acidbass

I do a three-hour round trip 3 times a week for a band I'm rehearsing with at the moment - it's not pretty but it definitely pays off!

It could also be that your action is too low in relation to the neck bow - a good setup will solve this, but I'd certainly recommend looking at technique first as Bilbo has suggested.

[quote name='Kevin Lang' post='648141' date='Nov 7 2009, 03:26 PM'](I had to learn the solo to Jet Harris's Niram to get that job)[/quote] Superb song! One of my favourite bass players from that era, I could really listen to his work with the Shadows all day (and have done in the past!) Best of luck with the search for your guitar, and welcome to the forum, Danny

I'm completely self taught when it comes to reading too - there's a great book that I had recommended to me on this forum called 'Sightreading for Electric Bass', which although is mostly rhythm based gives you a great grounding in reading specifically for us bass players. As for sightreading in a live performance - it's still something I'm polishing, having only done one musical so far where it was employed. I have one coming up now at the start of December however (Footloose) which will be another good challenge - thankfully the bass parts are relatively straight forward, save for the odd bit of slap bass. Gareth - a bit OT, but I had you recommended to me recently by Trevor (whose surname escapes me), the bassist in Simon McBride's band, as we were discussing double bass tutors. Small world eh?

It's a sad fact that making money in the original music world nowadays is extremely difficult, especially consistently. I had a discussion the other day with a bass playing friend, who plays in an original indie band, and he was shocked to discover how much I made playing covers compared to their wage, if they even get one! I think a lot of emphasis is being placed on merchandise sales, as this is where bands can recoup the investment needed to produce demos, EPs and the like. Of course, this means that bands have to take on the full responsibility of manufacturing, distributing and promoting their CDs too, so as to cut out the middle man. For the sheer amount of hours that most bands put in, they really do get paid a pittance.

Interesting idea that! Never considered it before but will certainly keep an eye out for something along those lines.

I'm just back from an American Country band rehearsal and the words waltz and quickstep are fresh in my mind - if you'd like a suggestion of some country offerings for the above, I can recommend: Working Man's Blues, Sunny Side Of My Life (Merle Haggard) Sunday Morning Christian (think it was Kristofferson) Chattahoochie (Alan Jackson) Memphis Tennessee (Carl Perkins) ...for quicksteps, and: I Always Get Lucky With You (George Jones) I Still Believe In Waltzes (Conway Twitty/Loretta Lynn) Oh Lord, It's Hard To Be Humble (Hank Williams) ...for waltzes, although my favourite waltz by far is 'Waltz' by Pentangle, sadly though it wouldn't see the light of day in my band! Hope this helps

[quote name='Bassassin' post='643018' date='Nov 2 2009, 12:25 AM']Free Will[/quote] This to me is the epitome of Geddy's style - great lines throughout and a fantastic solo section, it really doesn't get any better IMO! Be prepared to have your views on bass playing altered permanently, he's a great all-rounder with four strings not to mention a cracking vocalist and synth player.

'Red Guitar' definitely has echoes of 'Portrait of Tracy' in the bass playing. Cool album, thanks for the heads-up!

Mmmm Portaflex! Some great pics there mate

Lovely website, Alex! A definite improvement over the old one which will be perfect for the growth of the business (after a few corrections as highlighted above!) Danny

I'm not a pro bass player but I did do it for a living for a year or so - will send you a PM later buddy!

[quote name='stingrayfan' post='635950' date='Oct 25 2009, 10:24 AM']Check out Hartke ones. Half the price of Ernie Balls and I struggle to tell the difference. They may actually be better...[/quote] +1. Great strings for the price!

My recommendation as always is the Hartke Kickback 12 - great little amplifier that has some serious punch for it's size and it's a comfortable one-hand carry. You won't get one new for £250 but I'm almost positive you'll find them used for that price on eBay and the like. Hope this helps

[quote name='Beedster' post='634999' date='Oct 24 2009, 12:12 AM']Helpless?[/quote] Absolutely, although my favourite is 'It Makes No Difference' - RD has a fantastic voice!

[quote name='Beedster' post='634986' date='Oct 24 2009, 12:05 AM']Several tracks had me close to tears [/quote] I get the exact same feeling! Some of the stuff is simply astonishing.

I don't know what it is - but what a beauty! I always thought the sound of his Gibson Ripper on that recording was astounding too.

I absolutely love Cream! Totally agree with the OP - best trio ever to my mind.

Welcome to the forum Martin (and indeed John!) Great to have you both!

[quote name='EssentialTension' post='625383' date='Oct 13 2009, 07:29 PM']Ace Kefford plays a 66 slab P with the Move - and sings and dances pretty well too: [/quote] One of my favourite Youtube videos. What an excellent bassist and band!

I was in touch with an American Leo Quan dealer last month, and they've assured me that the lack of global stock is just due to supply problems. Hopefully this will be sorted soon - I've been after a slotted Badass II for ages!

[url="http://www.lanepoor.com/"]LINK[/url] Great news - fantastic pickups by all accounts. I've been recently pricing a custom Stingray project build and think I might go for one of their famed MM humbuckers [i]a la[/i] Flea. Any opinions on said pickup/the company in general? Danny

That Precision bass is a beauty! How much of the relic wear is your own?

I've used one of the Ritter bags for 3 or so years now and it has never let me down. Not exactly sure which model it is, but it was the most expensive one in the guitar shop, with the most padding and a little velcro strap inside it to secure the neck. +1 for Ritter!

I've been eyeing up the USA Joe Osborn models over the last few days, but having contacted a few dealers to check their availability, it seems we in the UK are limited to Skyline models unless we import them ourselves (and suffer huge duty as a result) My wallet may well thank me though if I do go for a Skyline!