oldslapper

I’ve got one of those. Might try it as part of a daily exercise routine. The thing about stretching (fingers, elbow, shoulders & back) before playing is a good point. I need to stretch before most (most!!) physical exertion these days, so DB should be no different.

He’s Bach-ing mad.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264705241464

Yeah I hear ya! Although I do think if I’d kept gigging or at least daily practice, things would be different. Plenty of oldies out there tearing up the bass. It’s a bit like if I’m out for a walk and going up hill, I mustn’t stop these days, otherwise I can’t start again 😂😂

Used to play DB 2 gigs a week, 2 hour sets of up tempo swing, Western swing and gypsy. Whilst singing some lead and bvs. That quartet sadly ended when the lead singer died 9 years ago. Always had a DB in the meantime, but rarely played. Apart from the odd recording session (nothing fancy, just mates stuff). During lockdown I’ve had a number of requests for remote DB recording (no idea why, other than desperation I guess). Anyway set yesterday aside for one project, one simple song of “ignorant bass” (I-V) on a blues country tune. After 30 minutes, my shoulders, arms, fingers, back were aching. My dexterity went out for a walk and didn’t come back. I was shocked by how much stamina is needed for this. Even simple stuff. The bass sounded great, always does. The set up is fine too. But I was like a novice. I can pick up my electric without any issue having left it for weeks, but DB 😲. The physicality of DB is one of the reasons I loved playing it, but my days, I’m going to have to put some woodshed-ing in if I’m to play this baby again. Just to build up strength and stamina. May invest in lessons again, mostly around posture and technique. The band I usually play with are talking about an acoustic set with DB too. I thought “yeah no worries, I know the set, wrote half the bass parts, it’ll be easy” Nope! 😂

Filthy just filthy. 😮

You need to leave the saucepan uncleaned for 10 years, and don’t change the spatula....ever. Also cook whilst lying on the kitchen floor, having imbibed the cooking wine (allegedly)

In my head I’m a pan roasted Sonoran yucca heart with chokecherry reduction sauce, The reality is I’m a soggy chip.

I bought a Thunder III in 84/85 as a result of seeing his on tv.

Ok I’ve taken a break and spent a lot of time and effort to recreated this iconic album cover: Don’t let your guitar weep over this, no matter how gently.

Oh very good sir! It’s a far cry from how things were a few months ago!

Quite like the look of that. So he’s either saying that if he discovers the length of the bass in total is over 105 cm he’ll have to remove the neck to dispatch it, or he’ll decapitate himself or someone else. Blimey!

Pretty sure I know what that is. Just not sure if I can recreate something in a rush to move the thread along. Sorry, I probably come across as a fly by night, but I’m supposed to be working from home.

Thanks, been listening to the Herbie Hancock one. Interesting guy. Lovely double bass playing and tone too.

16 year old me with my 1st bass. Built by school mate for A level A&D in 76. His name is Gary Nava and went on to do quite well in the luthier business. http://www.navaguitars.co.uk/index.html

What great playing, technique and stories. But this has been my favourite video so far. Humble and human, vulnerable and thoughtful. Love you Lee!

8 string Hamer Explorer unlined fretless 😍

Oh I am so glad I didn’t see that when I was 18...would have blown my mind, and wages.

Great pictures peeps. I wonder if the vinyl LP was the “golden era” of inspiration (through images) of the band with their instruments? Gawping at the players “stage lunge” (steady...) whilst dreaming of owning their axe of choice, all at the same time as listening to the rumble (or twang) of the P, J, T-bird or ClankStick.... Happy Daze. 😊

And one I couldn’t aspire to. Knocking my front teeth out aside, I’d have to have shrunk half my height. But oh my what a player 😎

Yes, his unlined fretless Ibby and P and general coolness was an influence for sure.

I listened to a couple of my favourite tracks last week. Very “trippy” but the clarity was surprising, it felt like I heard parts I’ve not heard before. As @ClassicVibes said, listen with headphones, close your eyes abd enjoy the ride.

Geddy cites this image of Tomsk as a major influence.