lowdowner

[quote name='Bikenbass' timestamp='1429642304' post='2753603'] My Ibanez SR370 lined fretless is one of the best basses I've ever owned/played. Slim neck, great sound, not heavy. It can be played 'straight' or played with 'mwha', highly recommended, imo. I was told the model was discontinued, but I think a few of them are around new and at a good price. [/quote] Do you know what the '900 is like - looks sweet?

[quote name='gary mac' timestamp='1429642168' post='2753597'] I've also found myself hankering for a fretless of late. Just when I thought I was all GAS free [/quote] Must be something in the water! Any particular groove-tonka catch your eye?

Play the riff from 'the chain' (badly), loudly proclaim "nah, it's rubbish" and walk away?

I getting fretless GAS again - possibly a Thumb BO 4 string 😝 I don't see many discussions about the wonders of the fretless world though - is that because most people don't have one or play one, and why is that? Have you tried and not gelled with it, or never felt the desire, or is there a whole underground club of fretless players (the first rule of the fretless club is never...)? Maybe I should just take the plunge?

Take your favourite groove(s) and choose random notes to 'ghost' and see how that changes the groove. You can find out lots of different ways to play the same basic groove like this.

Cheesy? Oh... *that's* why they were pointing and laughing at me?

Hey - a fellow 'thrope'! How unlikely is that??

The Doors? Great idea - riders on the storm?

Picture the scene... you've walked into your favourite bass shop and you've asked to try out a tasty little number you've had your beadies on for a while now. The shop keeper, a scruffy and overly cool looking dude who in your imagination is probably an ex bassist of an 80's supergroup and possibly too cool to be in a bass shop, hands it to you and plugs you into a big, and very loud, rig. Probably under a spot light. He looks at you expectantly. The rest of the shop is stuffed full with loads of obvious expert shredders, just lounging around looking for the next axe for their upcoming sell-out world tour. They now too turn towards you, again all expectantly... What top three riffs have you chosen to help you 'try out' the beautiful bass that is clearly too good for your measly efforts? OK, this is a bit extreme, but it's usually how *I* feel, that's for sure. So do you have common songs, riffs, or snippets of stuff you like to noodle away at when trying out a new bass in a shop. Or do you just 'jam' in a confident sort of way? Just wonderin'

Oh, i didn't read 'til the end (that'll teach me) but see... I was right!

[quote name='Fisheth' timestamp='1429186873' post='2748905'] With a so called accoustic act that dubs his work as a "Journey chronicling his depression over the last few years"... [/quote] Lord i've missed this forum... what a scream! (literally) Do it! You'll have something to tell the grandchildren

70's porn soundtrack? Jeesh, that takes me back... But lounge funk, astro slime mix, is making a welcome comeback. Where are you gigging next? I don't want to miss it

Nope - mine is 'straight'!

+1 on the mistakes thing. You *will* make mistakes - maybe quite a few but in general nobody will notice or care that much! The audience will notice if you look stressed so smile (it has a magical affect on people). If you get stressed then just pull it all back to roots and fifths, or just roots if you have to - you'll still be adding texture and value to the track. Look at your band mates and smile (again) at them, and try to enjoy it. If you're singing backing vocals but finding it hard to cope with just concentrate on the playing not singing. Try not to speed up too much, try to play slower than you think is correct (and you'll probably *still* be playing too quickly because we all do). Finally, and most importantly, *always* remember that the bassist is naturally the coolest member of the band and whatever you do, people will assume you're the best thing since sliced bread.

Great topic - i've thought about this in the past. I've been playing for about 4 to 5 years, have gigged a bit, but also taken some break (18 months lately to learn to play drums which I'm jamming with a band at the moment with). I can read music and learn a bass line with a bit of effort (I can't just pick up and read a score without thinking and practicing, I can't just play along by ear). I think that technical ability, and music theory understanding, are very different from musicality though. There have been some people who I've seen pick up and instrument and within a short period just sound... well.. musical. I don't think this is innate - I think it's about exposure to and feeling music and we can all do that with enough time and feeling. I'd like to be 'good' at being musical (even if that's just basic bass lines) rather than being technical.

Thanks guys - i think I might try some and see what's what

Can anyone tell me what the difference is between stainless and nickel strings? I usually use Rotosound - RS66LD which are stainless but I noticed that they also do RS55LDN which is the nickel version. Would I notice much difference? http://www.rotosound.com/swing-bass-66/

Anyway.... back to my brilliant bass!

[quote name='JimBobTTD' timestamp='1424333475' post='2695139'] Mmmm, selvedge denim. Nice. More info? Nice bass too! [/quote] *laughs* - yes, you've got a good eye! They're 21oz selvedge (non-dye-fixed) jeans made by Unbranded. Bought at a local shop 'The Union Project' here in Cheltenham: http://www.theunionproject.co.uk

[quote name='HowieBass' timestamp='1424295635' post='2694960'] Do these come with an Ebonol (phenolic) fingerboard? Happy NBD! [/quote] Yup - they do.. super slick

[quote name='Mykesbass' timestamp='1424293584' post='2694930'] Need to update that signature "I'm a one bass man!" Nice looking bass! [/quote] Nope - I just need to update the bass. I chopped in my Thumb

This is really weird because I bought the last but one copy at the airport on Sunday and read it cover to cover on a long flight. I wasn't impressed and when I got home I read a copy from mid last year and it was much better. I've noticed it's become less in depth and, well, just, 'less'...

I used to walk down Denmark Street everyday on the way to my office and there was a bass in the window of one of the shops and I just stood and stared. It was a Warwick Thumb in green (!) I just wanted to play it and it took another 10 years before I bought a bass and so the pain and joy began...

Yes, it's New Bass Day for lucky little me! I've held off posting because I don't want to seem too full of myself but just LOOK at this complete beauty! A Vigier Passion III Custom neck-through 4 string. I went to BassDirect to get a new 5 string and when I played this one I couldn't resist. I'm so stoked - two single coil pickups (Benedetti), a zero fret, graphite neck strenghening... corr, i've spent the afternoon grooving

The Lay-byes? The caravaners? Not too hot and not too cold? The just rights? The Innofensives?