Lfalex v1.1

[quote name='silddx' timestamp='1331057253' post='1567001'] I like the sound of that! I'm very lucky, I play with some truly wonderful musicians. But I only love playing live and recording these days. Although writing does give me a big kick if I do something beautiful. It just seems rarer these days. I used to love rehearsing but I think I'd prefer it if they were much much longer. [/quote] We did plenty of live work, too. What I found pleasing was that the recordings of some of the gigs were a close match for our studio work with a bit more energy. Other reasons it was great; No drugs No Alcohol Frontman was awesome. Absorbed all the attention and pressure and allowed the rest of us to just perform well Three of the band could write well, but everyone contributed Neither guitarist played solos! Neither really played rhythm either. I kind of did that - with the bass. Drummer was ok, but a lefty (!) One of the guitarists was a competent drummer, and it showed in his delivery. All too frequently, there'd be someone else in the "pocket" with myself and the drummer. Still miss it now, a decade on, but 3 band members live >3000 miles away and we all have families and so on...

Now, you see, I always thought the b*stard offspring of a Rick and Jazz looked a bit like this; http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m248/Evilex1/P1000887.jpg And hasn't the new RetroVibe got a bit of Musicman DNA in it? Was it a Menage a trois? and did they get much (french) housework done?

I used to get a lot of magical moments in one band I was in. We'd regularly land all the stops and starts virtually perfectly. Other bands and the studio owner/staff would come in and watch us if we were doing a pre-gig run through. The proprietor would just say "Go on then, show us how it's done!" And we would. Awesome band (for the most part) shame it broke up.

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1330952144' post='1565159'] I have to admit that TheBone Guitars look better than the bass versions. As a B2R owner reconfiguring it for other pickups should be reasonably easy as they simply bolt onto an aluminium carrier. All you need is one suitably shaped to hold your desired pickup(s) in the right place. As trying before you buy this was one of the points I was trying to make in the LBGS thread. The organisers don't appear to have any problem paying for the musicians who do the shows/demonstrations/master classes so why shouldn't they be similarly disposed towards attracting the more radical UK and European bass manufacturers. I'd be more inclined to endure the slap if I knew that this was going to be my only opportunity to try a wide selection of interesting instrument designs in a single place in the UK. [/quote] I agree about the pick-up (re)placement on the B2R. And yes, I could be lured to the LBGS (or similar) with some money [i]if[/i] I could have a guarantee of getting my mitts on something a bit different (and/or just plain "good") all at once...

Sorry! The trouble with quirky designs is that they either sacrifice aesthetics for functionality (Steinberger?!) Or vice-versa. It's vaguely relevant to draw a parallel with bicycle frame design. There have been numerous attempts to better the traditional diamond-shaped frame, but it remains popular because it fulfils the generally agreed criteria of what a bike should do through a well-balanced set of compromises. Alternatives exist, and in some respects perform better, but in others worse (recumbents). The best alternative I've encountered so far is the Status Streamline. Does what a bass should, but smaller, lighter and better balanced. More stable, too sure to carbon graphite monococque construction. I like the look of Born to Rock and Basslab, but must try before I buy... Besides, the B2r only comes as a P, and that just won't do! If I find any oddities out there, I'll chip in, though!

[quote name='charic' timestamp='1330948378' post='1565056'] I'll start with this: [url="http://www.playawayguitars.com/play_away_guitars_shop.php?itemID=547"]http://www.playawayguitars.com/play_away_guitars_shop.php?itemID=547[/url] [/quote] But that's just a Stick with less strings. Too derivative!

I like the look of these, and some of the options available are quite sensible and aimed at sonic improvements or player preference. Not cheap, though, and from the footage of Cass, difficult to say if that sort of tone couldn't be achieved in another way- It doesn't sound massively different to the tone he was getting using his ASAT. Similarly, a Bongo with some DR FatBeams on it or a 'Ray with a Status neck and the right strings might well get close, too. The use of Aluminium in instruments is not without precedent. The Tokai Talbo springs to mind as a close relative, and also the Travis Bean and Born 2 Rock (among others) Definitely one to try before you buy, methinks. Pity they're in Italy

[quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1330895698' post='1564587'] Thank you for the replies. So you guys think it's more likely to be a technique problem than the size of the neck? I just assumed it was the neck as it's very chunky. The bass does neck dive a little - could this be part of the problem? Doesn't dive to the floor but seems to automatically try to make itself horizontal. [/quote] As everyone has said, it is hard to be sure whether it's technique, neck dimensions, how you wear the bass or a combination of the three. [b]However[/b], I own an '02 Warwick Infinity SN4. I find its neck shape the least comfortable to play of the several basses I own, including 5 and 6 strings. Do you have access to another instrument that you could practice with / use for a long period? Try that for a while. The outcome of such an experiment might at least give you some sort of indication as to the cause of your issues.

[b]I practice a lot and only play or record at home for my own pleasure.[/b] However, I have practised a lot in the past and rehearsed weekly / played live 3 times or more a month. Sadly, work and family commitments and the sheer cost (primarily of fuel) now preclude me from being able to rehearse or gig, so I continue to play for my own enjoyment. Unfortunately, by the time the kids are old enough to look after themselves, petrol will be non-existent, and the few live music venues that have survived so far will have closed. Still, I find playing relaxing, and it's not unheard of for me to play into the wee small hours (having started at about 10pm) I play through headphones, so no-one gets disturbed.

[quote name='TRBboy' timestamp='1330858261' post='1563740'] I get quite frustrated with this. I can play and sing fine as long as the rhythm of the bass part and vocal part don't contradict each other too much (hope this makes sense!). Can't describe it very well, bit if the bassline has quite an offbeat feel, but the vocal line doesn't, I'm screwed. If I can plod along on eigth notes I'm fine! [/quote] Conversely, I can't sing IN time. I can do something like "Message in a bottle" or "With or without you" easily enough - Both vocal parts are on the off-beat. Put it "on" the beat and it disintegrates. That, and I can't sing for toffee...

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1330796610' post='1563186'] Or a Skoda. I drive a Skoda. [/quote] I drive a Skoda. An old one. It's remarkably tough/reliable and the automotive design equivalent of IKEA furniture. Better still, the money I didn't spend on it helped subsidise a habit we on BC all share... GAS. Edit - That bass needs a BadAss or some other kind of "proper" bridge. Otherwise, still a resounding "NO!" from me, I'm afraid.

[quote name='paul_5' timestamp='1330637138' post='1560937'] Lack Part? [/quote] Not the last time I looked !

[quote name='dood' timestamp='1330299064' post='1555520'] For me the ramp is about consistency. I like my dry bass sound to be controlled and rounded. (that's before i throw any ugly distortions on!). The ramp allows your fingers to hit the string at the same height every single time and thus if you're playing with a three+ finger technique can help smooth things out a bit. I'd call it a 'smoother' rather than a 'compressor'. Sure it stops me from digging in too hard, but i can still retain wide enough dynamics from my instrument too. Ramble over! [/quote] That's not a ramble at all. I can achieve the rounded tone you describe, but have to deviate from my usual technique and resultant "spiky" sound. I play with two fingers, but use the third - as taught by my (short-lived) teacher - to damp the string above and play right "through" the string into the one above (can you tell he liked golf?) I like the tone this gives - and a very "big" initial transient that definitely announces your presence and can really lock in with a drummer at slow to moderate tempii. Trouble is, speed it up a bit and the string isn't where it ought to be after you last "attacked" it. It's still busy vibrating, so it's like trying to throw and catch a ball on a bit of elastic - really fast! The other issue is that your strings die because the cores lose their elasticity and sound like mush. Perhaps I need low action/a ramp on some basses and a high(er) action/no ramp on others? Bit of a catch 22 otherwise...

How can anybody have missed "CatChat"? And, given the (already acknowledged) piscine connotations of "BassChat", is anyone aware of the publication "Carp Talk"? Saw it the other day, on the top shelf, with more worthy publications. Thought; not much of a stretch of the imagination for an appropriate anagram there, then

I'd definitely get in before the inevitable law suit.

[quote name='Blademan_98' timestamp='1330548433' post='1559326'] I like carpet..... runs and hides It won't make a difference but I personally like the look. [/quote] Yet another member of the Cat Protection League inadvertently "outs" themselves... Gloria, Uno and Mittens vote "Carpet", too...

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1330079816' post='1552306'] ...There's a forum especially for [i]Rickenbackers??[/i] [/quote] Apparently so. And I bet they contravene Godwin's law a lot, given Mr. Rickenbacker's first name...

At the moment, I'd probably never buy another 4. 50% of what I'd play at home has content lower than "E", and if there's something higher in pitch than B(2?) then you could always play that line down an octave if you wanted. I do like E-C tuning, also (hence my owning a 6 - Best of both worlds except for weight, cost and re-stringing costs)

With £3k to spend, I'd NOT be looking at Warwicks, especially considering their secondhand values! That kind of money buys you a very serious bass guitar indeed. Serious as in; Status Vigier Zon Pedulla Sadowsky Sei Modulus - as you say Tobias Roscoe The list is virtually endless. Best advice I can give is - do what I do / have done... Bin your pre-conceptions and go to a good retailer with a big selection. Bass Direct or The Gallery spring to mind. Make a day of it and try everything you can get your mitts on, and then go back to that dented P bass in the corner (for a reality check) and start again. With that sort of budget, you're in for a host of (hopefully pleasant) surprises! Enjoy!

Got to say that both my '97s (Streamer LX6 and Fortress MM5) are better players than my '02 Infinity SN4. I only [i]tolerate[/i] the neck shape (did someone say "Baseball Bat"?) because it sounds superb.

Yeah, they're pretty good for the money. Mine's had a BadAss II, Schaller (black) solid brass knobs and a set of DR Fatbeams. Bingo! Better pick-ups / electrics might be good later on (Wizards, Fralins, SD, DiMarzio or somesuch)

[quote name='flyfisher' timestamp='1330005913' post='1551266'] The taxman allows 45p/mile to run a car, so a 228x2 miles round trip will cost £205.20. Factor in the cost of equipment and I can't see how any but a tiny minority of people can ever make a living as a musician. Basically, they need a 'proper paying' job in order to subsidise their hobby. [/quote] And my "proper paying job" won't stretch far enough... [quote name='silddx' timestamp='1330012330' post='1551411'] TBH, I find many people very amateurish with organisation, comms, letting people know what is going on and what requirements there are, punctuality, etc. You could not operate a business in this way. So many people have so few skills, they just seem to expect it all to go right on the night. This is everyone, musicians, promoters, venues sound engineers .. I usually find the promoters are the most organised, they have the most to lose. [/quote] Your use of the term "Amateurish" is entirely appropriate. Many players are amateurs. Why expect professional standards from them? All the amateurs have been being professional all day at their "proper paying jobs" (to subsidise their amateur hobby). I'm guessing that they've had enough of professionalism by the time it gets to gigging time... [quote name='shizznit' timestamp='1330012658' post='1551419'] That's business mate. Some folks are ethical and efficient and others are disrespectful and incompetent. My day job is no different. [/quote] Please note that the above terms are not necessarily mutually exclusive or inclusive! But when it comes to playing music, I just can't be bothered with having to sort my way through the human minefield anymore.

[quote name='visog' timestamp='1330027836' post='1551775'] Over-playing, particularly to compensate for poor volume or monitoring is potentially very damaging to your hands. [/quote] Oh dear! If I didn'y play like a ton of bricks, I doubt I'd feel anything! That's me stuffed then. Mind you, a quarter of a century of manual labour has left me with hands that look worse than my Grandmothers. Do they do ramps for work?

[quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1329929384' post='1549941'] Where players are concerned, most bands in most generations are not producing anything new. What did Oasis offer, in musical terms, that The Damned didn't or [b]Big Country?[/b] or Jesse J. [b]DuM dum dum dum dum dum dum bass lines?[/b] with three fills per tune are not going to generate a debate. [/quote] Is there [i]another[/i] Big Country I haven't heard, then? Don't really think they (or Tony Butler) deserve to be lumped in with the other 3 artist/e/s on that basis!

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1329823124' post='1547816'] No-one can tell you what it's like to play live, just as no-one can tell you what it's like to have sex! [/quote] I can. It's better! Ymmv, though..