click on the driving over it one

If your all fairly new to being in band then give him a chance, singers, unlike most instrument players, wont have had hours spent jamming to records in their bedroom, so given time and a gig may come into his own What would worry me though is the fact that he thinks he his great, which may mean he wont take any input from others or even seek to self assess his performance, in which case it might be doomed It may also be a case of figuring out what songs suit the singer and what does not, although this may require some humble acceptance of reality

The OP stated "theory" Are we confusing "theory" and "reading" in this debate, I think I have, correct me if I am wrong but although they are connected they are different skills and knowledge?

[quote name='EssentialTension' post='1017975' date='Nov 9 2010, 07:03 PM']So, if I want to be an actor, I'd be well advised to learn to read if I could possibly do so. And, if I'm a musician, whether or not I can play with 'perfect dynamic groove' (whatever that is) is not dependent upon whether I can or can not read notation.[/quote] Both the natural actor and the musician would be advised to learn to read, as this can only assist their quest in that field, is what I was trying to say (maybe i can read but not write) I have assumed "groove" as referred to in the OP is a reference to natural feel and talent, so I've called it "perfect dynamic groove" Which if you have is fantastic, and if you can read also, well you half way to somewhere i have not even packed for yet Surely we all agree groove is a gift, which alone is fantastic, but with theory also it would be much enhanced and honed

[quote name='Musicman20' post='1016148' date='Nov 8 2010, 11:01 AM']I dont understand something. Im not excited. In fact, I dont think the band is ready, even though I almost am on top of it all.[/quote] in my experience of music and sport, feelings like this sometimes lead to great events and achievements that you don't expect

I love playing good times, we mix it with rappers delight for fun party gigs, goes down a storm I play over it often, just to try to get the feel the same and not put anything extra or leave anything out It might be the only repetitive line I know that I feel I have to keep practiced as much as I do, love it Re the OP, Id love to hear a rock version, doing that well would be an achievement, not something to worry about unless the brief is as original I guess

[quote name='Pete Academy' post='1017694' date='Nov 9 2010, 03:36 PM']I too struggle with the concept that a sheet of musical 'language' (ie dots) will contain all the information to miraculously enable the bassist to play the piece with the required feel. If it's a well-known song, then I can understand the concept. But if I were to turn up at a rehearsal with a written score for my new jazz-funk tune, how would the players interpret it if I hadn't told them how I wanted it to sound?[/quote] I am not a reader, but I guess that no reader on here would suggest that just because you can sight read notes and timing, that it automatically means that person can play it with perfect dynamic groove I guess I stand to be correct by the readers I can read english, but that doesn't mean that if I read some lines out a hamlet play I can deliver those lines in a way that would amaze And someone with a natural talent for acting who could not read could listen to a tape of hamlet and then recite it much better than me But the non reading acting talent guy, would be advised to learn to read, just to make his life easier if he wishes to read plays Im talking b88888ocks, but then again we are debating natural feel over a learnt academic skill, they are not the same but can compliment each other in ways I wish i could but never will experience

[quote name='Doddy' post='1016649' date='Nov 8 2010, 06:10 PM']Being as though you've only been playing for a week,can I suggest that now is the ideal time to start associating the notes on the 'board with their position on the stave. Basically,learn to read. Also try to develop your ear by trying to learn the tunes without resorting to tablature. If you deviote just 10-20 minutes a day on each,it will come together pretty quickly.It may seem like more work now,but trust me,it will be so much more beneficial for you.[/quote] If i was starting out again now, id do this, I spent ages teaching myself to play from books and records, even those floppy 45rpm instruction things, but never thought to include learning to read and no one guided me to do it either

[quote name='steverickwood' post='1016854' date='Nov 8 2010, 08:09 PM']Not 'pointless' then?!! Hmm - you see I'm not a techno whizz and don't even own a vid camera as I'm not into filming my every move and facebooking it! So I didn't record any of the takes. Maybe if I get the quartet together with my uni students, then someone may film it. That said, I really have forgotton how to play it!! So a bit of practice will be in order. Thanks for the comment though:)[/quote] Pointless, not at all, you have to get it used for something, send it to george lucas Pm sent re broadstairs

C S N

Anyone who doesn't rate Sir Paul, should understand that he was producing and playing incredible lines back then, not against the backdrop of today, where there is 60 years of top players across many styles can be viewed and rewound at the click of a mouse, mp3s, DVDs, concerts on TV, lessons online Back then most bands had to physically pass a single record from one person to the next just to learn a cover song He may be easily over shadowed now and for sometime, but he was a major stepping stone in what we know today

This truly is a great piece of work, really fantastic It maybe to much to ask, but id love to see a video cutting to you playing various basses and parts throughout

The answer to the OP question is "groove" is more important the "theory" But only because I assume by "groove" it means "natural feel" or "talent", where as "theory" can be learned by both the natural and the not so Air is more important than Water, but only for about around 5 days, then it does not matter either way

Yeah, I like to you tube live versions, as they often have more ideas to choose from But true some lines just have to be what they are

Ok, based on the recent threads around reading or not, I assume their are a fair few on here who don't yet read So what is your approach to learning a bunch new covers Do you listen carefully first, before playing along? Do you just start playing along without a clean listen first? Do you go for the basics or work out all the fills and variations the bassist plays each time round? Do you use Tab/googled chords straight away always, or just when your time tight, or never? Do you just turn up and say to the keyboard player, what are the chords? Do you do a more through job than your band? Perhaps if your a reader you don't bother getting the sheets mostly and you just do covers by ear the same us the rest of us? Thought it would be a interesting discussion, but then again i am a boring git

Not a definite top 10 , but 10 songs of various styles that I really love Dark Star - CSN (definite top 10 all time) Home is where the hatred is - Esther phillips version (definite top 10 all time) Wooden Ships - CSN So far away - Carole King I Don't know - Lisa Hannigan (quite recent favorite) Germ free adolescent - X Ray Spex Going out of my head - Little Anthony and the Imperials Warriors of Genghis Khan - Bad News (makes me smile) What's going on - Marvin Gaye In between days - The Cure

I play in a very democratic cover band and I have just left a band which is not democratic but says it is, but I am gigging with them as a non member until they can replace me Im happy either way as long as I like what is being played and asked of me

Whatever your level and whatever other instruments you play also, how did you end up as a "bass player", not the obvious choice for most you'd have to say For me, since a young age I was attracted to the electric bass sound on the radio and on records, by mid teens I knew I wanted to play bass I regret not learning reading, and hope to rectify that starting soon, but I continue to love playing, listening to and watching bass players

[quote name='Doddy' post='940140' date='Aug 30 2010, 04:41 PM']The gearstalkers are going to have a great time with one of my function bands. We've recently started using Line 6 Pods and in-ear monitors so there are no amps at all on stage. The front of house sound great though,so it'll really confuse them all.[/quote] Great, assuming you supply your own PA, what is that system made up of for both out front and monitoring? Saw a disco style party band do this, electric kit and no amps, great bass and guitar player, seems such an effective way of doing a function