Conan

[quote name='Inti' timestamp='1357036661' post='1916495'] Is it possible to be better or worse than anyone in art? [/quote] There are certainly measurable parameters by which we can compare individual players. Whether it be the number of notes per second, the distance of hand span, the accuracy of playing a specific piece of written music or a number of similar (meaningless IMO) variables. The more important question is "why would we wish to do so?". Music (like art) [i]can[/i] be all things to all people. OK, it will never be the [i]same[/i] thing to all people, but that is part of the joy of it. To attempt to measure the unmeasurable is futile. But having said that, we all (as individuals) probably have our own ideas about who [i]we[/i] think is better than whomsoever else... but that doesn't make us correct, of course. But I think you know that.

[quote name='Inti' timestamp='1357154178' post='1918335'] Offended clowns: Feel free to start your own thread about how fun it is to be mediocre. Please feel welcome if your intention is to discuss the topic. Thanks. [/quote]

[quote name='Mykesbass' timestamp='1357155219' post='1918358'] To argue if it is possible to be better or worse at art means that someone must set out agreed standards of what is good and what is bad. It's a bit like trying to compare Rothko to Constable, it can't be done, or if it is, it is meaningless. Whether you like it or not, popular music is art - just like I don't like John Constable but I couldn't argue that his populist style is not art. Part of the art of popular music is the image - from band logos to record sleeves to what the bands wear and play on stage. So cut out this absolute nonsense of the mediocre, stop belittling some great forum members who work very succesfully in this artform of which you obviously do not approve and then perhaps we'll join in your threads in a more constructive manner. A clown [/quote] Normally I eschew quoting entire posts, but that one was so good that it would have been unfair to snip it at all! I wish i could have put my (similar) thoughts into such succinct words! Masterpiece!

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1357162704' post='1918569'] Five separate sets... about £21 a pop, inc. postage. [/quote]

[quote name='Vinny' timestamp='1357149723' post='1918238'] Don't forget to use really big bolts and to drain the fuel and oil out first. [/quote] Well spotted young man!

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1357161880' post='1918549'] I've bought five sets so far - not a peep on any of 'em... [/quote] Is that five transactions of a single set each time, or one transaction of five sets? I think sometimes you are more likely to get charged if the package is more bulky.... what are the postage charges like Michael and do you buy them direct from Lakland themselves?

[quote name='Chris Horton' timestamp='1357160208' post='1918498'] Music man don't make it easy for us do they [/quote] I've never played a Musicman bass or any of their stable-mates. I would love to... but this very thing puts me off. Why is their product range so complicated? The similarity and overlap in naming doesn't help...

[quote name='Chris Horton' timestamp='1357078620' post='1917331']I am currently going through a quiet spell with regards to regular gigging. I did not like the tone of the bass when I was noodling solo at home etc. But , when I have played these bass guitars in a live band situation I have loved the tone and alway had great feedback from band members as the Stingray tone just seam to fit "in the pocket" with the rest of the band.[/quote] Many people have fallen into the same trap with Precisions! What works in a band scenario can sound quite horrible when played at home... Horses for courses I guess!

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1357159912' post='1918492']they're far cheaper than the La Bellas when you order them direct from Lakland in the US.[/quote] Assuming you don't get hit for inport duties/customs charges etc...

[quote name='hamfist' timestamp='1357119756' post='1917590']I am now a confirmed J bass user but NEVER use that "both pickups full on" tone. Oh, and going back to the P bass suggestion, to me a J can get 90% of a P bass tone as well as the other J tones, but a P can only do ...... a P.[/quote] Totally agree!! Apart from the bit about both pickups on full. I do agree that it is a tone that is [i]limited[/i] in it's use, but that depends a lot on the situation. In a loud rock band it gets lost very easily. My current band has two guitars, but somehow they still leave quite a wide space for me to occupy. Yes, I know I'm lucky! I find that the both-pickups-full-on sound [i]does[/i] actually work in this particular band - but I also find that it gets tiring to listen to quite quickly. Great for an effect though. I tend to use the neck pickup by itself most of the time, and quite often played with a pick. To my ears it sounds pretty like a P bass! When I play P basses I miss the tones that I can get from a J. When I play a J I never miss the P sound. All that said - IMO the best genuine "all-rounder" that I have ever played is my Status series II!! It really does the lot, and no (before anyone says) it [i]doesn't[/i] sound clinical and sterile!! In fact when I use it with this band they politely ask me to go back to the Jazz as the Status sounds to "growly and aggressive"!!

[quote name='Johngh' timestamp='1357060828' post='1916990'] Can you lot calm down, if this behaviour continues, it'll be warning time. And being New Year and all that we don't want that do we? [/quote] No Sir. Sorry. But these are quite emotive questions I guess...

I've said it before and been shot down for it, but what the hey! To me, technique is a means to an end. It allows your fingers to play what your brain hears. If you can't do that, then your technique is limited. Problem is, all of our brains hear different things. So although [i]my[/i] fingers might be able to play what [i]my[/i] brain hears (they [i]can't[/i], BTW!); they may not be anywhere near being able to play what [i]your[/i] brain hears. I've confused myself now!

[quote name='Inti' timestamp='1357049831' post='1916733'] Plus that technique without a brain is pretty useless anyway... [/quote] [quote name='Inti' timestamp='1357059836' post='1916965'] You simply fail to recognize what technique is al about [/quote] Isn't that slightly contradictory?

[quote name='stoker' timestamp='1357059588' post='1916956'] IMHO I don't care how many strings your bass has the more important questions are can you play and does it sound good?! [/quote] Aaawww.... don't spoil it by being all sensible! You're right though!

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1357059055' post='1916940'] Yeah Conan stfu [/quote] Anyway, you started it! You and that wateroftyne!! And isn't it the sign of a good argument if you can't remember what you were arguing about?

[quote name='Kiwi' timestamp='1356895093' post='1914889'] Doublenecks - Heavy, most of the time only one neck is being played anyway.[/quote] [b][i]Most[/i][/b] of the time? I like the Steinbergers, but then again the Status series II is kind of a Steinberger with wooden wings... But on big guys like myself, those small bodies look slightly ridiculous

[quote name='Johngh' timestamp='1357058682' post='1916932'] Can we cut out the internet hardman vibe and get back on topic please. [/quote] I wasn't aware of any "hardman" vibe, but yes - this thread has got well out of hand. It's one of the side-effects of being arrogant, mediocre and ignorant I believe.... Sorry

[quote name='leroydiamond' timestamp='1357058511' post='1916928'] will I miss the extra low end I get from the traveler 15? (2x12 goes to 45 Hz whweras the 15 goes to 4o hz) [/quote] You can't even hear those frequencies anyway, so I wouldn't worry.

[quote name='Inti' timestamp='1357058233' post='1916917'] Anyway I don't have the time to argue with ignorant, mediocre and arrogant people. [/quote] Sadly, I do. Still - bye. Missing you already!

[quote name='leroydiamond' timestamp='1357058084' post='1916911'] my back is screwed so need light cabs. [/quote] All the more reason to look at the Barefaced range. They are seriously lightweight (except in their tone).

[quote name='Inti' timestamp='1357057130' post='1916885'] And what do you know about my bliss?... Don't be ridiculous! [/quote] Well, judging from your comments on here, you don't sound like a very "blissful" person. Or maybe you just hate us all? Either way, you don't come across as being very happy in our company.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1357055027' post='1916844'] I think he meant 4x10" 6x10" 8x10" speakers not 4 or 6 inch drivers [/quote] Oh right! Yes, I can see how I misread that...

[quote name='Inti' timestamp='1357056329' post='1916863'] If JE has brought more enjoyment to this world it's due to the overwhelming ignorance that dominates us and nothing else. If you think that ignorance is bliss well then I get the point.[/quote] OK. Whatever. Maybe ignorance is bliss, but your position clearly isn't bringing you much bliss. I think I'll try ignoring you. Ah.... bliss!

[quote name='Inti' timestamp='1357052671' post='1916802'] The main point is that putting Anthony Jackson and John entwinstle in the same bag simply isn't fair. But this society makes you believe it is... For money's sake. [/quote] Both are great in their own way. On the other hand, a world filled with nothing but AJ clones would be as dull as one peopled only by JE copies. I think the money argument is spurious. It's more (to me, at least) about enjoyment. I would guess that Entwistle's music has brought more enjoyment to more people than Jackson's has (as a bass player, anyway). Music is not like sport, when performances and "talent" can be objectively measured with times, distances, scores or other statistics. Anyone who says that Usain Bolt is NOT the fastest man in track and field athletics can be quickly proven to be incorrect. Say that Mark King/Flea/Les Claypool/Lemmy/JJBurnel/Geddy Lee... is NOT the best bass player and proof becomes more subjective and harder to come by. Still, it leads to some interesting discussions! Variety, spice and all that. There is room for both.

[quote name='Bassman Steve' timestamp='1357040733' post='1916577'] Consider this, how many cabs with 4,6 or 8 10" speakers can you buy on BC at the moment? OK, now how many 2x15's? That's right, those that have them, keep them. [/quote] I think there are far fewer 2x15s in circulation, so proportionately fewer come up for sale. I dunno about 4" and 6" speakers, but there are certainly plenty of pople who are satisfied with 10". That came out wrong, didn't it?