Joel McIver Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Hi all Just a quick note to say hello. I recently became the editor of Bass Guitar Magazine and have been reading the posts here about the magazine with interest. I've noticed a few complaints about the content and some queries about why we do certain things, so I thought I'd better post here and if you have any questions, you can put them to me directly. Thanks to Bass Chat for letting me do this, it's an amazing forum. Cheers Joel McIver Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrismuzz Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Welcome to the forum Joel! I'm sure your presence here will be greatly appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Welcome Joel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lettsguitars Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 High. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Len_derby Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Welcome Joel. Well done to you for making the post and putting your head above the parapet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoffbassist Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Welcome Joel and I think it's great you are listening to your readers. Cheers Geoff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EBS_freak Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Another change of editor? Anyway, welcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Telebass Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Joel, I'll do the proof reading for a free subscription. Nothing puts me off a mag more than poorly proofed bits! Den Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 (edited) Hey Joel. Good luck with what is obviously not an easy job. It's good you've become involved with Basschat - I have always thought the magazine could be improved by having the editor read posts in this forum to see what [i]really [/i]interests bass players, so that's great. Quite a lot of queries from those new to the forum seem to be about similar subjects and some of the pinned threads on here regarding (for example) repairs and technical issues and information on amps and cabinets could well be of interest to the wider BGM audience. Also I think the bass guitar reviews in the mag are a bit non-critical to be honest, and - for whatever reason - if every bass gets at least four out of five stars, the system loses credibility and ceases to be of use to the potential buyer. My 2 pence worth! Edited July 4, 2012 by discreet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
such Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Hi Joel, it's great that you're here. I stopped buying BGM because of some obvious bs that was included in articles. I won't quote everything now, couldn't even if I wanted to, as I gave all BGMs to a friend. But what I remember: in the review of a Yamaha BB1024x it was stated that it weighs 12kg. I'll never believe it. Of course there is some variation in wood, but not enough to make one entire bass weigh 3 times as much as other ones in the same model. Some time later, review of a Yamaha BB424. It was stated that there is no way to adjust the height of the bridge pickup (which is NOT true), and that because of that strings have to be raised on the bridge so they don't hit the pickup when played, and that makes the bass much less playable. Now, who would buy the bass after reading that? Does someone not like Yamaha...? I remember that some time ago there was a Limited Edition Warwick reviewed, costing about 2.5k. It was a model with coil switching pickups, passive/active options etc. It was stated that it is an extremely versatile and good sounding instruments, but it's a lot of money, so why not look elsewhere. Few pages further another bass is reviewed (I don't remember what) in the same pricepoint, and the conclusion is like, ok, maybe it is expensive and has its limitations, but it's a professional instrument, so if you look for a professional instrument, please at least consider one of these. Of course I am aware that you haven't been the Editor for long, and it all happened before. Just pointing out things to avoid. Also, when it comes to reviews, why not concentrate on what sets the particular piece of gear apart, rather than describing the features that it has in common with all the others. When I read a review of an amp, I really don't need to read that turning the "bass" knob clockwise boosts low frequencies. Or, in a review of a jazz-style bass, what general difference panning between pickups or rolling the tones makes. Rather than that, I'd like to know what specific difference is there between this amp or bass and other amps and basses. And yes, the reviews sometimes really lack this, especially with the more traditional designs. Other than that, I quite like the magazine - interview (although the feature on young "alternative" bassists are annoying, when all of them just say that 5-string basses, or slapping, or practicing, or theory, or effects, or being in tune, are for w***ers, so they don't do it, because they are real musicians with soul), woodshed thing, quality of pictures, lessons (Gwizdała and Marks especially). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Hi Joel and welcome (brave man that you are). I'm still a subscriber but the aforementioned proof reading is an annoyance, if we all can see it why can't someone on the staff? The student report from The Institute is so old hat and repetetive as to be boring and irritating (maybe it's just me). Anyway enough of the negativity, BGM is still the only bass mag I'd buy and hasn't managed to become the ad fest that is BP. Suggestions? Well interviews with Bruce Thomas or Pino would be very popular amongst BCers and another pass at a fretless issue (only ever done once many years ago) would be very popular with me at least Enjoy your new job and your time amongst denizens of BC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joel McIver Posted July 4, 2012 Author Share Posted July 4, 2012 Thanks for the welcome, chaps. I realise it’s a little unorthodox for an editor to stick his neck out like this, but as I see it we’re all members of the bass community, so why not. Points as I came across them above: > Another change of editor? Yes, but it’s all very amicable. I’m good friends with the three previous editors Adrian Ashton, Nick Wells and Ben Cooper. Ben quit after some years as an editor of two magazines because he wanted to go freelance, and is still writing a lot for the mag. More significantly, we have a new (and awesome) publisher. > Joel, I'll do the proof reading for a free subscription. Nothing puts me off a mag more than poorly proofed bits! Believe me, no-one is more anal about proofreading errors than me. Some of you may have read my books. When an error makes it into one of them, I’m ready to kill someone! With BGM, the assistant editor and I work really hard to nail any grammar/spelling/punctuation screw-ups before publication. In the new issue (Geddy Lee cover), there’s just one boo-boo that I’ve seen. Ten points for anyone who spots it… > I think the bass guitar reviews in the mag are a bit non-critical to be honest, and - for whatever reason - if every bass gets at least four out of five stars, the system loses credibility and ceases to be of use to the potential buyer. This is a fair point. In recent years the mag has got slightly stuck in a rut of mostly reviewing expensive, high-end instruments, and obviously those are amazing to play, hence the generally glittering reviews. But my writers and I have a clear policy of including criticism when it is needed – and this is never, as has been stated elsewhere on this forum, anything to do with advertising content. The ads and editorial departments are not beholden to one another. From issue 82 there will be more sub-£500 instruments reviewed, too. > But what I remember: in the review of a Yamaha BB1024x it was stated that it weighs 12kg. I’ll hold my hand up to that error as it was my review. I meant 12 pounds, not 12 kg. Obviously I’d been on the brown acid that day > review of a Yamaha BB424. It was stated that there is no way to adjust the height of the bridge pickup (which is NOT true), and that because of that strings have to be raised on the bridge so they don't hit the pickup when played, and that makes the bass much less playable. Now, who would buy the bass after reading that? Does someone not like Yamaha...? We love Yamaha. Maybe the reviewer was sent a slightly dodgy review model? That happens sometimes. > When I read a review of an amp, I really don't need to read that turning the "bass" knob clockwise boosts low frequencies. Or, in a review of a jazz-style bass, what general difference panning between pickups or rolling the tones makes. Rather than that, I'd like to know what specific difference is there between this amp or bass and other amps and basses. Well said. > the feature on young "alternative" bassists are annoying, when all of them just say that 5-string basses, or slapping, or practicing, or theory, or effects, or being in tune, are for w***ers, so they don't do it, because they are real musicians with soul Ah, don’t be too hard on our Bassically Speaking section. Those pages are for young or new bassists who don’t yet have the profile to merit a full feature, and it’s their chance to let off steam. I know you used to be young and over-excited too > The student report from The Institute is so old hat and repetetive as to be boring and irritating (maybe it's just me). I hear you, but that page is designed to show the value of a musical education to young readers who might not get it otherwise. > interviews with Bruce Thomas or Pino would be very popular amongst BCers and another pass at a fretless issue (only ever done once many years ago) would be very popular with me at least We’re chasing an interview with Pino as we speak, and Thomas is on the list. Definitely yes to a fretless issue. I'll be checking in here periodically and answering questions, so keep them coming. Joel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karlfer Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Welcome Joel, enjoy the site and good luck with your new passion. Not actually bought any bass mag since the demises of Bass and Bass Guitarist. That was a sad day. May just have a look in the near future. All the best brave one, cheers, Karl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4 Strings Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 > the feature on young "alternative" bassists are annoying, when all of them just say that 5-string basses, or slapping, or practicing, or theory, or effects, or being in tune, are for w***ers, so they don't do it, because they are real musicians with soul Ah, don’t be too hard on our Bassically Speaking section. Those pages are for young or new bassists who don’t yet have the profile to merit a full feature, and it’s their chance to let off steam. I know you used to be young and over-excited too Amen to that, I feel our youngsters are becoming middle aged too soon and if they all toe the 'sensible' line we won't be looking forward to too much new or creative music. I love young people with principles, experience knocks most of them out but let's encourage them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joel McIver Posted July 4, 2012 Author Share Posted July 4, 2012 > [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]All the best brave one[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif] [/font][/color][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Hey, this is a walk in the park, relatively speaking. I wrote a book about Slayer a few years ago and the tidal wave of hatred from their fans was unstoppable! [/font][/color] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 [quote name='Joel McIver' timestamp='1341393081' post='1718068'] Thanks for the welcome, chaps. I realise it’s a little unorthodox for an editor to stick his neck out like this, but as I see it we’re all members of the bass community, so why not.[/quote] Go for it, Joel. There are 20,000-plus members on this forum, each with their opinions on all aspects of the bass. It would surely be crazy for the editor of the UK's foremost bass guitar magazine [i]not [/i]to be heavily involved with Basschat! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joel McIver Posted July 4, 2012 Author Share Posted July 4, 2012 [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1341393825' post='1718091'] It would surely be crazy for the editor of the UK's foremost bass guitar magazine [i]not [/i]to be heavily involved with Basschat! [/quote] My thoughts exactly! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truckstop Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Why not a "Cult Bass" section? Maybe someone does in impartial review of stuff like Peavey T-40's, Ibanez Blazers/Musicians/Roadsters etc, SB Nanyo Bass Collection's etc and see how they stack up against modern instruments at the same price point? Not everyone can afford new instruments, so a review of some of the classic (now affordable) vintage instruments could be useful! Cheers and kudos for opening yourself to criticism and suggestions here! Alex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2wheeler Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Hello Joel, I really like BGM. I enjoy the lessons/columns from expert players. One thing I find a bit frustrating is that the reviews don't make head-to-head comparisons. Have you read the tests in RiDE magazine? They are more like the kind of comparisons that buyers actually have to do when they go out to choose kit. Nick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joel McIver Posted July 4, 2012 Author Share Posted July 4, 2012 [quote name='Truckstop' timestamp='1341394160' post='1718104'] Why not a "Cult Bass" section? Maybe someone does in impartial review of stuff like Peavey T-40's, Ibanez Blazers/Musicians/Roadsters etc, SB Nanyo Bass Collection's etc and see how they stack up against modern instruments at the same price point? Not everyone can afford new instruments, so a review of some of the classic (now affordable) vintage instruments could be useful! Cheers and kudos for opening yourself to criticism and suggestions here! Alex [/quote] That's a great idea. Thanks, I'll give it some thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charic Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Nice one for joining the forum I'm sure you'll get some constructive criticism (and maybe not so constructive at times) going forward. I'm really liking the number of editors and company owners liaisons joining the forum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joel McIver Posted July 4, 2012 Author Share Posted July 4, 2012 [quote name='2wheeler' timestamp='1341394194' post='1718106'] Hello Joel, I really like BGM. I enjoy the lessons/columns from expert players. One thing I find a bit frustrating is that the reviews don't make head-to-head comparisons. Have you read the tests in RiDE magazine? They are more like the kind of comparisons that buyers actually have to do when they go out to choose kit. Nick [/quote] Thanks Nick. We do occasionally run basses against each other but I agree, it would be useful to compare similar models. I'll bear this in mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Joel, don't take this the wrong way but what happened to the forum you had set up for this sort of thing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joel McIver Posted July 4, 2012 Author Share Posted July 4, 2012 [quote name='Kiwi' timestamp='1341394519' post='1718119'] Joel, don't take this the wrong way but what happened to the forum you had set up for this sort of thing? [/quote] Our website was redesigned and the forum went offline. Not sure why, but I'm told it will be back up soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
obbm Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Welcome Joel [quote] Believe me, no-one is more anal about proofreading errors than me. Some of you may have read my books. When an error makes it into one of them, I’m ready to kill someone! With BGM, the assistant editor and I work really hard to nail any grammar/spelling/punctuation screw-ups before publication. In the new issue (Geddy Lee cover), there’s just one boo-boo that I’ve seen. Ten points for anyone who spots it… [/quote] Ah you mean the one in Alex's article. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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