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[quote name='El Bajo' post='999983' date='Oct 25 2010, 01:30 PM']Got a baby and a stressful job so not as often as I like. I try and get in at least 3 hours a week plus a noodle in front of the TV. I look back at my uni days and can't believe I wasted so much time getting pissed and not practicing so I try and make every minute count.[/quote] Do what you can man - I know how kids can change your life - and lots of work too! Keep at it that's the main thing

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder - I like lots of different body shapes - here's some fine examples of just how varied the humble bass geetar can be: [url="http://www.daveswiftbass.com/pages/basses.html"]http://www.daveswiftbass.com/pages/basses.html[/url] Covers pretty much everything - aside from some of those 'comedy' carved Athena style poster basses....

Anything from 10mins to an hour - sometimes more - little and often is my moto.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' post='998346' date='Oct 23 2010, 06:47 PM']Im not sure where this need for the 9 has come from in the last few weeks, If you want one and can afford to pay the extra then you may as well treat yourself but my 6 with the GB 2x12T NEO cabinet is perfect and I cant see any situation where I would need more volume. I use the head through the rehersal spaces ashdown 4x10 which is better than using their head and take my cab to gigs 600W is plenty for almost any situation. I am always too loud and going over the p.a in some fairly large venues with loads of volume to spare. The 3 is a little small for gigs compared to the 6 but the more is more thing can go on forever (TC have done a 2400Watt version! Why?) I cant use the big cab for practice as the volume has to be up too far to sound right so I can imagine situations where the 9 is too loud for practice with wasted power at every gig you do?[/quote] I completely agree - I guess I got a 9 so as to have an amp that would have all the volume I'd ever need but the 6 is way loud enough - can't say I'll ever need all 900 of those watts but they are there if I do - and the amp loves all three of my basses - I love it - end of. M

[quote name='chris_b' post='997844' date='Oct 23 2010, 10:20 AM']While a 112 can sound good, on it's own it will never have the poke for more than just a small or quiet gig. You should be looking at two 112's, and 2 AE112's would sound great with a Shuttle 9. If I was starting with Bergantino cabs now I'd be trying out the AE212. I'd be looking at Aguilar 112's for their great sound and I'd be looking at a real 1 cab solution, a Barefaced Compact or a Super Twelve.[/quote] I agree with what you are saying and second it - the 2 x 12s is ideal for the 9, but I just gigged with a single GB 112 with the 9 and it really sounded fantastic, I was told to turn down and I knew that the cab could easily kick out a ton more volume, I mean if you are doing big gigs all the time then obviously you're going to need something like a 4ohm 410 or bigger - but if you're doing a covers band with PA support then a 112 is more than enough - and I have to add that having compared my Epifani 210 to the 112 from Genz I am erring on the side of loving the combination of GB head with GB cab - it sounds incredibly sweet - really rich, gooey tone, and with more bottom end if you need it via the low boost - I agree about the mid cut button - I'm not that bothered about that - but the low boost is definitely good. A Berg 112 or a GB 112 would be a great single cab solution IMO. It really depends how loud you are playing - personally I hate playing at extremely loud volumes as all the dynamics get lost and everything starts to blur into a big mush - constantly compairing things purely on volume is kind of pointless, the fact the 9 is suposed to kick out 900 watts just means for me that I have more head room in my sound, so setting the amp louder but playing softly gives me a much greater dynamic range. Back to the OP's question, I currently have a 6 and a 9 (borrowing the 6) and I have to say the 9 does sound fuller overall and thicker / warmer to my ears, but the 6 still kicks ass and you can achieve some wonderful tones with a bit of tweaking - still a great amp for its size and cost - the 9 is a bit more deluxe and seems to run a bit smoother with the obvious bonus of more power if you need it. M

Hi all Just heard about this on the grapevine today - it's not had some big PR push so it's sort of snuck out under the radar - but hey it might be worth a look - especially considering the poor showing bass gets at most other 'guitar' shows - not 100% sure I'll be there but I guess it could be good... just thought this would be of interest to you lovely lot [url="http://www.mi-pro.co.uk/news/31536/Leading-Companies-Sign-for-London-Bass-Show"]http://www.mi-pro.co.uk/news/31536/Leading...ondon-Bass-Show[/url] Cheers Mike

[quote name='ShergoldSnickers' post='996269' date='Oct 21 2010, 07:25 PM']That tone is like a mouthful of the finest velvety Swiss or Belgian chocolate. The playing is effortless, and like watching a star athlete swirl around a pommel horse without apparently breaking a sweat. If only my analogies lived up to your playing Mike. [/quote] Thanks fella - really appreciate those comments - the bass is suddenly sounding so much sweeter now and I have been shedding a bit more - no time to rest though, it's one good day, several very average ones... but thanks for the feedback anyway. Cheers Mike

I'm not selling but I'm not buying either... but I agree with all points made thus far - you don't need an expensive bass just talent to sound good and perhaps some people are looking at how many basses they own, and how much they are worth, and thinking do I really need so many? I have three and that's my lot...

Hi Guys and Gals I reworked a tune from my album with a 'live' solo - i.e. everything else is pre-recorded but with a new solo added - it's faster than on my album as well - anyway I hope you enjoy I just has the action on my Sei single cut adjusted so it's really singing now - the bass went direct via my Mackie soundcard: Traveler Thanks for checking it out Mike

[quote name='EBS_freak' post='992662' date='Oct 18 2010, 07:47 PM']Easy,[/quote] He's also playing down the road from me at the Hideaway in Streatham on Monday 1 Nov, he'll be playing with Gary Husband and the house band Partikel... thought some of you might like to know - he's doing a small UK clinic tour around that time as well - all details on his website. M

Mmmm - made this rack this weekend - let me know what you think [url="http://soundcloud.com/munkio/last-rays-of-the-weekend"]http://soundcloud.com/munkio/last-rays-of-the-weekend[/url] All done on my bass with MIDI and ting - it's my fretless doing all the low stuff Thanks for listening Mike

[quote name='farmer61' post='985715' date='Oct 12 2010, 01:48 PM']I've just booked some 30 min lessons to try and finally crack music theory, the aim being to be able to sight read in due course. I've even found somewhere that I can nip out to of a lunchtime, so I get a lunch break aswell, bliss. So I'm following the Bilbo path, although I suspect Jazz appreciation will not be happening!!![/quote] Dude there are plenty of thrash/rock influenced jazz bands around at the moment - may I suggest Troyka, trioVD, Led Bib, Get The Blessing, Neil Cowley Trio, Elephant9, Bushman's Revenge, Chrome Hill, Acoustic Ladyland, Polar Bear... all use 'theory' in one form or another but rock pretty hard as well - don't pre-judge jazz - go and see a great jazz-influenced band live and I think you'll really enjoy it. I'm just listening to a new CD by a UK band called Killer Shrimp and it's pretty wicked - bit jazzy for sure but with touches of drum and bass and thrash too... Good luck with the lessons - remember - knowledge is power! M

Not working on your technique is almost like not learning how to speak correctly, it's a cliche I know, but depending on the level of dialogue you want to enter into and express yourself at... so it's up to you if you are happy to be a witty but inarticulate wag, or a refined and elegant speaker. Or both! Having good technique will give you the chance to choose. M

[quote name='farmer61' post='987171' date='Oct 13 2010, 05:26 PM']Do you have HF's or ER's looking at the blurb ER's look more suitable for Music situations? Thanks for your input on this thread, I'm seriously considering this and these could be my next purchase!!![/quote] No worries dude - my ears need protecting big time right now so I can't bear the thought of other people putting off getting a really high quality pair of plugs like I did - if I'd got them sooner my tinitus would probably be a lot less noticeable than it is now - it's not severe but IS there. Anyway I'm sorry I think I posted the wrong link - the ones I have are the ER-15 Custom Protectors: [url="http://www.hearingprotection.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=62&Itemid=121"]http://www.hearingprotection.co.uk/index.p...&Itemid=121[/url] I can't recommend them enough - it's money well spent and really doesn't ruin your enjoyment of playing live - you still hear a fully detailed sound - just at a sensible volume without all those killing highs and potentetially lethal lows... it's moeny well spent - seeing as you only get one pair of ears - and a serious earing aid can set you back £3K... Hope that helps Mike

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' post='851173' date='May 29 2010, 03:05 PM']I have a Genz-Benz shuttle 6.0 with a neo 2x12 + Tweeter Cabinet, 600W using the 4ohms cab.It handles low B's a treat and up until buying this one I always have had a 15" in the setup as I find all 10's no matter how many even 8 at a time does not give enough bottom end.The 2 x 12"s give enough lows yet can handle even the toppiest of tops especially with the adjustable tweeter helping out.I take the Head in its man bag to practice and use their ashdown 4x10 which is 8 ohm so it drops to 375watt which is more than enough for a rehersal room! I have a 1x10 that a mate built for me for home practice too.Here is the bit where all the Mark bass fans get in a strop (usually the ones that have not heard any genz gear at all)It sounds better! (In my opinion )I recentley purchased a pre EB Stingray and the guy had a Mark bass rig,The stingray sounded awesome through it so I paid up and left. Once I got home I set up my very similar Genz-Benz rig and no doubt about it the ray sounded even better! More Clarity ,more lows, more highs more punch.Also I have been to Bass day in manchester twice now and all them people slapping away through Mark bass rigs does my head in! In all cases though anyone serious about not lugging all there heavy stuff about should go and see Mark at Bass Direct in Leamington spa and try out all his setups, See his site to see what variations you can try all in one place! But he will tell you himself how many of the Genz-Benz rigs he has sold to very happy customers. Whatever you make you choose you will fall in love with gigging again and the versatile ways you can use the lightweight cabs and heads, Maybe a controvertial lightweight head thread might get things going a bit ?[/quote] +1 Just had my first all-Genz Benz gig on Sunday using my Shuttle 9 with a 1x12 Neo - I was obviously aware of the danger of over powering the speaker but to be honest it was so loud with the main volume at 10 o'clock that I was told to turn down anyway! I was so impressed with the single 12 - I was feeling the lows hit me in the midrift (I had the amp up off the floor on a stand) and the punch from the thing was amazing, really clear and clean but with warmth in the mids, snao in the highs and really punchy in the middle - I'm honestly digging it more than my Epifani 210 which I love but sounds a bit woolly in comparison - the GB stuff is hi-fi but with warmth and deep punchy lows - I didn't think I'd get such grunt from a single 12" and it's very light to carry in and out of the gig too... it's really a perfect match for my Sei Single Cut. I second your comments on Mark Bass slappers too - to my ears these amps have a very generic sound and really shape the way a bass sounds, to make it sound like 'the mark bass sound' - I'm sure this can be avoided but it's almost getting to the point now where I can hear a Mark Bass rig a mile off! Nice gear but not my cup of Earl Grey at all... Cheers Mike

[quote name='solofunkyjazz' post='975932' date='Oct 3 2010, 01:17 PM']I'm ordering a Shuttle 9 tomorrow. What cabs do you users recommend ? I've got an Aguilar GS410 at the moment, which is way too heavy for me. I was thinking maybe an Epifani UL410, there's a used one for sale on here at the moment. Or one of the GB Neo2x12's. Thanks ![/quote] Get a 410 ad you'll be laughing - an Epi would be a great choice - a Bergatino would be nice too but they are a bit more pricey over here - Epifani are very god value right now, especially if you can grab a second hand one - my UL210 is second hand (it was in mint condition when it came my way) and the 9 sounds very sweet indeed through it - though having tried GB's cabs as well, I have to admit I'm impressed with them as well - so give them a try if you get the chance. Cheers Mike

[quote name='Deep Thought' post='982327' date='Oct 9 2010, 09:49 AM']I've tried loads, including DR's, and the ones I found to keep the zing I like longer than any are D'Addario XL's. I tried their stainless ones but they were no better. I once tried some Skull strings which I was pretty impressed with-must seek them out again.[/quote] +1 - I use XLs as well and after year of using Elites (which I really liked) and having a near miss with La Bella - I hated them on my bass - I really love D'Addarios - they seem to last ages on my Sei 5 string, even when slapping them they still snap with a little sizzle - though there's nothing quite like a new set that's just been broken in - so second gig with them on this week today - looking forward to it. M

[quote name='silddx' post='980418' date='Oct 7 2010, 12:01 PM']Must admit, I wondered how old that interview must have been. Like EBS though, Mike Flynn continues to be the best writer in there by a country mile. Mike, any plans for interviewing Scott Thunes when he's in London? I think the huge interview in Wictor's book covered a lot of ground, but Scott has a lot to say and I reckon a fresh approach from you could be very worthwhile![/quote] Thanks Nige and yes I think Scott would be a great person to interview - consider me on the case - let me know if you have any questions I could 'potentially' put to him... I definitely loved what he did with Zappa - he's quite a character too - outspoken to say the least. Thanks again for the positive feedback Cheers Mike

[quote name='EdwardHimself' post='981000' date='Oct 7 2010, 09:56 PM']hmmm don't think so. It doesn't sound like that's what he did, not to my ear anyway. I think he's just so fast that it might look like he's playing faster than he is but if you look at his head as well as the actual framerate of the video it looks normal imo. Anyway yeah I was really impressed with that video i must say. It also kinda makes you appreciate flea as a player a bit more too.[/quote] +1 - I think there's a bit of distortion on the video clip due to the way YT compresses video files - the track sounded perfectly in pitch and time - this kid is absolutely KILLING - he's completely on it and to really pull this stuff off with the conviction and groove he has takes some real skill - the fact he's young and will (hopefully) develop and branch out into some other music makes me hope he may actually develop into a really great player... instead of another great YT player! He rocks in these videos no doubt... M

[quote name='Bugbass' post='973283' date='Sep 30 2010, 10:19 PM']I`ve played the F500 for the last year or so, and that`s a super amp, very clean and fast(and small!!). But after I got my 9.0 the F500 has stayed in the closet. The 9.0 is fatter, sweeter, punchier and much more solid(more headroom) in the lows with my 5 string basses. Definetly a step-up IMO, and with the Uber 410 it`s the best rig I ever played.[/quote] Cool man - I know there are a ton of great little amps out there at the moment - but the 9 is such a sweet little number and like you say compared to MB the GB stuff just sounds sweeter to my ears - and has all the mid and low range grunt too. And thanks for the of the loan of your 410 at the bash - not sure I'll be bringing my amp but if I do I'll defnitely take up the offer. I currently have the load of a Shuttle 6 with GB 112 cab and it really sounds great - Imlove their cabs as well - here's a nice bit of music from a trio I love with their bassist using this exact amp + cab combo: The bassist's name is Panagiotis Andreou - a great player with good taste too!

[quote name='thisnameistaken' post='970832' date='Sep 28 2010, 04:20 PM']And he magically manages it without any "floating thumb"-style over-engineering of his technique. But on the negative side he is looking more like my auntie Pam every day.[/quote] Yes I know what you mean - add in the curlers and a tabbard and it's anyone's aunty... sorry Stu

[quote name='bubinga5' post='971103' date='Sep 28 2010, 08:09 PM'][quote name='urb' post='971054' date='Sep 28 2010, 07:30 PM'] I disagree - learn the masters note for note and then use what you've learned to feed into your own style of playing - it's how they did it - ask any top pro and they list the players they listened to and copied - if it's good enogh for them it's good enough for you and I [/quote] Mike, who are the masters? although im very into a certain genre of music, i always thought it was good to seek out as many different styles of fingerstyle, slap, etc as you can.. This way of thinking doesnt just stop at slap imvho....i used to spend hours listening to Anita Baker and playing the bass to the way she would sing..or learn passages from John Coltrane and incorporate them... even slapping them... [/quote] Well of course - I mean listen to all the masters - Coltrane, Parker, Jimi, Jaco, Joni - whatever floats your boat - don't slap, do slap, slap the f*** out of it, or do it with beauty and dynamics - make music!

[quote name='bubinga5' post='970981' date='Sep 28 2010, 06:23 PM']i dont think sticking to just players you like, is the right way to go...or maybe it is in this instance...depends what you want to achieve..to get an original well rounded slap technique i think its important to look at all styles...imo[/quote] I disagree - learn the masters note for note and then use what you've learned to feed into your own style of playing - it's how they did it - ask any top pro and they list the players they listened to and copied - if it's good enogh for them it's good enough for you and I

One misconception about slap is that it needs to be done aggresively, in the way Flea does it, but this is really the exception and not the rule - a light touch and small hand movements are the key to getting a full sound from each note and creating a flowing groove - plus if you study Marcus Millet or Victor Wooten's technique you'll see how they use economy of motion to play faster ideas. A low action and light-ish strings will really help you play with greater control. Mike

One of the coolest sounding things I heard was something Hadrien Feraud did at a bass clinic I went to a year or so ago - it sounded quite complex when he played it fast but when he stopped and explained what it was - it was just a major scale up and down, over one octave. I think there are loads of good suggestions here but it's the simpler exercises that I've found work well for practicing both speed but also clarity, i.e. playing with real precision and perfect articulation between each note. Hadrien's technique is just the basic index and middle finger picking, so my advice is just try going up and down a one octave scale - any one you like - and looping it - the hard part is keeping it 100% even, and keeping it going for a minute or two. As you get stronger, and your picking hand increases in accuracy, then speed up a little bit and keep this going - it's not rocket science but it is about consistency. Another thing that will help with strength and speed is also about making your practice ideas groove - Wooten makes this point - and I think it's a good one - you can do a million things with a single scale, trying to make it swing, or funk, or skank in a raggae stylee is all good as well - rocking out in a speed metal or drum and bass way is also acceptable - as long as it's grooving! Hope that helps M