Roland Rock Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Welcome Joel, great of you to brave the BC world! I'm at the end of my subscription, and am on the fence regarding whether to renew. here are some of my BGM musings: - The Bassically speaking section: Obviously the players are given a list of questions to answer, such as 'do you play 5 or 6 string basses', 'do you slap', 'what was your first bass', etc. All these people are doing is answering the questions honestly. If a reader gets so wound up by their answers, I'd suggest that the issue lies with some of their own insecurities! Maybe you subconsciously wish you were as rock n roll as them :-) - Positive reviews: Do any manufacturers turn out a truly dire instrument in these days? As far as I can see, the reviews are mostly positive because the instruments are good for their price bracket. I've seen plenty of examples where a BGM review has highlighted areas for improvement. Oddly though, there sometimes seems to be little correlation between the written content and the number of stars awarded when it comes to 'value for money'. - Joel, your 'woodshed' section had suddenly improved tenfold! It seems to have suddenly changed to content that I can understand and is relevant to my playing. Come to think of it, I might renew that description, if only to have something decent to read on the toilet (no offence intended Joel, that is my sanctuary, my sole opportunity to read anything these days) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xilddx Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 [quote name='Joel McIver' timestamp='1341393081' post='1718068'] 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… Joel [/quote] Well done for joining, Joel. Would you kindly explain to us what a Parker Speaker Simulator is please Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 [quote name='Joel McIver' timestamp='1341393657' post='1718084'] I wrote a book about Slayer a few years ago and the tidal wave of hatred from their fans was unstoppable! [/quote] brilliant! [quote name='Truckstop' timestamp='1341394160' post='1718104'] Why not a "Cult Bass" section? [/quote]Ooh that's genius Alex, glad you agree Joel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joel McIver Posted July 4, 2012 Author Share Posted July 4, 2012 > Do any manufacturers turn out a truly dire instrument in these days? Oh yes! Or at least, criminally overpriced. > As far as I can see, the reviews are mostly positive because the instruments are good for their price bracket. I've seen plenty of examples where a BGM review has highlighted areas for improvement. Oddly though, there sometimes seems to be little correlation between the written content and the number of stars awarded when it comes to 'value for money'. We’re always cautious about saying ‘Yes, this bass is worth every penny of your three grand’ or whatever, and rightly so I think, because of the huge range of alternatives at the same price point that we haven’t yet laid our hands on. Like the members of this forum, we’re professional bassists and we don’t want to advise people to blow all their money until they’ve researched the appropriate options. > Joel, your 'woodshed' section had suddenly improved tenfold! It seems to have suddenly changed to content that I can understand and is relevant to my playing. Glad to hear that! I reworked that section two issues ago to make it a bit more appropriate. > if only to have something decent to read on the toilet > Would you kindly explain to us what a Parker Speaker Simulator is please It’s just like a Palmer Speaker Simulator, but rebranded in honour of Spider-Man… Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 (edited) [quote name='silddx' timestamp='1341396049' post='1718150'] Would you kindly explain to us what a Parker Speaker Simulator is please...[/quote] Is it something to do with Thunderbirds..? [quote name='Joel McIver' timestamp='1341396632' post='1718163'] It’s just like a Palmer Speaker Simulator, but rebranded in honour of Spider-Man…[/quote] Heh. Edited July 4, 2012 by discreet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xilddx Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 [quote name='Joel McIver' timestamp='1341396632' post='1718163'] > Do any manufacturers turn out a truly dire instrument in these days? Oh yes! Or at least, criminally overpriced. [/quote] Ah, the Caparison .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamie_k11 Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Hey Joel, I think this whole idea is a great way to do nothing but improve faults in the magazine. (Not that I personally see any faults in the magazine) However just to see if anything else could be done. My brother plays guitar, and is a music teacher, who brought me up on music. In which he spends alot of his time checking out GUITAR TECHNIQUES Mag. I was reading an issue not to long ago stating about bringing out a bass version. Now if that was to happen, I could most probably see myself converting to that magazine. Due to the fact that it includes more on learning & improving and studying new elemenmts and subjects. Which of course is included in BGM, dont get me wrong. However I think maybe putting more into the learning and 'play like' section would be great. Maybe include a CD with many example's. Etc. Just a thought, however I think that would be pretty damn cool. Congrats on your new job, and I'm sure you'll do great with bringing some new fresh material to the table. All the best, J Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Fretbuzz Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 More stuff for newbies like me Joel :-) thanks ..but I've got to hand it to the guys on here, they've been brillant and funny :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ead Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Hi Joel I've been a subscriber for a number of years and agree with a lot of what has been raised above. My particular points would be around the photography and cheaper instruments.... I occasionally find reviews where some particular/unique feature is described and then there's no pic - can be a bit iritating! Without going over old ground (and I've speed read about 50% of the thread) how about looking at second hand instruments and giving three or so staff members a set budget to find the best instrument they can within certain criteria and then have a mini group test? I know it's a bit top gear but there have been a couple of topics on here where a bass had to be found within a budget etec etc thatr proved very popular with BCers. Hope that helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gust0o Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Welcome Joel 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]how about looking at second hand instruments and giving three or so staff members a set budget to find the best instrument they can within certain criteria and then have a mini group test? [/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Killer idea! Thank you.[/font][/color] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xilddx Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 I'd like a Pimp Your Bass column. There are LOADS of us on here that love adding or replacing things on our instruments to make them better or more personal, machine heads, pickguards, preamps, vinyl fretboard markers .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joel McIver Posted July 4, 2012 Author Share Posted July 4, 2012 Another great idea. Keep them coming, I'm making notes... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 More features and tests of ancillary gear - strings, straps, cases ... and other miscellany. Strings in particular can be a key component in a player's 'tone'... not big buck items of course, but important nevertheless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toneknob Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 How about full song transcriptions? (preferably without tab) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibob Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Hi Joel, Good to hear from you . I've never quite understood the, sometimes vitrolic, attention that BGM garners....but then I'm a pretty easy going reader. I tend to rely on forming opionions myself, rather than reading a review & then picking fault with their opinion. I think the problem with the BASSically Speaking section is that each subject is presented with a number of questions, often, instead of using the question as a bouncing-board to voice their own opinion/thoughts, they quote the question directly and answer. This obviously leaves each article sounding VERY similar. Perhaps an approach to try and provoke a more varied feature would be to have the player submit the word-count in their own words entirely, with no direction from the mag!? And also, another High Wycombe resident? Do you play locally much? Cheers Si 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]More features and tests of ancillary gear - strings, straps, cases ... and other miscellany. [/font][/color] Yep. [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]> How about full song transcriptions? (preferably without tab) [/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Ouch, expensive. You have to pay the publishers a wedge every time you do this.[/font][/color] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Horton Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Hi Joel, Welcome to BC, I am looking forward to seeing the new flavour that you are going to bring to BGM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaydentaku Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 how about a section for basses being held by completely nude woman? 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]> I've never quite understood the, sometimes vitrolic, attention that BGM garners[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Actually I understand it. We're the sole dedicated print mag on the subject in this country and it's important to get it right. I get annoyed with other magazines for the same reason.[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]> I think the problem with the BASSically Speaking section is that each subject is presented with a number of questions[/font][/color] Yes, for logistical ease. We'll work on this. [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]> And also, another High Wycombe resident? Do you play locally much?[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif] [/font][/color][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]I used to, but funnily enough I don't seem to have as much free time these days [/font][/color] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mep Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Hi Joel & welcome. It's refreshing to see you actively engage on BC. I have been a regular subscriber for some years now and will continue to support your magazine. I have given up on the US mag. One comment that seems to still be true is that almost all the basses you review are quite expensive or high end basses that most of us will never be able to afford. For some a bit of gear porn is nice. For others they may be on the lookout for something more affordable. The last reasonably priced bass I can remember a review for (without thumbing through my collection) was the Tony Butler signature bass, which could cause me to GAS for as I could quite fancy a good looking cheapish passive bass. On another note I was told many many months ago by the parents of Rob, the bass player from Stars of the Search Party (he is a BC member), that he would be featuring in Bassicaly Speaking in the next issue. Unfortunately that was not the case, and to my knowledge he has not yet appeared. BTW everybody, he does play a 5 string, but does not slap or use a pick! 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]how about a section for basses being held by completely nude woman? [/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Logistically difficult to administer.[/font][/color] 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]> One comment that seems to still be true is that almost all the basses you review are quite expensive or high end basses that most of us will never be able to afford. [/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]See my earlier comment on this -- things are about to chan[/font][/color]ge on that front. [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]> On another note I was told many many months ago by the parents of Rob, the bass player from Stars of the Search Party (he is a BC member), that he would be featuring in Bassicaly Speaking in the next issue. Unfortunately that was not the case[/font][/color] Sounds like a feature commissioned before my time. Ask him to drop me a line at [email protected] and I'll get onto it. 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='1341405466' post='1718403'] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Logistically difficult to administer.[/font][/color][/quote] I'll do that! Gis a job! The administration obviously, not holding a bass while completely nude. That would definitely [i]not [/i]improve BGM's circulation. Or anybody else's, come to that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geek99 Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 [quote name='Joel McIver' timestamp='1341402432' post='1718316'] >[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]how about looking at second hand instruments and giving three or so staff members a set budget to find the best instrument they can within certain criteria and then have a mini group test? [/font][/color] [/quote] 1. Like on top gear - good idea. 2. Can we have something like beginners corner ? We're not all Dave Marks. 3. more < £500 kit please - 4. I did enjoy reading Stu Hamms columns though. 5. When you do an offer to new readers - please give some thought to offering to to lapsed subscribers? - its what made me cancel my sub last time. 6. Any news on EPlatforms such as the iphone ? thanks apols for the brevity - am at work Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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