All Activity

The original question was about gigs, and my answer was about gigs, wasn't it? I don't limit the use of a particular instrument because it is worth something, or not. Last weekend I was playing in a small island with my Status MM neck, J body instrument because it was the right bass for the set. I played the same bass at rehearsals, as well as at home and hotel before the gig. This week my tool is the MG Genesis 5 because of the Windmills of your mind that has been arranged to a 5 string.

A lovely little tune from the 1993 Jimmy Haslip solo album, 'Arc'. This is the full performance (including the bit where he doubles the head) of the tune 'Niños' (Spanish for children). Some subtle challenges in getting the thing to sound right and it helps if you have a sense of Latin/Samba grooves. https://bilbosbassbites.co.uk/ninos-jimmy-haslip/

OK guys, i can see this is not really going anywhere so.. I'll keep looking elsewhere. Many thanks to you all for your tips. Over and out !

Night Boat To Cairo - Madness

(Un)fortunately it's a class A/B amp, 20 odd years old with quite sophisticated electronics for it's time and spec - 4.5kg, 850 W @ 4ohms. No D class..

The only instrument I’ve ever really given a hard knock too was a PRS CU24, and that happened at home, complete accident and I was devastated. If I had something irreplaceable AND pristine, I’d certainly be selective with it. I’d not be taking it to small pokey pubs. A roadworn vintage Fender costing the same, I wouldn’t be so hesitant.

made a mistake and can't figure how to delete it.. sorry

I’d put money on the power amp being an OEM module like the ICEPower units so prevalent these days. Open it up and have a look - if so, you probably wont need a schematic, just a replacement power amp board. Won’t be cheap but I doubt there are many chances of being able to switch out a couple of components on these modern PCBs

I literally do this on a daily basis 👍

Playing bass for me is primarily about developing a bond between myself and the instrument and that then influences the "secondary" aspect of playing with others as I feel it makes me more useful hopefully. That means I'll happily play just because a bass is there as it puts me in a happy place. I wasn't actually shocked at all,it was meant as a joke.

Same, I can while away a very nice hour or two totally immersed in playing along to songs on YouTube - did so earlier this evening. Great way to chill.

I find playing at home to be really relaxing.

Absolute bargain. Definitely (maybe?) a US model. High quality bit of kit. Congratulations!

Ships In The Night - Be Bop Deluxe

Is a bass only "properly played " at a gig? If you choose to make music on a bass at home is that not "playing" it? Solo practice at home, rehearsing with the band and playing a gig are all great to do - but they are three very different things. I try to play 'properly' whichever of these activities I'm doing, and thus each is equally satisfying in its own way.

What's shocking about this? I don't like playing bass on my own either. I only play bass at home when I am composing or learning new songs. Otherwise, it's always playing with others, be that rehearsals, jams, recording or gigging. I really don't see the point in just picking up a bass because it's there. There's got to be a purpose to it. That's just me though. Other opinions and motivations are available, it's all good.

Trafalgar - Bee Gees

Def not imo, my fave gets played far more than any of the others, and as it’s my fave to play I also do all my learning on that one. I can’t see how lacking a 30min set of root-note punk songs once every couple of months would mean it’s not being played properly.

As someone who went SpeakON only many years ago I wonder at the negative thoughts they cause. Jack plugs when plugged in and out short circuit the speaker outs on the amp. These are very harmful the the health of the amplifier. SpeakONs have solved that problem. They also prevent the use of signal cables os speaker leads. Win - win in my book!

I have no idea where you got this idea. You certainly didn't get it from me. But I'll play along. No. Playing is playing, doesn't matter where it's happening. Why is this question even being asked? What triggered it?

😧

Question for everyone: Is a bass only "properly played " at a gig? If you choose to make music on a bass at home is that not "playing" it? Why would that be true for a bass but not a piano? Doesn't that kinda assume that a bass player can only ever play his instrument as part of a live band? What if you're not in a band?