SteveK

[quote]It's one of the many techniques Sting uses[/quote] I feel like saying, "If Sting had gone through life relying solely on his bass playing to feed himself, he would have led a very hungry existence" but there are probably a few Sting fans here... so I won't [quote]Is there any reason not to just use my thumb?[/quote] None at all...but it's highly unlikely that you will become an accomplished player. Steve

[quote]A song various jazzers like to knock but secretly they'd all give their eye teeth to have written anything remotely as popular themselves.[/quote] I'd like to have written it...along with "The Birdy Song", "Agadoo" or any other ditty that has sold by the shed load. However, it's the performance that's in question here rather than the song. Steve

[quote]Doing a 2 song mime for Cliff Richard... laugh.gif smile.gif[/quote] And, how is Pete (drums) these days? To answer the op: It's a compromise between having the right and left wrist comfortable. For me (finger style) that means having the bass body pretty squarely over my tummy button. Steve

Apologies for the delay in responding - had to take my 2 & 5 year olds to see Santa I also wanted to consider the e-card idea. I don't have Mike P's email address, so unfortunately, it would rely on a friend of a friend and I kinda feel uneasy about doing it. But, there is nothing stopping anyone sending their best wishes via his forum: [url="http://www.totonetwork.com/forum/15"]MP's forum[/url] Or dropping him an email: [url="http://www.totonetwork.com/contact"]Toto contact[/url] If I think of anything else I'll post here. Steve

[quote]what's the real gen?[/quote] Having worked a lot with Toto over the years - and more recently with Lukes band - I've got to know them [i]fairly[/i] well, and I know how protective they are of their "brothers", so it's unlikely that you'll get "the real gen"...at least from them. Even after many Tequilas and Jagermeisters Luke didn't say much more than I posted above - he was quite obviously very sad and upset about MP's plight. Steve

A couple of months back I asked Luke the same question, he told me that Mike was in a fairly bad way and was pretty much unable to venture out of his front door or pick up his bass. Very sad!

If it's an established artist, then my general rule of thumb would be to ask for the same rate as the keyboard player/drummer/guitarist etc. Steve

[quote]When is it acceptable to use a band name that's already been used?[/quote] Why decide on a name that you[i] [b]know[/b][/i] is already in use? Seems crazy to me - a possible recipe for confusion.

[quote]Not sure if it was my telly sound or my hearing,but i thought the bass was low in the mix,and JB and co drowned it out more often than not[/quote] It was yer typical telly mix - ie: Crap! The guitar was just too high in the mix. What does surprise me, is that JB would most probably have heard it before transmission - and OKd it. Nevertheless, enjoyed the show - thought he was on great form. Steve

[quote]I think this is a good case to show that having a written 'Band Agreement' in place to cover such eventualities is worth it's weight in gold.[/quote] And if the band say, "You're rubbish, we've found someone else...on yer bike". What are you going to do? Edit: In all the years that I've been playing I've never signed a "Band Agreement". I,ve [i]have[/i] heard of musicians signing a contract for a particular tour, but nothing else. In answer to the OP: As long as there are good vibes and you don't have other commitments, then I would suggest 1-2 months, or till a replacement is ready.

If your band are playing around G7, then, "The world is your lobster, Terry" . But to keep it simple - in addition to G Mix - you could incorporate some Blues scale phrases (G-Bb-C-Db-D-F-G). Ideally, you would have the scales and modes under your belt before attempting a solo... But, being thrown in at the deep end is often a quicker way to learn. It does focus the mind. Good luck. Steve

A couple of points: 1. It's quite possible that the headliner hasn't got a clue who you are. Back stage areas are often awash with people: Sound tech's, lighting tech's, stage crew, liggers and family and friends. Unless you have a great big sign above your head saying, "I'm in the support band". How the hell are they supposed to know? 2. Just because headline acts often play to thousands, doesn't make them any less shy about approaching total strangers. 3. Maybe a headline act is unable to watch the support band - perhaps they have to eat - perhaps they like a bit of peace and quiet before their show - or maybe they're just knackered and need to lay down somewhere. 4. How many of you bemoaning the "arrogant" "Up themselves" headliners have actually done the approaching and said "Hi, I'm ?????, I'm in the support band. Looking forward to your set" or similar?..yeah, thought not. Of course you get the odd a***hole who just doesn't want to be friendly, that's life, but if [u]you[/u] say "Hi" to someone, there's more than a good chance that they'll say "Hi" back. Steve

Granted, he does look a bit like Tony Levin, but it is in fact... ...keyboard player extraordinaire, sometimes OXO man, Joe Zawinul

His right hand technique is very like [url="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/46/146738745_9f4e6d741e.jpg?v=0"]Tony Levin[/url], 'cept TL has to have 2 lumps of wood strapped to his fingers

Very nicely played - Exceptionally clean - Hardly a rattle or buzz to be heard. Good on 'im.

I may be totally wrong here - I've never seen or heard of the guy before - but my guess is that he's a tabla player who first picked up a bass about 6 months ago. He's got an interesting right hand technique... BUT, his appalling left hand rather gives the game away. Steve

[quote]Seems BC needs a forum for the under 12s.[/quote] [quote]I think that's a bit harsh. I haven't been posting here because I know absolutely nothin of Jeff Berlin.[/quote] Just to be clear, that wasn't in reference to any like or dislike of Berlin and McCartney discussion, but to the "[i]your a c*ckface[/i]" "[i]he's a c*ck[/i]" type post.

[quote]Yes, I always use a credit card on any purchase from the net just in case something like this happens. Never actually had to use them to chase money for me though. Hope it works out ok.[/quote] Good, just wanted to be sure. I think you'll find that they (the CC company) will immediately reimburse you the £400 until they've got to the bottom of it. At least, that has been my experience. Steve

[quote]Bassically I'm a sexual deviant who doesn't have the intellect to maintain such a high-brow discussion as this.[/quote] No kiddin' !?

Chris, You don't say whether you used a [b]Credit[/b] Card or a [b]Debit[/b] Card. Unfortunately a [b]Debit[/b] card doesn't offer you the same protection.

In total agreement with [b]jakesbass[/b]. Seems BC needs a forum for the under 12s.

Our FOH guy says he'll quit if I stop using my '85 Streamer. Reckons it's the best sounding bass he's worked with, I keep telling him "It's not the bass , it's the guy operating it ". Anyway, I trust his opinion, seeing as he did FOH for Jeff Beck for the best part of 30 years, and all JB's associated bass players (including Pino). It sounds great, it plays like a dream, and no other bass comes near it... and believe me, I've looked. Steve

[quote]Paul McCartney? I'd like to grind my heel in his smug face. Ooh did I write that out loud? I'm not keen on his playing either and can't understand the adoration he gets, especially in the States, just because he was in a band with little competition 40 odd years ago.[/quote] WTF??

GUITAR STORE? SATURDAY AFTERNOON? [b]ARE YOU MAD???[/b] [b]AND WHY'S EVERYBODY SHOUTING???[/b] Oh yeah...Happy Birthday

Whether the learning of music theory is relevant or not to you as a musician will largely depend on the type of music you want to play. If you are into playing punk, metal or playing covers and the like, and that's all you see yourself playing, then learning a load of theory may well be irrelevant...If I remember correctly, music theory is against punk law anyway! However, if you're into other forms of music: funk; jazz; big band etc, then at least a basic knowledge of theory is going to hold you in good stead. Of course, we have all heard about those wonderful musicians who know no theory - great grooves - totally original and imaginative bass lines. These guys are very gifted and very few and far between. Most of us have to put in the hours/days/weeks/months/years. Don't deceive yourself by thinking that you are one of the chosen few. I spent many years as a professional "playing by ear"...it took me that long to realise that maybe my ears just weren't good enough. And if all you want to do is get together with your mates, have a bit of a thrash a couple of nights a week - do the occasional (or more frequent) gig, and have a bit of fun, then learning a whole load of theory may also be pointless. [quote]IS IT IMPORTANT, TO LEARN all the notes and stuff on a bass,i just cant be arsed with learning all the theory[/quote] I commend the OP for his honesty... However,learning the notes on the neck isn't theory... that's what you need to know before attempting to learn theory. Steve