Conan

[quote name='paul_c2' timestamp='1481206330' post='3190534'] boffins in white coats conceded that it was perfectly allowable to have an electric bass in an otherwise acoustic band. [/quote] Hmmmm. [i][b]Some[/b][/i] of them did...

I play a big, heavy version of a guitar. It has fewer strings and those strings are thicker in diameter. They also give a deeper, fuller sound. I call it a "bass". It certainly gets funny looks when I get it out around "musicians". I don't care though because I love it and the sound it makes.

Why is it so important? Just call yourselves "Aliens drive Winnebagos" and have done with it! On second thoughts, don't - I might use that one myself!

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DYGoN5r9rE[/media] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRMFQxd7ye8 [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aR8qtxts1jY[/media]

I'd go for a second-hand Fender Geddy Lee J - either Japanese or Mexican made. You might just be able to get one for your budget. One of the best J basses ever made IMO

[quote name='Cato' timestamp='1480514082' post='3185001'] Jagger is a notoriously tight bastard. [/quote] Even his son needs a bank loan... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Y3AXzZqg2k

[quote name='Jono Bolton' timestamp='1480523466' post='3185094'] My Matt Freeman has a gloss neck and I've never though it was problem. [/quote] Agreed. The Matt Freemans have lovely necks. In fact, outstanding basses for the price!

[quote name='ead' timestamp='1480515088' post='3185019'] Prefer satin finish myself - no reason in particular. The best one I own is a Sandberg Cali II neck, it's like silk. [/quote] Same here. The neck on the Fender Geddy Lee J basses is divine! Not that I have a real issue with glossy necks, but I just prefer satin.

[quote name='Funky Dunky' timestamp='1480453305' post='3184586'] Please stop describing slap bass as a party trick. It's quite insulting. [/quote] Who did that? I don't think it was me...

And how about this one for a simple groove? Plenty of space one might say. Yippee aye oh, hi ay [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDbpg_EYgE0[/media]

Let's not forget Shakatak and Mezzoforte. OK, they can overdo it at times, but some lovely slap lines in there http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbE9yf0ejM0 [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_LaeyZTVDo[/media] And how about a bit of slap on an 8 string bass? [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KCcn3mzT5c[/media]

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1480358059' post='3183683'] I was massively into slapping in the 80's. I was a serious Mark King fan & had the Trace Elliot Stack & the Jaydee Supernatural bass to prove it. I still really enjoy playing slap bass occasionally, but my technique isn't anywhere near what it was back then. [/quote] Me too! Except I had the Status series II rather than the JayDee... [quote name='Barking Spiders' timestamp='1480412563' post='3184082'] For my money the best example of how to slap with groove is Mister Magic by Troublefunk with Big Tony Fisher on bass. I don't know how to put up YT stuff in a post here. For the funkless, Troublefunk were the big band of Washington DC's 80s Go Go scene. Big Tony was /is a monster player and deserves more acclaim. [/quote] Awesome! I'd totally forgotten about Troublefunk! I was heavily into them in the late 1980s and early 90s. Their "Trouble over here" gig at the Brixton Academy was still one of the best I've ever been to! Big Tony's tone was great. Hey T-bone!! [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPDQL5dCqgU[/media] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewiFYU5D2NI[/media]

[quote name='Black Coffee' timestamp='1480184037' post='3182380'] This markbass barefaced is common ....... [/quote] Common as muck! I use a Little Mark 2 through gen 2 Compact. Loudness and tone aplenty there is....

I do love a tasteful bass player! I'm not a huge fan of Crowded House, but the John Deacon style of serving the song is one that I very much gravitate towards. Of course it helps if the material is top drawer to start with and the other musicians appreciate the space in the arrangement...

I joined/formed a "blues" band many years ago - https://www.facebook.com/The-Lounge-Lizards-UK-129062863824521/?fref=ts, despite never having really listened to much blues music. I actually found that an advantage as I could put my own stamp/interpretation on the music instead of slavishly copying the (in many cases) plodding twelve bar original bass lines. A lot of classic rock is rooted in the blues anyway, so you will probably be more familiar with the style than you think!

[quote name='Fisheth' timestamp='1479824233' post='3179563'] That is a gorgeous colour, my band would hate it if I played one like that though [/quote] It is a bit on the "pink" side... I'd prefer something more like the "purple flake" Modulus, but without the flake. G&L do a lovely purple as an option...

[quote name='bubinga5' timestamp='1479822420' post='3179543'] Not EMG,s they are way too glassy for a jazz bass imo [/quote] Dunno... I used to own a Geddy Lee J bass with EMGs in it, and it could certainly growl...

[quote name='bubinga5' timestamp='1479817507' post='3179483'] What was the spec Conan? [/quote] I hadn't quite got as far as exact details, but the main one would be colour: purple with matching headstock! Passive, maple board with pearl blocks, probably his own pickups (as I've heard very good reports about them) or EMGs... I'm still pondering! Oh, and four string. A bit like this one.....

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1479818631' post='3179496'] IME deps are simply too much hard work for an originals band. From personal experience you have to limit your set to songs you have decent recorded versions of, so unless you are promoting your latest album, it's going to mean digging up material that you'd stopped playing ages ago. And unless you actually manage to get a rehearsal or two in with them before hand, you have to trust that they have learnt all the right nuances. Finally, just getting them to look the part image-wise for the band is generally an exercise in futility. Even a simple instruction like, wear black, no visible band or brand logos and no trainers is too difficult for some. [/quote] Always try to stay on good terms with ex-members (assuming you have any of course!).

How do you feel on rehearsal/practice days? Is it "Get in - I can't wait!" or "Oh bollocks, how can I get out of it?"? I usually find that is a good indicator of how much you enjoy a band...

A great player who makes great instruments! Sadly , recent currency fluctuations have put my custom specced Elwood a bit beyond my reach though... One day...

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1479807345' post='3179359'] The problem with bands is that they contain other people... [/quote] [quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1479807523' post='3179363'] That's also their greatest strength. [/quote] Yes. Truly the best of times and the worst of times!

I use these on my J basses - http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_valuestrings_bassguitar_medium.htm Stupidly cheap and really surprisingly good! I've used most other manufacturers in the past - DR, D'Addario, Fender, Lakland, Rotosound, Newtone, Picato, Ernie Ball.... but now I buy these and haven't had a single duff string. You just can't go wrong at this price! ((Nice gold silks too!)