lowdowner

Oh lord, I'm looking at one right now and I'm the worse the wear for a bottle of plonk... and I've just received my bonus from work... come to daddy metallic blue stingray

Roberta Flack - guess which track? Oh, and early Simon and Garfunckle

[quote name='timmo' timestamp='1411049695' post='2555960'] Had my first lesson with the new teacher. What a difference it makes to having a guitarist who dabbles in Bass, and a proper Bassist who studied it at University makes. I have had my whole posture and technique changed in 1 lesson, and easy tips to learn the notes on the fretboard. Well worth the 70 mile roundtrip. [/quote] ta-da!

I haven't heard 2112 since it came out - loved it then, I don't know what I would think of it now. Maybe it's best left as a great memory (I suspect it's not really my thing any more)

[quote name='SpaceChick' timestamp='1410847122' post='2553720'] I can just see the conversations with the carers now. "I used to be a bass player in several rocks bands you know" "Of course you did old dear, now take your meds and get into bed" (turns to another staff member) "she's really losing her marbles now" [/quote] There's a film in there somewhere - your older self could be played by Merryl Streep, I can just see her playing bass in the tearful reunion closing scene with a bunch of BCers ...

[quote name='FinnDave' timestamp='1410725888' post='2552484'] Why do you need a tutor? I've never felt the need for one. [/quote] In the classical world even performers at the very top of their game often continue to have lessons (master classes) because it gives them a different perspective on the instrument, performance, technique, repertoire etc. Not everyone wants to continue to learn, and teachers aren't the only way, but for many people it provides a framework to be more than they'd be if they were self taught. For me, at my very early stages, it helps me to focus on what to learn, what bad habits to avoid, and ways to get exposure to techniques and ideas that would have taken me years to fathom. For me, they're worth every penny.

How far are you OK travelling timmo? I've found a great teacher based in Stourbridge and I'm OK travelling from Cheltenham to there once every two weeks: http://stevenswiftmusic.weebly.com

If it's any help, my other half gave up about 10 weeks ago and hasn't smoked, e-cigged, or chewed gum at all. After many times trying to stop this is the longest time yet and I really think this looks like the one. Remember, regardless of what people say, it' *isn't* easy - it takes guts and willpower and effort. Hang in there... I genuinely wish you luck

Last fag on 1st Nov 1997. Cold turkey... f*** 'em, if you want to stop you can do it Play more bass when you're jittery

Outstanding. That is all.

[quote name='timmo' timestamp='1410562707' post='2550953'] No [/quote] Oh lord, I just coughed out a mouthful of tea! I'm envious though, I bet it makes good phone calls, unlike my iSh*te phone!

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1410545086' post='2550671'] Good on yer. Basschat is a fabulous place full of fabulous people. [/quote] except me - i'm 'orrible Welcome - don't forget to share what gear you decided to replace your sold stuff with!

Thanks for the suggestions folks - i'll check them out.

One of these. Simple, cheap, you can plug in an mp3... http://www.soundsliveshop.com/p/Vox_Amplug_Bass_Headphone_Amplifier/VOX-AMPLUGBASS?CAWELAID=1830897847&CAGPSPN=pla&catargetid=720016190000001899&cadevice=c&gclid=CMX_55KA2sACFUoUwwodYYcA_w

Although I can't help (sorry ) I just wondered what problems you were having? Just nosey!

I managed to wash my in-ear B&W C5 headphones in the washing machine. I then dried them for an hour (at high heat) in the tumble drier. I'm looking for other bassists' recommendations for a replacement pair. No in-ear this time (they keep falling out when I'm head banging!) but a small, light over-ear pair with great bass boost like the C5's. Any idea?

Lord, I've just spent 2 years taking drum lessons and now returned to my new love. Two bits of advice 1. enjoy it - it's different, but a joy and you'll have a great time whether you stick with it or return to your first love 2. get a good teacher. Try to find a *bass* player teacher, and not just a guitar player who also teaches bass as a sideline. Bass is an instrument of its own: it has a lot of skills and techniques all its own, and it's best to find a teacher immersed in the culture and feel of bass. If you *do* go back to drums, you'll be a better drummer that's for sure (and the other way around I think!) Welcome to the wonderful world of low downership!

OK, my next question I guess is old or new? Would you buy a new one, an old one, or a new 'old' one? For such a simple bass/idea there seem to be a lot of versions, ages, options...

[quote name='fumps' timestamp='1409838115' post='2543811'] Bass chose me. I'd been learning guitar for about a year & although I could play pretty well. I didnt get a buzz from it at all & was wondering weather to just give up. I went round to a mates house who had a varied collection of bits & bobs laying around his flat. He'd just come back from his mums house because she had found a stash of more instruments in his loft that she wanted him to take away. In the corner there was this battered old 3/4 length ric copy.....it was covered in grime & looked horrendus but I picked it up & just started noodling about on it. next thing I know I had been playing it for half an hour & my mate simply smiled at me & said "looks like you have found your instrument" A week later I sold off all my guitar stuff & bought a bass. It's been in my veins ever sinse. [/quote] Wow - that's quite inspirational

[quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1409511080' post='2540360'] Ermmm... you know what one of those is, right? Pretty sure not knowing the difference between a P and a J bass doesn't make you one! EDIT: stupid autocorrect [/quote] Ah, no, I didn't know what one was, but I do now. I shall take more care to choose my self-derisive words more carefully in future. I am certainly *not* one of those! Ewwwww

What does the P do 'so well'? It sounds like a religious experience!

Apologies if this has been asked before (I'd be surprised if it hasn't) but I'm really interested to know what the difference is between Fender P or J? Not in terms of the mechanics and pickups but about the sound, and the way they play, and what kinds of music or player they most suit etc. Is there a generally accepted difference that sums them up? I feel like such a nonce for even asking

[quote name='TheSiberian' timestamp='1409325225' post='2538688'] I don't know if I was born to be a bass player but for sure I will die like this. [/quote] Haha - love it

Not frustrated anymore. I can play some grooves on drums but I choose bass... I like to be able to determine note length - seems important somehow

Oh England, my lion heart... one of the first albums I bought, and a classic IMHO... I didn't get to the ticket sales in time though