M-N-Y

Thanks guys, I will check out your recommendations. Cheers, Mark.

+1 for ET. It's probably his preference. Loads of players have used (and still do use) flats over the years. Use what you feel is right for you. You will certainly get nearer the old school vibe sound you're searching for with flats that's for sure. I have just taken some off a CIJ P bass I have just got; they weren't right for me and I much prefer the nickel round wounds that are now on it. Horses for courses I guess. Good luck with the practice. Mark.

Just having a listen to a John Mayer track called 'No Such Thing' through headphones which I don't often use. I was struck by the excellent interesting bass line on this track. Having only recently become interested in John Mayer's music I have noticed that he seems to use great bass players like Pino Palladino. Anyone aware of any other notable bass contributions in his music? Cheers, Have a good Sunday, Mark.

Here what you're saying Bilbo. There are better examples of Dana's playing which demonstrate exceptional skill. I agree that sometimes players with such an enhanced skill level do sometimes appear cold. Dave Weckl received similar criticism early in his career and has turned out to be one of the true drumming greats. He did study and radically changed his approach and now he seems to play more organically with much more feel. Neil Peart is a great drummer as well but in his own genre. He was exposed rather badly when he played with the Buddy Rich big band and swung about as well as a ten ton concrete block. Cheers, Mark.

Correct me if I'm wrong but the drummer in the Sco video is Bill Stewart. I think it's hard to make comparisons across two obviously different musical genres with regard to drumming styles. I like Dana Hawkins as I find his approach unconventional and I also like the higher (tighter) tuning of his drums. He is also young and finding his own way of playing; to compare him to Bill Stewart who is arguably one of the modern giants of Jazz drumming is a little unfair in my opinion. Sco has a habit of using great drummers, Bill Stewart, Dennis Chambers and Adam Deitch to name three all of whom are very different in style.

I once bought a Michael Kelly Dragonfly Fretless from a US seller on Ebay. What a huge mistake. The bass was awfully set up, the seller was far from helpful and I had to pay duty,vat and return postage to the US. Ouch!!!!

Thanks to both of you for the clarification on the tuning front. Still doesn't change my feeling that his sound and approach is somewhat similar to a number of other players. He is as I stated previously a talented player nevertheless. Cheers, Mark.

Hello, I think he's a great player and a real talent. However I do find a similarity in approach and sound with players that use E-C tuning with the notable exception of Matt Garrison. Perhaps it's the tuning or perhaps the factor that they all use hyper speed picking techniques but I find Hadrien Feraud, Tony Grey, Janek Gwizdala and Evan Marien a little similar. My personal favourite of the guys playing in this style at the moment is Eli Marcus. Check him out. I agree re the drummers Evan Marien plays with. Check out Dana Hawkins he's pretty scary. Cheers, Mark.

There is a UK built budget model coming akin to the ebay pics. I played the 5 string a few weeks ago and it is amazing. This one was designed to sell at around a grand and had a lovely satin sunburst finish with a flamed maple top. The neck was great and had the new shape headstock which is slightly MTD ish. Cheers, Mark.

Different type of groove but this is awesome!! [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=OLCmw2zMP6Y"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=OLCmw2zMP6Y[/url]

I am pretty new around here and didn't realise you had been ill. I am really pleased that you are making progress and that you are able to play again. I think we all take things for granted and to be able to play again after a serious problem takes some guts and commitment. Well done!!!!! All the best, Mark.

Funkin' Wonderful. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMLKb4or8yg"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMLKb4or8yg[/url]

TM Stevens is really on form on this one from the late 70's. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tYIbLrco24"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tYIbLrco24[/url]

Here's one from John Scofield featuring the awesome Andy Hess on bass. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FL36_Ae69c"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FL36_Ae69c[/url]

I was introduced to this band by my Dad years ago..... class. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8v96P_AXzto"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8v96P_AXzto[/url]

Jeez just checked his You tube channel, he's a bit of a monster. Looks like he should be in a Cohen brothers film though as one of the baddies.

Wow, Colin Hodgkinson. Thanks for posting that...really enjoyable.

Sorry but this one betrays my funk roots. Awesome bass playing though IMHO. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzyj3Wxhjr4"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzyj3Wxhjr4[/url]

He's from Brazil I believe. He's a household name over there.

Plenty of scope here. One of my absolute faves is 'Before You Go' by Lyle Mays with a lovely bass line played by Steve Rodby; plus anything played by Freddie Washington. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJAt_-xFaYM"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJAt_-xFaYM[/url]

Julian Crampton is one serious bass monster. Shame we don't hear more of him. Saw him in Kendal last year with The Sunburst Band...ridiculous!

Hell's teeth didn't realise that the bass on this was played by TM Stevens. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txRXPviItwo"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txRXPviItwo[/url]

Thank you Steve. I will check it out. All the best, Mark.

+1 for this Lenny White clip Stingray. What album is it off please? Cheers, Mark.