Conan

[quote name='gjones' timestamp='1391180572' post='2354254'] He doesn't want to do any rehearsals before we tour and will just shout out the key and the feel of the songs on the night (he says he doesn't like set lists). [/quote] Nightmare! I hope he pays well...

[quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1391148890' post='2353756'] Michael "Sugar Bear" Foreman [/quote] I wonder how on earth one acquires a nickname like that?

Every band is different. As bass player you should really try to fit into a certain frequency range that either complements or contrasts with the other instruments. Of course, the frequency range available will depend on the type of instruments in your band and subtle things like how the drummer tunes his/her kit, the sound that the guitarist(s) favour(s), whether you have a keyboard player with a wandering left hand, etc. You can only really find your frequency "pocket" by playing together with your band. The "pocket" will also vary from room to room and even little things like changing strings can have an effect! From my point of view (shared by many) I like my bass tone to "fit" with or into the overall band sound. There is no point turning up and insisting that "this is my sound, this is what I have always used" when you sonically disappear into the drum kit and the keyboards or rhythm guitar! If you want to be heard, and want to complement the band - you may have to change your sound quite radically. Usually, what sounds good at home or in solo practice, sounds poor in a band context. Too much bass muddies up the mix, but too little makes the band sound weak (if you are playing on backline only - through a decent PA you will get all your bass end through the FOH speakers anyway). Despite what others have said, mids are your friend here. They can give definition and the [b][i]impression of[/i][/b] volume without actually having to turn up. Bass amps do not handle bass frequencies very efficiently, so unless you have a massive amp and lots of speakers you will not hear much low end anyway. Choose your mid frequencies carefully though, as they can sound harsh, scratchy, shouty or nasal (aren't there some great words for describing sounds! ). Get it right though, and you should be clearly audible and able to add to the overall mix In reality, only trial and error will help you find the frequency pocket that works for you and your band.

I would think three is probably reasonable. It's not about playing the songs until you get them right, it's playing them until you don't get them wrong! You won't be able to get to this stage in one, or even two rehearsals IME. I wouldn't be too depressed at four or five, but any more than five and there must be problems.

[quote name='Fionn' timestamp='1391072335' post='2352832'] ... taking a walk in the woods with your acoustic, finding a perfect wee mossy glade and a comfy rock to sit on, and playing your heart out, earthy-style, to the backdrop of birdsong, yeahhhh![/quote] I must admit that I had never thought of that...

[quote name='Mykesbass' timestamp='1391072225' post='2352828'] Don't some describe this more specifically as the way these controls behave - as in "for a Fender style tone stack you want to set the mid......etc" (sorry, not the clearest of comments but I'm sure someone will know what I'm getting at and put it far better)! [/quote] I always assumed that there was some degree if interaction between the controls in the tone stack... [url="http://pickroar.com/1003/the-tone-stack-explained-in-english-for-humans/"]http://pickroar.com/...ish-for-humans/[/url] [url="http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f15/fender-alembic-bbe-tone-stack-explained-491699/"]http://www.talkbass....plained-491699/[/url]

[quote name='thebassman' timestamp='1390931688' post='2351474'] There are some trial TKS cabs floating around, send WOT a pm.[/quote] If the trial H115 was for sale I would snap it up in an instant! Great cab Bought new, from Sweden, they seem to be around £500 - but that won't include shipping, which could be another £70 or so. Still competitive with a Compact though.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1391087771' post='2353072'] Building ships. [/quote] Not if you use potassium...

[quote name='NoRhino' timestamp='1391039451' post='2352697'] Trying to keep this simple so I can understand the answers.[/quote] Did you get what you expected?

[quote name='barneyg42' timestamp='1391087287' post='2353064'] Is it any good for metal?? [/quote] What is metal any good for?

[quote name='lowdown' timestamp='1391086112' post='2353047'] [size=4][color=#333333]"What do those two knobs at the front do?" - "They sing and play guitar".[/color][/size] [/quote]

[quote name='warwickhunt' timestamp='1391066055' post='2352782'] [size=4]Added to which the OP started this thread asking for advice and some of which will be from haters/lovers of acoustic basses... in fact he will likely ONLY get advice from those two groups of people, so I'd expect on average for 50% of it to be negative! [/size] [/quote] Actually, I've found most of the input to be very positive! Even the comments that are negative about the limitations of electro-acoustic basses! It's all positive if it helps me to make a decision - which it has! These basses to seem to divide opinion, and only a fairly small proportion of the BC membership seem to have tried them - so I was expecting this thread to be far more limited than it has been. Thanks folks once again

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1391003661' post='2352135'] There's a lot of people who refuse to be sheep. [/quote] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqmkM4dtLYI

To the OP: If you don't mind me asking Rich, how old are you mate?

[quote name='White Cloud' timestamp='1390849989' post='2350397'] Don't misunderstand me, I actually like a good Fender (poor QC..but there are good ones out there)...but I refuse to be a sheep. [/quote] I don't see how playing a Fender makes you a sheep? I've played and owned lots of basses (though there are still plenty on my "to try" list!). I currently own two Fenders because I like them - not because they are Fenders! For the same reasons that I didn't like my Spector and why I don't like any of the Rickenbackers I have played, or Gibsons. But I love my Status - so maybe I am more like a llama than a sheep...

[quote name='All thumbs' timestamp='1390921408' post='2351317'] 'Twas an awesome bass, but the novelty did wear off after a while lol. [/quote] I can imagine!

Thanks for the input folks. Most of you are backing up what I was already thinking. BTW, @Yorks5stringer: I have no concerns about the seller at all (except that he drives a hard bargain! ). It is the bass itself that I am unsure about. I love the idea of trying one, but don't want to end up with a "dead-end" instrument that I can't sell or trade on in the future. I've done quite a few trades recently, and although I've enjoyed playing all of those traded basses I'm still to find one that is a "keeper". Until I do, I reckon I'm safer with basses that have a large potential market. Although I though that with my Spector Euro! I'm still in two minds though! My band have talked about doing a couple of "unplugged" or acoustic gigs. The guitarists have acoustics and obvioulsy the drums are acoustic. I though it would be cool if I was acoustic too...

[quote name='Beedster' timestamp='1390979467' post='2351829'] there's an increasing number of people on the forum who, to my mind, push the limits of what is reasonable behaviour between two private individuals. [/quote] Eek! Hundreds of people are now thinking "I hope he doesn't mean me!!". That's a pretty damning statement. Do you have evidence or examples of this type of behaviour? Back OT - one potential problem area is when trading. If there is no money changing hands there may be more of a tendency to skimp on the shipping. After all, it can't be charged to the buyer. Anyone have any thoughts on this? I personally regard myself as responsible for any item until it arrives in the buyer's hands undamaged. Then it's their problem!

[quote name='walbassist' timestamp='1390577332' post='2347143'] It's all there isn't it? [/quote] Yep. He's got the lot. In spades. Seems a really nice guy too. There aren't many bass players that have total mastery of their instrument, but [b][i]he[/i][/b] does. Makes you sick, doesn't it?

I just saw the "bass guitar" bit...

[quote name='neepheid' timestamp='1390522239' post='2346527'] A bass is either good or it isn't. Only you can decide, and it's got nothing to do with its country of origin. [/quote] This. I've played a few Fenders and Squiers, and my favourite three are: 1. My MIM Standard Jazz bass. Even the pickups are great! 2. CIJ Geddy Lee Jazz. Everything was just right - although by the time I owned it the pickups had been replaced with EMGs 3. My CIJ Marcus Miller. Like the Geddy, immaculate build quality, feel and sound. Honourable mentions to a Squier CV 60s P bass that I tried out pending a potential trade (thanks ghostrider!) and my old Squier Affinity P bass that I sold on here a couple of years ago. I haven't played many US Fenders, but they have all been OK. For the extra cost I expected them to be better than the CIJs, MIMs and Squiers - but they just weren't (IMO). But as others have said, you really must try a Fender/Squier before you buy!

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1390839407' post='2350128'] I'm not sure I'd agree with this - I met up with another bassist once and I broke my foot. [/quote] Shouldn't have kicked him so hard then, should ya?