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Cheers guys - it really is an amazing bass - the pics just don't do it justice and the more I play it, the better it feels - it's just effortless fun and dangerously addictive! Better shots coming soon. Mike A little snap of the happy couple.... [attachment=6581:Mike_SB_new.jpg]

OK dudes - she's finished! I got the call last week to say Monday or Tuesday and as it happened I had to go into the office very early this morning but was finihsed by 3.30pm - so I called Alex and he said "bas is not ready sorry - tomorrow for sure" - I was just about to jump on the tube (not on the tracks BTW!) and my mobile buzzed again and it was Al - "Martin says come by - the bass will be finished today..." - so I did. Basically it's late - I've had a long day - so I won't post loads of pics, plus the ones I took look crap (I need natural light to show off the burl best) - there's a link to them on my website below - I couldn't resist knocking up a very quick 'Sei Test' video just so you get the vaguest idea of how lovely the bass sounds - it really does sound awesome. [attachment=6573:SB1.jpg] [attachment=6574:SB_backclose.jpg] [attachment=6575:SB_full.jpg] Better pics soon - I promise: [url="http://www.munkio.com/music/music_seibass.html"]http://www.munkio.com/music/music_seibass.html[/url]

Looking amazing Red - it'll be absolutely stunning when it's back from the polishers - M

[quote name='BigRedX' post='158392' date='Mar 16 2008, 01:23 PM']I saw this bass on Martin's workbench on Friday when I was checking the progress on mine. I have to say it looks even more wonderful 'in the flesh' than the photos.[/quote] Nice one Red - I can't wait to collect it - your new one looks absolutely amazing too! Sei's totally rock! M

Hey all - just had an amazing few days at the Frankfurt Musik Messe - I'll try and get my pics posted soon - but on my arrival just as I was walking through Heathrow to baggage reclaim I got a message from the Gallery... ...my Sei will be ready for collection on Monday/Tuesday this week. Yay! So I'll almost certainly be at the bash with it in a couple of weeks - pics here first obv. Cheers Mike

One very important thing a certain Mr Vic Wooten pointed out was that it's important not to "sing what you play" but "PLAY what you SING" - there's a big difference. The first way you will simply be singing along with tones on the bass and falling into the same old patterns etc the second way should - ideally - stretch you away from those familiar patterns. One interesting thing I have seen demonstrated at a jazz course was the tutor played the piano - laying out one chord then another slowly - and asked a student to sing an improvised melody over the top - nothing complicated, just what came to his mind and ear at the time. Amazingly the student sang a perfectly good improvised melody no trouble at all. So why is that to that on an instrument is so much harder? Well that's where you have to go back to really listening to the way certain notes sound over a chord - from exploring the different intervals in the scale that the chord is derived from. A starting point for this is singing along with the scales and arpeggios that you practice - do them slowly and not only try to sing each note but also visualise its relation to the root of the scale on the neck - and then extract that out to the chord tones root, third, fifth. seventh, ninth, eleventh etc. Also look at scale intervals - how do they sound played from one note to the next? Try playing a whole tone scale, then just minor thirds, then just major thirds, minor major scales, diminished, augmented etc etc - try and get familiar with the basic differences between major and minor first though! Which is essentially means the sound of a major or minor third, or seventh. When you learn a song - try and look at how laying certain chords next to each other sound - minor to major, etc. That's just a few tips - it's a huge area and not one to be over looked - getting your ear together is way more valuable than getting loads of speed or fancy techniques - the easiest way to do it start by learning loads of songs - see if you can find some stuff y0ou like that's not too hard to play. Learn the chord sequences then try and learn the melody too - that way you will start to develop a very real sense of how harmony works - it's not rocket science but does require a bit of deeper investigation. However if you stick at it and get confident enough to start writing your own stuff it's a fantastic thing to be able to do. Hope that helps a bit Mike

Warning: YOU WILL PROBABLY NEVER USE THIS TECHNIQUE IN A BAND OR ON A GIG. Music is a massive thing, it takes years to master even a small amount of the stuff involved with playing it at a reasonably high level - bass is the most fantastic instrument to play for a thousand reasons - but this stuff isn't necessarily one of them. I'm not saying don't try to learn some of this stuff - develop your own way of doing it - but it's far better to get out there, play with people and learn music from a wider 'base' than just zipping up and down arpeggios as fast as you can - out of time! (Sorry I'm referring to the first clip not the fantastic Mr Nitti) Sorry I really honestly don't want to sound like a miserable twat but I just feel like saying this stuff kind of sucks... learn some songs and get with a good teacher. M

Hi Mark That's all fine - you open your self up to all manner of flaming on the web as soon as you post anything - so it's all fair comment - I never know whether to post stuff and get a kicking or just let people enjoy what they like about it - the guys on youtube dig my stuff so it seems. I hear what you are saying about my phrasing - I'm working on it believe me - but I was thinking about what you said about my hand position when picking and I think it's just the camera angle because my hand is completely relaxed and from my point of view when looking down at it, is completely steady - it may look different but it seems fine to me. And yes it would be good to see some of your stuff too - share and share alike as they say... M

Hey Mark Very kind of you man - I appreciate your comments - I agree about the backing track - it is loud in the room, I even thought the bass sounded almost quiet when I was playing - but I do need to figure out a way to nicely sync up clearer audio with the video - I'll be working on that soon! It's always good to film/record yourself playing as I find it really good at hearing all the good and bad stuff - so if I'm totally honest I can hear loads of bad stuff in this but some OK stuff too - really glad you like my phrases - I need to work on them more for sure. It's kind of frustrating as IMO I was playing some great stuff in the morning and when I got round to taping this I think I'd already peaked! Improvising well requires a strange (and wonderful) combination of having lots of energy and being totally relaxed - and the less you think about it the better - so I'm working on all of that as well - I think I was thinking a bit too much here... just my thoughts - thanks for the feedback. Mike

Hey peeps I did this a while back and thought I'd have another crack at it - it's beeatch of a chord sequence so apologies for a few clangers - I hope you dig the vibe overall. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sove848ZPzc"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sove848ZPzc[/url] Mike

ace - i'm a big Feraud fan - so I'll be buying at least that one!

[quote name='Cantdosleepy' post='145811' date='Feb 24 2008, 01:06 AM']Word. Word. [b]Word.[/b] For best results with the bass, play with other people. When playing with other people, listen 70%, play 30%. Keep it simple. Listen to the drummer and try and accent where he accents. Use 'techniques' sparingly. Let the guitarist and singer and keyboardist worry about the big main melodies. Be aware of the power of 1) playing only with the kick for a bit 2) doubling the guitar for a bit 3) copying the vocal melody for a bit. Try playing roots during a verse, then try these methods once during the bridges, choruses and middle eights and see how much power you have to alter the dynamics and feel of a song. Silence is a vital note on the bass. Dropping in at just the right point can be spine-tingling.[/quote] [b] Word![/b]

While I am a noodly bastardo in my spare time most of the stuff I play live is all groove based and the two things that have helped me get better at doing this are working on my picking technique - getting better at string crossing etc and playing lots of rhythmic variations - and er - TIME - as in playing in time! Beyond that isn't much else but sticking to root, fifth, and octave - simple pentatonic shapes work great for most bass lines and a few scale runs - not fills - that follow the harmony or act as a counter melody - are all very useable ways to enhance your role as the 'rock' in most bands. Your primary role is to lock the entire band together with the drums - and providing you have a good drummer who can stay in time and groove like a mutha you should be fine. If not find another drummer! M

It's been a while since I used PC recording stuff but without wanting to sound totally ignorant I suggest you try getting hold of Cuebase - or a light version of Pro Tools if such a thing exists - sorry but I'm totally Mac based andf have been for some time - there must be some entry level recording software for PCs that doesn't break the bank right? Help! M

Hey this is a good thread - my compliments to the honesty and down to earth nature of the replies - I never thought I'd manage to be freelance for so long working in 'jazz' but since I both write and know how to run websites etc I've got loads of work on - so that leaves plenty of scope for doing musical projects that I like not stuff I don't - like others have said here money is not the main motivation but I'm pleased to say at present I'm earning a lot closer to 30K (gross) and with a baby on the way I know where most of that will be going from now on... hence ordering a Sei before the little monkey man arrives! M

Music as a career is first and foremost a lifestyle choice IMO - why do it (or anything else) JUST for the money? The short term gains are fine but let's face it nothing is that easy... I know LOADS of incredibly talented musicians in London who are up there at the very top of the ability/talent tree and aside from the odd juicy tour or bit of session work their day to day life is made of small gigs and teaching. A qualified music teacher can earn 40 quid plus an hour in a college - I know one or two guys in Brighton at the BIM who've told me as much - and I guess if you have a 'pit job' with one of the big musicals in the West End I'm sure the monthly / PA salary can be very good indeed. But it's up to you if you are A. good enough to sight read stuff B love playing Queen songs every night - for example. From my POV I work in the 'music industry' (I really hate that term 'industry' it's complete BS) and balance 'day job' stuff with 'night job' stuff like gigging and rehearsing. I feel I have a good slice of both regular income and enough creative side lines to keep me happy. Saying that I would love to play more... I had a great chat with a full-time bassist the other day - he plays in 5 or 6 bands, tours regularly, is recording a new album etc etc - but he STILL works a Sunday job in a music shop for the extra cash... thus we're back to this is a lifestyle choice - he has chosen this way to live and he loves it - plus he gets paid enough to keep doing it. M

I've got quite a few bits I may be able to add to the pile - like some Bootsy DVDs and other gubbins...

+1 on all the Frankfurt comments - as I was unlucky enough to only be there on the Saturday two years ago - I went with Bernie Goodfellow as part of the EBS crew and it was a real shame as our flight was delayed and meant we missed the last day of the 'traders only' - it was truly grim. BUT... That's why the previous four days are for traders only - I will be there this year as part of the Jazzwise team - no doubt we will be doing a lot of business but I'm sure we'll have time to hang out a bit and enjoy some of the music going on - the big tent in the out door bit is pretty amazing - and loads of great acts turn up especially. I have access to the press area this year so hopefully that will make up a lot for the absolute head-f*** of a day I had last time! Lastly if you are serious about what you do - NAMM and Frankfurt are the two biggest and best opportunities to get out meet all the movers and shakers face to face - so it is worth the effort. M

She's fab - Dance of the Infidell CD is fantatsic - Matt Garrison is amazing on it too - beautiful funky music! Meshell also guests on Mike Stern's [b]Who Let The Cats Out[/b] CD - on the track KT: [url="http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/7246877/a/Who+Let+The+Cats+Out.htm"]http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/...he+Cats+Out.htm[/url] Other featured bassists on there also include Richad Bona, Anthony Jackson and Chris Minh Doky - it's a good record. M

[quote name='KevB' post='141004' date='Feb 15 2008, 01:07 PM']It's a hatchett job by the woman exec brought in to PR's parent company. Didn't think the take up of DAB radio was as fast as expected so they are pulling out of DAB and reinvesting in FM - how short sighted can you get? So the money will just go on Capital Gold for Londeners only. There's an outside chance that Virgin may fill the vacated slot with their (currently only available to London) classic rock station, which I've never heard.[/quote] +1 Exactly - theJazz and Planet Rock were serving the whole country - London does get well served - but that's not the point is it - quality alternatives are badly needed across the whole country... M

[quote name='Steve Lawson' post='138823' date='Feb 12 2008, 01:12 PM']Weirdly the same company that own planet rock have shut down their other specialist station 'TheJazz' - given that Jazz has one of the most easily definable 'affluent demographics', according to marketeers, you'd have thought they'd be able to make it work... the two stations had 900,000 listeners between them - how does that work out to failing radio??? Surely in DAB terms, that's a pretty major slice of the pie... It's a shame, both ways, Steve[/quote] [rant=on] Absolutely Steve - it's a damn shame and a very short sighted move that goes in completely the opposite direction to all the other companies involved with DAB - theJazz was doing well too - it had 400,000 listeners a week which actually puts to shame the kind of numbers BBC Radio 3 get for their jazz shows - and yes the ABC1 demographic is minted - they are generally older more affluent listeners so it's a hugely ignorant move on the part of new MD Fru Hazlitt - but then again she earns 300K a year so why should give a damn... she's really damaged jazz in the UK - just as things were looking brighter than they had for years. Lest to say I won't type what I'd actually like to do to her - except that big business is killing culture and always backing the lowest common denominator stuff - 200,000 people watched that utterly utterly awful Lilly Allen show the other night - I tuned for a second just see how bad it was (it was worse than terrible) - how much money did they spend advertising that??? There's a huge poster campaign around London - need I say more... no - but it really pisses me off - the arts are being Royally sh@t upon in this country... X Factor and Big Brother anyone? I thought not. [rant=off] Sorry had to get that off my chest Mike

Nice one Janek - I'll check out - the 55 Bar is killing! M

I got it and I'm very pleased with how my Fodera piece came out - even my pics look good! Look out for my Hadrien Feraud interview in the next issue... Good work all the design and ed people on the mag - it's looking really tight, nice one guys. Mike

[quote name='bassjamm' post='135994' date='Feb 7 2008, 07:09 PM']Mike...that is quite possibly one of the nicest Sei's i've seen!!! I'm sorry, but i need to try this when you've had this for a while dude... I'm pleased it's coming together nicely my friend, can't wait to hear some of your tunes with it! Need to get myself down to the gallery soon!!![/quote] Yah man - it's going to be amazing - no real news at this stage aside from the pickups are still on route from Nordstrand - the Fatstacks being so popular right now I think they've been struggling to keep up - fingers crossed they should be there next week. I know it might seem a little quiet on the Sei front generally but believe me there are about ten Sei's nearing completion right now Martin and John have been working flat out and there are some extremely gorgeous basses in the pipeline - mine being one of them! And yes I'm gearing up for some new recordings - just got myself Logic 8 Pro - mmmmm, nice! Will keep y'all posted - the main thing is I should have my Sei for the bash in March. M

[quote name='bass_ferret' post='136245' date='Feb 8 2008, 07:18 AM']I am an old fashioned soul who believes music should have rhythm and melody. If you cant hum it, it is not a tune and if it is not a tune then it becomes a random selection of notes, sometimes played very fast and with great technical ability, but it is not music.[/quote] Fair enough fella but I can hum/sing Donna Lee - I can't play it as good as Joe that's for sure! But the point is it's all a matter of taste - if you don't like this stuff no one is forcing it on you, I don't want you to like any of the music I like - but I'm not offended by that - the rhythm and melody argument in music can be applied to just about every style - even free jazz - there are melodies and rhythms galour - they just aren't the ones you like! Look let's keep this civil as I've seen a million threads like this on TB and a few on BC that end up being those that like chops players and those that don't - I like all types of bass playing from in the pocket reggae to stupidly fast jazz fusion - each have their place and each have their audience - comparing Jaco's Donna Lee or Wooten's Classical Thump to a classic Motown tune is comparing completely different musical styles - but BOTH can make the listener (if that's the style thhat they love) feel something - technical bass wan*ery is boring most of the time but I still think - if it's well done - it has its place. Feel free to disagree - but like I say it's all down to taste - and no one is bashing your taste in music - you have good taste! M