oldslapper

[quote name='HMX' post='706358' date='Jan 9 2010, 10:45 AM']Perhaps so, yes. I mean I just do feel like a change after 2 years, and I've been after a Fender for a while, it's my next step up on the bass ladder. Hopefully I can get a used MIJ or MIA Precision for around £400-550. How does a Spector neck compare to a Precision?[/quote] I use a spector now in my function band and find it very flexible. I use a spector 5 string and the neck feels much slimmer than my MIJ/MIM cross fender precision 4 string, which by the way is for sale for £300 (shameless plug). I used to use P basses in my youth in the late 70's and thought I'd revisit those years, but sadly I've grown used to slimmer necks. On the sound front the P bass is very distinctive and not so flexible IMHO, but then I'm old and my ears are knackered!

Don't know about genre, but the wife blames my gender for my constant change of basses.

Welcome to the forum!

Underated? Dunno, but rarely mentioned-----Dee Murray, wonderful player and brill B/Vs to boot! Overated? That's tough.....[b]anyone[/b] who thinks they're irreplaceable.

[quote name='bubinga5' post='702086' date='Jan 5 2010, 08:35 PM']I have started to learn Piano and it has opened up my world as far as bass playing is concerned...Knowing the chords which your basslines are based around does really help IMO..especially when improvising...[/quote] Learning an intstrument such as piano or guitar, even at a very basic level, can be very helpful for understanding chord structure. Hearing how the left hand bass notes "fit/or not" with right hand chords can be very useful & great fun experimenting.....but then again I may just be a bit sad and have too much time on my hands..

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