skej21

Sold some strings to Stevie. Super fast payment, friendly communications and a true asset to the community :-)

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1398073549' post='2430040'] You know, I agree with Bass Tractor, and after his comments about your diatribe you then go on to tell him not to make assumptions about you, that he knows nothing about you - which is precisely what you have done in your musicologist's panning of the band and their music. They look like they are having a f***ing blast to me, they are communicating what they enjoy doing, how in god's name do YOU know they have nothing to say, that they have no 'meaningful message'? As to your comments about maturity and musicianship, and what music 'should be' -how patronising, how misguided and how judgmental. A LOT of people love what they do, including me. Now, please tell us WHY musicians have to communicate a 'meaningful message' to an audience. [/quote] I'm sure that everything I've written was explicitly stated as my personal opinion, meaning it's how I feel individually. I though people on this forum would see that and understand that I wasn't trying to speak on behalf of every person in the world but yourself and other members seem to have missed that point in favour of twisting what I've said in order to start an argument (which won't continue as this is the last post I'll be making) or jumping to conclusions. If you don't agree with me, that's fine. The world would be a boring place if we all thought the same thing :-) I hope you (and bass tractor) enjoy your sunny bank holiday weekend listening to whatever you're diggin'!

[quote name='BassTractor' timestamp='1398028370' post='2429743'] I don't think you were simply expressing an opinion. I think you were basically telling the world that you are a very musical person and that those who do enjoy it are not. Your editing your answer again and again seems to confirm this notion. That said, you must function on a considerably higher level than me. Though I did study composition too, I never majored in it. [i]Demn! What to do now? Would it help if I admitted that I actually taught electronic music at the college of music, and was a student of both Penderecki and Xenakis? Nah. Hardly. Better leave it...[/i] BTW, I did not assume anything about you re the Bach thing. I confronted you with how you sound, in the hope that that mirror would give you something of value. Apparently, I struck some nerves way too hard, and I would have apologised for that had you acted a trifle more modest and openminded, and a trifle less condescending. [/quote] Like I said, you're entitled to your opinion and I care little for you think of mine. I also don't think it's condescending to answer your incorrect assumptions by giving contextual detail (not dick measuring) that shows why your assumptions are wrong. If you take that as condescended, that says more about your insecurities than anything, as you felt the need to bat it back with a 'I studied it too/my dad is bigger than your dad' type response. As for the editing, I simply changed what is written to include the things I wanted to say. Nothing more. I think Dirty Loops are technically and theoretically brilliant as I mentioned but IMO (as I mentioned) think they lack musicianship due to their lack of musical maturity. They have a very 'musical student' approach which I imagine we've both experienced throughout our studies, whereby players try to include all the ideas , theories and techniques they're exploring and cram it into a short song and often overdo it. I know the pupils I teach often do this and I often have nostalgic moments and remember when I was in that position. It's not a negative thing. We've all been at a point where we think playing as fast/as technically as possible is the height of musicianship. Some people never get there. Some people get there and decide it's not for them and become groove players. Some people get there and love it and build careers on it. There's no right or wrong. I just don't dig it.

[quote name='BassTractor' timestamp='1398026930' post='2429729'] Hm. You sound like those people who criticise J.S. Bach's compositions for the exact same reasons. I for one, though never claiming that this is the last word in music, and especially not claiming that it has any brilliance theoretically, enjoyed it thoroughly because of how it communicated a meaningful, musical message to me. It rocked me more than anything else had rocked me for months. [/quote] And that's what is brilliant about opinions. I was simply expressing mine which required no response or meant no offence. Enjoy yours :-) Also, Im actually a big fan of Bachs compositions (after my academic studies majoring in composition and studying his works in depth and living with my wife whose PhD research looks at vocal performance styles in baroque music including lots of Bach, who wouldn't be?!). I simply made a constructive observation based on personal opinion and personal experience. As for your assumptions about me, maybe you can keep those to yourself as you clearly know nothing about me :-)

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1398021599' post='2429662'] Exactly, that's what jazz is for. [/quote] Someone should send them a copy of Wooten's Groove Workshop... They'd learn a lot more from it than all the theory books they clearly love!

Technically and theoretically brilliant but lacks so much maturity of musicianship in my opinion. The lack of feel, emotion, dynamic range, groove and most importantly, space is just astounding to me. Also, IMO music should be enjoyed by an audience not create a platform to exhibit sterile technical exercises best kept for the practice room. What's the point in learning the depths of music theory and becoming so technically adept if you have nothing to say and can't communicate a meaningful message to an audience?

[quote name='molan' timestamp='1398018764' post='2429627'] You're 30 next June? I thought you looked younger [/quote] No, I'm not! I thought the wait would be longer... I've set my sights on an Emperor 5 for my 30th (the missus promised to pay ;-)) so I'll be calling you!

[quote name='molan' timestamp='1398018396' post='2429618'] I agree and I'm sure this has been happening in the UK for the last 3-4 years. From a personal perspective I think it's interesting that the three main custom build brands we represent have all seen demand for their products rise in the past year and each one has had to increase their lead times because demand has been outstripping supply [/quote] That's good news for me too! I could put my Fodera in now for my 30th birthday present and they'll probably have it ready just in time :-) (and give me time to pay for it lol!)

Faults can occur regardless of QC. Things break sometimes without blame. Simple. We had the guys from Blackstar in my local store last week and they are great. Fab knowledge, will demo anything and are hugely passionate about their products and playing/gear in general. They are always really good/fast at sorting issues for customers on the (rare) occasions that they appear. Great news that the OP had that to fall back on when they were the unlucky one. Some companies aren't and it can really mess you about if you're a working musician!

[quote name='mentalextra' timestamp='1397994478' post='2429272'] Yes, and there seems to be a general, local shop attitude of "you've done the research and you've just turned up to take away the box" [/quote] Ironically, the reason for this is the Internet again. The more people buying online pushes prices down and means that retailers save money on staffing by hiring cheaper staff who have less knowledge and get less training. This results in a shift towards a 'the more people who come in to pick up a product after hours of researching online, the better' attitude because it means they can still make money without spending lots on staff! It's the retailers way of trying to exploit the Internet researchers but in such a naive way that it's doing more damage to them.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1397839987' post='2427878'] I was looking at one of these - but this isn't the first thread I've seen where someone wants to augment or change the core sound of this bass - yet Fender would have you believe it's a tone monster what with the two humbuckers and all... so what's going on? [/quote] The same issue that all the modern player stuff has. It's trying too hard to be something it's not and on a budget, that was always going to fall short somewhere. It's the same with the HSH strat. Great neck, nice translucent crimson finish but pickups are awful.

[quote name='stef030' timestamp='1397853519' post='2428061'] so for a while my practice regime has been pretty poor, but since the beginning of the year I have been putting 30 minutes minimum at day but more often than not a hour plus,playing been coming on a storm, been relearning old school as well as new have really been getting lots more fired up about playing so here is the dilema,the old kitchen viper and I are away on holiday for a couple of weeks, dont think there are a lot off bass shops in sharm,and I am really going to miss this oh well we will see how I get on, mr grumpy on the way [size=4] [/size] [/quote] I practise a minimum of 45 minutes a day and would like to reassure you that a break will actually do you the world of good. You'll be eager to get to it and you'll find that the mental (and psychical) escape will make your playing better when you return. It's like having a rest out of a gym routine. It feels like a cop-out but actually does more good if used properly. Enjoy your holidays (and it's benefits!)

Awesome bass and the rosewood on that fingerboard is pretty too! Looks like you got a winner at an awesome price :-)

[quote name='Jonnyboy Rotten' timestamp='1397223964' post='2421974'] I was thinking what else I could do to my P bass build and it occurred to me that I should fit a bottle opener to the back of the headstock so I can open beers while I am playing. Of course In reality it would be a quirky talking point more than a functional thing as clearly beer and electronics/wood don't mix well! What weird and wonderful things have you thought about sticking on your bass? [/quote] Finally! Someone has found a use for the bassist at gigs :-P

[quote name='NancyJohnson' timestamp='1397670931' post='2426346'] I know the internet is killing the High Street etc, but truthfully, try stuff out in stores and get it cheaper online. In this day and age, I'd never buy anything from Denmark Street. P [/quote] This is the mistake most people make. The really clever customers try stuff in the shop and ask the shop to match/beat an Internet price. 9 times out of 10, they get a better deal.

[quote name='ambient' timestamp='1397666066' post='2426267'] Damn, I thought you were going to say he's doing a clinic . Thanks for that though. He's got his own thing on talkbass. [/quote] You can watch a live stream of his upcoming clinic here: https://www.stageit.com/anthony_wellington/bassology_live/35594

[quote name='molan' timestamp='1397671281' post='2426353'] Just for fun I slashed a hefty amount off the price of a lefty bass today to see if it might generate any interest [/quote] Let us know when it goes... In 2020!

[quote name='mcarp555' timestamp='1397666858' post='2426282'] First, my apologies to you for the clumsy way I handed the initial post. I was not singling out [i]your[/i] comments as BS, but using it as a springboard to the BS the guitar companies hand out. I meant no disrespect to you personally. Second, it very much is discrimination, and I'm not going to apologize for that word. It is what is, and if it makes people uncomfortable, tough. Third, yes, I do feel passionately about the fact that my money is apparently not good enough with various guitar manufacturers, but other people don't have this problem. It would get under the skin of anyone. [/quote] If being 'discriminated' against because you can only have a lefty jazz bass in 4 colours instead of 12 is the only discrimination you've encountered, you're a lucky man.

[quote name='bluejay' timestamp='1397653462' post='2426079'] OK, so here we have people who say the plucking hand should not be perceived as the dominant one; therefore lefties can play a righty instrument with their "better" hand in the correct place. Yay. So,why isn't that true of righties then? Why isn't there an absolutely massive demand for lefty instruments, if you guys' "better" hand, the right, is more suited to the fretboard? Don't say "because there are not enough lefty models" - we've established that demand drives the offer, and there are a lot of righty players out there. If that myth was true of lefties, it would be true of righties and they'd have found a way to get manufacturers to help. [/quote] I don't remember having the option to choose. I started on double bass when I was 8 and didn't have the chance to try a left handed version. If I had, I might have found it more comfortable. I remember it taking a long time to develop my left hand to being dexterous enough to play smoothly. Who is to say that wouldn't have been the case if I'd been playing the fretboard stuff with my right hand? I can't because I never had the chance to compare. My colleague at work, however, picked up guitar at 14 and tried a lefty acoustic and a righty acoustic when choosing his first guitar (as he knew he was left handed but the assistant told him it'd be worth trying both to see which felt most natural) and he felt more comfort using his left hand to fret. That's not wrong and I'm not saying there is a right or wrong way. I'm simply highlighting that not all lefties got nicely into the 'if you're a lefty, you HAVE to play a lefty guitar unless someone has FORCED you into learning right handed' box like some if the militant lefties around here would like to think.

[quote name='bassman7755' timestamp='1397651022' post='2426034'] IME the latter wont be true for the vast majority of PAs in use in pub and club environments since you need very high spec gear t o get what I would class as "flat and accurate" (e.g. martin audio) and I cant remember the last time I saw such gear in use at a music venue. I dont really see much point is micing up a £500-£1000 premuim quality bass speaker and then putting it through a £250 peavey/yamaha PA speaker. [/quote] I agree. Plus, most DIs have a through signal anyway, so send one signal to the PA (where they can set the EQ as they wish) and the other straight into your amp and you can then set your cab/on stage sound how you want without affecting the PA. You then have the option of setting two sound without the need for a mic.

Having played in covers, functions, originals (where I have to make up parts) and originals (where I am playing prerecorded/written parts) my approach has always been pretty similar. Look at what is going on with everyone else, write a part that fits, learn the part (structure, harmony etc), regurgitate at gigs. Sometimes embellish parts if it's suitable and fits. I don't see any situation as being 'less musical' or 'less creative' as another. It takes a much discipline to play something simple like 'Dakota' by Stereophonics as it was recorded as it takes creativity to think up a part from scratch. Different situations require different skills and I enjoy the challenges that come from testing any of those skills.

[quote name='bluejay' timestamp='1397644876' post='2425926'] Being absolutely useless at doing most things with my right hand I may not be the best person to comment on this, but it looks like a spurious argument to me. I mean, if it was true, then there would be a lot of demand for lefty instruments by right-handed players who would want to use their more "dextrous" hand on the fingerboard as opposed to using it for plucking. [/quote] I find the opposite to be true of playing piano. I'd much rather my left hand did all the melody as my brain and left hand connect well with my musical thoughts. Whilst that translates well on a bass or guitar, it doesn't on a piano because I have to make my right hand do that side of things and it's much harder. Maybe I need a lefthanded piano?