skej21

I've got an Aguilar TLC and my Spectracomp has taken its place. Just as good and takes up lots less space on the board. Hugely impressive little pedal :-)

I spend about 20/30 minutes a day playing through a Spotify playlist of songs I don't know. I try to use the same playlist for a week. Day one, I play through the song with chords up on my iPad and I aim to be able to play through the playlist fully, allowing for getting my ear in for the first verse (and chorus). After this, I then stop looking at the prompts for chords and rely on my ear to guide me. Day two, repeat the process but as I have more familiarity, expect to be able to pick it up within the first 8-16 bars and remember what had been played the day before. Day three, I usually have the initial structure memorised and then concentrate on the groove elements and putting a bit of personality into it. If the band have any links or specific ideas to them, I get those locked in at this point too. Day four, adding any fills or embellishments I think would work and having a bit of trial and error, keeping the good bits. Day five, either treating it like a gig or actually playing it at a gig (if the process is for a dep gig). I think because I do this regularly, it's improved my memory and ear to the point I can usually learn a dep set of up to 2 x 45 mins in about 2/3 days at a decent level. Maybe a day more if they have specific structures or links, pushes or other bits that need adding in. It's good practice if you get thrown in at the deep end in a jam etc too!

It's mostly drum-related and not "trad" jazz and might not be for some but I watched this the other day and found it really inspiring. I've always loved Jojo's playing and this just shows how great he is as a musician first :-) http://youtu.be/sJMsc8le6_E

Looks great! I hate the idea of spending so much money on a pickguard but looking at deacon's original in the pics, a Spitfire would really give it that edge. The one piece Alder looks really smart too. Jon's done a great job :-)

[quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1492032688' post='3277430'] But using a Fender logo is more akin to using a Ford badge. I saw someone on here ages back go to a lot of trouble to build himself a really classy bass. It was all handmade. Then he put a Fender logo on it. So there was a beauty of a bass pretending to be mass production. I never understood that. [/quote] I imagine in this case (as with many others), people are trying to capture the true Fender era basses that were handmade and had the same level of detail as the bass you described, before Fender became synonymous with mass production...

[quote name='dood' timestamp='1488319094' post='3247962'] Yup Fair comment Ok, here's a clue. My favourite bass player did something to his basses in the late 70's to mid 80's. This will end up being a tribute model in that spec. Kinda... a work in progress if you will! Rumour has it, the instrument in question is nearly ready! In other news, I've been editing my Matsumoku made Aria Pro II '76 Precision bass too and will be reposting some pictures of that. It's so close to a 'real' precision that all of the Fender parts I've bought to upgrade it with are an exact fit. Even the pickguard!!! Ash & Maple for the win. [/quote] Does it include a natural finish and a bunch of blue picks (tortex?) rammed down the side of the pickguard by any chance?

[quote name='nash' timestamp='1491982186' post='3276861'] Can anyone enlighten me? I see it often, Squiers, bitsa, Nash, Lime Light and some that have a headstock shape that's not even close. I Squier rebadge for example. I think so what if it's a Squier, big deal. If it plays and sounds nice then that's all that matters and then credit where credit is due if it's a good bass. I just don't understand it. [/quote] I think if you're intentionally trying to recreate something that is above and beyond your budget, sticking a Fender decal on it when it's an intentional Fender repro (like a Nash or Limelight) is just good attention to detail and keeping the style correct. If you don't want a Fender repro but want a jazz/pj/Precision at a similar price then new Fenders (MIM/MIJ etc) or Maruszczyk are in that prt of the market, so just get what YOU want (it's your money after all). It's just another option on the table and if doesn't interest you, then it shouldn't bother you either. If you were making a spitfire airfix model, you make it look as close to a spitfire as possible. You're not doing it to deceive anyone because everyone who actually knows anything about it knows it's not an ACTUAL spitfire and you wouldn't ever try to sell it on gumtree etc as an actual spitfire. I much prefer that to when people put on a decal that is styled just like a Fender decal but incorporates some tenuous dad-joke like "pretender gaz bass" or someone's surname etc. It makes me cringe like hell (sorry if that's you but it's just really not my thing!).

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1491855622' post='3275959'] There's a lot of noise out there, and these guys have to play the game if they want to be heard. As for fast-cutting the videos, blame us. We've developed terrible attention spans. [/quote] I'm not sure what you mean... *runs off to binge-watch an entire series on Netflix* Joking aside and in response to the general topic, I often find that Janek's video topics are often mirrored in Scott's videos a few days later. Like you say, a lot of noise and it's often difficult to get to the really good stuff but what we forget is that all of the 'free' videos like Janek's VLOGs and Scott's free lessons are all there to tease at what is on offer at VBL or SBL, which they want us to pay to be a part of. They aren't ever going to give everything away for free, in a concise, direct way because that's bad business and these guys have to put food on the table.

Here's another modern bassist who divides opinion. http://youtu.be/IfNsVwPjcO4

[quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1491030765' post='3269913'] Yes, I too feel some envy for folk who are honestly happy with a single bass. What we don't know, of course, is if those lucky guys are active bassist or if they play simple lines in a band once a week, and never touch it from one week to the next. [/quote] I ordered a custom bass to my spec and it's perfect. I still practice 2/3 hours a day with regular gigging and rehearsals on top and could honestly say that I could happily only own that bass and be happy. It can do everything and feels perfect for me. I have more but rarely pick them up and feel happy playing them. It is possible, you just need to find the right bass (so buy more until you find it !)

[quote name='Sibob' timestamp='1490608066' post='3266284'] Yeah, tried a little while ago, but failed. Definitely on a mission again though, so will try again Si [/quote] It'll be interesting to see if the database throws up any earlier ones!

[quote name='Sibob' timestamp='1490607143' post='3266267'] Thanks, added! Yours is actually already registered on the database as I think it used to belong to Wooks of these parts?! If you weren't aware, yours is the earliest one I've seen, April 1982, one month older than my earliest Octaver Si [/quote] Wow, that's pretty cool! You ever tried to contact Janek Gwizdala about his? I imagine he has some pretty early examples in his collection!

[quote name='Wooks79' timestamp='1490289393' post='3264015'] I've shifted my earliest one on now, someone else is enjoying it [/quote] Yup, it's currently sat happily in my signal chain. Thanks again!

[quote name='markstuk' timestamp='1490449341' post='3265227'] But you're the bass player, we're supposed to put up with this sh*t Sounds like you've acquired a few airs and graces Mr "too big for your own boots". I would have done the same.. How did he cope before you joined the band? [/quote] Same way he coped after I left... found another mug to be his driver lol!

Just quit a band because the band leader didn't drive and has the PA. So he expected me "being the closest to him" to drive to his, pick him and the PA up (which was 30 mins drive from mine) and then go to the gig/rehearsal and then the same on the way back. I did it a few times but when it became and expectation with no petrol money contributions and the "I'll have another pint" while I'm waiting to leave, it got too much. One particular gig I had to drive 30 mins to pick him up and then 35 mins to the gig but it would've only taken 20 mins from mine to the gig. I don't think I even got a thank you for that one...

I've never had the "never call back" thing as most of the auditions Ive done, the people have been really nice and polite and always got back either way. To be honest, I imagine it's almost as frustrating to never hear back as it is to have them ask you on the spot, before you've even taken your bass off your shoulder "we want you, do you want to join?!?!?".... For me, both parties should be allowed to leave without discussing it in any real detail and inform the other people of their thoughts within a day or two, because when you're put on the spot, you are hardly going to say "thanks but no thanks" in a room full of 5 or 6 people who are anxious to find someone and get things going!

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1490125817' post='3262450'] This isn't really the right thread to post that, but my 2p: - I would rather play to a drum beat than practice to a straight metronome. - I would not be interested in visual feedback on my timing. I can use my ears to judge how I'm doing, I guess if I can't tell my timing is poor then nobody else can either! Also for some styles a bassist will intentionally play slightly behind or in front of the beat. [/quote] Huge plus one. Additionally, music is either going to be strict in the nature of timing (i.e., required to follow a specific beat which you would use to judge yourself against, making the device redundant as you'd have the metronome and your ears as a reference) or there would be a natural (musical!) fluctuation in timing to the music as the instrumentalists bounce off each other (which, again, makes the device redundant as it would be more important to follow the other musicians than try to keep a strict time whilst everyone else around you doesn't). It appears that this kind of device offers at best, a crutch to the musician who wants to solely judge their timing against a non-musical source or at worst, would create a device that discourages the development of crucial aural skills and natural communicative elements of time/feel. IMO, This video by Victor is a great example of how time should be approached in order to develop overall musicianship rather than just a single skill without application or context; http://youtu.be/f_LKWFvpr0o

[quote name='ThePapabull' timestamp='1489783846' post='3259904'] I'm really not trying to sound stoopid (or play Devil's advocate) but would appreciate your thoughts regarding putting flats on a jazz bass. 1.Is this taboo? 2.Can it work? 3.Does it make any sense? 4. Most importantly can i get that burpy sound from the the bridge pick up using flats? Your thoughts would be VERY welcome best wishes to all paul h [/quote] 1) I hope not as I have done it for a long time, as it was more historically accurate for the '62 Reissue Jazz I had 2) It works great (unless you dislike the answer for #4!) 3) If anything, it makes MORE sense 4) I didn't with mine BUT that was one of the reasons for doing it. I always found the jazz too zingy and the flats subdued a lot of what I didn't like

I have a Harvest gig bag. Haven't seen anything better. I've had it about 6 years and it's still like new.

[quote name='Chris Horton' timestamp='1489613147' post='3258441'] I have uploaded these pictures on behalf of Harry Check out this stunning bass [URL=http://s1237.photobucket.com/user/cmsb_horton/media/Sei%20Walnut/1_zpsknx6emhb.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff464/cmsb_horton/Sei%20Walnut/1_zpsknx6emhb.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s1237.photobucket.com/user/cmsb_horton/media/Sei%20Walnut/4_zpsmx2cnzni.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff464/cmsb_horton/Sei%20Walnut/4_zpsmx2cnzni.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s1237.photobucket.com/user/cmsb_horton/media/Sei%20Walnut/6_zpsa3gmppji.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff464/cmsb_horton/Sei%20Walnut/6_zpsa3gmppji.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s1237.photobucket.com/user/cmsb_horton/media/Sei%20Walnut/9a_zpsqckh27jf.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff464/cmsb_horton/Sei%20Walnut/9a_zpsqckh27jf.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s1237.photobucket.com/user/cmsb_horton/media/Sei%20Walnut/8_zpsswrhbx9u.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff464/cmsb_horton/Sei%20Walnut/8_zpsswrhbx9u.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s1237.photobucket.com/user/cmsb_horton/media/Sei%20Walnut/7_zpsogu9efci.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff464/cmsb_horton/Sei%20Walnut/7_zpsogu9efci.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s1237.photobucket.com/user/cmsb_horton/media/Sei%20Walnut/7_zpsss454dbq.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff464/cmsb_horton/Sei%20Walnut/7_zpsss454dbq.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s1237.photobucket.com/user/cmsb_horton/media/Sei%20Walnut/9_zpskzkww9oh.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff464/cmsb_horton/Sei%20Walnut/9_zpskzkww9oh.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s1237.photobucket.com/user/cmsb_horton/media/Sei%20Walnut/5_zpsnxuecnwp.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff464/cmsb_horton/Sei%20Walnut/5_zpsnxuecnwp.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s1237.photobucket.com/user/cmsb_horton/media/Sei%20Walnut/2_zpsm8z1lywt.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff464/cmsb_horton/Sei%20Walnut/2_zpsm8z1lywt.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s1237.photobucket.com/user/cmsb_horton/media/Sei%20Walnut/9h_zps7hm9gdjk.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff464/cmsb_horton/Sei%20Walnut/9h_zps7hm9gdjk.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s1237.photobucket.com/user/cmsb_horton/media/Sei%20Walnut/9c_zpsm9dorsfv.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff464/cmsb_horton/Sei%20Walnut/9c_zpsm9dorsfv.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s1237.photobucket.com/user/cmsb_horton/media/Sei%20Walnut/9i_zps7a493y2w.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff464/cmsb_horton/Sei%20Walnut/9i_zps7a493y2w.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s1237.photobucket.com/user/cmsb_horton/media/Sei%20Walnut/9g_zpshbcayvcg.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff464/cmsb_horton/Sei%20Walnut/9g_zpshbcayvcg.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s1237.photobucket.com/user/cmsb_horton/media/Sei%20Walnut/9d_zpsuo7zttj1.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff464/cmsb_horton/Sei%20Walnut/9d_zpsuo7zttj1.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s1237.photobucket.com/user/cmsb_horton/media/Sei%20Walnut/9d_zps1mkfdwc5.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff464/cmsb_horton/Sei%20Walnut/9d_zps1mkfdwc5.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [/quote] That is incredible. *jaw drops*

[quote name='Bigwan' timestamp='1489257095' post='3255576'] Welcome to the club! I currently have 2 ACGs. A recurve DC 5 custom and a Finn 4 standard - each is probably the best bass in its class I've ever owned. Previously had a bog standard Recurve Graft 5 which previously belonged to Merton and Black Coffee of this parish and went to Walbassist after me. It sold me on Alan's work. If his "cheap" line of basses was this good, how good must his custom stuff be? Only one thing that bugs me... is ACGs the correct plural? Should it be ACG? ACGi? [/quote] I think the letter stand for AC Guitars, so the plural is within that already :-)

Here's the classic story that Macca learnt how to do it by playing bass whilst reading the newspaper out loud. I tried it once and i found it almost impossible to do! Tricky skill for sure.

http://youtu.be/Np21rH7Ldto http://youtu.be/7R0D6ryRUqQ http://youtu.be/qm7Xt2Qsjcg http://youtu.be/MJCHeEQV454 http://youtu.be/OqN0jsSeqPo Erykah Badu's album Mamas Gun is good one to check out. Also features Pino :-)

Used to like a low action but recently dragged it up a bit and the difference in tone is huge! Much prefer the sound of the action being slightly higher and I can adapt to it for that reason alone.

I have the FSR MIJ Reissue Mustang bass that was released in October time. Fantastic little bass. Sonically it's very similar to my p bass but the convenience for taking it for teaching (and when I'm practicing at home and don't want to hit my headstock off my computer screen every two minutes!) it's really handy. For less than £500 new, it was a steal!