GStar

Hi Bilbo, I'm based in Manchester City Centre pretty much 95% of the year. I'll get into town and have a search for Levine's book; would you recommend simply following him page by page and then focusing on the a particular style i.e Jazz/Funk/Rock/Pop/Blues or am i looking at it the wrong way? I think in the end, it probably will be a person/teacher that i'd seek, but with the wealth of multimedia and information from all different areas now available i hoped there'd be a less expensive way i could start tackling at my own pace until i got to a level where more guidance may help.

I've been playing for a while now, i've played on my own and with people on stage and in rehersal rooms, i've written songs and i've learnt songs; i'm at a point where i might physically be able to play a piece but i don't know 'why' or 'how' it works; why this note goes with that note etc. I've noticed a few patterns, i understand (or have heard of and utilised) octaves, root, 5ths and the major and minor scale but thats about it, i have no clue of music theory whatsoever and i'd like to learn. I've seen sites like studybass.com which looks to run through scales and modes which i presume will be of use but i was wondering if anyone had any advice on a starting structure of some sort of where to begin and where to go from there. I could learn a major or minor scale but will the websites tell me why im learning it and how i can put it to use? I realise im rambling and not being very coherent, perhaps what i'm looking for is a bass tutor, but whilst i save up some pennies is there any advice whatsoever to start out with, the fundamentals to learn, the 'core comptentences' every bass player (or musician for that matter) worth thier salt should know inside out as standard. I just don't know where to start and what to start with. Any help or advice is appreciated.

i Know you said you didn't like Hartke, but well under budget and seems to fit your criteria? [url="http://www.bassmerchant.com/item_detail.php?product_id=230&category_id=2"]http://www.bassmerchant.com/item_detail.ph...p;category_id=2[/url] Or, the Victor Wooten endorsed range (i believe) coming in right on budget: [url="http://www.bassmerchant.com/item_detail.php?product_id=324&category_id=2"]http://www.bassmerchant.com/item_detail.ph...p;category_id=2[/url]

This head really interests me... the price doesn't, but then price never does Has anyone checked out TB's reaction... i've just had a quick sweep over, i wanted too see if there was any first hand experience, instead its some guy named JimmyM stomping his feet because he's played with a few "cool cats" but wasn't selected for the free trial, cue him and a bunch of others claiming the whole thing as a huge blunder on TC's part vowing they and many others feel insulted at not being "big enough" to be selected and will never buy a single product by the company again!? I find it hard to believe people are this blinkered and ignorant Oh, if you'd like to tear some hair out: [url="http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=506427&page=17"]http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.p...427&page=17[/url]

[quote name='BenHorne' post='364765' date='Dec 28 2008, 12:44 PM']Argh, this is not what I wanted to hear...[/quote] I guess it all depends on what you prefer playing... I tried a number of different basses before buying the Flea because i enjoyed playing it the most. If the 'versitility' is an issue, then i'd ask myself what kind of sound i need, will i be gigging with a reggae band one week, rock another and pop another? Add onto that if you're DI'ing into a PA and you can loose a lot of your tonal options into the sound engineers desk. If you want a Flea, have tried a Flea, enjoyed playing it and got a sound out of it you liked; get it. Same with the 'Ray imo. I've found that even if i have found settings on my amp, with my cab set up how i like it and the settings on my bass how i like it... once i come to gigging i could be using someone elses backline, or P.A, in a completely different room etc and at the mercy of the sound engineers fingers. Long winded, and imo which could be completely wrong... i'd get the bass i enjoy playing the most and play with amps/cabs/effects etc to get a sound i like, if i havent already found it with the bass itself.

[quote name='MB1' post='364320' date='Dec 27 2008, 05:48 PM']MB1. ............Oh! No Your Not! Panto Season Again! [/quote] I'm behind you! But i'm not the dame in drag where ever he, err, she, Came from!? On Topic, I haven't had a chance to use the Flea in a gig situation yet, practise in a couple weeks gig in under a month so i'll see then. Surprised to hear about them sounding "thin" i thought they were known for cutting and punching through?

I've just bought a '97 Flea, w/Lane Poor; I'm very happy.

I'll happily echo all the sentiments already expressed in this thread. Peter took the time to explain to me how my new ACG preamp worked, going as far as to draw me a few visulisations to help me out... good brew too, but Chelsea mugs!? Great bass, fantastic condition and a great guy... very easy to deal with and wouldn't think twice about dealing with again. If only all transactions were this easy!

[quote name='ezbass' post='358149' date='Dec 18 2008, 06:00 PM']As my band is currently using a school hall I take my LMII and Schroeder 1212L, which is my gig rig too (nice and compacy, not to mention light). If we use rehearsal rooms with PA I don't take any amp and just DI into the PA using my MXR M80.[/quote] Another LMII/Schroeder 1212L user here. Fantastically light, fantastically small, fantastic tone and plenty plenty loud enough... I'll be able to test my newly aquired Modulus Flea after Xmas, if i don't cut through and have great tone i think i might as well give up!

[quote name='bassbloke' post='353137' date='Dec 12 2008, 09:12 PM']Right that's it. I'm off to crack one out.[/quote] Hahaha... no beating around the bush, so to speak. I like your style.

[quote name='Veils' post='347526' date='Dec 6 2008, 09:48 PM']Welcome from a fellow Manc!! I'm a red living right next to Eastlands though Am I right in thinking you are looking forward to Jan for the transfer window? I must say, I am really interested to see what is going to happen at City. I really can't see any of the big names being banded about joining City but there is a fair chance they will be able to get a few high profile players who aren't getting enough football (such as Robinho at Real).[/quote] Don't think that January will be as spectacular as the press are stirring it up to be. Diarra is apparently a done deal. Bridge/Cole/Taiwo are all looked at for LB (I think Garrdio's been great this past 6 weeks) Apparently Robinho has been instrumental in selling City to Kaka, and its a possibility (can't see it myself) RSC is a target. Toure is apparently a target. then theres the dreamland targets of Aguero and Villa... exciting, if nothing else!

Blue or Red?

[quote name='stinson' post='278535' date='Sep 6 2008, 12:49 PM']We were obviously in the same shipment. Just picked mine from Parcelforce this morning! Had to pay an extra £53 for some reason. Anyhow, all Ive managed to do is unpack it, stick the lm11 through it and give it a quick low volume burst. It all sounds very promising with my Jazz and P with flats. Taking it to London tmrw for a rehearsal and a full workout. Will get some pics done when the weather cheers up a bit! Very excited [/quote] Just over £50 for me, customs charge but i knew about that already. Let me know what you think after rehersal, our room was a bit small yesterday to really let it free.

Ok, here's a few quickies, sorry about quality:

Went and picked this up from the Parcel Force Depot tonight and took it to practise. Unbelievibly Light, unbelievibly small, unbelievibly loud, unbelievibly deep! I'll try and get some pictures up in the next few days. I got the usual comments i've been reading as we we're setting up: "turn down" "all i can hear is bass" "if i'd have known you were buying this i'd have never bought this custom kick drum!" Probably becasue it was a small rehersal room but i did notice i generally sat perfect in the mix although at times, i think depending on guitarist effects i got lost slightly. I'll put that down to room shape, how we setup and the fact our guitarist seems to set his distortion pedals up so they boost his signal?!? We're doing MoHo Live's 1st year anniversary on the 12th, hopefully get a chance to give the Schroeder a proper run out in its natural home; on stage. Looking forward to Stinson's thoughts and i'll get some hpotos up soon.

[quote name='stinson' post='269443' date='Aug 25 2008, 12:40 PM']Superb, thanks for the response. I basically need one becuase Im gigging a bit more regularly and need something thats easy to lug around as I now have a repaired hernia that I dont want popping again and I want the volume at my finger tips and something that will pair up nicley with my LMII and Precisions. I got turned onto Schroeders through WOTs and Daves excellent detailed exploits and lurking on TB where they have a very loyal fan base. I have no doubt that I'll be blown away. Jorg is a joy to do business with.[/quote] We sound very similar Let me know what you think when you get yours! Jorg said he beleived the LMII gave; [i]"a tad more low end and is a bit more powerful while the Shuttle has more clarity".[/i] Since it appears you'll be using the LMII and myself the Shuttle, it'll be interesting to see if i've chosen correctly for me.

[quote name='Born 2B Mild' post='269308' date='Aug 25 2008, 09:30 AM']That's going to be a very light, but very loud rig. I presume your cab will be 4 ohms. My Shuttle 6 is the loudest amp I've owned, and that includes a 1000w Warwick Xtreme coupled with a SWR Goliath Senior 6 x 10. On Saturday, I played a wedding party in a large marquee. I kept on being told to turn down, as it was too much right at the back of the marquee, but get this ...my bass guitar volume was only on about 15% and the Shuttle was on 20%!!! And I was the only one in my loud rock band NOT going through the PA. I reckon you'll be a very happy bunny with a Shuttle/Schroeder combination![/quote] Hi, Yep it's going to be 4 ohms. Glad your happy with your Shuttle, i tried to read through the hype and listen to actual demo's... Hopefully i'll be very happy! [quote name='stinson' post='269414' date='Aug 25 2008, 12:05 PM']I've got Jorg building me a 1212L at the mo. I wonder if its the same spec as that?! Out of interest, how long has it taken for you to get to this stage?[/quote] It took around 12 days from me going to the bank and wiring the money across for Jorg to recieve it, by which point he was 1 coat behind the pictures he sent over! I think from bank to doorstep will be around 3 weeks but in reality (depending if he meant shipping will happen middle of this or next week), from Jorg recieving my funds it'll be closer to 12-14 days! Got to back up what people have said about him too, he's a great person to deal with; i wonder how he finds the time!?!

I did a hell of a lot of research, reading, counter arguements, 3rd opinions and listeneing tests before deciding that [i]weight[/i], of all things would become a major factor in buying a new backline. Putting my needs and what i'd learnt/heard, i decided to contact Jorg about a Schroeder cab, having lurked around on TB, i'd also learnt he was currently developing a new, "3G" 1212L! Here's the progress pictures he sent me today: Apparently, and i quote: [i]"The 3rd generation has more lowend but still enough punch to blow a hole into a wall ;-)"[/i] Still needs a final 'rhino tuff' coating and all the components fitting but it should be ready to ship middle of next week! I've decided to keep the lightweight theme i'd try a shuttle 6.0 head, i choose it over other models such as the LMK II becasue i like the versitility and the fact it has a tube pre which can hopefully give some nice grit and growl. Anyway, i just thought i'd post this becasue it's going to be my first 'up market' (read expensive ) rig, i had so much help when i initially joined and was completely overwhelmed by the 'true' world of bass amplification, so i'm quite excitied to see what the end product sounds like!

I'm having an Orange (well, cayenne) bass cab built for me as we speak i'll post up some pics in a thread soon. Oops, sorry for the Off Topic

[quote name='bass_ferret' post='254155' date='Aug 4 2008, 09:47 AM']Funny thing - discussion of this thread is still going on over on Finnbass [/quote] Whislt your back in the thread B_F, i noticed you have a Shuttle 6.0. I messaged WoT to ask him about Schroeder cabs and comparisions between LM II/Shuttle 6.0. Have you any experience with the LM II or MB in general? P.S I won't ask you which one i should buy!