KingPrawn

It's the scourge of being a weekend warrior. I've often wondered about the life of a daily player, those special few who can make it their task every day to practise and learn. I get a few minutes a day or less to play, as it's not my full-time job. Go easy on yourself. When you think about the number of songs we know with all those notes and little complexities, it's incredible, really. The odd mistake drives me on to try not to do it again. I generally substitute one mistake for another, iron it out then move onto the next.

All 4 string 1. Wal 2. Zon 3. Musicman 4. Warwick 5. Fodera

There's a great interview on YouTube that Rick Beato does with Tony Levin. He touched on this exact issue when Musicman asked him to consider one of their 5 string basses. He asked them if the E string sounded like an E string on a a 4-string bass. They assured him it did and he never turned back

What an interesting thread! I find the emotion in the bass to be how it fits into a song and the role it plays. It has often been said that if you remove the bass line from a great song, people find it hard to connect with it. When I play and see people's reactions to a bass line, that's enough for me. Or maybe, as you say, I'm playing a supportive role, and that is also enough for that particular song. I think it's a very personal thing. I'm not someone to get particularly emotional about lyrics. I love a well-crafted song and can appreciate the lyrical craft but for me its in the music I feel the most emotion which is usually classical or ambient at its core. Bands like 'Stars of the Lid' or albums like 'Spirit of Eden' by Talk Talk. I also love bass players who resolve pieces beautifully Niels-Henning ørsted Pedersen was a master at this. I was at a funeral recently for a truly wonderful person and whilst some of the songs that were played by the family were not maybe emotional in their writing or arrangement. The memories and triggers for those present was clearly evident. Good luck and id be interested to hear your results

I use these if we have a stage punters can't get close to. https://www.gak.co.uk/en/hercules-gs-402b-mini-electric-stand/3076?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD_lAC-dOVj2rk48KHbXpLJINU11Z&gclid=CjwKCAiAxea5BhBeEiwAh4t5K4C-hN9fqnR9mEwuo8vDC35Eg8OJLO9ammvfc4D2eMp5IJcO-DjQShoC15AQAvD_BwE or one of these to deter the "i used to play bass" brigade for floor level gigs https://www.gak.co.uk/en/hercules-gs414b-plus-guitar-stand/918478?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD_lAC-dOVj2rk48KHbXpLJINU11Z&gclid=CjwKCAiAxea5BhBeEiwAh4t5K_QHjRvznz79fCn3hylCILwfA3xJBeRVs8wGjSXRXglWEdsEn2WNXRoC8dwQAvD_BwE

Don't take too much notice of the " my method is better than yours" stuff on here. Don't let your Ego take over the enjoyment of music and the bass.Join a band or play with others. It really helps to understand musicality and where you fit sonically in a song. If you want to be a Pro then do pro stuff etc. if you want to be a weekend warrior then do that stuff. Enjoy yourself its later than you think

What a collection. I tend to use the same strings across my basses as I like the continuity of the resistance I feel. The only caveat is labella flats on one of my P basses

Tell the twa* to use IEM and play for the band. Selfish sod. if not sack him off. I get sick of explaining to other musicians about mic bleed etc.

Have you thought about contacting some tribute bands? You appear to like your classic Rock and are laying it down. I sometimes dep in a nationwide Status Quo band for example and from that, I've met loads of like-minded players and got involved in a number of projects. Not one specific band but plenty of gigs with some great players.

The Necks new album Bleed is another stunning piece of music

Great Job. You got the growl !

Only going off the title I wouldn't date a bass mate. people will think your strange! ( I'll get my coat)