Mrbigstuff

Stunning! My old tutor Stefan Redtenbacher had one and the same spec. Anyone who likes instrumental funk should check out his funkestra.

I’m assuming you’re talking about rehearsed lines rather than improv, in which case I had a feeling of relief if I’ve played it correctly or dread if it’s not going so well. If not going well and it’s the main groove (rather than a fill or unison line) I simplify it on the spot to fit in with what the rest of the band is playing. That can be just as gratifying as nailing it.

I don’t gig and merely play to learn and develop. I think that context is important in why I prefer to learn complex lines - it helps me develop my musical choices (gives more options). I’m also learning guitar and piano so on those instruments I only play simple stuff.

I traded for a dreamy Warwick thumb on here and completely the trade at Waterloo train station. Unfortunately there was no way of really knowing the truss rod was shot at that point. seller denied the truss rod had gone, so I had to lump out for the bass gallery to fix it. A lesson learned but I still had a rare (not so compared to your buzzard) bass in my hands and it was wonderful when fixed. Your bass is special enough to persevere with IMO and if the seller is being a sh*t, don’t put much time into them and leave yourself stressed. Walk away, like our friend who has ordered a Letts bass should have done.

Well after some higher than expected legal bills, safe to say it will require a miracle greater than the birth of Jesus Christ for me to fall into the traps of GAS this year. Not sure I can make a whole 24 months but I’ll give 2025 a good go too.

Same as every year, a Ken Smith 5 string…. Keep getting closer on the finances but life pushes me in a different direction.

I recommend trying a MTD or F Bass before considering ordering one. I love both in the hands of others but neither sounded or felt right in my hands.

Monitors are not something to skimp on, KRK rokit’s have the best bass response. I had some cheap M Audio ones and they really were naff for bass. My chain has been bass>interface>garageband>audio technica headphones for about 15 years now and it’s perfect. Great bass or guitar tones and doesn’t piss anyone else off.

Depends on the music style you’re composing… In metal, big band, classical, gospel, the lower notes are often used. Is there a singer, what’s their preferred key ect. Lots of variables that justify owning a 5. Of course many composers and session players have been fine with just a 4 for many years.

A very lightweight collection you have, and IIRC they’re also top notch instruments too.

Stick an ad in the wanted section. They come up for sale on here occasionally.

Fair enough

Well there’s extra wood in the neck, at least on most conventional (Fender-esque) 5 string basses, then heavier bodies are used to counteract the neck dive.

If you struggle with finding a lightweight 5, and you only need it for 1 song of a 2 hour set, why put your body through it?

I’m surprised that so many of BC is playing 5s because the classifieds are full of 4s! Maybe it’s everyone realising that they don’t play the bass so will sell those, and hoarding 5 strings.

Apart from Joe Dart most of those came to the fore 20-30 years ago. Unfortunately bass is often played on Moogs these days, so any strings are old hat.

I have both and 99% only need to play a 4 so I make it easier for myself by playing a lighter, thinner necked 4 string. I play my 5er more than 1% but only really so it’s not totally alien when I need the lower range or if I want that maple neck jazz bass sound.

Pretty sure I saw him play this bass with D’angelo

Is the bass cool or the people playing them 😎

I think you’re right in terms of SZ having a feel of originality, because those since have had the feel of good session players. SZ just understood music very early in his development. His lines sound to me to be heavily influenced by Jaco, Jamerson, Bernard Edwards and a slap style akin to Marcus Miller. Shame he hasn’t had more influence in music since Jamiroquai.

Are you sure JE didn’t write Magic bus and they changed the lyrics? I don't care how much I pay (Too much, Magic bass) I wanna play my bass to my baby each day (Too much, Magic bass)

First and foremost, what do I need or how can I improve on my current stable. Currently a 5 string 34” in the shape of a Ken Smith BT5 would fit the bill!