SaxyBassist

Thanks guys, hubby came home and saved the day - matchsticks and woodglue - all done now [size=4] [/size][size=4]ps I can't even change a light bulb [/size]

[quote name='sammybee' timestamp='1400758846' post='2456672'] Same thing happened to me. Just get a cocktail stick/toothpick and snap it off in the screwhole. Then screw your straplocks in as normal. Hey presto a tight strap lock. [/quote] thank you so much! feel much better already! (I'm hopeless at anything DIY can barely change a lightbulb lol!)

I'm close to tears right now (typical woman!), I bought some Fender quick release straplocks and followed the instructions, took the old buttons out and screwed in the new ones - which proceeded to just keep turning and turning as if the hole is too big - put the old ones back in and now they're the same so I can't use my strap [size=4] [/size][size=4] [/size][size=4] Also the other part doesn't fit on the horn end of my strap because it's too thick... wish I'd left well alone Any suggestions [/size]

[quote name='Old_Ben' timestamp='1400528050' post='2454718'] I would recommend going really slow like at 35 bpm for 5 minutes, then up it by 10 bpm every 5 minutes, until it becomes an issue to make the note transition smoothly, then go all the way back down to 35 bpm, and repeat till your numb in the face. it's an annoying chore, but going back to basics this way can highlight to yourself where your going wrong. If it's not a technique issue with your hand positioning then this may help get through any stuttering hand issues. Persistence is key to improve, as frustrating as it may be to go back to basics like this, it may help in the long run! Also recording yourself through a laptop webcam might help show you if your doing anything your not aware of that might be holding you back! [/quote] Thanks, will try that [size=4] [/size]

[quote name='HowieBass' timestamp='1400445197' post='2453975'] One thing to consider here is how well is your bass set up? If you have a high action it'll be harder to fret and in particular if the nut slots aren't deep enough you'll find it harder at the top of the neck, plus trying a lighter gauge string means more compliance (lower tension) which might make playing that much easier. Having your bass set up properly can make an enormous difference to playability. [/quote] Reasonably well, and I've been told it plays pretty well (when I'm not on it lol!) - but I'll get someone to check my string gauge as I have no idea what is on there at the moment!

[quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1400444351' post='2453967'] I'm fairly new to bass too, but it sounds to me like it's just tension in your hands and wrists. I believe you'll get there. I'm 55 too (this month) and it's taken me 3 years of on and off attempts at feeble fret-rattling to get something like a slap-bass sound, but it's coming. One day I'll also get rid of the flying fingers too, it just takes time. Keep on going at it. Get comfortable and play slow and relax. Don't wind yourself up and it'll come. If you want lessons Mike in Chelmsford is a good guy. He's listed in the Tutors section. I recon you'll be ok though. [/quote] Thanks I'm not giving up this time, I've just had quite a good session this afternoon playing jazz standards - working on staying in one position using the three different scale starting points..... I have all this knowledge rattling round in my head as a jazz saxophonist and teacher, so it's just mastering the physical technique of this strange alien stringed instrument thingy

Yep I too have my thumb in the middle of the back of the neck and I pivot, it never moves up like in that picture. I really just do not have much of a stretch and the only way I can stretch is by angling my wrist awkwardly - and I don't want to do that a) because it's very tense and and puts wrist at a severe angle and then I'll get carpal tunnel (had that before years ago - developed by itself) and b ) because it hurts! Bear in mind Im 55 and a pretty weedy female, I have started and stopped playing bass over 3 years because of this problem and I often think I'm not physically made to play the bass!! I've had a couple of different professional bass playing mates glance over when visiting and say my hand positioning is okay but just watch that tension so I've spent the last month working hard on a the lightest touch for fretting that I can and a relaxed hand to avoid tension. My hands are a medium glove size so I haven't got small hands, but I'm determined not to give up as I've seen some tiny little girl players on youtube with child size hands who can barely stretch over 2 low frets! playing really well, not to mention the guy with one finger! So I'm not sure how else to play legato on the low end without being able to stretch over 4 frets - maybe I'll just carry on and see if it irons itself out

[quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1400344703' post='2453105'] I guess in doing this you're playing the major scale using the following for example: Gmajor: E string - 3 5 A string - 2 3 5 D string - 2 4 5 Have you thought of doing it this way: E string - 3 5 7 A string - 3 5 7 D string - 4 5 Playing it this way the 3rd is 7th fret on the E and the 5th is 5th fret on the A ; a smaller jump. You need to learn ALL of the notes on the neck and use all of the patterns to create a scale. Don't only use the one. The 5th is also the fret above the root - so if you're playing a C major scale and play 3rd fret on the A-string, the 5th is also the G on the E-string; right below the C root. The other way is go fretless and slide it. Edit - or move further up the neck and move down a string.. of course. [/quote] Yep I've learnt 3 different ways - the 2 you said - plus starting on my little finger! my scales are fine, but whatever I do if I can't stretch far enough and have to jump then I get a staccato note on my arpeggios down the low end

[quote name='chrismuzz' timestamp='1400333513' post='2453010'] I generally use my 4th finger on the 3rd fret when I can because it's more comfortable than stretching. The one finger per fret technique is useful but not always possible at the lower end of the neck! [/quote] yes so do I, and I dont' use one finger per fret about fret 4 - 5 - as you say it's not always possible at the low end

[quote name='HowieBass' timestamp='1400335065' post='2453024'] Just tried that and the way I play it I have my thumb under the neck, closer to under the 1st than the 2nd fret position and I play it root:middle finger, 3rd:index finger and 5th:ring finger and my thumb stays pretty much in one place... [/quote] You must have very long fingers!! the furthest my little finger will stretch keeping my thumb in one place is fret 3

[quote name='chrismuzz' timestamp='1400324727' post='2452900'] Practice moving your entire hand up to the next note in quick succession and it will come naturally. Over the year of playing stupid metal riffs I can go from the 6th fret on the A string to the first fret on the E string very comfortably using just my index finger. You can do it! [/quote] Thanks that's good to hear! [quote name='hubrad' timestamp='1400327416' post='2452935'] Just tried it.. I think I have pretty average size hands, but I do play DB as well. 1-4 I just stretch, use 4th finger! I also, depending on the line and where I'm going next, go E2-E6 shift then A4 is no stretch at all. [/quote] I can only reach to fret 3 with my 4th finger! I have to move my whole hand to get to fret 4, (I am pretty ancient you know ) I suppose the trick now is to move the hand more fluidly!

[quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1400323376' post='2452876'] Fair enough. Just to clarify, when I mentioned scales/chord tones, I didn't just mean knowing them, but playing them over and over until the notes run into eachother seamlessly. It's good to do that in different tempos, as well as different styles. If you can play the chord tones/arpeggio for F# major fluidly without any glitches, then you're sorted. I fear it's just a matter of practice! Obviously hand size is a factor too. I'll have a go at it myself in a bit and see if there are any other tips I have not thought of. [/quote] Ah okay - I thought it would be a case of practice and more practice - just wanted to check I wasn't doing anything too wrong lol! I will work on fluidity then and perhaps put a groove into the scales too? I notice that helped with the pentatonics. My hands are medium but I don't push stretching my fingers as it just ends up hurting

Hi thanks for your reply, yep got all my scales nailed - all modes, blues, major and minor pentatonics, arpeggios - and yes, middle on root, index on 3rd and pinkie on the fifth.... I don't try and stretch - and that's the problem - I have to jump my whole hand to the fifth and that's where I lose my note sound momentarily, I was wondering if there is some technique I should be using like trying to make the 3rd ring out for longer somehow? (I've tried and find that difficult!) I'd love a five string for that reason but can only just take the weight of my SR 300

My playing has come on leaps and bounds, (I think!) but what I'm finding now is that when I'm playing say a F# blues right down the end of the neck, and I want it to sound smooth and legato when I go from the 3rd to the 5th of the triad - it's such a big wide jump - no way can I stretch that far and I can't move my hand quickly enough so it begins to sound disjointed and staccato, will this improve or have I missed something obvious?!

[quote name='RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE' timestamp='1399582979' post='2445699'] I suppose I'll get away with only playing bass, on this site;) [/quote] I reckon so

[quote name='RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE' timestamp='1399582057' post='2445690'] You sound very talented. Btw; I use podfarm for bass( lots of amps and effects). It came with my toneport interface. I thought about the zoom . Still pondering. Unfortunately, I only play bass. Can make various synth noises. If I try stuff like nine inch nails, it's more ' council tax.'oh well.. [/quote] I try to be honest my sax recording method hasn't got a patch on the guys who are really techno minded and have all the best gear they have some superb results! - I just use my clip on gigging mic!! but it's way better than I can get from the Zoom..... Podfarm means nothing to me at all I'll google it Nothing wrong at all with only playing bass! Me - I'm just a Jack of all trades master of ......well certainly not bass, maybe just Sax and Flute .....

I know where you're coming from - I struggle composing stuff too - I use Band In a Box, but there a only a few Real Band sounds that I like. I spend hours inputting chords and then changing them because they're not quite right....put in a middle 8 and make the chords too complicated so can never find a way back to the verse! I find it's better if I noodle on the piano first..... I've sussed the recording side of things with my sax over playalong backing tracks - I use my clip on Shure condenser mic into the PC and I use Audacity - that works really well. I don't have the gear to record the bass properly (will need a mixer so I'm told ) so I've been using a hand held Zoom just recording the sound from the Hi-Fi and the bass amp....pretty rubbish results! ( it doesn't help that I'm not much of a bass player either )

Major and Minor 251s are essential for jazz standards (assuming that's what you'll be playing on your DB )

Sounds fab to me! wish I could sing - I sound like a strangled cat

[quote name='leroydiamond' timestamp='1399219368' post='2442167'] Always on the look out for what is happening in the super light bass department. What is the make of bass you are due to take delivery of?. The one positive is that my shoulder issues really limit the GAS I experience regarding basses. Anything over 7 lb is of little interest [/quote] My Ibanez SR300 is very light - even little old weakling Granny me can play it for a couple of hours with no problem!

I can relate to this, I cannot wear my Sax on a neck strap due to old injuries and generally being an elderly weakling! so I have to wear sax harnesses and holders and all sorts of rigmarole! for a year I played with a solid splint on my left thumb (which made operating the octave key on the sax very tricky) as I had severe trigger thumb - excruciatingly painful! thankfully sorted with cortisone and physio over a couple of years, I now use a finger exerciser daily and do tennis elbow physio exercises everyday to keep that at bay (physio tells me I'm a very "tendony" person!) I bought the lightest bass I could find and the widest softest strap and am very careful about taking lots of breaks. Good luck with getting it sorted and use whatever bizarre methods and means you can to keep playing!

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1399157627' post='2441698'] Very nice, Saxy; no gloves needed to handle this. Two tiny details: the recording level is very low (easily fixed, I should think..?) and your playing is a tiny bit 'stiff'. That's very often the case when beginning, even more so when recording (one becomes suddenly very self-conscious; we've all been there...). That's about as harsh as I can make it; sorry. The timing's right, there's no 'bum' notes or fluffs; what's not to like..? Carry on, miss, you're doing something right..! Thanks for sharing. [/quote] Many thanks for your kind comments! Yes recording isn't my forte I just pressed the button and played I believe I need to get a mixer of something to use the direct xlr input from amp to the PC? (I'm a complete techo-numpty!) I know exactly where you're coming from with the self-consciousness! It happens to me when I record my Sax playing too - I'm much happier playing live!! I can hear what you mean about stiff, but I'm pleased more than anything that the timing is okay as I've struggled going from jazz sax and flute playing, which is often about hanging back off the beat and just a whole different ball game in general! Thanks again

Recorded with Zoom H1, my groove effort (go easy on me lol!) [url="https://soundcloud.com/l-dee-2/groove-in-c"]https://soundcloud.c...e-2/groove-in-c[/url]

Awesome!!

I like the idea from the point of view of learning bass technique, but I wonder how much of it will cross over with the knowledge I already have as a Jazz Sax and Flute teacher (and classical pianist and flautist)