oldslapper

Ok, just turned my amp on (nemesis head) though 4x8 & 1x15 cabs. Never had a problem to date. Loud buzzing noise, so turned off and then a big bang! No smoke, or smell. Left it for 30mins, turned on gain...same, loud buzzing, turned off and Bang. Any clues what might cause that? Anyone know of any amp techs in the south west please?

[quote name='Hot Tub' post='698763' date='Jan 2 2010, 03:04 PM']Just a suggestion: [/quote] Those sound kinda spooky bowed...

[quote name='andyjingram' post='698653' date='Jan 2 2010, 12:26 PM']I thought I might have escaped the matter, but it seems I really must get myself a double bass. I got close last year and managed to resist, but sometimes these things just keep niggling at you until you cave in. Anyhow, I now realise that the biggest obstacle to overcome here is whether I'll be able to fit a 3/4 size bass into my dear little Ford KA (yes, my wife did choose it, as you ask!). I've searched around, and it seems to be the case that any small car will, with the right technique, absorb a bass one way or the other, but I couldn't find any specific mention of the KA. Does anyone here get to gigs in such a chariot? Thanks, Andy[/quote] Yep, used to get mine around in a micra, with a trace combo and a stand. No probs.....no passengers either mind! Now use an EUB, but for different reasons.

"Punchy P" always reminds me of an angry vegetable I once dated. "Flappy B" a rather stressed insect? "Growly PUP".....not just for christmas

Coming down south west at all Pete? Big SD fans down 'yer, would love to take a crowd of mates down to see you. John

[quote name='thepurpleblob' post='698211' date='Jan 1 2010, 06:19 PM']I've actually heard it said.... and I think it's good advice... that when learning things like scales, intervals and arpeggios, always visualize them in terms of patterns on the instrument.[/quote] +1 I often think of arpegios in terms of shapes, nothing wrong with that.

[quote name='Kev' post='697955' date='Jan 1 2010, 02:06 PM']OMGZ you ab0lutl3y mus1!!!!! Cant right musik wivout it!!!1!! if you have a good pair of ears and know what sounds right, why should theory matter? i know nothing, and i think im pretty good as i am [/quote] +1 Ears are the most important part of any musician, IMHO. All I'm saying is even a little understanding helped me from staying "as good as I am", to being a better player. I also play golf and someone told me I was a "natural" when I started and I got by. But when I had lessons and started to understand the theory behind what happens when I swing, etc, I played better. My "natural" ability wasn't lost, it was enhanced. I'm still crap, just mildly less crap and know why I'm crap and what I need to do to improve! Theory enhances natural ability I think??

Oh yeah, I can definately relate to the intimidated by theory and those who are good !theorists! My fear was that theory would make me too "academic" and I'd lose the fun/spontaneity in my playing, particularly as I love a good funk/soul groove...just sitting in the pocket...etc. But actually my spontanious playing is so much more fun now, I try things now that I wouldn't have 12 months ago. To be honest, someone with your experience would probably find it easy to go through some basics and will come to the conclusion that it's easier than you first thought. Could always ask the keyboard player to give some pointers? ...by the way I've now transfered my insecurity to being intimidated by peoples expensive gear!! Totally intimadated by your basses!!...sod the theory

Pete you are a darn fine player having checked out your vids, and SD bass lines require good feel/timing/technique which you have a'plenty. I have known plenty of fantastic players who don't have a clue why what they do "works ,it just does. I was in the same camp up until about 3 years ago, when someone gave me simple some pointers on "intervals/diatonic charts/scale structure". And I have to say that even some basic theory knowledge opened up my playing, it was a bit like a door opening to a new world (sounds a bit poncy, but only way to describe it) and things started to make sense. I now know why what I do sounds the way it does and I'm able to articulate on a different level with other musicians, particularly in new situations. Certainly gave me confidence to go out and start playing again after a 15 year break. I'm 48, not a 19 year old just starting out, and wish now I had taken this stuff on board years ago. I think I'd have been a more confident musician. But look, if you don't feel you need to know theory, then don't worry about it...you're obviously doing ok without it. You're in a working band, and well respected as a player from what I see on this forum. Happy new year, John

[quote name='Dubs' post='697276' date='Dec 31 2009, 03:48 PM']Try and play everyday and set yourself small achievable goals[/quote] +1 Keep going

Only started playing live again this year after 15 year break, would an old vid count? [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUkDrrGlOyk"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUkDrrGlOyk[/url] It's worth the laugh for my mullet alone. Also playing a westone thunder 3a for any retro lovers out there. Our support bands bass player borrowed it over his MM for the tour..lol John

Great stuff! Get over the bridge and get some lessons with Jake now! Enjoy. John

Yes, I agree now, probably wouldn't 6 months ago. I'll enjoy the function band for loads of reasons anyway (the money is v. useful for one) and the band are a great "family" who know how to have a good time on stage. I'm just so amazed that I never appreciated these classic songs before. I guess playing them with muscians who are wrapped around the genre helps, but it hit me when I had the charts in front of me, it was an "OMG" moment, "this is beautiful". Great when music does that isn't it? Could be playing a new bass, or hearing a new amp, or learning a new tune in any genre really.....'nt music brilliant.

Thanks guys, knowing me I'll be looking over my shoulder waiting for the bass police to come in and arrest me !! Very grateful for this chance and intend learning as much as I can from these guys (all 10+ years older than me). I'll try and get some pics/vids so you can tell me what you think. By the way does anyone else think that the quality of song writing of most "jazz standards" is infinately better than todays chart stuff? As I read the charts, it dawned on me how beautifully crafted they were. It's happening isn't it??......I'm becoming a snob......oh no...how will I play "Hysteria" in the function band without comparing it to Autumn Leaves..

First off, just to let you know that even at 48, I'm probably the least confident peron I know when it comes to my playing ability, always comparing myself to others, including their gear, videos, blah blah. I even gave up playing for 15 years as I thought I would never measure up (still don't know to what). But I've just got the biggest confidence boost ever, having been asked to play in a jazz quartet featuring Richard Madelin on guitar. I've been playing upright or about 18 months and loved it from the moment I got that fat neck under my fingers. But apart from playing in a few gigs for a local songwriter (not demanding) and a couple of noobie trio's, I'd never thought I'd play any jazz with experienced people who new what they were doing....coz I certainly didn't. Still wallowing in self pity (yes another thread for that here), the missus pointed out an add in our local rag. I didn't call of course for a week, then plucked up the courage. Had 2 auditions and have my first gig saturday week, they were really happy with my playing. I kept it simple 2 to the bar, root and five and let the II, V, I do it's thing, walking only on occasion. It's mostly standards, with a lean towards gyspsy/manouche/Django feel. Richard is a well known in this part of the world as a guitarist and he was really encouraging. I feel like a little kid, and it's probably a bit sad really, as looking at this site there are so many great DB players who do this stuff standing on their head (oh look comparing myself again..) ...but I had to tell someone. Thanks for looking, I'm off to practice Night and Day (what a tune)... A very happy oldslapper

Depends on what you want to do with it. If it's a first step into upright playing then £200-250 might be an ok investment as you might be able to sell it on for about that, or trade for an upgrade. Is it all laminate?, as that will affect the sound/tone/projection. A pickup will not improve the sound quality of a bass, it will just amplify the existing tone, so £100 for a pickup is ok depending on the pickup make and the build quality of the bass. My first DB (18 months ago) was a chinese all laminate, which was fine in my house whilst I got my "chops" together and found out if it was for me or not, but when I started gigging with it is was a pain to get a decent sound through any PA. Tried mics/pickups. Bought a EUB and am very happy and get work on the back of it. Next step will be a decent acoustic DB. Having said that I would recommend anyone to have a go at an upright as they are great fun, and in my experence, I've found my electric playing has improved as a result........(not that that was difficult!!) As last post pointed out, chinese doesn't always mean rubbish. Have you played it, do you like the sound?

Steve they're great guitars...don't think that just coz it's not a graphite neck it's not a damn fine instrument. It's made in england by the same people. Enjoy! My Groove bass has got one of the best neck profiles for me, and that's considered a "budget" bass. I've had a Status graphite neck on a custom jazz, didn't get on with it at all, it went out the door as quickly as it came in. I just prefer the wood. But anyway, expensive stuff is wasted on me anyway!

If it's the black status shark 5 string fretless I saw ending recently, it's still a great buy for £330 even with a "wood" neck (2 reinforced graphite rods I believe?).

[quote name='Pete Academy' post='694230' date='Dec 27 2009, 12:56 PM']They were the poor man's Status and Steinberger but sold incredibly well. Bloody good basses![/quote] That's me!!

Thanks, I've just found the hohner web site and emailed them. I'm guessing Korea too, although I think they're pretty well made. Gigged one for yonks in the late 80's never went out of tune, great bridge pup funky honk...???. Don't know why I'm remotely interested really, must be bored......oh well another turkey curry it is then....

Hope this is the right thread. Does anyone know where the Hohner Jack basses were manufactured? I have a 4 and 5 string identical natural finish, single coil, active eq jobbies. But can't find the country of origin anywhere. Just wanted to know really. Thanks