Bass Guitar Magazine

[bythesea]

[quote name='urb' post='501068' date='May 29 2009, 04:12 PM']I agree the proofing ... ... really needs to improve[/quote]

Though this is a common problem among many magazines (and as somewhat of a perfectionist I don't like to see them). However, at least they get the title right. My wife regularly peruses WHS for new magazines and saw one recently called "Angels and Fairies" (which thankfully she didn't buy). The title was missing the "L"...

[EBS_freak]

[quote name='urb' post='501068' date='May 29 2009, 04:12 PM']I agree the proofing and fact checking really needs to improve - I wasn't pointing anyone in particular out - Nick is very open to all manner of suggestions but unfortunately you can't please all the people all the time and unlike magazines with surplus amounts of staff and whole teams of sub editors (I work for Time Out and even their small army of proof readers miss things!) - BGM is a very small operation with a handful of staff.

Regarding the issue of review credibilty - it's an intresting one and I kind of agree - how this is solved I don't know - I'll be happy to pass on suggestions to him and let's see what he says.

Mike[/quote]

Just out of interest, how is the proofing done? Not that it's any of my business...

I just counted the number of frets on the Alleva Copolla and then was a bit perplexed when I saw the spec box.... and as for the final remark from Copollo... what? It took me a few reads to get what was being said!

The TC amp review was quite an interesting read because after I tested one at length, it left me kind of cold. OK, everybody has their own preferences - I know that there are as many people who hate EBS amps as love them (I'm not that short-sighted) - so I do try to view things with an open mind... To me, it seemed to be lacking in grunt and power. Certainly, when I dug in, it didn't have the headroom that I was hoping for. It was pleasant enough, extemely portable - but the head came across as quite fragile and it certainly didn't seem to be an amp that provides a big sound on stage. For example, in a rock situation, does it hack it? Was it reviewed in such a situation? OK, we know that all tools aren't fit for all jobs but if that's the case, why is it not stated? Who is this amp aimed at? For what type of environment?

Whilst I have nothing but upmost respect for Janek and Ben Epstein (really great guy), they aren't using it in a situation that is comparable to the average reader. (Doesn't Ben use inears so the sound onstage from his amp is of less importance?) Are these guys playing the majority of their gigs where the amp is the only source of bass? I don't think so. How does this amp perform in a real world situtation experienced by most of the readers, where the amp is the back line - with no PA support? Does it cut it as a 5 star amp then? Maybe it does - but the magazine doesn't really address that - and hence my confidence in 5 stars across the board is not that high. It's OK going on about the features of the products being reviewed but it's no use at all if the thing can't hack it out of the bedroom/studio/whatever...

Whenever I read a review, these are the things that are going through my head... and these are the questions that are seldom answered.

PS - the optional footswitch. How much is it?

Edited May 29, 2009 by EBS_freak

[MacDaddy]

[quote name='EBS_freak' post='501100' date='May 29 2009, 04:45 PM']Just out of interest, how is the proofing done? Not that it's any of my business...

I just counted the number of frets on the Alleva Copolla and then was a bit perplexed when I saw the spec box.... and as for the final remark from Copollo... what? It took me a few reads to get what was being said!

The TC amp review was quite an interesting read because after I tested one at length, it left me kind of cold. OK, everybody has their own preferences - I know that there are as many people who hate EBS amps as love them (I'm not that short-sighted) - so I do try to view things with an open mind... To me, it seemed to be lacking in grunt and power. Certainly, when I dug in, it didn't have the headroom that I was hoping for. It was pleasant enough, extemely portable - but the head came across as quite fragile and it certainly didn't seem to be an amp that provides a big sound on stage. For example, in a rock situation, does it hack it? Was it reviewed in such a situation? OK, we know that all tools aren't fit for all jobs but if that's the case, why is it not stated? Who is this amp aimed at? For what type of environment?

Whilst I have nothing but upmost respect for Janek and Ben Epstein (really great guy), they aren't using it in a situation that is comparable to the average reader. (Doesn't Ben use inears so the sound onstage from his amp is of less importance?) Are these guys playing the majority of their gigs where the amp is the only source of bass? I don't think so. How does this amp perform in a real world situtation experienced by most of the readers, where the amp is the back line - with no PA support? Does it cut it as a 5 star amp then? Maybe it does - but the magazine doesn't really address that - and hence my confidence in 5 stars across the board is not that high. It's OK going on about the features of the products being reviewed but it's no use at all if the thing can't hack it out of the bedroom/studio/whatever...

Whenever I read a review, these are the things that are going through my head... and these are the questions that are seldom answered.

PS - the optional footswitch. How much is it?[/quote]

what he said ^

[ezbass]

I was hoping for great things from the posture article, but all we seemed to get was a two page advert for Alexander Technique with promises of better to come. Hmm unimpressed.

[agoulding]

i sometimes buy it.

i feel the internet does the job a little bit better though.

[wateroftyne]

I just picked this up.. I agree there's a huge improvement. The interviews seem to have a bit of depth now.

Another +1 for the flaky proofing, though.

[skankdelvar]

OK, here's the deal. We've identified a number of problems with BGM, so now why don't we do something about it.

[b]Proposition: [/b]

BGM identifies where they may feel they have shortcomings in specialist knowledge, reviewer availability, proofing (technical and typos), etc etc.

In exchange for ad space and a regular feature sponsor cred, BC co-ordinates the provision of specialist assistance necessary to make good the shortfalls. Contributing BC-ers to get a credit in a "contributor" list on the masthead.

In broader terms, BC could also help to co-ordinate a BGM user group, to offer some general steer.

[b]Benefits[/b]

BGM - gets free additional editorial support and editorial intelligence

BC - gets free promotion and builds bridges with another media owner

BC-ers - get to enhance the publication and see their name in print, while helping BC to promote itself

[b]Cost[/b]

Zero - time only

[Uncle Balsamic]

I like the part on Dave Swift in this issue. Great bassist.

[Alun]

I quite enjoy the mag, despite the typos and sometimes slightly vague/inaccurate reviews ( I really wanted to know what the modelling on the Freebass wireless actually models! Amps? Basses? Other wirelesses?)

The only thing that really irks me is the constant plugging of Swans In Flight, a band that appears to feature the publisher on guitar. To me, this is really inappropriate (and admittedly might not be the mag's fault) even if their CD does feature well known players. Other than backing TM Stevens at BassDay, I've not heard them but the blatant plugging has put me off them before I do. BGM are now even sending out emails to subscribers plugging their tour FFS - they don't do that for Janek, Stuart Clayton, or any of the other writers so it does seem wrong that they do it for them.

<rant over>

Cheers
Alun

[steve-soar]

I think what these two guys have done is very savy and they are also very talented. They have promoted their album very cleverly with the bass player angle in BGM and from what I can gleen, they have done the same with other outlets of potential publicity.
It's not my kind of music but it is very good and the musicianship is excellent. I logged onto the site not knowing what to expect and was suprised at the Dave Gilmore-esque vocals and great guitar playing.
[url="http://www.swansinflight.com/"]http://www.swansinflight.com/[/url]

[Eight]

'bout half way through this current issue - and it is probably the best I've read (baring in mind the short time I've been playing bass and buying BGM).

I'd still like to see a bit more information on competitor products included with each review. Like, "if you prefer feature x then you might want to get product y instead". Or if that's too controversial then maybe just a quick "related products" type box where they just list the names and prices of the competition. Rather than leave me needing to trawl the web if the item being reviewed wasn't quite right.

And more transcriptions please. Just one extra per issue from a contrasting genre/style is all I ask.

[xilddx]

[quote name='Uncle Balsamic' post='501945' date='May 30 2009, 10:25 PM']I like the part on Dave Swift in this issue. Great bassist.[/quote]

Great interview that, really learned a lot from it.

[ezbass]

[quote name='Alun' post='504127' date='Jun 2 2009, 07:35 PM']I really wanted to know what the modelling on the Freebass wireless actually models! Amps? Basses? Other wirelesses?[/quote]

Yep I thought I'd misread the article and missed something, so I reread it, nothing concrete except that you can adjust it.

Note from teacher on BGM's report card "Must Try Harder"

[BigBeefChief]

To be honest, I was hoping for a big improvement and was left dissapointed. Regardless of the typos and technical errors, I just find the writing incredibly boring! The guitar mags are a league above in terms of interesting content and writing style.

I don't agree with all this talk of improvement not happening over night. To my mind, the mag doesn't need tweaking - it needs a massive overhaul.

Still buy it though, so why should they care?

[xilddx]

I agree with you, I think the writing is a bit dull and uninspiring, very workmanlike. Most of the guitar mags are much more exciting, like you're being let into a few secrets.

I am quite surprised at how good Guitar & Bass mag has become, it was a bit amateurish a couple of years ago but i picked up a copy of the latest one and it's great, loads of bass stuff in there too.

[EBS_freak]

BGM should sack off trying to be serious.

Top Gear for basses. That's where it's at.

Drop a few caravans on a few Warwicks etc...

[Krysbass]

Don’t get me wrong – I applaud the idea that the UK has its own bass guitar magazine and I’m in my 2nd year subscribing to it. But it’s become soooo dull – I’ve literally been using the current issue to help me drop off to sleep at night.

That’s sad, because not so long ago, they ran an excellent feature called “Weekend Warriors” covering ordinary bassists in locally based bands who invariably juggled their bass-playing with holding down day-jobs. It was absolutely brilliant and added a much needed “both feet planted firmly on the ground” approach. Then some bright spark canned it. Why?

Just look at the reviews in the current issue – the only thing priced well under 4 figures is the Ashdown Freebass. Yes it’s nice to dream about owning high-end gear, but let’s have some balance. It’s like buying a car mag hoping for information on competent, affordable family hatchbacks, only to find it crammed with articles on Ferraris and Aston Martins. Dare I say that BGM is becoming a little irrelevant?

I’m currently deliberating on whether I’ll renew my subscription, since now BGM is monthly the annual cost is higher and it’s become a luxury I could probably live without.

[phsycoandy]

[quote name='EBS_freak' post='504559' date='Jun 3 2009, 11:38 AM']BGM should sack off trying to be serious.

Top Gear for basses. That's where it's at.

Drop a few caravans on a few Warwicks etc...[/quote]
Great thought! hate Warwicks appreciation society is born!

[xilddx]

[quote name='phsycoandy' post='504616' date='Jun 3 2009, 12:52 PM']Great thought! hate Warwicks appreciation society is born![/quote]

Ever played one?

EDIT: Oh I see, you play a GB Spitfire and haven't got over the war yet. It's probably because the Germans turn out consistent top quality and consistency at production line level output and have a coherent marketing campaign. Whereas in good ol' Blighty, we have a few high end luthiers who can't take it to those levels so they are marketed as "exclusive". Otherwise they do a cheapie line and get them made in China.

Edited June 3, 2009 by silddx

[BigBeefChief]

[quote name='silddx' post='504648' date='Jun 3 2009, 01:26 PM']Ever played one?[/quote]


Yeah. Was rubbish.

[Sean]

I read the CD reviews in BGM this month and it's pretty obvious that the reviewer hasn't even listened to them. [i]I've[/i] heard more material off the Chickenfoot album than he has!

[xilddx]

[quote name='Sean' post='504652' date='Jun 3 2009, 01:31 PM']I read the CD reviews in BGM this month and it's pretty obvious that the reviewer hasn't even listened to them. [i]I've[/i] heard more material off the Chickenfoot album than he has![/quote]

Me too, dreadful hideous album. Have we gone back to the bloody '80s?

[xilddx]

[quote name='BigBeefChief' post='504649' date='Jun 3 2009, 01:27 PM']Yeah. Was rubbish.[/quote]

Oh yeah? Please explain ..

[EBS_freak]

[quote name='silddx' post='504656' date='Jun 3 2009, 01:34 PM']Oh yeah? Please explain ..[/quote]

Jeez. Get the man some sedatives.

It's light hearted humour. The word Ashdown could have been used instead of Warwick... and then your stupid German/War thing wouldn't even make sense. What is it with people bringing the war into everything?

For the record, the mighty Warwick would smash the caravan to shrapnel. Seriously, they are one solid piece of wood.

[xilddx]

[quote name='EBS_freak' post='504661' date='Jun 3 2009, 01:39 PM']Jeez. Get the man some sedatives.

It's light hearted humour. The word Ashdown could have been used instead of Warwick... and then your stupid German/War thing wouldn't even make sense. What is it with people bringing the war into everything?

For the record, the mighty Warwick would smash the caravan to shrapnel. Seriously, they are one solid piece of wood.[/quote]

So sorry, mine was also light-hearted humour with a bit of acid thrown in. I will use the correct smiley in future to help you understand a bit better. OK?