chrismuzz

That was truly amazing, I couldn't stop myself from smiling when it got to the end. Thanks for sharing!!

Uh oh

Usually, go with the flow. If you're over thinking it, it can distract you from your playing. However with some very tricky passages it can be helpful to sit and work out the best fingering for it, and go over it a few times until you get it right. Eventually you'll be able to go with the flow on it once you're used to it!

[quote name='Gazm' timestamp='1366568629' post='2054234'] Well I have a good gig on 3rd May if its still in the Midlands. [/quote] Where's the gig dude?

[quote name='eude' timestamp='1366628982' post='2054988'] I play 4, 5 and 6 string basses, feel most comfortable on 6 strings for some reason, not sure why, but I tend to always pick a 6er up first. [/quote] Same for me I always tell people that once you're used to the wider neck and extra strings, a 6 string bass is the easiest of all to play! It gives you more options as well so it's a win/win! Weirdly enough, I feel least comfortable on a 5

I don't think it's necessarily a bad idea. Most people, if they take the music seriously, will prioritise when it comes to rehearsals, gigs, writing, recording, etc. Although if problems in the relationship DO occur, it's likely to affect the band. Especially if there is a bad break up, as one of them will inevitably quit. There are plenty of examples of bands that I have met and been involved with where two members being in a relationship with eachother has never been an issue whatsoever though.

[quote name='Prime_BASS' timestamp='1367013364' post='2060389'] Lower tension strings might help. [/quote] Didn't think about this one, but yes! For standard tuning I'd never go heavier than a .105 E string. Though if your action's low you may get more buzz with lighter gauges, so there is a bit of experimenting to find the sweet spot.

[quote name='Lynottfan' timestamp='1367012872' post='2060381'] In answer to your question flyfisher, YES and it was well worth it, PLI is the thing that when sh*t happens, and sadly it does happen, you wish you had it, trust me for the sake of £69.99 a year it was a godsend. (iirc our singer sorted it through the MU at the time) [/quote] I take it something happened when you were out playing one time? What a relief if so! I hope it was nothing too serious.

Yep mine has been gigged a lot, with and without amp!

[quote name='Ziphoblat' timestamp='1366990431' post='2060036'] Pfft. Jazz is where it's at. [/quote] Best clanky tone I've ever had is with a PJ bass

It's still in Stoke on Trent at the moment. I'll be in Crewe tomorrow evening (Saturday) for a gig if that's a bit closer to anyone who wants a bash?

Their heads are good, but very different to Ashdown. Would you get away with using your Ashdown head and getting a lightweight cab to go with it? A lot of people get great results! I'm sure Ashdown have some neo cabs out.

The clank IS my sound You need a low action, and roundwound strings. Stainless steel ones bring it out more as well, as does using a slight mid scoop and some overdrive like a Sansamp. Fret buzz is kind of a side effect, and not an integral part of the sound. You may or may not like a bit of buzz to go with it (if you notice it at all that is!) You'll also find that the lower your action, the less force you will need to use to get that sound. That was really a big deal for me, as playing softer allows me to be a bit more accurate. If you find one of my bass cover threads in the Recording forum you'll be able to hear my technique using all of the above...with a bit more overdrive than is necessary

[quote name='dood' timestamp='1366899941' post='2058764'] Heh heh, yes, it's just plain rude Discreet! [/quote] I want to hear 7 octavers in a row

I've had two Whirlwind cables for the last 5 years with no problems. And I only started looking after them properly this year!

[quote name='richardjmorgan' timestamp='1366897010' post='2058717'] I think the key thing with this is there's actually some sonic territory left free for the bass, frequency-wise, by the guitar sounds. The key is finding space in the mix for everything and, in a band context for everyone to concentrate of the overall sound, rather than just the sound of their respective instruments. Seems to me though that there's lately been a bit of a shift back to actually being able to hear the bass as a distinct instrument in metal, which really wasn't the case for a fairly significant chunk of the 90s and 00s. Part of this is perhaps due to somewhat "retro-ey" tendencies in some bits of metal, but I suspect it's equally that people were getting bored with unrelenting walls of mid-scooped guitar. [/quote] Yep, I completely agree. I also think that a lot of it has to do with computers and the internet, and that it's now so easy to learn how to make a really good mix where everything has it's place rather than just 'everything louder than everything else'.

Rickenbackers again, definitely! They look and sound the bollocks, but where the hell do you put your right hand??

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1366893340' post='2058632'] Ha! Do you [i]really [/i]need both?? I've got a good excuse, as I sold my B3 to get my Carvin B2000 so obviously I'd be justified. That's my reasoning and I'm sticking to it. [/quote] Do it! I've literally not got enough room on my pedalboard so my wallet is safe... for now!

Awesome review! I don't really need one of these, but I can't help but want one to go with my B3

^^ I used to use that before I started with coated strings. It really helps!

If you're gigging with the drums on a backing track, it can ruin the feel of the gig... But plenty of bands use vocal or synth backing tracks to great effect. Devin Townsend is one fine example! Just make sure the drummer (or possibly the whole band) play to a click track [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuouRrjhPCQ"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuouRrjhPCQ[/url]

[quote name='The Hat' timestamp='1366838903' post='2058044'] I realise that virtually all genres need some kind of bass line, but I really don't get why someone would want to learn bass for metal. I cannot pick out the bass in any metal track I listen to. Yeah, I know it's there somewhere, but why would I want to learn a genre where it's almost unnoticeable ? I'm totally biased I know as I love funk where the bass line is the main attraction. [/quote] I can understand this. I love metal, and playing metal bass lines. But because it has to be played LOUD, and there's so much going on at once, people seem to have a hard time getting the mix right. The easiest way to get it sounding 'tight' is to just turn the bass down, it's lazy as hell and takes a lot of the 'heaviness' out of the song. Luckily, in my covers band, I have the largest rig by a bloody long shot so I ALWAYS make sure the bass is loud and proud. If I couldn't hear what I was playing, I would play like crap, and wouldn't enjoy the gig at all. In fact, I used to play for a really awesome death metal band where the guitarist was always moaning at me to turn down. Not because I was too loud, but because he just hated hearing the bass. I left after about three gigs! Bottom line is, if you like metal and ever want to play some, just make sure you set up your sound for the mix, and be loud without muddying up the mix. You might just enjoy it The bass is super clear in this one [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRK_M1vJXfQ"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRK_M1vJXfQ[/url]

[quote name='Captain Bass' timestamp='1366818035' post='2057620'] BUT this guy can bass face all he wants [/quote] Anthony Jackson is THE MAN! His faces weren't nearly as funny as that lovely lady from the OP though

[quote name='Kinder' timestamp='1366827024' post='2057820'] Great skills mate. We're thinking of covering this in my new band so will have to brush up. Just out of interest - have you always played with 3 fingers? I grew up playing Maiden but have always used 2 - tried to covert to 3 a few years back but I'm too set in my ways! [/quote] Thanks man It's a really fun song to play once you nail 'the gallop'! I'm not sure when I started playing with 3 fingers, it was probably after about 3-4 years. I still use 2 for quite a lot of playing though as it feels more natural. Interestingly enough, Steve Harris actually uses 2!

[quote name='horrorshowbass' timestamp='1366820877' post='2057681'] great tone man, you see the new Steve Harris custom SD pickups? kinda want them if just for his signature on them [url="http://www.seymourduncan.com/blog/product-news/tone-of-the-beast-steve-harris-bass-pickup/"]http://www.seymourdu...is-bass-pickup/[/url] [/quote] Yeah I saw those! Apparently they're very similar to the Quarter Pounder I have on this bass, but with better midrange response. They'll definitely be good if you want high output.