Linus27

[quote name='mikhay77' post='506890' date='Jun 6 2009, 11:52 AM']In an age of modern amps,cabs and bass electronics,why do some players just play with a plectrum,surely tonal variety is much wider finger stylie,or are we stuck in a rut.I cant seem to justify using one,except sometimes playing guitar,............discuss[/quote] Its nothing to do with modern technology or electronics. It's a case of simply technique or what suits the song. As a plectrum player of 23 years who has moved over to finger style for the last two year, I can fully appreciate both techniques. My current band really suits finger style. Lots of space, freedom tonally and something to groove to. My old band was fast punk pop. No way I can play this with fingers. You just can't get the attack, drive, tone and energy with fingers that you can with a plectrum. For me personally the bass also dictates. My current band really suits a Jazz or Musicman with fingers. My old band really suits a Precision and a plectrum. I guess why a spanish/flamenco guitarist plays with fingers and a metal guitarist plays with a pick. Just different styles. One last thing, some of my style was to play a melody on one string and the root on the string above. I found playing this style with a plectrum more effective. It was too clumbsy with fingers. So again, technique. Below I have posted an example. You can see in the verse I am playing a melody on the G string whilst hitting the open D every other time. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTuOXm4jkCU"]Inter - Radio FInland[/url]

[quote name='jakesbass' post='506865' date='Jun 6 2009, 11:25 AM']Firstly using three fingers is not disgraceful just not ideal, but many people get by with it. The locking is usually due to playing with your fingers too straight with the middle joint clicking into a straight position under the stress of applying pressure to the string. The best approach to undoing this is to slightly change hand position as follows: 1. With you palm facing upwards cup your left hand as though holding a fat baton. 2. gently curl the top of your fingers so that the tips face the tip of your thumb. 3. keeping relaxed place the neck where the imaginary baton was and move the tips of your fingers towards the strings with your thumb resting gently against the back. 4. use the natural weight of your arm to pull gently (rather than squeezing) in a line towards you through your arm into your hand and out through your elbow (thats an imaginary line) Maintain this position when applying pressure to the strings and if you keep your fingers gently curved you should eliminate the locking problem. best of luck with it. Jake Obviously it's difficult without showing you exactly but I've explained as best I can.[/quote] Really great bit of advice. Thanks for sharing.

I got the Squire VMJ and its superb. I got it by pure luck after going shopping for a fretted bass. After playing lots of fretted basses and not finding one I liked, I thought I would have a go on the VMJ just for some fun and I fell right at home with it. A week later I came home to find my wife had bought it for me as a surprise Xmas present. She said you just looked so happy and comfortable playing it. So cool. It does sound amazing but do check the build quality as I had to take mine back as the lined fret filler fell out. The latest one so far has been perfect. I also put some flats on it but I think it sounds better with a rounds. The other thing I don't like is the Jaco look. A bit to cliche these days but it does look awsome though. Really worth getting as an intro to fretless.

[quote name='pegman1' post='503780' date='Jun 2 2009, 01:44 PM']Thats interesting about the 75 pickups i bet they're quite pricey though because they're not off the shelf.[/quote] Actually no, they are pretty cheap, 0055230000 PICKUP ASSY 75 JAZZ BASS NECK RRP £42.99 0055231000 PICKUP ASSY 75 JAZZ BASS BRG RRP £42.99 They said as they are not off the shelf, it can be about 8 weeks delievery. They can be ordered through any Fender dealer.

I had one and they are fantastic basses. Hardware is the same as US apart from pickups but I spoke to Fender and you can buy the pickups that come in the US 75 re-issue Jazz. They are not off the shelf items so need to be ordered in special but I have the part numbers if anyone wants them. The build quality is superb. Faultless and the neck on mine was not chunky at all. Amazing basses. I do think they are overpriced these days though for a Mexican bass.

Sorry to hear this SP. Really hope you can get something sorted or your friend understands.

[quote name='chris_b' post='501365' date='May 30 2009, 01:13 AM']Get a used Fender that plays well and change the things that are not up to scratch. Or save yourself the hassle and just get a Lakland.[/quote] HAHAHA gets my vote However, how about this for £500? [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=48227&st=0&#entry501319"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=...mp;#entry501319[/url]

[quote name='thepurpleblob' post='501450' date='May 30 2009, 09:58 AM']I forgot... the original is fretless too! The pitching was nearly as bad as mine which gives it a bit of charm IMHO![/quote] When Paul Webb commented on my version, he said he prefered to play fretless in the studio and fretted live.

[quote name='rjb' post='501439' date='May 30 2009, 09:40 AM']Being a huge Talk Talk fan I obviously hate the No Doubt version! For me the playing on the original is far superior. In any case have fun with it, it's great bass line. [/quote] I'm with you on that also, nothing beats the Talk Talk version. Big Talk Talk and Paul Webb fan also. If you want a challenge, try learning Living In Another World. I am very nearly there.

Congrats Bilbo and well done. Let us know how it goes.

[quote name='bubinga5' post='501230' date='May 29 2009, 08:55 PM']I agree with Linus,... MM, or Lakland,.... in the ones that ive played are very consistent, and always very well made. my stingray 5 is the best made bass i own...Like Linus said...Fenders are sometimes, very hit and miss..For me Cij or Mij Fenders are always good..Period.. Unless its USA Custom shop, because the one i got is supreme. I have said this before..Japanese made instruments are so well made..they seem to have a great attitude towards quality, IMHO...Why do you think Roger Sadowsky went there for his of shore production.[/quote] Yeah great point, Japanese Fenders are excellent basses and usually top quality. If you must have Fender, try and source a Jap one. You'll save some money over a US one and the quality should be excellent.

[quote name='KERMITNT' post='500872' date='May 29 2009, 01:16 PM']too skiny m8 too skiny where is the booty? [/quote] Yeah but she'll put it on when she gets a bit older. Her face though is just yummy scrummy.