thumperbob 2002

[quote name='risingson' post='1084711' date='Jan 10 2011, 07:37 PM']I wouldn't dare go out and play a Jamerson part without knowing most/if not all of of it, I think that would border on sacrilege![/quote] Have a look at our set list! Enjoyable though. Www.soul patrol.org.uk

[quote name='dlloyd' post='1084208' date='Jan 10 2011, 01:57 PM']This might merit a whole new thread, but to what lengths do those of you in tribute bands go to perfect your basslines? Do you transcribe from a single source, say, the best known studio version... or do you go further and hunt out numerous live recordings and make a more studied analysis of how the original artists tackled the tunes?[/quote] Well speaking from a Soul band perspective- I try to get as near as possible to the original- this also includes the particular sound- is it muted- slapped- Jazz like or Precision- does it have thump or growl? Probably more important is that does it fit in with the band and is immediately recognisable? Mind you I have sometimes spent hours on one song simply because it was a pleasure- James`s For Once in My Life anyone? Cheers Bob

[quote name='TimR' post='1083552' date='Jan 9 2011, 08:27 PM']Is this chicken and egg? Do you get better paid gigs because you have put the effort in or do you put more effort in because you are getting paid more?[/quote] Good post this one. Looks like there are two camps- one on the "I can learn a tune " and one camp in the " I can learn a tune properly" I have made a career out of despising most of our audiences but do want to play the correct line. Having not sold any records myself I do know that learning the correct bass line- ( for the whole song- not just a few bars of verse and chorus )- will be good for me and my bank balance. You may think that the audience will not notice a line that approximates the original- but it is strange what people notice. They may not know exactly the problem- but they will notice something -----" not quite right" I think everyone should put the effort in - doesnt take long and your ears will thank you for it. Seen too many mediocre players. Bob

I have been playing bass for over 30 years now and learnt everything by ear. Three years ago I started taking lessons purely for reading- once a week for 30 mins for the lesson and about 20 mins per day to practice. Working through mainly swing type fairly simple songs. Within 6 months I was told I could easily back an artist in a resident band as most simply read the chord charts. I think its just a matter of a little a day- a bit like learning to read a book. It will become easier. I do feel though that this is a skill that has to be used contantly to keep up the standard. Very useful to learn something quickly and another string to your bow I suppose. I would consider taking lessons- any music teacher should be able to help and you dont really need to go to a bass teacher ( but I would recommend it ) Or just strive to go through every song in In the Shadows of Motown!! You`ll be there at the end!! Bob

As a band we are quite expensive so there is only usually us playing a gig so no other bass player to watch. I see lots of "chin strokers" at the back who may or may not be bass players. I think most of the time you can tell though. Especially when they start whooping at a particular run or whatever. I love to see other bands and am quite a critic- though when I see a good bass player I do l,et it be known and go over to talk. I have seen some fabulous players. Some have great tone, great groove and some can really PLAY!! I try to enjoy the band and can always find something I like in every group. There are not many good players around here though ( Hull ) All the good ones are on this site!! Bob

Use a Sansamp bass driver and a markbass LM2- totally flat. Though my bass- a low end jazz and cab are fairly mid happy so I suppose these balance out the slightly scooped tone of the Sansamp. Really happy with my tone- sounds very organic, warm and cuts through like a knife. I play in a seven piece band and always have good comments on my tone. I think the way to go is just a little goes a long way so small adjustments really do pay off. Bob

What about Marvin Gaye- just for whats going on-certainly Jamerson for bass- Vic Wooten whilst being a bit of a bass monster I dont really class as a genius- its just technique isnt it? Here we go................... Bob

I have an LM3 and LG1000- both very light and loud- use a Sansamp for tone anyway Bob

Markbass heads are superb- but Schroeder 1212L cabs are really really loud and light- and small- i tend to just use the amp flat anyway so mainly for power Bob

I have a LG1000 and the pre section is a little weak- though if you use, say a Sansamp bass driver you can really boost the pre section which will give a lot more volume. I also use 2X 4ohm cabs so use the full 1000W- though dont really believe it is rated at that- plenty loud enough though- you can also boost the volume by using the EQ Bob

[quote name='BigRedX' post='812572' date='Apr 20 2010, 02:10 PM']There is no "perfect tone" that will work with every song in every genre. Anyone who thinks there is needs to have their musical horizons widened. The closest you can get to to have an appropriate tone to complement the song and the other instruments.[/quote] I would agree with this though with my gear- suppose 3K+? I just look for two sounds- back off the front pickup a little for fingerstyle and use both full on for slap or more classic bass. Really I think you can get too hung up on "tone" ( which will be different for every gig anyway ) Can make my Warwick sound like my Fender sound like my Low End- all about the right style of playing for the song. Think this is more important and now spend more time playing than looking at different "tones" which can be a lifetime struggle. Bob

[quote name='crez5150' post='811017' date='Apr 19 2010, 08:48 AM']Nah.... If it's for promotional purposes I'd look at other avenues... Flyers on tables with web/contact details. The function band I play with put pop up banners (floor standing) all over the place at corporate and wedding gigs. This is more visible to the punters and it doesn't look sh*t on stage. I think if it's an originals band then the backdrop is the way to go[/quote] Yeah we have a couple of these pop up banners- works really well- no messing about with gaffa, curtain poles- tacks with a backdrop- take seconds to put up and look really professional. Our sax player does these wedding fairs and has a couple of them up and a CD on- we get lots of work. We tend to have one at each end of the stage. Bob

Had loads of valve amp ( and SS for that )- there is something about a valve amp that just "does it " Saying that I have sold my VBA400 ( again too heavy for many gigs )- If I was just playing 1-2 per month that would be OK but as I`m not it had to go. I think I have my best sound now using a Sansamp Deluxe plus my Schroeder cabs ( the amps are really just to power the speakers.) Very, Very Light- no thinking at the end of a gig "bloody hell- now I have to cart that to the car/van!!" Bob

Got both a Warwick NT 5 and a Fender Deluxe Jazz 5- both great basses- still cant touch my Low End though- even though that was the cheapest of the three!! The Warwick is a 34" and is a bit too long for me whilst the Fender and Low End are perfect- really easy to play and very versatile sounding- probably prefer them to the Warwick all in all. bob

I am a wealth manager and hate dealing with my own investments- but love managing clients monies. When I was pro I wouldnt dream of practicing unless it was to learn new numbers etc- I considered 28 gigs per month enough!! Bob

We`ve all done this I am sure but will you regret it?- of course you will. I have two Schroeder cabs- a 2 X 12 and a 2 X 15- can carry them each in one hand- two trips at most into the venue. Will go so loud with my Markbass and LG amps- can effectively drown out the band. You really dont need any more than a 2X12 nowadays. Your present rig will be classed as over the top in most circles. A hassle to move, transport and set up. The worst thing is at a gig thinking that you have to take it all down at the end of the night. Dont do it!! I think more people will be impressed with a megalight rig that sounds amazing nowadays. Bob

Image is everything really - we just might not realise it. I couldnt care less about cars but for my business I have to have something german so I have got rid of my BMW and bought a merc. If I retired next week I would have a ford focus or something like that. How people perceive you is really important in business and it is almost impossible to change someones initial reaction. Same goes for basses and gear- though this is in reverse for me- I know what I like and know that a jazz type bass looks far better for a soul band than my Warwick thumb. Now that I have found my Low End Jazz I have one that sounds as good as a Warwick, plays as good but looks as conservative as a jazz. I cannot believe that any punter would know what a backline is anyway. Was in a band a few years ago and we had big, powerful looking gear- mainly because it was cheap.. As we were moving this into the venue (small working mans club ) we could see everyone looking and even though we were not a load band by any stretch of the imagination ( never even tripped the DB meter!!) did we get complaints and told to turn down?? What do you think? Bob

I have a Warwick Thumb NT and I would have one of the singlecuts in a nanosecond- looks fantastic!! But I t5hink it would make what is already a heavy bass just ridiculously weighty. Wonder how much they are? Bob ( think my Low End Jazz is the best looking bass in the world.)

You need a Sansamp bass driver straight into your effect return- about £100 should sort it- great tone at any volume. Bob

Loads of good gear on the old ebay- I would look for a trace elliot 15" combo- one with a 7 band graphic- should pick one up for about £250 -heavy but a lot of sound for the buck- get yourself a squire Jazz and you are done- for £500!! Any more than that is just really not needed. But it will happen. Once you have that level of gear it is all in how it is set up and your fingers. Bob

I have always done well out of playing- since I was 15 I have been in bands playing 3-4 nights a week ( consideredthat semi-pro ) and when I started working after college again I always played 3-4 per week- mostly within an hour of home. I was fully pro for three years and was playing5-6 per week but travelling up and down the country and abroad. Definitely a young mans thing. For myself I am happy with having my own business and playing 4 times per month now. I suppose I looked on playing in bands as having my own business and whilst I would prefer being pro to working for someone else it is very hard work and unless you are very lucky you will struggle financially. The good thing is being so young you have nothing to lose and I think a lot of employers will like a degree, whatever it is in. For myself I would certainly employ someone with a music degree- it is a sign someone can learn and can be part of a team. Bob

"BUT I have a bass which will never lose money" Never say never my friend. A bass worth 2-3K can [u][b]always[/b][/u] lose money, however unlikely you might think. Bob