No. 8 Wire

[quote name='louisthebass' timestamp='1487411098' post='3239548'] Agree with a fair amount of this being a member on SBL as well. It's well worth the money (imo) and have got a lot out of it just in terms of the inspiration it's given me. The only thing I really struggle with is that there is so much content on there that I will never get around to watching or reading it all. I like the fact that there aren't any slagging matches on the forum - a breath of fresh air having been on forums for the last 16 years where slagging matches are accepted as the norm . It's just a bunch of really great people helping each other out with music and bass stuff in general. Judging from my encounters with Scott, he comes across as being a good bloke. If he's made a ton of dosh out of it - fair play to him, especially as he's from a working class background, and from what I can see, he's grafted for it and he's got a good team of people working with him. Comparing his first videos he put up 6/7 years ago to what he's created now shows how much he's learned about selling his business, but it's a business that's at the forefront of education for bass players. [/quote] +1 to all of this.

[quote name='gs_triumph' timestamp='1485897158' post='3227615'] I did a year on SBL and got a lot out of it. It does a great deal to get you from the ground to a few floors up but then you kind of have to know what you want to lear after that. There is little in the way of direction through the great lessons available. Might just have been me... [/quote] I don't think it is just you. Pretty sure this is the number one suggestion/complaint people make. Lot of talk on SBL about this recently. There is a update to the platform to give a clearer path through all all the content in the works apparently. Not sure if this gives some kind of sophisticated curriculum, or if if just categorising everything into beginner/intermediate/advanced.

[quote name='Skybone' timestamp='1484690282' post='3217624'] Thomann do a decent bag, it's the same size as the HD500(x), X3 and xt Live. Try using the HIWatt DR103 amp model, used that a lot on my old PODxt for bass. [/quote] I've been mulling over getting an HD500X to replace my XT Live as a home recording rig. Its got a lot of things I really want, the biggest being having 2 separate signals - be interested to hear how you find that. The only reason I haven't got one though is the Hiwatt amp models. The HD500X doesn't seem to have the Hiway 200 (DR203) model either in the standard or bass pack. That amp sim is really the only one I can't replicate on anything else**. I see the HIway 100 model is there but I haven't got the same tone from that. I'll have another play with my unit tonight just to see if the Hiway 100 model sounds the same if all the parameters are matched to the Hiway 200 sim. **apart from the treadplate model (mesa Dual rectifier), but that's there on the HD500X

[quote name='Bigwan' timestamp='1486725631' post='3234097'] A bit of a beast to play as a result, especially given the neck in the first position is fairly hefty! [/quote] I'm in general a fan of a good fat neck, although I'd rather it followed the 50's P bass shape - i.e. about 2-3mm wider and a more third of a baseball bat rather than half like it is now. Its more like a modern P bass neck with extra depth than anything like a 50s one. Its suits me fine but could be better (but not for the price!) Mine's the same on the first fret position, there's something wrong with the transition there - gets fatter to early before the headstock.

Sounds very similar to what I did to mine. I did a DIY fret dress, although my 20th fret is still a little high, so I'll revisit that sometime. I like your idea of progressively lowering the upper frets. My tuners have been fine, might be luck of the draw where these get sourced from. Not sure if I've posted this before but here's mine: Mods: Headstock reshape Neck stripped bare, vintage tint and Tru-oil finish. Customised Brass nut DIY fret dress SD Pickup (not necessary but had it lying around) Wilkinson brass saddle bridge Sean Hurley Sig style Jag bridge mute White pickguard (spray painted original) I've probably forgotten some stuff too. I'm planning on a refinish in seafoam green nitro at some point but too much on to be doing projects just now.

Well I think you've said it all there lownote the twelfth. Just to keep slightly on topic, the key thing I like about SBL is that in the main it's all about actually playing the bass and not so much going on about the gear. Yes , we all get sucked down that rabbit hole sometimes, but i'd say the ratio of discussion between music/playing and gear on SBL is about the reverse of what it is here and in the other place. I'm not begrudging people their foderas or whatevers, if I could play like Antony Wellington I'd want a tool that could show off all my ability too. But buying one ain't going do much for me except amplify my mistakes in crystal clear hifi. Not to mention make me look like a tool and invalidate my home insurance. To me, too much of bass and guitar culture is a mirror image of golf. A whole industry dedicated to sucking in tired old gits into buying sh*t they don't need.

[quote name='skej21' timestamp='1485638753' post='3225564'] BARGAIN (compared to the €70,000 starting price for these http://sauvageguitars.com/opm3.html) [/quote] Been hit with the ugly stick! Neck heel transition looks dog rough too.

[quote name='lownote12' timestamp='1485627724' post='3225467'] No really they are.. Fodera mostly 8<25k$ ; Overwater couple of grand (in Mays), Zon 4-5k (in Trumps!). When's that not midrange? lol [/quote] Sounds interesting... you should start a thread on this

[quote name='lownote12' timestamp='1485623750' post='3225421'] If you're a Hairy Porter fan you won't need to look far when looking for a ghost [/quote] I typed that into a search engine and your either the dirtiest old man in Norfolk (which is saying something!) or a fan of real ale. Anyway, I've checked out your posts and I have to say the quality of them has improved since you 'left' The subtlety of your trolling is so light a touch that it is barely perceptible. Although you did break ranks with your new policy in describing Zon and Overwater as 'mid-ranged' instruments. You should try that on here or talkbass just to check on the reaction.

To be fair I avoid bass shows altogether, so I knew it couldn't be me. A new darker lownote lurking in the shadows? I'll need to do some sleuthing...

[quote name='lownote12' timestamp='1485621592' post='3225399'] Hehe, lowfrequency kiwi i do believe. how are you? [/quote] I'm good mate, I hope you are doing well! Are you managing to survive out here without access to 20 courses on the value of arpeggios, or indeed an SBL bass strap made by monks living in the high Andes with matching T-shirt, hoodie and socks?

[quote name='lownote12' timestamp='1485615962' post='3225336'] I have been with SBL since it started six years ago, pretty much. Scott trickles out short lessons, a live show on Facebook and tasters from courses for nothing - or a sign up and no more, but all the serious stuff is behind the Academy wall. IMHO you won't find a more comprehensive learning resource on the planet than the Academy and for the money it is crazy value. Hours of expert video learning on every aspect of bass from beginner to grown-up, plus guest seminars and lessons from a growing faculty of other bass gods - even Gary Willis now! - plus you can send Scott a video of your stuff for him to evaluate. By comparison I have paid close to £100 for three hours of personal tutition from local tutors who taught me sweet fanny adams, frankly. But there are downsides to SBL:[list=1] [*]I have found a lot of great, even more useful material for free on other sites like Talking Bass.net. [*]Scott has taught himself to be a throughly professional and charismatic presenter but at times he tries too hard to appeal to all ages and his desperate attempts to dress, act and talk like an American 18 year old (when's he's actually nearly 40) do grate after a while. [*]The forum community (or Campus as its called) is mostly inhabited by people you'd go out of your way to avoid at the Bass Show, but if you like music oriented Boy Scouting it and its members can be very helpful, especially for beginners. It's heavily regulated by 'campus managers'; let's just leave it there in case I upset someone. Anyone who's been in a cult will find it easy going. [*]SBL is increasingly commercial. Scott has already made his first million and is clearly determined to make more and it won't be long before the upselling gets too much in your face. [/list] So, in a nutshell, my advice is if you're new to bass and seriously want to make a go of it, think of SBL as an online university of quality yet cheaper than any real uni by a factor of 100. But if you've already got your stuff together it's not worth joining, just watch out for his free stuff in case anything comes up. And if he's trailing a must-have course you can't miss, do the 14 day free trial and take copious notes over a wet weekend. [/quote] I'm not going to disagree with anything you've said on the negative side there, I don't see it as my place to defend sbl or promote it. I'd just add to point 2 that I find the paid for materials less 'buzzy' and hip than the youtube stuff and that suits me fine. Although I haven't actually studied a course for a while due to time limitations. On point 3, the campus. I think that's a fair perspective (ie your perspective!), but the campus forum has a great deal more female representation and indeed members from all over the world, and yes even children (some of whom have incredible chops). So for me, its not unreasonable for a commercial platform to moderate in way that keeps the bulk of people on board. In my experience most people are trying hard to be nice and be supportive, I haven't seen that many moderated threads - in fact I've seen more on here. That said, people wanting another bass forum for late middle aged men to discuss class D watts etc will be disappointed. I've seen people sign up to SBL who I would swear haven't found the links to all the lessons and seminars. Why someone would pay $168 a year just to use the forum is beyond me - although potentially they're just people who have breezed through for the free trial. Each to their own though. Luckily you can sign up for the free trial and find out for yourself though!

[quote name='owen' timestamp='1485118691' post='3221345'] I am a total lightweight. This popped up on the IEM thread and it looks like less hassle than carrying a board around so I am going to try it. [url="http://www.woojer.com/strap/#StrapSpec"]http://www.woojer.com/strap/#StrapSpec[/url] [/quote] I just picked up the older version on ebay for £10 - the kickstarter edition. Its just a single clip on unit rather than the strap or vest. I just play and record at home at the moment, but I've got to say in that environment its surprisingly good addition (also great for just listening to music of course). I haven't got any way to try this is a gigging situation, so can't say if it would work for that. My guess is that it would though - the thing is, you need this strapped hard against your skin for it to work - the chest position really didn't work well. Strapped on the belt works well. Seems odd that its so expensive (on the website) - wouldn't have thought there is a great deal of difference between this and what you find in games controllers.

[quote name='OmeDunk' timestamp='1485362945' post='3223409'] Is there a subscription for e-mails in which you will be notified in case there are offers? [/quote] I'm not 100% sure on this anymore, but I think you get the newsletter if you give your email for the free bass toolkit http://www.scottsbasslessons.com/scotts-backstage-bonuses-area Also, you seem to be able to sign up for the newsletter via the latest competition page (link from youtube): https://www.scottsbasslessons.com/eden-giveaway Failing that, follow on facebook etc. I know there have been special deals in the past, but given how popular the site is now, it could be he's doing them less - obviously being a member I don't the notifications anymore.

Byron, Some of my thoughts are already above. I've been a member for about 2 years now. I'd suggest rather than taking too many opinions, just sign up for the free trial and see what you think. There are a few other sites on this list that may be worth checking out. http://onlinebassguitar.com/top-50-bass-sites-web/ Others are focussed on paying for individual courses whereas Scott's is an all you can eat buffet. Suits me fine but some new members do get lost among all the content. Good luck choosing, Dan

Thanks for the drone tool link - I'll end up using that. Just need to find some basslines to start off with. I've been listening to T Bone Walker a lot lately so might start off with some blues.

[quote name='Burns-bass' timestamp='1484864814' post='3219328'] It sounds like you're doing very much the same as I did! My view is to continue with your structured practice, the stuff you need to do. But make sure you enjoy it - and for me that's either playing tunes or improvising over jazz standards (poorly!). It may sound dull but I structure my practice like this (give or take): Warm up Sound building - open string exercises Scales/Chords to a drone Sight reading / Work through a book Playing through changes / playing along with records With a glass of wine I'll sometimes try and write a few lines that use specific approaches. All gets written down and then I can add pointers on stuff I'm getting wrong or struggling with. Some days though, I'll stick on some tunes I know and enjoy playing. [/quote] What does your open string practice involve - is this using the open strings to find fifths, octaves, etc and the build further positions form there - if so I'm doing that. Or do you mean someting different entirely. Scales and chords (do you mean arpeggios?) to a drone sounds like a good idea. Thanks I take it you started playing tunes from the very beginning?

Hi All, From my previous thread I've picked up a reasonable DB to learn on. I'm starting to develop a practice routine - really just working on absolute basics right now, posture, hand position, very basic intonation and note finding. I'm using a lot of free online resources (discoverdoublebass etc) to get started. Obviously I can play some hackneyed basslines, but I kind of feel like I should get the basics right first and this will come. I want to use the DB to play basic blues, folk, rock'n'roll and rockabilly (sometime later as I'll need to learn slap). I have no aspirations of playing jazz or classical on this instrument but most learning materials start from this perspective. Is this right approach or should I be attempting to play tunes as early as possible? If so anything that was useful to start on from a beginners perspective? Cheers Guys, Dan

[quote name='hubrad' timestamp='1484313794' post='3214589'] My first DB was a Zeller, solid top like yours, and really got me off the ground both for learning and gigs. The K&K have a great reputation as pickups, so you have the gear.. enjoy! Got a bow with it? Thoroughly recommended. [/quote] Hi Hugh, I haven't got a bow with it - though I am aware I need one at least as an aid to practicing intonation. I'll get one off ebay at some point. Apart from that, I have all the gear and no idea!

[quote name='TPJ' timestamp='1484301245' post='3214422'] Great stuff. Enjoy [/quote] Thanks Tom. Just been enjoying the videos on your link there - pretty much the sort of thing I'm aspiring to, although minus the singing, I can't even sing and play the electric bass at the same time, or sing at all for that matter! As a bonus of getting this Stentor though, it was considerably cheaper than a Bassix, so holding on to my Sire 5er is looking like a distinct possibility - although it may still have to go on the one in, one out rule. I've been arguing its not a 'guitar' therefore that doesn't apply, but the fact its got strings, tuners and even a pickup is making that argument a bit tenuous...

[quote name='TheRev' timestamp='1484223671' post='3213658'] The Stentor basses are pretty good. I'm currently looking after our guitarists' Stentor Student 2 bass while he moves house and it's very nice indeed - lovely shape to the neck (for me) and good tone. He may not get it back.... [/quote] I've got nothing to compare it too, or whether there are different grades of Stentor DBs, but it looks and feels nice to me. This one was made in Romania by Zellor, with a carved solid top and ply back. It has an ebony fingerboard. No idea what strings. It has a K&K pickup and pre - it looks like the double big twin on the K&K website but is probably an older model. The bass is at least 10 years old and is well played in - which I like actually! Lots of wear on the back of the neck and scrapes and dings to the body - means I can't do much worse to it!

[quote name='Marc S' timestamp='1484212336' post='3213501'] Ah, that's the spirit! You really have to have a DB to hand, and play it as much as you can, before you decide whether it's for you or not. It's not the sort of thing you can tell from 10 mins in a shop. Glad you bit the bullet. Watch those youtube videos - especially the ones on holding the bass / posture and stance first. Then take your time and be sure to do warm-up exercises and scales. One real positive note, is that if you decide it's not for you - you will probably be able to sell your bass for pretty much what you paid for it I'd still get a luthier, or friendly local BC member to have a quick look over it if you can - make sure the set up is good etc Most of all - welcome to the wonderful world of DB, and good luck [/quote] Marc, thanks for the welcome and encouragement! That's pretty much my reasoning too - the bass is unlikely to depreciate much so nothing lost if t doesn't work out or proves impractical. The bass had been played for about 10 years by music degree student - and then gigged about - so I'm confident the setup is at ok for now. I'm planning to meet up with a highly regarded local player at some point so will get him to check it over. Either that or I might even get a few lessons, just to make sure I'm going in the right direction.

A Zellor Stentor bass with a pickup and pre came up really close to me at a reasonable price so I've gone for that. Possibly a mistake for the reasons I was looking for a composite folding one but at least it gets me started and I can find out if playing upright is for me or not. Thanks for the help and suggestions, I'm just off to watch a load of youtube vids on how to hold a double bass!

This must be the shortest scale bass I've seen that isn't a ukelele! Still, despite looking like a mash up of an EB0 and stratocaster, its attracting some interest so must be legit. Anyone know anything about these? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Zenta-SG-bass-guitar-EB511-made-in-Japan-short-scale-bass-MIJ-1970s-/152384620631?hash=item237ad4c857:g:XBkAAOSwUKxYbqUl

Well, I've stuck a wanted Ad in the classifieds on here, so we'll see if that turns up anything. Kicking myself I didn't get onto that one in Dorset quicker! http://basschat.co.uk/topic/298033-bassix-double-bass/