xilddx

[quote name='the boy' timestamp='1374058657' post='2144729'] Absolutely, this is what it's all about. 90% of tone etc is all bollix. So is all the talk and spew that comes out of people's mouths trying to describe what they are hoping to achieve. This is the nerd element of this game and something I have in the past exhausted my self with until I realised that you will only ever achieve good tone when you stop caring. Perfect tone is a myth and a scam generated by people trying to sell us gear and gives us gas. Oh yeah another thing I've learned over the years is that the key to good tone is having volume to spare. [/quote] Part truth, part bollocks. Most of the bassists we talk about worked hard and evolved their tones and sounds. It's really important that your band sounds the best it can and projects a sonic attitude, unless you don't care if you sound like Bill sh*tt*r & The Shittones down the Twat & Cabbage on Tuesday night before the meat raffle.

[quote name='Lowender' timestamp='1374025350' post='2144432'] It's semantics. The OP is looking for an understanding of getting a sound and people are debating minutia technicalities and what is subjective and objective. Keep it simple. Bass, mids, treble and the inherent qualities that can not be controlled electronically. I think that's enough to digest. [/quote] We know what the OP wants now, the explanation was more for your benefit. But like iKay said, the question is not really answerable beyond the basics. If it was, the answers would already be available. Someone on here said not to forget subtractive EQ and I totally concur with that. I think the OP wants some answers like 'Thump = 450-550Hz' 'Bite = 2.7-3.4KHz' etc, but it doesn't really work like that as small adjustments in those ranges can have dramatic positive and negative effects, and I've got better tones with subtractive EQ in some ranges. The OP has a POD so I would suggest choosing a suitable amp model and using the built in parametric EQ, sweep each of the four until you get what you LIKE hearing. Then tweak the EQ with the band in rehearsal. I do this for my basic tone, copy the patch and then add effects and stuff for all the variants I use. As the OP has an amp too, she could try plugging into the effects return to use the power stage only so as not to have the preamp interfere.

Lozz just sold me his Fender SKB Jazz Bass case. I've met Lozz at gigs and BC Bass Bashes a few times now. And like people have already said, he's a great bloke and great company. And the case is perfect! Thanks so much, Lozz.

[quote name='Lowender' timestamp='1374018841' post='2144406'] I think we have a semantics problem here. What are you calling frequencies? Two basses can be playing the same note with the same EQ (same frequency curve) and sound completely different., If the bass has an inherent "frequency difference" then it would be a matter of adding or subtracting frequencies but that's never the case. Tone is also in the wood and the electronics, even the shape of the bass will be a factor. You can call it ALL frequencies but that's misleading IMO. [/quote] It's ALL frequencies. The differences in wood, electronics, shape, EVERYTHING, affects the levels and frequencies of the harmonic overtones of the fundamental note. An A at 440Hz on the A string will have a slightly different emphasis of the harmonic overtones than an A at 440Hz played on the E string due to a number of physical and mechanical factors, the pressure of the pluck, the angle, the part of the strings, the thickness of the strings, the fret seating, the wood densities, string lengths, EVERYTHING. Then chuck a cable, effects, amp, loudspeaker, humidity, air temperature, all these affect timbre. Harmonic overtones are still frequencies, there's no semantics. I think you are labouring under the misapprehension that only the fundamental is referred to as the frequency. TRy adding a mass of low mids to your bass tone on your amp or whatever, it can change the pitch because of overemphasis of certain overtone frequencies, obviously this changes the timbre too. Timbre is a bunch of frequencies.

[quote name='Lowender' timestamp='1373984653' post='2143838'] Huh? Of course it does. An "A" on a guitar and a "A" in the same register on a trumpet have completly different timbres while sharing the same frequency of 440. Even the same register E on a bass on the E string and on the A string have a different timbre. [/quote] Ok man. That's what I said. YOU said tone goes beyond frequencies. It does not.

[quote name='Lowender' timestamp='1373976313' post='2143716'] The original question is conflating a few points so it's a little confusing as to what you really want to know. Distortion is a separate entity to "tone" since it's a signal that is being pushed beyond its sonic capabilities. What does boosting the bass do? Seems pretty obvious -- increases the low frequencies. Tone is made up of many things. Do you understand how a graphic EQ works? That's a part of it. But there's also an inherent tone that goes beyond frequencies. That's why a J can't be EQ'd to sound exactly like a P bass and vice versa. There are other factors involved. Then there's the overtone series. That's for starters. I think the OP will get a more detailed answer if he modifies his question. [/quote] Timbre does not go beyond frequencies. Sound is air movement. Timbre is a fundamental pitch with harmonic overtones and what overtones you emphasise give the timbre its qualities. But it depends on the ears and brain of the person processing the air movement and where they are in relation to the source. At least that's how I understand it. There are some experts on here who will hopefully answer properly.

My pleasure mate. It's a very, very good album!

I just got Clarky's band's new album Hearts for Judas. I've seen them live twice, and the launch gig last week was fantastic, great levels of energy in the room. The first notable thing that struck me as I listened to it is that it has a very strong identity and aesthetic. It's got a full band British folky vibe, but because of its Spanish elements it is not what I'm used to hearing. I like that a lot, and it works extremely well. You might think it's an album full of jaunty stylised numbers, but it isn't. There are some very lively songs on here, but throughout there is pathos, and it pays to listen to the words because they bring the music into sharp focus. My favourite tracks so far are Valiente, New York Red, Las Vegas Parano, Camilla, and Joe. The two singers have very different styles but they work together perfectly. Laura has the more operatic and Spanish style, and Charlotte seems to me more like a jazzy Dusty Springfield type vibe (but that's just what I have in my bonce). They are both very powerful vocalists and you can hear and feel the passion in their voices on this album, and that is borne out in their live performances. The rest of the band perform superbly. The drums and bass are tight and very groovy, very quiet and sensitive too when they need to be. Clarky's bass sounds rich and punchy (think it's the Ampeg Baby Bass, it was even punchier live), very disciplined and confident, and just what the songs need. The Mandolin gives a sparkly high register layer which adds a sweet country note to the music. The guitarist is a key part of the sound, he has a bag of different of techniques and influences and brings a diverse range of flavours to the songs, he's a very sensitive player with a strong, pensive musical personality. It's an album by a band that sound very mature, they have a distinctive voice that has been honed to its core elements over time. It's the real deal. They seem to be developing a following too, which bears this out. Top work Clarky! [url="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/hearts-for-judas/id662981798"]https://itunes.apple...das/id662981798[/url]

Marcus, there's no point asking this question, you already know enough to make this decision, you are not a beginner. The fact is, there is no 'best bass for metal', or anything else. Instruments are very personal things, it has to feel right, sound right, look right, be reliable, and overall be right for the applications you will put it too. I don't like P necks, so a Jazz is what I go for. I almost never use the bridge pup but it's useful for some little effects and harmonics I do. I get the impression you have no real idea of what bass you want, I think you just like buying and selling them. If you play much more you may find that any bass with certain characteristics you favour will be suitable, and as bass it will be relegated in your mind to be just a tool. GAS is most prominent in quiet periods.

[quote name='KingBollock' timestamp='1373648437' post='2140247'] Don't go giving Alanis Morissette ideas for another bloomin' song! [/quote]

[quote name='lojo' timestamp='1373647572' post='2140230'] You apologised for the drummer quote, which to be fair was needed, but that should have ended the heat really, shame its gone this way. [/quote] Some people read my explanatory post, some didn't. I'm tired of having to keep explaining that it was ironic, I thought we specialised in irony here in the UK. After all, I keep hearing British people saying Americans don't 'get' irony, seems we don't either, most people probably think it means having a sh*t and finding the toilet paper's run out.

[quote name='The Dark Lord' timestamp='1373645682' post='2140178'] I'm not interested in your rants or protestations mate. I've just blocked you from my content. Say what you like to everyone else. [/quote] I find it fascinating that some people feel they have to announce to the forum who they put on ignore. It's the cyber version of turning your back on someone in meatspace, simultaneous display of anger and vulnerability. Have a lovely weekend darling.

[quote name='fumps' timestamp='1373644099' post='2140148'] Christ ***Head hits desk*** [/quote] I know mate.

[quote name='The Dark Lord' timestamp='1373643811' post='2140145'] I didn't say anything about status or money. They get to play at Glastonbury. That's good. That's success for a new young band in anyone's eyes. Apart from your's maybe. [b]I think calling the young girl on the drums "the bloke on the drums" is offensive. She's a young girl just doing her thing. Other musicians should encourage her - not disparage her. That's just a bit nasty mate.[/b] [/quote] [quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1373459351' post='2137787'] Ok, my little stab at light-hearted irony got all f***ed up. I'm sorry. I have obviously come across as a sexist prick, and that wasn't my intention. I detest prejudice and bullying of any sort, some of you already know this. What pisses me off somewhat is that because they are female, blokes on here start talking about how they are 'pure sex', how being a 'quim barber' is their ideal job, etc etc, and get away with that without nary a raised eyebrow. Virtually no-one has said they like Deap Vally's music, but that doesn't matter does it, because they are 'pure sex'. Are they feminists? Probably not, they are not The Slits. They are just another derivative band from LA being exploited by the sexist male-dominated music industry to make a few bob out of them (citation needed). You know, I started a thread asking if BC members felt that playing live was better than sex. I received the most arsey, pathetic prudish PM from a rookie mod (who I've got on with well in the past and even had a jam with) telling me the thread had been killed and NEVER EVER to dare start a thread like that again, Basschat will not tolerate such threads. I even apologised to him (for nothing AFAIC) and didn't even receive the courtesy of a reply. And yet, we have massive cleavage avatars (with some BC members actually PMing the avatar's owners asking who it is! How f***ed up is that?!), sexist remarks, 'she's a right slapper' threads, and sh*t like that. So can someone tell me what the f*** is going on here? Thank you, rant over. [/quote] I'm now starting to get tired of referring people to my post above. READ the thread if you are going to make such comments about what people say.

[quote name='The Dark Lord' timestamp='1373639968' post='2140071'] Did I touch a raw nerve. Maybe you're not as successful as you hoped you would be? You seem to be an unpleasant and angry person to me. [/quote] I'm certainly an angry person but its confined to injustice and inconsideration. I don't believe I'm unpleasant. I have the success I deserve because of lack of self confidence and I am in no way bitter about anything because the bands I play with delight me and I do this through love of music, not status or money which you seem to imply.

[quote name='The Dark Lord' timestamp='1373632353' post='2139891'] I can't really believe that this has turned into an commentary on sexism. Some people's minds too hard at work? My original point was that I loved the track and the style that it was played in. And, I think the girls are hot. A great combination - IMO. Anyone who says the drummer looks like a bloke or either of them looks plain is wrong and is missing the point. Also, those of you who say she isn't a good guitarist ...... it's not a music lesson. It's entertainment. And I think they put on a good show - certainly make a spectacle. Check this out nay-sayers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XC8hsFA-lg They get to do this - and you, most probably, don't. It's the forumantes again I guess. The downside of the wonderful Internet. [/quote] Why the f*** do you think stage size and show scale have anything to do with our musical ambitions? You love this band, so what? Thanks for showing them to us, are we allowed to dislike them? This turned into a discussion about sexism probably because there's naff all to say about this band. You think they're hot and you would like to pooch them, that's great, go for it. Let us know how you get on.

[quote name='operative451' timestamp='1373627931' post='2139804'] Being that it was my bass rig, yes i thought it was funny... The spirit of it was meant humourously and while i do know a few people who would have been mortally offended, i got the joke... Especially as being a female 'rocker' is generally still considered a bit edgy and unusual (sadly)... The 'she looks like a bloke' thing... Hmm... well, there does seem to be a rise in jokes about the 'T' part of the LGBT community at the moment - due a lot i think, to a higher media profile in recent years - people like [url="http://lastofthecleanbohemians.wordpress.com/2012/01/28/paris-lees-channel-4s-first-transgender-presenter/"]paris lees [/url]popping up on channel 4 and radio1 and [url="http://www.cnlester.com/"]CN Lester[/url] putting a completely different spin on the whole bowie bit... And Juliet Jaques and Jane Fae writing for prominent (progressive) press outlets... And its sad that that the implication that someone might be transgender is considered an insult... Drummers are often muscly! But hey, heavy thread and all that... Tell you what though, on a lot of forums i've been on this thread would have been locked by now as the insults would be flying everywhere! I guess bass players are just generally more chilled and thoughtful.... ;D [/quote] I meant the bloke on the drums thing ironically. See my post earlier.

You have statutory rights mate. Get it sent back to Reidy's for a refund. That 14 days thing is more of a cooling off period. It is faulty. Call them and be kind but very firm. Don't take no sh*t off them.

[quote name='Jazzneck' timestamp='1373566189' post='2139162'] Been reading the TB thread - fascinating stuff - I'll be buying the books too. Just got the Zappa 'Make a Jazz Noise Here' on Mr. Wictor's recommendation - Scott Thunes has frightened the life out of me and to make it worse, my drummer mate is getting all excited 'cos he thinks I'll be able to play this stuff next week! [/quote] Excellent! Check out Thunes' pick work on T'Mershi Du'ween. Mental! His skill (apart from his mastery of the instrument) is all about communication, his personality just seems to spill out all over the place. That's the hardest thing for a musician to do I think. Both books are wonderful, I hope you enjoy them

[quote name='iceonaboy' timestamp='1373563672' post='2139131'] Well isnt saying the drummist looks like a man sexist? Because as I said before, its natural when presented with an image of a woman doing something, to immediately think, yeah, shes tidy, or nah, shes a munter. Girls do the exact same. I dont think this is sexist. Its what makes this old world go around. If said tidy girl happens to be doing something in the picture(or video) that you like. In this case, playing an instrument, then your interest is piqued even more. I didnt make a sexist joke about them. I merely said my ideal job would be a quim barber/designer, which Im sure would, as the original joke suggests, have a bloody long queue for interviews. [b]To be clear. I dont think saying she looks like a man is sexist.[/b] I think its just a joke, same as saying" that guy looks like a bird" is humour. I think there is a bit of a PC overload on this forum at the moment. I mean its British humour , so lets not be so touchy about things like that. Most girls I know are not offended by this stuff. [/quote] Correct mate. It's gender-based bullying.

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1373565324' post='2139152'] Got one or two tricks up my sleeve ... [/quote] Tasty!

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1373561828' post='2139110'] I'll be round in about twenty minutes ... [/quote] You'll need to get ME aroused first mate

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1373561568' post='2139105'] I am aroused . [/quote] You should get undressed then

[quote name='SpaceChick' timestamp='1373559537' post='2139080'] This post is worthless without pics Nige [/quote] I would hope my wedding vegetables look a lot less f***ing lumpy that this (is that a globe artichoke in there?!) but here's what I've got me eye on ..

[url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ghosts-Ballyhoo-Memoirs-Failed-Journalist/dp/0764343386/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1373546803&sr=8-6&keywords=ballyhoo"]http://www.amazon.co...ywords=ballyhoo[/url] I just finished it, what a fascinating read. very uncomfortable at times, but it's totally compelling. It started life on a Talkbass thread where he posted a few bassist interview stories. Three massive threads later he was convinced to actually write the book. Each chapter has an interlude section by Scott Thunes, which is fabulous enough, but the whole book is just wonderful, hell of a personal story about Tom's life as a failed LA music journalist, he wrote for Bass Player magazine, and his other book In Cold Sweat: Interviews with Really Scary Musicians is a bass bible for me. Deep interviews with Peter Hook, Gene Simmons, Jerry Casale, and Scott Thunes. Awesome stuff, buy them both!