2004gdavi

There are many ways to get started again but you'll need something to practice on. You can try local music shops in Brum to get an idea but there are some really nice and relatively inexpensive basses appearing on this forum. A tutor is a good idea but you might like to have a look at stuff on the web. There are also some good books available at the Birmingham library to take you through the early stages. There's rockschool stuff for all grades amongst other things. Get going and keep at it. It helps to play along with others as early as possible. Good luck and enjoy yourself.

I stopped playing for about 14 year due to family commitments. It was only when my son decided to learn bass that I started again. But because he was doing bass I also started guitar so we could play together. I found that this helped with bass as well. I don't think I've got rusty over the break and if anything am a better player now. In two bands and would like to do more. If I could go back I wish I'd tried to keep the playing going without a break. Advice if you have, then pick up a bass and get playing. Find other musicians and form a band. It's just great.

Getting a bass in Asia? Has anyone thought of asking Greg Lake? Apologies for being flippant, can't help myself sometimes. hope you get the problem sorted.

Miley Cyrus performing Wrecking Ball, aged 70. Urgh

Bit of a fearless addict too. Started on double bass and have had a P fearless since '83 as my mainstay bass. Recently bought a Wal No 1 fretless as my dream bass. Even tried some different restless gear with an Ashbory and NS Omni Bass . Love 'em all.

I thought this thread was going to be a bizarre tale of taking the love of a bass to the next level.

I've played finger style for most of my life, having started on double bass. When I tried pick it was a bit craps so I went back to fingers. The thing that changed this was taking up guitar and now it's much better. It comes in really handy to be able to use a pick when. I get the Bass vi out.

One for me. I've been in bands playing this type of music for 30 years and it's great to see how well it's appreciated by even younger audiences today. If you haven't tried this type of music give it a go and see what you've been missing.

I find a very different feel between 4.and 5 strings so don't base the anchoring of my hand around either. Also pick up position varies across basses. Therefore I try not to be set in the positioning and move around the playing area. This gives the added advantage of tonal variety. But at the end of the day it's what you are comfortable with.

At first I thought this is difficult but having read the thread I can see there are so many. Carole Kaye who helped pave the way, Suzi Quattro who put the girl bass player out front and the new players such as Esperanza Spalding with heat ability and personality. I can add that I played in a band with Suzie Quattro when she was doing vocals only and a nicer lady you couldn't wish to meet. A bit off track perhaps but girl and bass always coungers up the picture of Kate Bush holding a Fender bass. Stunning.

Went on YouTube and looked at 100 best bass lines. It's a sequence of loads of well known licks. The guy doing it manually drops to D and back again without breaking in play.

The one that got away was a stinker. It was my first bass , a knackered Rossetti, craps action and out of tune. Bought for £15, sold for £20. Still wish I had it as after all these years it doesn't seem so bad.

There's a guy in one of the band's I play in now who is ageing in years but in his early career he was in a band that was looking for a drummer. Being of the scouse persuassion they auditioned Richard Starkey as he then was. After three numbers it appeared his 'chops' weren't up to it and he didn't get the job. Fortunately he found some work later on with Thomas and friends.

Twenty five years ago or so I was in a couple of bands. The one I took over bass duties from Dave Swift and the other when I left I was replaced by Paul Turner. Both guys were on my dep list for a number of years and I used to call on them when I was double booked. If they 're reading now how about returning the favour. I also knew some great drummers who went on to bigger and better things. One being Pete Cater who is in this month's Rhythm magazine.

Tony Blair played guitar. I'll get me coat.

Had my bass built with my name on the headstock.

Always went down well when we played it Hot Dog - Led Zeppelin

Have a bass to hand in the house ready to play. It'll encourage you to pick it up more often.

Used a P for donkeys years for many different types of music. My son has an American standard P too ( with maple board) and prefers it over his jazz. For all round usability I'd go P. Finally as I once heard in a quote if you turn up with a Jazz people expect you to be able to play.

7/10 without looking at clues from this thread or elsewhere. More bass related stuff in the mainstream please.