xilddx Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Now Guy Pratt is taking questions it seems a lot of them are about what gear he used for certain tours and recordings. I'm interested to know why people are interested in such things. Why does it help you to know Flea used a Pedulla in 1995 or whatever? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve-bbb Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 its all part of the BASSCHAT >>> PRATTCHAT syndrome it will pass in a few days Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarky Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Coz if I play the same base wot Flea played it will make me a betta playa init Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xilddx Posted May 7, 2013 Author Share Posted May 7, 2013 [quote name='steve-bbb' timestamp='1367941106' post='2071277'] its all part of the BASSCHAT >>> PRATTCHAT syndrome it will pass in a few days [/quote] I'm not saying it's wrong or anything, just wondering why so many are obsessed with famous players' gear, but then stop there. I'd be asking about EQ frequencies, signal chain, effects settings, etc. I'll admit I really tried to find out about Chris Squire's EQ and signal chain a couple of years ago, but a YES producer said in an interview it was a secret. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarky Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 (edited) More seriously, you very well know the answer Nige! Combination of hero worship and anorak-ry (I am partial to a bit of it myself too) Edited May 7, 2013 by Clarky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skankdelvar Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 (edited) [quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1367941022' post='2071275'] I'm interested to know why people are interested in such things. [/quote] Idle curiosity? A desire to know stuff so that one may draw upon said knowledge when circumstances demand? Mayhap they heard Mr P's bass sound upon an enchanted evening and thought 'That's one [i]spicy [/i]meatball - rush me the appropriate combination within 28 days, no refunds, E&OE'. Which would be entirely understandable, given the general Quest For Tone round here. And from who better might one elicit this intelligence than the Original Player? Saves all those gruesome threads where - for example - people speculate about whether Jaco stuffed his control cavity with Rice Krispies (yes he did, no he didn't, yes he did, IBTL, I've got pix, no, those are Fruitloops, f**k off you c**t, etc) Edited May 7, 2013 by skankdelvar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roland Rock Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 (edited) I assume people want to know either because they are gearheads and love the trivia, or want to get their heroes' exact tone. The first one is fair enough, that's what rocks their boat. The second is a bit tricky; even if you get their tone (unlikely as there are so many variables, technique being a big one) will it work with your band as effectively? Unlikely IMO Although I know what basses people like Andy Frazer, Aston Barrett or Jerry Jemmott use, it's only because I've seen their pictures etc. I have no desire to find out their setup in detail. I enjoy listening to them, then pick up my bass and do my own thing. Edited May 7, 2013 by Roland Rock Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gust0o Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 There are quite likely a huge number of reasons, Nige. Largely, it will be for learning - though to what end, I leave open. Many people learn from experience - they like to try things, or experience them in some way, to get a sense of how they work; and, for us bassists, talking about gear gives us a chance to emulate that. All the way from scrutineering rigs at gigs, to talking about it here, it's a way of learning and putting that learning into context. So, if you just want to know what works - or want to know how your heroes nail their sound - people will talk gear I think that drives me. I want to know how it all works. I'm unlikely to lay hands on all the kit I would like, in the flesh, to give it a try, so I ask or search - and it gives me a reference, I can relate what I know to what I hear, and get a sense of how it works. Probably an over-engineered answer. I should have just said: f*** it, I'm like a magpie. I like shiny things I'll add in the curious; the pub quiz trivia; etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Vader Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 So i can avoid it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seashell Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 I'm not hugely into people's gear (yet!). Although if I see a bass player on telly now I do try to spot what sort of bass they're playing, out of curiosity. I guess I'm just not all that techie really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 In the old days you'd go to a gig and you'd hear the backline. The gear they used and what they sounded like meant something. Now all you hear is a DI, so it's pretty pointless to buy the gear that your heroes use based on their FOH sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gust0o Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 [quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1367943305' post='2071347'] In the old days you'd go to a gig and you'd hear the backline. The gear they used and what they sounded like meant something. Now all you hear is a DI, so it's pretty pointless to buy the gear that your heroes use based on their FOH sound. [/quote] Could you be proposing a new trend, chris_b, in [i]soundesk spotting? [/i] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
risingson Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Don't really care too much what anyone plays anymore! Used to when I was younger, now I don't, I'm probably just incredibly stubborn and know what I like. Right now it's the right blend of vintage and modern! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thisnameistaken Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 I've never really thought about what gear my favourite players used, unless they had an attractive bass and I wanted to know what it was because I wanted one that looked like it. That's why I bought a Thumb bass. Not because I wanted to sound like Norwood, I just wanted to look like Norwood. What's funny about these gear-related enquiries is the answer is nearly always 'a Fender into whatever was available'. I don't think most influential players paid too much attention to their gear, they were too busy making music. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 [quote name='thisnameistaken' timestamp='1367943806' post='2071361'] ....I don't think most influential players paid too much attention to their gear, they were too busy making music.... [/quote] +1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krysh Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 I don't have any heroes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lojo Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 I'm interested when I see a gig or video what guys are using, but not really bothered finding out anything more, perhaps then odd effect question if I'm trying to emulate a line , but most covers I do don't rely on effects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xilddx Posted May 7, 2013 Author Share Posted May 7, 2013 (edited) [quote name='thisnameistaken' timestamp='1367943806' post='2071361'] [b]I've never really thought about what gear my favourite players used, unless they had an attractive bass and I wanted to know what it was because I wanted one that looked like it. That's why I bought a Thumb bass. Not because I wanted to sound like Norwood, I just wanted to look like Norwood.[/b] What's funny about these gear-related enquiries is the answer is nearly always 'a Fender into whatever was available'. I don't think most influential players paid too much attention to their gear, they were too busy making music. [/quote] Yeh, that's me as well But not really any more Edited May 7, 2013 by xilddx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skankdelvar Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 [quote name='krysh' timestamp='1367944003' post='2071367'] I don't have any heroes. [/quote] [b][size=3]BC official Crips gangbanger: '[/size][/b][size=3]Is good, blud, you kin has sum of mine.'[/size] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xilddx Posted May 7, 2013 Author Share Posted May 7, 2013 [quote name='skankdelvar' timestamp='1367941752' post='2071299'] Idle curiosity? A desire to know stuff so that one may draw upon said knowledge when circumstances demand? Mayhap they heard Mr P's bass sound upon an enchanted evening and thought 'That's one [i]spicy [/i]meatball - rush me the appropriate combination within 28 days, no refunds, E&OE'. Which would be entirely understandable, given the general Quest For Tone round here. And from who better might one elicit this intelligence than the Original Player? Saves all those gruesome threads where - for example - people speculate about whether Jaco stuffed his control cavity with Rice Krispies (yes he did, no he didn't, yes he did, IBTL, I've got pix, no, those are Fruitloops, f**k off you c**t, etc) [/quote] It was Golden Nuggets you fackin mappit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 (edited) It` a funny one this, for me it`s so I can establish what made all those sounds that I love on all my fave records/tracks. And then, after buying that very same equipment, deliberately set it up to not have those sounds, as inevitably those sounds are trebley and cutting through the mix, and I`m far more a deep/in the pocket type player, laying down a foundation for the lead instruments. Edited May 7, 2013 by Lozz196 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 (edited) I can quite understand it if you're in a tribute band or a particularly serious covers/function band. There is a certain satisfaction in nailing 'that' sound for [insert song name here], even though the band in question inevitably don't sound exactly like their recordings live - with a few notable exceptions! If we didn't have the 'anorak/geek' mindset we wouldn't be on a bass forum in the first place, would we? Would we..? [size=4] [/size] Edited May 7, 2013 by discreet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skankdelvar Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 [quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1367944744' post='2071384'] It was Golden Nuggets you fackin mappit. [/quote] Maybe, C**tyb******s, but the guy who sold Jaco his #1 Jazz categorically states* that the woolly-hatted one rammed two whole packs of Golden Grahams up the truss rod channel to improve tuning stability. [size=2]* See page 92 of '1001 facts about Jaco's gear that'll make you gouge your own eyes out' (Random House)[/size] . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 I think that players certainly do care about what kit they are using... I had a chat with one relatively recently and he knew tone INSIDE out. If you don't have a great sound, you wont get the gig at the level they are playing and also you can have engrs and techs spend hours and days on their kit should they need it. They may plug into whatever is available but they will certainly unliug pdq if it doesn't work.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stan_da_man Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Makes me laugh this what gear did your idol use business. Most the time it's how the bass is played (and more importantly) what desk/DI box you went through when recording. Good examples are the Dead Kennedys albums - not the greatest tone in the world but the bass player was using a 63 (64?) Jazz! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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