xilddx

I watched it. You can play, believe me. You had really good accuracy moving through the positions in the tricky verses, that's not easy. You had even tone and volume, and there was some vibe going on. Oddly it's the simpler chorus where you have some slight timing issues (although you play it better later in the vid). I would suggest listening to the space as well as the notes in that part and play it to a metronome very slowly and gradually increase your speed, you'll find getting the smooth feel right in that part will unlock many other things for you too. Otherwise, you are so much better than you think

Umm, not wanting to sound negative, but I tried a double bass a few months ago, and despite Clarky showing me the correct technique, it felt like playing a f***ing sperm whale. Your upper body, wrists and hands may be f***ed after shedding for even a few hours, they will simply not be used to the techniques. Your muscles and tendons need conditioning over time. There's a risk that you will seize up a couple of days before the gig and be unable to play, leaving the band in the sh*t. My reaction is that the responsible thing to do is to let someone else do it, put the work in for a future opportunity, and get a few lessons in the meantime so you get the correct techniques down.

[quote name='redstriper' timestamp='1343667531' post='1753421'] Some blind people enjoy music too and some blind musicians do quite well. [/quote] Sorry fella, that does not work and you know it

[quote name='Coilte' timestamp='1343667252' post='1753417'] +1 . Also, it begs the question, is the music not able to stand on it's own merit, without needing a visula stimulant ? [/quote] Hilarious. I think this is where many musicians don't give their bands a chance, they have an over-inflated sense of the worth and uniqueness of their own music, and a lack of understanding of what audiences usually want in their genre.

[quote name='redstriper' timestamp='1343662746' post='1753313'] Why do you say this - do you have evidence that their quality control is below average? [/quote] I've heard things on here, and they sent me a very dodgy Steinberger TransTrem guitar, and were then going to send me a B-stock replacement that was only stopped because I asked them to have it checked by a tech before shipping. This was after me paying for a brand new model. It also took about three weeks to get a refund, and many phone calls, they gave me some crap excuses and were even rude to me on one occasion.

WTF is it with Thomann?! They seem to send out loads of dodgy gear.

[quote name='Stickman' timestamp='1343115898' post='1745291'] Thanks to everyone for the compliments, I think I should do a bass video next! To those guys with the album, any track or part you'd like to see? [/quote] I think for me it would be track 2, or 6. Steve, you also give bass lessons, right? I might be interested in a few mate if you have space, I'll PM you.

We are on at 9.30pm if you are interested in coming. We have a few new songs to play too. Let me know if you want to come and I will put you down on whatever guest list we get, usually a reduced entry price list.

[quote name='Fuzzbass2000' timestamp='1343601776' post='1752680'] IMHO the new name's a bit long.... [/quote] Yeah but they're a Peters and Lee tribute band.

[quote name='Coilte' timestamp='1343647928' post='1753017'] Again, as said previously, it depends on the type of live music performance. Your average weekly pub gig would come under this category, yet performers dont dress up or put on any particular "show" in this case. Does not seem to bother the punters. Besides, I am convinced that there are lots of people who go to a concert/gig/live performance purely for the music (granted, in the hope that is played well), and dont care much for the other "multi-sensory experiences". [/quote] What sort of band are you in? What sort of places do you play?

[quote name='JimBobTTD' timestamp='1343587366' post='1752433'] Neer mind. Joking. I have had too much sugar. [/quote] Oh OK

[quote name='JimBobTTD' timestamp='1343587203' post='1752425'] So you don't have a combined bass and amp in your face? [/quote] Eh?

[quote name='JimBobTTD' timestamp='1343585738' post='1752399'] [b]If the sound is in your head, and you spend X hours and £x trying to find it, it will be wrong. Think how your own voice sounds in your head when you speak, and then listen to a recording of it![/b] [/quote] Your bass sound isn't generated from your own face though is it dude

I often find myself agreeing with BRX, and this is no different, it's what's right for the band that matters. However, I know what I like to hear, and it's usualy a sound in my head that I imagine fits the music. I can normally get the sound I'm after with the POD X3. I generally go for a really deep warm tone with a a little top end bite. Usually with varying degrees of chorus, reverb, and compression. I tend to use variations of a few basic sound structures these days and tailor them to fit. I've found the most important thing for me before the POD is the right strings, I like the warm sprangy sound of Warwick EMPs at the moment, love them.

[quote name='bluesparky' timestamp='1343255505' post='1748043'] I just bought this on the strength of this thread, and I'm glad I did. - it good to be able to support anyone on here who's got something to show for their hard work. I always thought that the Chapman was a bit of a voodoo dark art which I'm utterly intimidated by, so it's great to hear one being used to play some incredible music and so well played to boot too. Great album, nice one - two thumbs up! [/quote] I've not listened to much else since I got it. I love it. I even really like the guy's voice now, it's really grown on me, which was unexpected to be honest.

[quote name='allihts' timestamp='1343562071' post='1752050'] We are very image concious as a band and we make an effort to put on an exciting show for the audience and for us aswell. I can't imagine going to see four guys standing still and the crowd going nuts. [/quote] I just had a listen to your band. Very impressive, really good songs and performance, great mix too. I CAN imagine the crowd going f***ing nuts at your gigs. Nice work mate.

Vivian Weathers, the bassist on Linton Kwesi Johnson's album Forces of Victory, was also a big influence on any dub style playing I do. I keep forgetting about him too.

I only use BC member [b]obbm[/b]'s cables now. They are superb quality (Neutrik, Van Damme, Klotz, etc.), almost bulletproof, and cheaper than I could make them myself. Cheaper than a lot of the 'cheap' no-name sh*te you find in 'music' shops too.

I always just bought them from the US on Ebay, good price and £5 shipping. eg [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DR-BLACK-BEAUTIES-BASS-STRINGS-MED-4s-BKB-45-45-105-/110609291682?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item19c0d3d9a2#ht_676wt_956"]http://www.ebay.co.u...a2#ht_676wt_956[/url] However, I had a look and saw these, anyone tried them? Or even heard of them? http://www.bassstringsonline.com/Everly-Strings-B-52s-Bass-Strings--4-String-Set_p_963.html

You can delete you posts by hitting the delete button under your post. It hides it from all but the mods.

[quote name='Clarky' timestamp='1343250696' post='1747914'] If we are allowed to post our own stuff (Jake!) here is my old band's sleazy New Orleans style cover of Tom Waits' Yesterday is Here, which i am still fond of [/quote] I'm going to be naughty too then This is Kit Richardson, on her own, covering Private Universe by Crowded House. I love the lyrics to this song, and Kit sings it beautifully. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_KXHqrdTKk

[quote name='Clarky' timestamp='1343250345' post='1747895'] and this. How is this not a memorable riff, even if in the high register? Its not funky but it hits the spot [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGMDBppWBOo&feature=related[/media] [/quote] He has no finesse, a completely naive musical approach, uses a bass in a way it was never intended .. but you know what, he's a bit of a genius in his own f***ed up way. We should greatly respect Hooky as someone who did it in the only way he knew how to, and for truly expressing himself and not trying to be someone he isn't. 99% of us are just being someone else with a titchy little gloss of our own personalities as the cream on the huge bass trifle.

[quote name='51m0n' timestamp='1343308716' post='1748673'] Nah Nige, nobody can see you, you're like a ninja... All they see is a massive big shiny thing floating in the corner on its own - its almost like a low budget paranormal experience [/quote] You wouldn't believe how many people want to talk about the gloves rather the the bass or the grooves mate

BRX is dead right. I've said it before, and I WILL say it again. In popular music, most people SEE music before they HEAR it. Music is much more a lifestyle choice than an art choice. It's very important that the 'listener' identifies with the artist or band. That can be superficial or pretty deep. But that connection MUST be made by the audience if the artist is to be successful. Anyone who thinks their success is dependent on the quality of their music is seriously way off beam, and kidding themselves. When you have a reputation, you can then exploit the quality and lifestyle values of your music, until then it's all image and attitude, unless you only want to be liked by other musicians.

I just realised tonight how much Sting has influenced my approach to writing bass lines. His sense of drive, groove, timing, and space is wonderful. I forgot how much of an influence he's been on my playing and writing, and in a sense I have transcended his influence and developed my own approach. I love Scott Thunes' approach to melody and harmony too. But I can't deny Sting's influence has been huge, I almost feel like a copyist, but he's never in my mind when I write or play. What about you?