kiat

[quote name='TomKent' post='1153284' date='Mar 8 2011, 01:36 AM']I'm passing through London on Friday, in all day Saturday & Sunday and passing through on Monday. Lunch on Monday perhaps? [/quote] Tom, sounds good. If you can make it to Victoria we've got an excellent, free work cafe (I work for a very well known internet company) and a music/games room - it has a bass! I'll pm you my phone and personal email. Cheers, Kiat (PS. no probs if 1-2 others want to join us, if there were more would prob need to lunch somewhere else)

Last night I learnt Wonderwall (Oasis version), easier with one of Paul Wolfe's videos. Nearly done Anthony Jackson's bassline on Move Me No Mountain, before that Aretha's Say A Little Prayer. Just need a band to play these with!

Really interesting set list Michael, know about half and they really resonate with me. Like some others posted, wish this was closer (live in Aldershot, day job in London). Maybe share a video (youtube?) of you guys playing if you've uploaded one. Hope you found a bassist by now, best of luck if not!

I'm stuck for ideas on a 9 x 16th note riff played at 100bpm from Andrew Jackson's bassline on Move Me No Mountain. I can play it at 80% speed ok anytime, but need to warm up to 90% nearly all the time, and can't quite make it at 100% at all. Maybe I'm not practising it right, maybe there is a better fingering. Any advice? Here's the tab (detuned 4-string to C/F/Bb/Eb) with my fingerings underneath: -3-4----------------- ------2-5---2------- -----------2-----2--- ---------------3---0- 2 3 1 4 1 2 3 1 - Here's the riff: [url="http://www.youtube.com/v/pNArTCG6j2A&autoplay=1&start=13"]http://www.youtube.com/v/pNArTCG6j2A&a...=1&start=13[/url]

It would be a great to bounce ideas off folks in person and figure out how best to do this. I'm prepared to help organise a Jamerson bass bash, but some advice and help would be great - being in a small team to do it even better! Is anyone able to meet up in central London to chat about this, say next week, preferably early evening, pub or whatever?

[quote name='niceguyhomer' post='1147810' date='Mar 2 2011, 10:40 PM']Maybe Detroit?[/quote] Absolutely the right place but a bit far As is Edisto Island. As there's no Detroit in England, the most Detroit-like places, [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automotive_industry_in_the_United_Kingdom"]says wikipedia[/url], are places like Coventry, Manchester, Birmingham, Cowley...

You're right Eight - was thinking London or the Midlands (I'd drive up)

[quote name='[al]' post='403282' date='Feb 8 2009, 11:37 AM'] Another one here ! Started playing bass in the music room cupboard (!) at school, they had a light, a DX7 keyboard, a carlsbro amp, and a and black and white P copy in there, I used to sneak in there and play for hours while there were classes going on outside. That got me hooked and I used to borrow the bass to rehearse with my first ever band (with whom I played a reunion gig at christmas - 15 years since we'd played together the last time!), then a year or two later I found a Thunder 1A in a pawn shop and my parents bought it for me for my birthday, this was some 20 years ago now, and that bass is sat right behind me - still love it to bits and play it pretty much every day [/quote] Mine was a (glossy black) Westone Thunder 1A too! Got it because I had to sell my beloved tenor sax ("naked lady" Conn Conqueror) and the guy in the shop where I sold it (Macari's in London), realised how sad I was about having to do it, took pity on me and thought I should keep musical and offered this bass with a Traynor Bloc80 bass combo for a cut down price. I still have the combo but the bass went missing at some point - am looking forward to having a go on [al]s 1A at some point since I know he has one!

Going by the amount of very positive posts about Jamerson from loads of bassists, who would like to physically meet up for a bass bash specifically about Jamerson and his music? It would be great to meet up with other bass players who are into his playing and music - perhaps there are others here that feel the same way? Maybe celebrate his life even more with a relevant date: [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Jamerson"]29th January or 2nd August[/url]? Some ideas about stuff to do is: - basslines: share transcriptions/sounds/recordings - play: playing what we know for fun, try new ones and inspire/help others? favorites? rare ones? - technique: is Jamersons Hook worthwhile emulating for some tunes? - life of a genius: ... - misc: * how folks have incorporated Jamerson-like licks/sounds into their basslines * anyone learnt all the SITSOM basslines? - maybe JamersonsHook (or other Jamerson experts) along to play / give insights? Just watched the SITSOM DVD last night and was intrigued when the Funk Brothers [url="http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/alabaster/A11484993"]talked about a UK tour in the 60s[/url] and the "James Jamerson Appreciation Society". It may have not have really existed as an entity (cool if it did though!) but I'd be interested in joining one if it exists though. I'm into other bassists too, but for me Jamerson is #1. -Kiat

[quote name='lojo' post='1145495' date='Mar 1 2011, 10:36 AM']Not that I know off, but no harm in you trying to arrange a get together if you can find anyone local who is interested[/quote] I'll give it a go and see who's interested. Perhaps on his birthday next year in London somewhere... [quote name='risingson' post='1145605' date='Mar 1 2011, 12:15 PM']Have been listening to The Detroit Spinner's 'It's a Shame' recent. It's a hell of a bass line from Jamerson and a complete bastard to get right![/quote] Not tried that one yet, the SITSOM book has roughly the first half of the transcription and listening now to the record (thanks youtube!) the second half sounds more complicated - good luck! I've learnt Jamerson's lines on "Ain't nothing but the real thing" and "Ain't no mountain high enough" both by Marvin Gaye and Tammy Terrell, but there's no place to fully relax as the lines are relatively busy and changing all the time. Am working up to the classics: e.g. I Was Made to Love Her, Darling Dear, What's Going On, Bernadette, Home Cookin' - one day I'll get them. My aim is to play everything in the SITSOM book well enough to play it right through. Purely a personal homage to Jamerson.

[quote name='lojo' post='1144638' date='Feb 28 2011, 04:52 PM']Yep, plenty of fans all ready here[/quote] Yep, I've noticed But does anyone meet up with basses to play/discuss/chill specifically about Jamerson? If not already, are there any folks that want to if there was such a thing?

Have learnt some great tunes (mainly soul/pop, early funk) from transcription, tab and by ear - but sometimes I can't find anything online so learn by ear. Am tempted to do a transcription, though I have zero formal music theory and only know what I see in transcriptions and the play along type books I have. So as I convince myself to do one ("Say a Little Prayer" likely the first), I'm wondering what other players have done. If you've written a transcription, what was your first one? (sneaky thought: might help extra transcriptions surface! ;-)

[quote name='jonthebass' post='1144598' date='Feb 28 2011, 04:11 PM']There's this thread for starters: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=139&st=160"]CLICK HERE[/url] And this one: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=112040&hl=import+duty"]CLICK HERE[/url] Well worth a trawl through and food for thought. Good luck! Jon[/quote] Thanks Jon! I'd read some of the one bought remote from Japan and it's grown a bit since thena nd the other one is new to me, so both helpful. [quote name='Ou7shined' post='1144600' date='Feb 28 2011, 04:13 PM']If it's getting posted (you haven't said) you will be charged import taxes based on a percentage of the declared value of the bass. The lower the declared value the lower the charges. Bare in mind that insurance will only cover you for it's declared value too. [/quote] I'd be bringing it back myself probably, so preparing to do the needful at the customs. (btw funky sig you have there Ou7shined, not seen pictures of basses like that!) Curiosity resolved - thanks both. Cheers, -Kiat

Last year got back into playing the bass (I was never that good - reminder: join the Mediocre Bass Club) and "discovered" Jamerson. Incredible realization having listened to Darling Dear and other tunes, bought the SITSOM book, learned a few lines. Trickiest ones yet for me were the two "Ain't"s. Thing is, I love Jamerson's playing, history, the whole deal. Basically I'm a sold up fan and for the first time in my life willing to join a Fan Club, if it's all about Jamerson. So a few things it would be great to know. * is there a specific Jamerson fan club? seriously, I'm not kidding! one that talks, learns tunes, resolves fingering, shares stories, even meets up * if so, does it ever physically meet up with basses to share lines and chat? I wanna meet other bass players who enjoy playing Jamerson lines or inspired by him * if not to both the above, does anyone else want to join such a club and make it whatever we make it? (if so, maybe ask for a number in the same way the Mediocre BC does...I'm new to this forum and others like it, so please excuse the newbie feel to this) Very cool forum by the way, have learnt a lot so far and it's inspiring me to play and learn more.

I searched without luck for "Say A Little Prayer" by Aretha Franklin transcriptions in the usual places - even tabs are thin on the ground! It's a pretty straightforward bassline that took me an hour or so to work out and because it's lovely to play along, so I'm intending to make it my first transcription. But if you had that it would be cool to compare when I'm done. Apart from that I'm looking for Soulive's Vapor (which is keyboard bass) to help settle some confusion about some of those fat notes and keyboardy fingerings - so would be nice to see that too. Am interested to see what other people's first transcriptions have been, seeing as I'm about to do one.

Hi, apologies if this buying bass question is considered off-topic (if there's a better place, please say). I'm looking to buy a Fender Precision and there is one in the US a workmate has which I really liked playing. It's an MIA 1973 natural maple finish original in pristine condition that needs a little technical work (one fret buzzes and rewiring the pots), and if everything works out it'll be mine. Any advice to share on bringing a bass back?

Nice thread - basschat is proving a very enjoyable place to browse around, especially stuck in an airport (New Orleans) with free wifi, intending to fly home. With all the music I've heard here this week, I can't wait to... - play through the ~50 transcriptions Ive learnt already in the R&B Bass Masters book (nailed most of them, just a couple that were beyond me so far) - practice Jamerson's part on Marvin Gate & Tammi Terrell's "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing" - plan out sets of marlowedk riffs and exercises and start them - pick another Jamerson transcription to learn (they seem to be getting easier thank God) - check out tetrachords

Guys, Thank you so much. The common sense and experience shines through in the replies. Because I wasn't sure if I'd get replies here in time before I lose internet access (on hotel wifi with Nexus One phone), I was gearing up to post on talkbass - but your responses make me feel I don't need to. Also whilst I've been writing this response on my N1, 5 more replies came in! You guys rock - thank you - but I have to hit the send button quick before any more come in! :-) My mind is made up. I'll hold off buying this Fender. I'll research them more deeply when I get back to the UK, spending a lot more hours scouring basschat no doubt KiOgon - I do feel rushed, though by the lack of time (hasten to add not by the shop though (NO Musician's Exchange)) EBS_freak - (your photo was momentarily distracting, she has a great ass but also looks a little like a 2nd pair of tits!). I've been on the lookout for a Precision for the past 6 months mostly for the Jamerson tone I want. I tried a new one in GAK and the old ones were too expensive and I didn't have time to try at the time. I also like the fretboard action on my AXL Jazz copy. Oddly the Squire P-bass has a narrower neck which suited me. I had not expected to find a P-body/J-neck, much less one made that way by Fender. So yes, you're right, I'd not done my research before walking in. But I'm glad I've added to it by asking here! At the end of the day you have to generally weigh up and trust people's advice in forums and reputable shops. So, yes I have no clue Fender has a custom shop (though it sounded entirely feasible at the time) and I've never heard of John English. You're also right that I don't know enough to question it, but I'll try and learn enough over the next few months to help myself. Good to know there isn't a shortage of basses too! warwickhunt - you're right there was no guarantee or certificate. I asked what the provenance was but only told who the sepper wws. Its a mongrel but one I was told was custom-made that way. Just the shop guy telling me this. The bass felt and sounded just right for me, it surprised me how quickly I got "set". Its possible other such hybrids might give me the same results and that this isn't The One. gareth1982 - thinking the same thing now. Save my money and buy in the UK, looking here first. gary mac - warranty is an issue, I certainly would find it difficult to sort out with the shop (or the collector they are selling it for). Fixing it myself isn't a risk I'd want to to take though I'd feel ok on the electronics side. You're right about the fun aspect of tracking down a great bass and trying the ones in between - am looking forward to the chase :-) BurritoBass - that's very encouraging to hear. Can't wait to start looking over the weekend. Like the Christmas themed photo ;-) molan - yep, I'd looked and no Custom Shop logo anywhere. Thank you all so much - you've help put sense in my mind, helped me learn stuff, given me some great ideas. Am thinking a USA Precision body + Jazz neck, buying in the UK and ideally from one of the folks on basschat. -Kiat

Guys, apologies for the lame topic name but I'm not an experienced, gigging bass player and could really do with some advice from the combined expertise from basschat folks! I'm in New Orleans and flying later back this afternoon. I have one shot at buying this bass, although I could buy it later over the phone and they could ship it, but I'd prefer to carry it back myself. Yesterday I went in and played what I'm told is a * Fender Precison body (wear, but told it was aged in factory) * Fender Jazz neck (no discernable wear) * from Fender's custom USA factory * probably early 90's * with hard case, doubt its original * $999 + sales tax of around 10% Is this fair / overpriced / a bargain? It plays beautifully, I love the action. I just found a new version close to this (no fake ageing) on musiciansfriend.com for $650! However I've only ever played Fender copies before, so don't have a great frame of reference. I have no way of knowing if all such hybrids will play similarly or whether I've got lucky and found a once-in-a-lifetime match-made-in-heaven (cheesy, but prepared to sound a jerk in case this is the bass which forever will be my main axe). I want this bass but unsure if I should be spending this kind of money on it. This is more expensive than all my other bass kit put together! (AXL player Jazz, Squire P-bass S/H, , Traynor Bloc-80B, Korg Pandora PX5D, leads). I can afford the money, but it'll severely dent my bass-buying credibility with the wife if I end up wanting another bass soon after ;-/ Thoughts?

Greetings from Aldershot! Looking forward to learning about stuff on here from folks and contributing back. Am also looking for chordal folk (guitar, keyboards, whatever!) to jam with in the area. Just worked through Ed Friedland's R&B Bass Masters book (a couple I couldn't nail). Now back to Standing in the Shadows of Motown. Been playing on and off since '85, looking back probably averages out to about 3 solid years of an hour a day. Am not a good player yet, but getting better at any rate. Practice/play about 1-2 hours a day. Style: Closest is jazzy soul. I like: Soul, funk, jazz, jump blues, cuban, some pop, a little rock (e.g. early Springsteen) Main Influences: James Jamerson, Thomas Risell (aka MarloweDK), Willie Weeks (Donny Hathaway), Duhe (Maze ft FB), Edwards (Chic), Equipment is pretty basic really, only starting to take playing seriously recently. Basses: Jazz and Precision copies (nothing fancy or expensive yet!) Amplification: an old Traynor Bloc80B bass combo, a new Korg Pandora PX5D personal amp and effects