timmo

The video provided to sell this bass is one of the worst i have seen. I think he is trying to play a guitar. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Eastwood-Sidejack-BASS-VI-LEFT-HANDED-Vintage-Cream-30-Scale-6-string-Bass-/251543307087?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item3a9126434f

[quote name='Cosmo Valdemar' timestamp='1411083169' post='2556415'] I had a good old chat with him in the gents' at the last LBGS. Top chap, although he was a bit sad at having to miss the Roger Glover masterclass! [/quote] He must have been a top chap if he was willing to miss Roger Glover`s masterclass, to have that long a chat in the gents with you

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1411286564' post='2558058'] The stretch wasn't the problem, the strenght in the fingers was, iirc. especially the little finger. I would only be taking your course of action under supervision of a good physio tho.. I persisted with mobility exercises when I had broken fingers and that recovery was total and worth the hard work. I am not sure yours is quite the same. Depends what the medical advice is from a specialist rather than a GP. [/quote] I have taken all sorts of advice. I was told by the specialist nurse that there will be pain, but it will be mainly from the stiffness. I can tell from experience the difference between stretching to much pain, and stiffness pain They stiffness pain hurts like hell, but there is no pain when i stop . It is getting easier. Who would have thought learning bass could be theraputic

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1411285363' post='2558045'] It is not the case that there is 'one proper way to play'. [/quote]I know. I believe most players would think that one finger per fret is the most efficient and smoother way of playing. Maybe it wasn`t the right way to call it the proper way, but it seems a popular method. I will perservere with that, and if no good comes of it i will try to adapt. I have already changed from right to left handed, so everything is possible.I am in it with too deep to quit easily.

[quote name='inthedoghouse' timestamp='1411246120' post='2557908'] I guess deep down it doesn't really matter if you can't make a stretch as long as you're overall sound isn't affected and you're playing the music to the standard you want. Look at what Django achieved with his disability :-) [/quote]Yes. Some of the clips i have seen of people playing instruments with disabilities are very inspiring. It probably doesn`t matter if i can never achieve the stretch, but i assume it is better to try to play the proper way, and then try to compensate after with adjustments

Thanks for the replies. I saw the Harley Benton ones, but thought they may be very cheap for a reason. I was looking at £200 maximum, and thought this one might fit the bill http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/ibanez-gsrm20l-mikro-left-handed-4-string-short-scale-bass-guitar If the Harley Benton would be ok, I may get that instead, and if i liked short scale, get something a lot better. Given me something to think about.

Thanks all for the replies. The videos have been helpful. Gives me something to work on .

[quote name='Coilte' timestamp='1411160885' post='2557233'] That's a very unusual reason for taking up an instrument, if you dont mind my saying so. [size=4] IMO you would be better served getting the advice of a physiotherapist on what exercises would be of benefit. Failing that, check You Tube for yoga stretching exercises. [/size] [size=4]. [/size] [/quote] I guess it s reasonably unusual. I have always wanted to play an instrument, but got arthritis in my teens which stopped me .Advancements of drugs has enabled me to have a go. I chose bass over guitar because of the wider spacin of the strings. The piano would probably be beetr in terms of full finger workouts, but it has never appealed. I have told the nurse that deals with my artritis and she says it is a good idea as it will ease the joints. Because of the lack of movement, it does hurt, which is going to be the case, but i am getting finding my joints in the wrist and fingers easing. That is why i wanted to know if anybody found it hard to stretch over 4 frets when they were learning.. If everyone had found it easy, then i would think it will be difficult.If on the other people took a long time, then i know it will just take me lot longer

Can anyone remember when they first started playing the bass, and you had to use one finger per fret? Was it difficult at first, and how much time and practice did it take to get your fingers with enough stretch. The reason i ask, is my wrist is locked from having arthritis with barely any movement. I can`t seem to get my fingers stretching, so not sure if it is because the tendons are restricted through my wrist somehow. I can get 3 frets fairly well, but the fourth is taking some doing. It also hurts my wrist, but that is the reason for me taking up an instrument to get some movement back into my joints, which to a degree is working. So is that an excuse, or did you find it was a real problem getting your fingers stretched, and it just takes months of practising stretching the fingers? At the moment i have got homework of doing the Chromatic scales to get my fingers moving

I was advised to try a short scale bass, as i have finger issues that don`t allow me to stretch my fingers as far as a i would like. Obviously it is hard enough finding a local shop with a standard left hand, without needing specific requirements. Would anyone know of a cheap , half decent one that isn`t one of those violin shaped ones please? They don`t seem to come up very often second hand

Had my first lesson with the new teacher. What a difference it makes to having a guitarist who dabbles in Bass, and a proper Bassist who studied it at University makes. I have had my whole posture and technique changed in 1 lesson, and easy tips to learn the notes on the fretboard. Well worth the 70 mile roundtrip.

He is only thinking of parting with it? If someone gave mee a 6 figure sum for that i would bite their hands off

It has been on here several times. The only photo he has of Jaco playing it, was before he modified it. Surely it would be worth more unmodified.

[quote name='TheSiberian' timestamp='1410810082' post='2553498'] So beliveing you can do it in two or three months is a ridiculous dream (unless you are Mozart). However good luck with the reading. Best [/quote] Not sure where i said i believe i could do it in 3 or 4 months. Been trying to learn it for a few months and got basics, but i am so faraway from mastering the subject. I would imagine it will take me 6 months more to have some sort of decent grasp on it. Thanks for wishing me good luck though

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1410806791' post='2553440'] I'd be the last to suggest anything else..! Music theory is a subject applicable to all instruments, and it's an advantage to read several staffs; the more the merrier. I was just remerking that reading for bass alone is not the be-all and end-all to reading. The world is larger than that. This is a Good Thing. [/quote]Of course, you are right. Anyway, i will learn whatever the new tutor throws at me, hopefully

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1410803436' post='2553372'] This is true for those reading from several staves, not just treble, bass or whatever. The underlying principles are the same, of course, but reading treble if you've only ever read bass, or vice versa, can slow one right down. Just sayin'. [/quote]Perhaps i should have used the Trombone as an example, but i still think reading music is advantageous over just reading tab.

Of course not. It was obviously an exaggeration. But if you learn to read music,it gives you an advantage if you want to learn any other type of instrument.tab is pretty limiting and I would never be able to read music on my own

The main reason for lessons for me,is that I want to learn to read music and apply it to an instrument. I feel the advantages would be good. If, for example i applied to play bass guitar for kc and the sunshine tribute band for a tour starting in 2 months time but the position is filled. However they inform me that the trumpeter can't tour so it is mine if interested. As I will be able to read music I will be in a position to learn the trumpet in 2 months. Granted it is an unlikely scenario. As it happens I saw an ad for a tutor from this very site, so I am booked up for this Thursday. It involves going further than I would've liked,but bass tutors are thin on the ground around here. Thanks all for the advice

[quote name='lowdowner' timestamp='1410724977' post='2552459'] How far are you OK travelling timmo? I've found a great teacher based in Stourbridge and I'm OK travelling from Cheltenham to there once every two weeks: [url="http://stevenswiftmusic.weebly.com"]http://stevenswiftmusic.weebly.com[/url] [/quote]He certainly looks good, but i was hoping for someone a bit closer. With 2 bass tutors packing up in Gloucester, it does look like i will need to travel, as there is going to be a shortage around here.

[quote name='FinnDave' timestamp='1410725888' post='2552484'] Why do you need a tutor? I've never felt the need for one. [/quote]Because i haven`t got self motivation and will give up in frustration

[quote name='miles'tone' timestamp='1410729898' post='2552574'] I was there too! He was very good, doing the 'running man' dance with his backing singers at one point. Bloody amazing considering his age. Did you notice he had two bass players playing at the same time that night? One had a Stingray but I forget what the other player used. [/quote]I was also there, and couldn`t believe his energy

He was great. A real showman as well. Who else could pull something like this off. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vruy2GRUsV8

Pity you weren`t closer. Your band is good . Saw you in Gloucester on the Planet Rock tour

I have been going to lessons for a year or so, and the tutor is moving away, so i found another tutor. I went to him yesterday for the first time.He seemed to be really good, and i think he would have been ideal. However, i got an email from him today explaining he was packing up in 6 months time. Not sure whether i should stay with him for 6 more months, or find someone else. Maybe i would be better of with Scotts Bass Lessons on youtube. E ither way it is frustrating as the new chap seemed really good, as did my original tutor. Just a message of frustration really

[quote name='BassTractor' timestamp='1410598078' post='2551072'] That Korg KR thingie will do exactly what you'd expect, and at reasonable sound quality. Haven't used that exact one, but a similar one, and it worked well. In my own case I did however notice getting bored with it, so I'm not convinced anymore that after some time, it is so much better than a metronome. What I'd like to see though was one like just that, but with three foot switches: the chosen pattern is repeated until you press the switch for one of the other two that you've stored "under" them. Never seen one, but equipped like that, it should come in well under 100 quid. [/quote]In my case, it is just for giving me something extra, as i only play for my own fulfillment. I am bored just playing to a metronome at the moment. I thought it would just give me an extra option. I assume the cheaper end would be ok, plus less complex than a more expensive machine.