mixingwithtom

Cheers, that's what it looked like for me (or wristbands?) Anyone else?!

Hi all I found the bassist Bill Clements on youtube after following a link from a different thread... [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3h7fH592u8"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3h7fH592u8[/url] Firstly, nice playing huh? I really like the tone on this clip, presumably partly Bill and partly the innovative instrument he's using (so a thumbs up to him, and the luthoer, who I found here: www.fretgroove.com). But, my question isn't really related (!) ... can someone tell me about the muting he's using on the neck... ? I've seen plenty of other players that use this too (eg Victor Wooten). It seems particularly common with bassists who slap, and in fact I think I've seen footage where Victor moves the damping from the bottom of the neck a bit further up for slapping/soloing... I presume it helps mute the strings on fast playing where it wouldn't be possible to mute everything with fingers/hand? However, on the clip of Bill there seems to be plenty of sustain (his vibrato helps of course) and he has what looks like quite a lot of material muting the strings (over the first fret?) even though he isn't playing a very percussive style... I'd like to experiment with this, what should I use to do it?? And secondly, I don't slap that much (one of many things I need to learn properly) so is this irrelevant, or is it useful anyway?! Any more thoughts or advice on this appreciated, I've wondered about it for a while! Aplogies if this is a much debated topic, I couldn't find other threads on it but wasn't really sure what to search for. Many thanks, Tom

Hi I had a reply from Promenade music (Gary's on holiday but will be in touch when he returns, fingers crossed) and I've sent Foote's an email too! I'll report back as and when I get my hands on one. Cheers guys, Tom!

Hi, Cheers for the advice. I've seen it on thomann.de and part of me is tempted to order it in the knowledge I can send it back, but if there is one in the UK somewhere I'd still rather try it first (after all trying a £1500+ instrument in a shop for a few hours and then buying it is still a matter of confidence - especially given I don't play EUB at the moment). If I get one I'll certainly report back (and would be happy for others who are interested to try it). I'm fairly sure I will, but it may take a few months, depends on finances and being able to try one. Promenade Music seems like a good bet (they are here: www.promenademusic.co.uk) and I've just emailed them FAO of Gary. All the best, Tom

It's the BassCello I'm interested in - from the point of view that it's a 34" scale 'upright' I can travel with, plus I like the electric tone of the NS instruments I have heard previously. Cheers Tom

Hi! Was wondering if there are any UK based players using an NS BassCello? I'd really love to try one...alternatively anyone know of a NS dealer who would be able to get one for me to try? I travel all over the UK so anywhere here would be fine. Any comments on these appreciated, cheers Tom