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Hi from a bass beginner


PatReed
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Hi all,

I just started learning bass last night at the ICMP Kilburn. The group tutor is Phil Mann who as a guitar player (am I aloud to say that without scorn and general ridicule?!) has scared me half to death by insisting that we tipex out all the TABs on the learner pack material and read notation. Scary but exiting. I have been playing guitar seriously for the last 3 years although I started as teenager back in the 70s and had a 30 years sabbatical. I've always wanted to play bass ever since see a young Paul McCartney strut his stuff in a little known Liverpool group in the 60s. My bass heroes over the years are Jack Bruce, John Entwisel, Sting, Stanley Clarke, Roger Glover, John Paul Jones, and course Lemmy to name but a few. My musical taste is anything from Motown to Metal. To me if it sounds good then it is.

My Tutor group at the ICMP seem like a nice bunch and I am looking forward to sharing the next 10 weeks of level one bass with them. I am in the market for a bass and have a budget of around £500 to £600 if any one has any advice or pointers I'd be much obliged. I'd also be interested in any thoughts about a good combo bass amp for practice a perhaps small gigs.

All the best

PatReed

Edited by PatReed
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Welcome aboard - Another Londoner, like buses at the moment! :)

Your budget is going to give you plenty of choice, I'd suggest a day out to [url="http://www.thebassgallery.com/"]The Gallery[/url] in Camden & go through everything that's within your budget. They're pretty good for amplification too, so that might give you a few pointers. Wunjo's in Denmark Street are worth a look too if you're in the area, they often get some interesting secondhand stuff in & they're really friendly.

You might curse your tutor over the Tippex incident, but I reckon that'll pay off in the long run - especially as you say you find it "exciting".

At some point in the (hopefully) not-too-distant future there's likely to be a "London Bash". These are great for getting hands-on with a whole range of gear from the mundane to the uber-boutique & having a relaxed social get-together putting faces to avatars. There's a thread on that [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=72161"]here[/url]. We're after finding a venue for it - any chance you could ask the ICMP?

Pete.

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[quote name='Bloodaxe' post='713271' date='Jan 14 2010, 11:57 PM']Welcome aboard - Another Londoner, like buses at the moment! :)

Your budget is going to give you plenty of choice, I'd suggest a day out to [url="http://www.thebassgallery.com/"]The Gallery[/url] in Camden & go through everything that's within your budget. They're pretty good for amplification too, so that might give you a few pointers. Wunjo's in Denmark Street are worth a look too if you're in the area, they often get some interesting secondhand stuff in & they're really friendly.

You might curse your tutor over the Tippex incident, but I reckon that'll pay off in the long run - especially as you say you find it "exciting".

At some point in the (hopefully) not-too-distant future there's likely to be a "London Bash". These are great for getting hands-on with a whole range of gear from the mundane to the uber-boutique & having a relaxed social get-together putting faces to avatars. There's a thread on that [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=72161"]here[/url]. We're after finding a venue for it - any chance you could ask the ICMP?

Pete.[/quote]

Hi Pete

Thanks for the pointers and advice. On reflection perhaps 'exciting' is a little over the top. Interested in the'London Bash' and will ask at the Institue. What sort of numbers are you thinking of and what exactly is involved. I would imagine there would be a cost but I check it out in any case.

All the best

Pat

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Welcome, and Shaun just beat me to it in recommending Phil! He's an excellent and inspirational teacher, you'd be very hard pressed to find anyone better!

As for bass choice, I'd definitely concur about a trip to the Gallery (though you might find it a bit intimidating as a newbie!) and one (or more) of the bass bashes. Think about sounds you like and proceed that way. Another important thing would be whether you want to go 4 or 5 string. Also remember that just because it costs more doesn't necessarily mean it sounds or plays better, or will make you happier.

Most of all trust your instincts!

Enjoy mate ;-)

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HI, I pick up Mex 70's Jazz reissue on Saturday and it looks a plays really nicely (I think)

Thnask for you supporting words

Pat


[quote name='Netballman' post='714379' date='Jan 15 2010, 09:47 PM']Welcome, and Shaun just beat me to it in recommending Phil! He's an excellent and inspirational teacher, you'd be very hard pressed to find anyone better!

As for bass choice, I'd definitely concur about a trip to the Gallery (though you might find it a bit intimidating as a newbie!) and one (or more) of the bass bashes. Think about sounds you like and proceed that way. Another important thing would be whether you want to go 4 or 5 string. Also remember that just because it costs more doesn't necessarily mean it sounds or plays better, or will make you happier.

Most of all trust your instincts!

Enjoy mate ;-)[/quote]

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