rk7

In my view, a reasonable amount of theoretical knowledge can only help towards better overall playing. I've owned a bass for some years now, and was quite happy to be self-taught and play from tabs to tell me where my digits should be. As part of an upgrade to a far better instrument, my partner coughed up for some lessons for me. What a revelation these lessons have been. From a small number of visits, covering scales and their practical use, my understanding and enjoyment of the instrument has increased enormously. This is certainly due to a good teacher (thanks Martin!). The most surprising thing for me is that the lessons and theory have allowed me to play by ear more effectively, which in this case is one of the requirements of the OP? There are few, if any, things in this life that don't rely on a fair balance of skill, talent and theoretical knowledge. Has anyone learned to drive without lessons and theory? BTW, I'm ok with 4ths and 5ths, my car has six gears. Thank you please RK

[quote name='molan' timestamp='1325982185' post='1490795'] Scott Devine wears gloves lik these as well but his reason is because he has some sort of neural problem (I think) and the gloves help him to overcome this. [/quote] I was going to reference Scott Devine. There is an explanation of 'the glove' on his website. I've never played in gloves, but I tried a woolly scarf once. I found it actually kept my neck really warm. Oh yes, it did. And my mum thought it was sensible.

[quote name='Jacqueslemac' timestamp='1322153079' post='1447313'] As an ex-journo, please tell me that when you wrote "Fender's" for the plural of Fender, it was a mistake by your fingers, and that it won't appear in your articles that way! I find that poor writing ends up detracting from what's actually being written about. I gave up reading one magazine because I realised that all I'd done was proof-read the mag (I gave up counting after the first couple of dozen mistakes) and hadn't actually taken anything in. Maybe it's me, but writers of all types should take pride in their writing, not just their knowledge of the subject matter. [/quote] A fare point, woll made!

If there is a prize for the worst-quality photograph of the week, I'd like to respectfully put my name forward. Nice bass, crap photo. RK

My 2007 Overwater Perception Deluxe 5, and TC Electronic Combo 450. And blue curtains. [attachment=97058:10012012536.JPG] Deep joy.

I was tipped off about the slow delivery, but yes, it worth the wait. I also ordered 'proper' Gotoh tuners and they arrived in no time at all. Hardware changes, to black, are now all done, and chrome items will be on the marketplace soon. One bridge, five tuners. RK

Class in a bass! Good effort S. How many in the collection now? Three and an EUB? Go girl!

Today 1. John Myung 2. Mark King 3. Phil Lynott 4. Sting 5. Carmine Rojas Tomorrow - another 5. Great thread!

[quote name='Monckyman' timestamp='1324688172' post='1477158'] George Formby. [/quote]Just listened to his Bass solo on 'When I'm cleaning windows'. Awesome, truly.

Just bought a new Hipshot Bridge (through BassDirect). Had an slight issue with the intonation screws galling in the saddles. I contacted Bill at Hipshot who is sending replacement screws, and a tap to clear the threads. From America-ville! Good support, worth a shout. RK

Since moving to a 5-string, I also find myself playing across the strings more, and playing generally higher up the neck too. With my left hand fingers. Thank you please. RK

Hey S. I use Overwater Flatwounds on my, er, Overwater 5! They are excellent. I would guess though, that they are re-packaged items that probably already feature in the advice you have received in earlier posts. R.

I agree with louisthebass, my Overwater inspires me to be a better player, and every single time I look at it I want to pick it up and play it. Surely thats the 'priceless' element of a higher quality instrument? What I really need now is a rotating Stand, and a Talent Booster pedal, and I'll be sorted!

Very nice!

Welcome Bootsy. Lots of good advice already given above. Just enjoy your bass playing. Go wherever it takes you. The site is an enormous wealth of knowledge, kept current by its population. If you are so inclined, read everything you can find on here, and learn about the wider subject from 'those who went before us'! (and be careful with the spikes on that bass!) RK

Its all cool Bluejay, as you say, the main thing is to enjoy playing. Like you, I don't play in a band, but I love my bass. rk

Hi and welcome Bluejay! I'm fairly new to this forum, but it is clearly a friendly place and the body of knowledge held here is amazing. btw, isn't playing Bass hard enough without trying to do it left-handed as well? :] rk

Hi Jack. (Hijack?) I started out with a Yamaha RBX 374 a few years ago, bought as a package with small Peavey amp and a wire to join them together. Brilliant starter rig, I would recommend it. I've since (recently) upgraded quite drastically but I still look at the Yamaha fondly, although it now has a good layer of dust on it. The main thing is to get started playing bass (for which you don't need a lot of cash), then see how it goes before investing heavily. Good luck and enjoy!

What a fantastic Build Diary. Very informative, but hilariously funny too! A rare skill these days. I'm inspired. Thank you!