xilddx

[quote name='Sonic_Groove' timestamp='1418214566' post='2627997'] Not exactly John McLaughlin is he!! How to play solo's without thinking? Practice, Practice, Practice B [/quote] I would reckon most people practice the wrong things.

[quote name='Geek99' timestamp='1418216219' post='2628017'] in my very humble opinion,anything that gets people [i]playing [/i]and sounding even vaguely good is worthwhile. Yes, knowing your scales is important for understanding [i]why [/i]something works, but it can come along [u]second[/u]; confidence and enjoyment should come along first; otherwise learners lose heart very quickly. [/quote] Exactly.

There's some holes in his thinking and application, but it's f***ing cool. It's the closest I've found to a simple explanation to unlocking the fretboard. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4SMuD5hATQ

[quote name='Paul S' timestamp='1418121307' post='2626965'] My question is why would you need to get to that point or, indeed, think it is something to strive for? [/quote] Because at that point you can play without sh*t getting in the way of your musical expression.

I bet this is a vibrant thread. My answer is NO!

[quote name='Lw.' timestamp='1418064440' post='2626491'] Yes that's my point; they're alright for learning but better to move away from in the long run IMO. I've done a few gigs playing finger style double bass if that counts? It was harder than a fretted bass but couldn't really judge as they were simple bluesy tunes. It was harder the next time I used it (communal double bass) as some idiot had drawn fret lines on the side (with a Biro), most of which were in the wrong place! [/quote] But this is my point, if you develop the muscle memory by using markers, you may be more quickly able to get to that point where you don't have to look at the board at all. Everyone is different. I barely know anyone who doesn't need markers of some sort, and just because they are some manky stickers on the back doesn't mean they are any more of a crutch than the dots on the side or your fancy mop inlays on the board. Whatever facilitates learning and memory for the student is the prime concern. And people have different ways of learning, have a look at Kolb's learning styles if you're interested.

[quote name='Lw.' timestamp='1418056308' post='2626370'] Assuming you're on an unlined fretless I'd say the stickers are fine for while you're getting yourself up to speed but I'd be wary about becoming reliant on them. Definitely ween yourself of them as soon as possible once you've got to where you want to be. [/quote] It's fine. Things like that are useful for getting your muscle memory sorted for shifting positions. As for reliance, have you tried playing a classical guitar, or some instrument with no markers at all on the board or sides? Or play without looking at the board? It's difficult.

[quote name='Karl Derrick' timestamp='1417969100' post='2625569'] I chose to withdraw so as to avoid confrontation. It was clearly a bad idea to ask here. Thanks to everyone who took the question seriously. Karl [/quote] Dear Karl, <Withdrawn>

[quote name='Noisyjon' timestamp='1417967189' post='2625537'] I know they've supplied TV shows I've worked on with empty cabs & amps so thought they'd be worth a shout but Karl has "withdrawn" from this thread? [/quote] Yeah, what's all this 'withdrawn' bollocks? Toys out of pram? Indecent photography removed by the Mods? It's ruined the thread for me. I might withdraw.

I always found that a strategically placed courgette is always more of a talking point than a bunch of Marshalls behind you, not to mention cheaper and easily replaceable if it gets mashed. Perhaps you plan to do both, in which case John Henry is a good recommendation.

[quote name='Drax' timestamp='1417908440' post='2625111'] Sounds like my marriage! It's a fair point. I get good tone and playability from my American Std but it's all pretty vanilla. I like to think there's something with more character out there. I'm prepared that might not be the case though.. [/quote] The fireworks that come from every note can only be provided by you. You need a good looking, well built, good sounding, reliable bass that feels very very comfortable. That could be anything. The character you think a '70s Fender will provide is very hit and miss, there are so many horrible examples out there, I've played a few. If you get a good one then you'll probably be fine. Until you fancy something else That said, I picked up a beat up old 1961 Gibson Melody Maker guitar last spring. It felt wonderful to play in the shop, beautifully played in and very responsive, and it sounded really lovely. I wasn't looking for a guitar - I have a really great Fender USA Deluxe Strat and I've always been a Fender player - I was just curious because the Gibson was cheap and very old. After playing it I just HAD to have it. I had it modded at the Bass Gallery and it's pretty much my perfect guitar now. I love the fact it's old and well made and could probably tell some stories, but also aware that's it's me projecting onto it, it's just wood, metal and plastic really. But I know in a blind test I'd still love it. So, go and try a bunch of old Fenders and see if one makes you feel good. Just don't buy one without checking it over and playing it first. And watch out for the 3-bolts, lots of them have necks that move sideways so check the strings align on the neck, some of them have the G falling off the side of the neck. Don't disc out the '80s, there are some good ones about. Best of luck.

[quote name='Drax' timestamp='1417824113' post='2624460'] My GAS radar is dragging me towards a 70's Jazz and I'm trying a few out next week. Aside from the usual 'don't do it' / 'waste of money' etc - does anyone have any pointers to look out for, or is it just about playability and sound? I'm looking at instruments at Gallery & Andy Baxter, so I'm assuming the providence checks out, and it is the instrument it claims to be. If you've been through the process yourself be keen to hear your thoughts. [/quote] Are you being honest with yourself about why you want a 1970s Fender? It won't give you any mojo. It might give you a bunch of problems and regrets.

I was unimpressed with them too. Much better at Guitar Guitar in Epsom.

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1417808004' post='2624282'] Got it, [i]"my tuppence worth"[/i] is that the correct phrase? Blue [color=#0000FF][font=Arial][color=#000000][b]Bass Guitars [/b][/color][/font][/color] [color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson Les Paul Gold Top Bass[/color][/font][/color] [color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson ES-335 Custom Shop Bass[/color][/font][/color] [color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson 1991 Thunderbird Bass[/color][/font][/color] w/ebony fret board [font=Arial]Fender 1951 Telecaster Bass Re-issue *MIJ (Dressing Room Bass)[/font] [font=Arial]Fender 1959 Telecaster Bass Re-Issue MIJ[/font] (Rehearsal Bass) [color=#0000ff][color=#000000][font=Arial]G & L 1991 ASAT Bass (active pre-amp )[/font][/color][/color] [color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]German Made Hofner 502 Limited Edition Club Bass[/color][/font][/color] [/quote] Listen mate, saying two bob's worth is perfectly cool. Anyone telling you it isn't is trying to curtail your creativity and interpretation. Anyway, I say two bob's worth as well, and I'm a f***ing limey ****. As for your original question, creativity is both greatly underrated and undervalued. Sadly, even fabulously creative bands and writers often don't get anywhere because audiences are largely unimaginative and need feeding with familiarity. Cover bands have become somewhat scourge-like in the UK, because audiences like a dance and ten Jaegerbombs to all them songs they listened to ten years ago. And pubs love all that Jaegerbomb sh*t so they book cover bands at 300 quid a pop and mint it with the rather too happy audience. Other than that it's the resurgence of old bands getting back together to be a tribute of themselves. I saw GONG last week and it was a fabulous night of trippy nostalgia. It's f***ing hard for new bands with any originality and creativity to break in the UK, and it's probably the same in the States.

Got one of these on the way. May need an insert to thicken the body padding but it should be more or less right. Excited! http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281517827067?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Thanks chaps! I'm going to see if there's a hard case made for a Gibson LP Junior or double cut as they are flat tops. No luck so far though but I'm sure summat will turn up. Not for Christmas though sadly. Thanks again for your help. I may have to approach the case makers you've recommended. Cheers Nx

[quote name='Chiliwailer' timestamp='1416867099' post='2614604'] Check out Freestyle cases, they make bespoke ones [/quote] Thank you mate! What I'm really after is something trad like an old-style tweed case but airline proof.

[quote name='dazzyroots' timestamp='1417005797' post='2615956'] Dear All I’m currently writing a dissertation about the preferred method of tuning guitars and bass guitars. I would appreciate it very much if you have 5minutes for me to answer the questions below and PM or email it to me at [email][email protected][/email] . 1. How long have you been playing your instrument? 35 years 2. Do you use an electronic tuner? If yes which model? POD X3 LIVE 3. Do you tune by ear or electronic tuner? Both 4. If by ear how do you go about? I tune electronically then fine tune by ear by playing some open and barre chords 5. Are you always 100% happy with your tuning? YES 6. Why are you not happy with your tuning? 7. What disturbs you about the electronic tuner 8. Do you know how to tune by ear? 9. What is your preferred tuning method? thank you very much for your invaluable support in advance. dazzyroots [/quote] There you go. Although I think your survey needs tuning a bit

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1415394562' post='2600004'] Just got my 1961 Gibson Melody Maker back from Martin at the Bass Gallery. He routed a neck pickup in, new wiring, side jack fitted, sanded the back of the neck to satin, and a full setup. It plays and sounds golden. Wonderful instrument. [/quote] I need a tour-able case for this. I've searched but only come up with ugly flight cases. Any ideas? Gibson don't make one I'd like something relatively airline-proof, but with a trad look, tweed or something. Guess I'll have to go custom, but where from? Thanks in advance for for any help.

[quote name='Lasermonkey' timestamp='1415795912' post='2603814'] Here ya go! As you can see. there's a non-original pickup in there and one is missing. The missing one is around somewhere, for some reason I just haven't got around to re-fitting it. I'm still on the lookout for a replacement pickup for the non-original one. The knobs aren't original. They're actually from a cooker! I think I still have the originals and really ought to put them back on. [/quote] I like that! It looks cool!

[quote name='heminder' timestamp='1416797524' post='2613705'] It works both ways: paying UK VAT directly supports a corrupt and dastardly British government. Pick your poison. At least Thomann have the great service, which is more than what can be said for many UK music shops. The Germans are doing something right, that's why people buy from them. [/quote] I beg to differ on service, and quality for that matter.

Yep. No groove. Pub band.

[quote name='donslow' timestamp='1416360731' post='2609468'] Hey all, long story short, I've been tinkering with bass playing for about 4 years now but starting to get serious with it now Up until about 18 months ago I was an avid fan of ibanez sdgr basses, owned an sr800, sr300 and an sr500 mostly loving these basses because of the slim, thin, fast necks 18 months ago, I decided to sell them all and buy a precision, found a vintage modified precision with upgraded bridge, pickups, pots, wiring and machines for a reasonable price so coughed up, absolutely love the noise this thing makes but.........the neck, have been playing it 3 times a week for the last year, ish, I just can't get on with it, my playing really suffers and I really struggle with the thicker, chunkier neck, sooooooo........I'm going to upgrade the neck for something slimmer, thinner and faster but not sure what would be the best way to go, hence my asking you lovely people for advice A lot of reading [/quote] Don't make the same mistake twice. Go out and try a big ol bunch of basses in a shop. It's the only way.

[quote name='Mornats' timestamp='1416404821' post='2609821'] Badum tish. [attachment=176717:fender.jpg] [/quote] Doesn't look very ergonomic

[quote name='Raslee' timestamp='1416343659' post='2609290'] Good to see Transglobal still going, an old band i was in supported them back in 1999...was a great night [/quote] Cool! What was the name of your band?