Coilte

It is a shame that this bassist hardly ever gets a mention these days. I was listening to the Crusader's "Street Life" album the other evening, and enjoying his amazing contribution to the album. He especially excels on the "Night Faces" track. Just thought he deserves an airing here on BC. Night Faces : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLojRO8NV3E

[quote name='Gareth Hughes' timestamp='1426536411' post='2719093'] And for thinking/playing outside the box on the verses - play in the major key a tone lower than the first minor chord. In other words - the first chord is A Minor, so you play around G Major. Everything will still be from the same key, you'll just have some nice (and hopefully) pleasant surprises. [/quote] My theory is not up to scratch, so I'm a bit confused here. Should that not be [b]C[/b][b]maj [/b]instead G of as this (C maj) is the relative major of A minor ?

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1426494759' post='2718387'] Yep, if you feel like that, sell the lot and get something you'll cherish and want to play [/quote] Good advice on the face of it...BUT...I'm a bit wary of the OP's use of the word "bored". From this I assume that the gear is adequate for his/her needs and there is nothing amiss with it...i.e. there are no faults. OP, how do you know that if you do get some high end gear, you wont get bored with that too ? However, if you have the cash to buy new gear then by all means do as JTUK suggests, but the chances are that you will be in the same boat again before long. Try to concentrate on [u]playing music[/u] instead.

Nice. Thanks for posting. I'll bet you thought long and hard on the title of this particular thread !!

I'm not really into pedals, but have always been curious about compressors. Having read this thread and did other research I finally got me a [i]Carl Martin Opto Compressor.[/i] I only have it a few days and have being doing some experimenting. So far I am liking it. It is very quiet and each control knob is very responsive. I would not use it all the time, but I think it is safe to say that I'm converted.....at least to compressors. I hope this is not the start of a pursuit of more pedals. For anyone interested, here is a review of the Carl Martin Opto : http://www.ovnilab.com/reviews/cmclassic.shtml

[quote name='Mykesbass' timestamp='1426085363' post='2714183'] I've got to say Happy Jack's suggestion sounds absolutely spot on--nice work Jack! [/quote] I agree. I would just add that breathing slowly and deeply helps to relax the body and mind. Sometimes when we are nervous, we "forget" to breath. So, try to be aware of your breathing and dont "hold it in"..

[quote name='MacDaddy' timestamp='1425826364' post='2711097'] Because you said you posted based on playing ability with no agenda behind it, therefore gender is irrelevant. If you had this thread would be a lot shorter [/quote] In fairness, the thread is this long due to people's silly reaction to the OP happening to put the word "girl" in the thread title.

[quote name='chaypup' timestamp='1425814325' post='2710895'] I will see the doctor this week or as soon as I can get an appointment - anything else I can do? [/quote] That's the best (and only) thing to do... or a physiotherapist. With the best will in the world, any advice given here, may or may not help, as people are merely guessing as to what your problem is. It may not be bass related at all, but playing the bass just aggravates it. Seek medical advice.

At least he has them listed in order of importance.

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1425677014' post='2709743'] . However, I still maintain that most youngsters have little to no interest in The Beatles or their legacy.[/quote] You really are generalizing here. On what do you base this knowledge ? I assume you mean most youngsters [u]that you know....[/u] That's fair enough. FWIW, the majority of youngsters I know, [i]are[/i] interested in the Beatles.

I'd say the OP is really sorry now, about two things : 1) He did not give the other guy enough time. 2) He told you lot about it....expecting understanding and sympathy.

[quote name='bartelby' timestamp='1425462062' post='2707488'] I wouldn't be too happy if you only waited 3.5 hours before ditching the sale for someone else! Sometimes real life takes priority over BC. [/quote] Agree.

[quote name='bubinga5' timestamp='1425171666' post='2704774'] bloody metronomes. . its like a boring office job when you go and play/practice the bass.! playing or practicing the bass should be and always should be a musical experience, with sounds to inspire you. great if you want to play endless scales and muscle memory, but why. throw it in the bin. there are so many more avenues to practice timing than that. [/quote] A little severe, if you dont mind my saying. However YMMV...etc My own view on metronomes is that they are good for "re calibrating" your sense of time every now and then. They dont have to be used through out every practice session. A lot of people [i]think[/i] their timing is good, but often get a wake up call if/when they spend a little time practicing with a 'nome.

[quote name='ubit' timestamp='1424892694' post='2701681'] This has got everything! Can't afford a music stand and the obligatory drunk guy who barges in to " sing" backing vocals ! [media]http://youtu.be/EYno_Em_n2A[/media] [/quote] Yes, reading with the lyric sheet in her hand is nothing less than pathetic. At least the "drunk" new his lyrics.

"Lady Madonna" is worth a listen. OP, your drummer friend is correct. In the book "Standing in the Shadows of Motown" Macca says how much he was influenced/inspired by Jamerson.

[quote name='juliusmonk' timestamp='1424870148' post='2701349'] Now I am happy with my Carl Martin Opto-compressor, it slightly alters the tone but for the better. It is cheap as well. [/quote] An interesting thread. I am not a pedals guy at all, but was considering buying a compressor, as much out of curiosity as anything else. I have my eye on a Carl Martin Opto. According to the "Ovnilab" review it is one of the best in it's price range.

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1424858204' post='2701145'] I like the idea of it and although I like to visulise myself turning up and jumping straight in, in reality I'd be absolutely terrified and never even get to the point of introducing myself! [/quote] I agree. Blues or rock jams....OK....but jazz is a different thing altogether. Having said that, there is no doubt that jumping in the deep end in this way, is a great way to learn.

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1424512930' post='2697069'] I have never played a style that would benefit from a compressor on a gig. I would imagine one would detract from the dynamics of my playing. [/quote] I dont really go in for pedals or effects of any kind, but have on occasion, thought about trying out a decent compressor. However, as someone mentioned on another forum...if you only [i]think[/i] you need one...the chances are that you dont.

I have always played with a light touch. It provides the headroom required if/when you do on occasion, need to up the dynamics. This is not the case when you are permanently digging in. OP, better late than never to discover the merits of a light touch. Your hands (not to mention your neighbor... ) will thank you for it.

With me, the bass was love at first sight/hearing. I never wanted to play anything else. The bands/artists who inspired me to take it up were Glenn Cornick in early Jethro Tull, Jack Bruce in Cream, Tony Reeves in Colosseum, and Peter Cetera on the first three Chicago albums. Later on, life got in the way and I stopped playing until about twelve years ago, when I got back into it. I have been making up for lost time ever since, and enjoying every minute. EDIT : I'm eternally grateful that I got the chance to tell the late Glenn Cornick via email, how much he inspired me in my early playing days.

Be particular where you place your cab...too close to a wall..on a stand...etc

[quote name='Nicko' timestamp='1423833897' post='2689502'] I dont mean to be flippant but your best bet might be Eurostar to St Pancras, then a short trip to the Bass Gallery or Wunjo. [/quote] ...or buy one here on BC and have it shipped to your new address.

As well as all the good advice given so far, you should check out : [url="http://www.talkingbass.net/"]http://www.talkingbass.net/[/url] Lots of great free lessons there for people in your position. There is a bass beginner's course for the price of an hour's face to face lesson. In the absence of an actual teacher, it would suit you down to the ground. "dadofsix's" post above is spot on regarding discipline. Little and often is the best way.

[quote name='SpaceChick' timestamp='1423171329' post='2681866'] You do raise a good point Nige![/quote] He does indeed !! IMO a slow blues [u]played with feel[/u] and good timing is one of the hardest things to play on bass. Here is John McVie showing how it should be done. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2FR1HYod44

[quote name='skywalker' timestamp='1423053803' post='2680004'] I have just replaced two year old TI Jazz Flats with new TI Jazz Flats (on a Squier CV Jazz) and the difference is remarkable. [/quote] Two year old !!!!?? They have only just broken in. I had TI Flats on my bass for a little longer....ten years. As has been mentioned, strings are a very personal matter, both in terms of type, brand and when you change them. I'd gladly take your "old" TI's off of your hands. I have another bass strung with rounds and I replace those after about four to six months.