Fat Rich

[quote name='leftybassman392' post='869469' date='Jun 16 2010, 09:33 PM']I've promised myself I wouldn't post anything of consequence any more in the local forum, but reading this thread has annoyed me intensely. I've known Paul Balmer for a number of years as a professional colleague at Northants Music Service. I know at first hand how much trouble he goes to in producing these books - I wonder, for example, how many people are aware that he met Les Paul in person during the production of his book on the guitar that's named after him, or that he personally dissassembles and reassembles a surprisingly large number of individual instruments of different vintages before committing anything to print. I haven't seen the Bass book, but I'd be frankly astonished if his approach to this project were any different. Like everyone who knows him around these parts I hold his scholarship in regard, and I'd be prepared to bet that he knows more about his subject than 99.9% of the members of this forum. Oh, and did I also mention his skill as a player? The difference being that he can do it on pretty much anything with strings and frets (or not...). Everybody's entitled to their own opinion of course (and critics will no doubt point out that I probably have a vested interest in defending Paul), but I can't help thinking that the opinions expressed in some of the preceding posts would come over a little more convincing if they were based on having actually used (or at least read) the book concerned, rather than simply lumping it with the car manuals.[/quote] Unfortunately it sometimes takes a while for peoples perceptions to change, but it sounds like Paul Balmer is the man to do it. My first reaction was what do Haynes know about music? Just like when I saw Bass Guitar for Dummies it didn't really grab me as I (probably wrongly) associate that series with computer programs, but it's had some very positive reviews. I'll be checking the new book out. No doubt there are a whole generation of people now that wouldn't dream of pulling apart a modern car because they're so complicated, so hopefully they'll have no preconceptions about Haynes who are clearly branching out into new markets.

[quote name='Krysbass' post='869826' date='Jun 17 2010, 12:28 PM']To answer an earlier question; I've been using a lead with a straight Neutrik silent jack for about 4 years and it's only just given up the ghost. I think the reason it failed was possibly only due to me walking on my lead a few times, which eventually bent the jack slightly, causing the switching mechanism inside to seize. I've recently replaced the lead and the new one has a right-angled silent jack - it certainly looks like it's built to last. I tend to plug/unplug the lead a lot from my bass to save the batteries in the active circuit - it's useful not to have to worry about muting my amp when I do this, especially at gigs, when the amp volume tends to be fairly high.[/quote] Thanks for that, will watch where I put my size 12s.... no mean feet. No, I mean feat, no I mean no mean feat. Or something.

Based on Johnston's original post and later link... HAYNES MANUAL - THE REAL MEANINGS - Edited for the following manual: Haynes: Rotate anticlockwise. Translation: Clamp with molegrips (adjustable wrench) then beat repeatedly with hammer anticlockwise. You do know which way is anticlockwise, don't you? Haynes: This is a snug fit. Translation: You will skin your knuckles! ... Clamp with adjustable wrench then beat repeatedly with hammer. Haynes: This is a tight fit. Translation: Not a hope in hell matey! ... Clamp with adjustable wrench then beat repeatedly with hammer. Haynes: As described in Chapter 7... Translation: That'll teach you not to read through before you start. Haynes: Locate ... Translation: This photo of a ******** is the only clue we're giving you. Haynes: Pry... Translation: Hammer a screwdriver into... Haynes: Undo... Translation: Go buy a tin of WD40 (catering size). Haynes: Ease ... Translation: Apply superhuman strength to ... Haynes: Lightly... Translation: Start off lightly and build up till the veins on your forehead are throbbing then re-check the manual because what you are doing now cannot be considered "lightly". Haynes: Weekly checks... Translation: If it isn't broken don't fix it! Haynes: Routine maintenance... Translation: If it isn't broken... it's about to be! Haynes: One spanner rating (simple). Translation: Your Mum could do this... so how did you manage to botch it up? Haynes: Four spanner rating. Translation: You are seriously considering this aren't you, you pleb! Haynes: Five spanner rating (expert). Translation: OK - but don't expect us to ride it afterwards!!! Haynes: If not, you can fabricate your own special tool like this... Translation: Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!! Haynes: Compress... Translation: Squeeze with all your might, jump up and down on, swear at, throw at the garage wall, then search for it in the dark corner of the garage whilst muttering "bugger" repeatedly under your breath. Haynes: Inspect... Translation: Squint at really hard and pretend you know what you are looking at, then declare in a loud knowing voice to your wife "Yep, as I thought, it's going to need a new one"! Haynes: Carefully... Translation: You are about to cut yourself! Haynes: Get an assistant... Translation: Prepare to humiliate yourself in front of someone you know. Haynes: Refitting is the reverse sequence to removal. Translation: But you swear in different places. Haynes: Using a suitable drift or pin-punch... Translation: The biggest nail in your tool box isn't a suitable drift! Haynes: Apply moderate heat... Translation: Placing your mouth near it and huffing isn't moderate heat. Haynes: Index Translation: List of all the things in the book bar the thing you want to do! Haynes: Grease well before refitting. Translation: Spend an hour searching for your tub of grease before chancing upon a bottle of washing-up liquid (dish soap). Wipe some congealed washing up liquid from the dispenser nozzle and use that since it's got a similar texture and will probably get you to Halfords to buy some Castrol grease. Haynes: Drain off all fluids before removing cap. Translation: Visit bathroom, spit on ground, remove baseball cap in order to scratch head in perplexity. Haynes: Top up fluids. Translation: Drink 2 cans of beer and call out a mobile mechanic to undo the damage.

[quote name='Pkomor' post='869315' date='Jun 16 2010, 06:48 PM']OBBM does those! [/quote] Really? OBBM? Can't believe no one mentioned them! I saw the silent jack on their website and wondered if they're reliable in the long term, can see no reason why they shouldn't be.

I got a Piranha lead free with something. It comes with a Neutrik Silent Jack plug which is really handy, it cuts the signal as you pull the plug out of your bass. Dunno if they last, anyone got any experience with them? Seems like a simple switching mechanism so hopefully it's OK.

Fat Beams are great for slap, I actually prefer Hi Beams as they're a little brighter. DR strings are a little pricey but they seem to last longer so it all evens out, quality seems to be excellent. When they first go on they can feel a little grabby under your fingers but they soon smooth off. Sometimes I use Ernie Ball Slinkys..... they've got lots of clang but are a little light on bassy fundamental. Quality seems good, they last for a reasonable amount of time, smooth under your fingers and they're not expensive. Recently tried some Status Hotwires, much darker in tone with lots of bass and fewer overtones... but with a bright top. I suspect the Fat Beams are a good starting point.

Food wise, we could always send out for pizza, chinese, indian, whatever people would like on the day? We can find telephone numbers / websites via smartphones so getting a delivery shouldn't be too difficult. If anyone wants to save money or do their own thing they can bring a pack lunch. Watching me tucking into a trough of food usually makes other people lose their appetite anyway. Security wise, if we only have one door unlocked to the meeting area and set up the gear well away from the door so passers by can't just stick their head round and pinch something. Maybe have name labels for people who are confirmed, then if we all just keep an eye out for interlopers I would of thought that'd be OK. If we made someone responsible for security and something still went missing it'd really spoil their day. Maybe have a password that someone posts in a non-public members only part of this forum the day before?

[quote name='Wil' post='863447' date='Jun 10 2010, 04:33 PM']That headed S2 is really nice. Black hardware, a head, and a nice understated body wood to boot - ticks all the boxes![/quote] Thanks Wil, the wood's actually a little darker than the photos... I wasn't sure about the black hardware at first but it's really grown on me. [quote name='OutToPlayJazz' post='863703' date='Jun 10 2010, 08:52 PM']Lovely looking bass, Rich - You'll find the satin finish marks more easily - My S2 5er with the cocobolo top & phenowood board has a few little battle scars on it, but it is the bass I work most of all these days.[/quote] Thanks! I can see why you play yours so much, it's just full of usable tones. It's probably going to take over from the Series 1 as my main bass unless Rob comes up with something even better in the future.

[quote name='BassBus' post='862491' date='Jun 9 2010, 06:51 PM']Nice bass Fat Rich. Hope you enjoy playing it. Now will someone please buy the fretless Series II from the Gallery and remove temptation from my site. Looking forward to your T-bass ahpook[/quote] Thanks! After playing it a bit more I've noticed the neck is slightly chubbier than the Series 1, probably because it has a truss rod. But it still feels like I've been playing it for years. I've just got to get to grips with all the preamp EQ options now, so far I'm very happy with everything flat. That fretless Series II in the shop is rather nice, can see why you'd be tempted!

[quote name='oldmanrock' post='862348' date='Jun 9 2010, 05:01 PM']Fantastic news........ [b]TRAVELLING TO THE GIG:[/b]....... [b]THE ROADIES:[/b]....... [b]THE SOUNDCHECK:[/b]...... [b]DRESSING ROOMS:[/b]...... [b]BACKSTAGE TOILETS:[/b]....... [b]THE GIG:[/b]....... [b]POST GIG:[/b]..... Hope you have a really great gig mate. Nice one![/quote] Best post I've read in ages!

Just picked up a used S2 Bolt on from the Bass Gallery: It's exactly the spec I would have ordered and apart from a couple of light dings and some finger wear it's as good as new. It feels exactly like my old S1 but has a sweeter, more complex tone and complements the full on bassy, edgy, in yer face sound of the S1. Really chuffed!

Bon Jovi must be so old now they probably need to wear some kind of support. Congratulations, that's going to be a fantastic gig to play!

In my limited experience I've occasionally heard small digital glitches on effects heavy patches for guitar, but so far been very impressed with all the bass modeling amps I've tried. Dunno how closely they compare to the real thing but they seem a really convenient way of getting lots of usable sounds.

[quote name='OldGit' post='861813' date='Jun 9 2010, 09:34 AM']Windows Media Player It's free, it's on all Windows computers. Load your MP3, play it in Windows Media Player Right click on the dark grey bit at the bottom and a contextual menu pops up, choose play and speed. (or via the play menu at the top if it's visible) Bingo ... half speed basslines at the correct pitch. NB: It doesn't work if you just play the track from a CD. You have to rip it as an MP3 first. WMP will do that for you too.[/quote] Or if your music files are in iTunes format, open the file in Quicktime player, go to the "Window" menu, choose "Show A/V Controls" and there's a playback speed control at the bottom.

I've got a black fretted '62 Jap Jazz reissue, but I've lent it to someone.... Here are the other two, a Jap Jazz fretless probably from the '80s and an early '90s Jap reissue '62 P bass which seems to have sprouted an extra string.... Probably should have dusted them off before I snapped them!

Does having a fretless guitar mean you won't have to tune the thing in between every song?

Perhaps you could advertise your services like this guy?

If it is the Bartolini preamp you can probably adjust the frequencies by adding capacitors across the treble pot, may save you buying a new preamp. Have a look on the Bartolini website and see if you can identify it, it may be a TBT or NTBT. The site also shows you where to add capacitors and what values to use, at least it did last time I looked.

Regularly had strings break when I used to use Rotosounds in the late 80s but never on a gig. I assume the quality is better now, they'd usually break while tuning them up for the first time or I'd come back to the bass the next morning and find one broke in the night. Add in the regular dead or corroded strings in a set and I stopped using them even though I loved the tone. Switched to Ernie Balls and never had a problem.

[quote name='paul h' post='855913' date='Jun 3 2010, 11:43 AM']All that time and effort for one reaction.....totally worth it! [/quote] Unable to type until now, laughing too much!

[quote name='Gust0o' post='854887' date='Jun 2 2010, 02:24 PM']Boiling bass strings? Thoughts people? This is a new one on me; I've heard of people cleaning strings, or treating them, but not boiling them.[/quote] Suggest you take them off your bass first, it takes ages to bring a bathtub full of water to the boil.

Fantastic, thanks for the tip off!

[quote name='Clarky' post='792133' date='Mar 31 2010, 04:39 PM']....... Regarding other replies, many thanks to all. I will take at look at your posts M-M but I was really looking for a book that, when not practising from, I could take to read on my nearly hour long journey to/from work. And the Building Jazz Lines sounds like it would be pretty heavy going as I can't read the dots (and prefer rock to jazz!) - probably great for a facile reader but maybe a step too far for me (was hoping something tab based, preferably).[/quote] I'm not sure you'll find a book about playing bass you can read for an hour a day on the train.... maybe some more biography / inspirational books like "Standing in the Shadows of Motown" for example. If you've got an iPhone or iPod touch there's an app called Fret Surfer Bass that'll test you on your note names on the fretboard. For me, the biggest step in my playing was learning how intervals sound. Although my music theory is rubbish I can find the note I want fairly easily which helps enormously with transcribing songs and improvising. Gary Willis' book "Ultimate Ear Training for Guitar and Bass" seems to cover this but may be pretty dry, he seems like a fairly intense bloke! You could instead try recording a load of different intervals, putting them on your MP3 player and listening to them on the train and writing down what you think they are.... then checking your answers when you get home. The books that have kept my attention at the moment are "'70s Funk and Disco Bass" and also "Hip Hop Bass", both by Josquin des Pres. There's no theory or technique at all, just lots of basslines in notation and tab.... some are simple, some are really tricky. If they're not your style of music there may be some similar Rock based books. If you took the books on the train and listened to the accompanying CD it might help you connect the notation to what you're hearing.... seems a shame to waste an hour a day on the train. But ultimately with music theory, you've just got to stick with it to get the benefits.

Maybe see if you can come up with a repeating pattern that works over the chord changes. A bit like this: [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxcDTUMLQJI"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxcDTUMLQJI[/url] So for starters, take the root note, 3rd or 5th from the first chord (for example) and see if it fits over the other chords in the song. Then try the root, 3rd, 5th from the second chord and so on. You'll get a feel for what notes work and what notes to avoid, there'll probably be some notes that are common to several chords. You'll maybe find other notes that aren't in the chords but sound good, then see if you can make something interesting out of them. The best basslines have notes that sort of fit the chord to create tension and release... just make sure the odder sounding notes aren't on a downbeat unless you want to get some funny looks! It can sometimes give a completely different feel although you shouldn't do it for every song, and it might not be what the songwriter had in mind so be prepared to ditch it.

Just play songs in the 65 to 80 bpm tempo range and you'll be fine