neilp

Best tips I was ever given, if you want to be asked back. Deps or session work, makes no odds 1. Turn up early with all your gear working 2. Help with load in/out or set-up 3. SMILE 4. Co-operate 5. Play exactly what you're asked to play 6. SMILE and say thank you

The only issue I have is with using the unit plugged into my Aria SB1000. As mentioned earlier, it doesn't sit flush so the magic tape won't stick it to the bass. It isn't a big deal, I love the unit and thoroughly recommend it. I have two transmitters to save swapping from fretted to fretless and they switch on and off with minimal noise. All in all, almost no downside and great value. Do it!!!!

Zeppelin 2 Abbey Road Straight Shooter - Bad Company Darkness On The Edge Of Town

I would Phil, genuinely brilliant way to spend a day, but sadly I have a workshop to run myself that day, coincidentally working on one of David's compositions.... The next one will go in my diary when I get round to it though!

I use Ben's lovely endpins too. I have two slightly different lengths to cover all situations. I use the old carbon endpin when travelling for the reasons you mentioned, but also because it has a rubber foot. If you're going to make a plug, I'd strongly recommend a rubber foot to protect the tailpiece and bottom block from shocks and save your self potentially VERY expensive problems in the future.

Little bit of compression, sometimes a little bit of chorus. I tend to kick the chorus in and out for different bits of a song

My Merc E-class estate will fit the bass, stool, amp, bag of stuff and electric bass in with the smaller section of the rear seat folded, so still room for 4 people. Top notch Harmann Kardon stereo too. Recently filled it with two basses, two cellos and a selection of violins and violas, plus a few boxes of sheet music and assorted bits. It's amazing how much you can get in a car when you have to!

Honestly, don't even think about it> My DB is insured for £16k, and travels in a gig bag. Never been damaged. Buy a gig bag with 22mm padding and load and unload carefully. Flight cases are only needed for flying

Are you planning on flying somewhere with it? If not, you don't need a hard case. They are a complete and utter pain, avoid if at all possible!

That man is such a tart! He's spent years telling everyone who would listen that there was nothing worth playing that couldn't be played on a 4-string, and he'd never bother with a 5!!! Wonder how many dollars Cort waved under his nose to bring about that change of heart I agree with JB's previous stance on 5-strings, but the Cort Jeff Berlin models do look fantastic, and I'm sorely tempted by the Rithimic 4 Hope you enjoy it!

Philparker is dead right, these are superb days if you're looking for a boost to your learning journey. David is a fabulous guy and an unbelievable player. Great teacher too, so you should go if you can

Why the hell would you take a 12 string bass to a jam night? A bit self-defeating. We all know what jam nights are for

Not by me it's not. Sweeping generalisation there!

I use Thomastik Bel Canto, they suit my bass better than the Evah Pirazzi it had when I bought it. The sound of the instrument is quite bright, so I'm wondering about a change to Flexocor Originals, but I'm not a great fan of the endless search for the "perfect" string.

At the heart of it, the bass has thick heavy strings and it's not easy to make them "speak" quickly and evenly. One of the ways you can get the screeching noise is if you don't have enough grip on the strings. This could be worn bow hair, not enough rosin or not enough of the ribbon of hair contacting the string. Could also be caused by tension in the bow arm, bow too near the bridge and moving too fast, or the bow stroke not being perpendicular to the string. Inconsistent weight in the bow stroke, poorly set-up instrument, unsuitable strings, old and useless rosin, the list goes on. This is why there's so little point faffing with strings etc etc to try to get your "tone". It's almost always nothing to do with perceived problems with strings or set-up, much more likely poor technique.

Maybe that's cos they need £899 for them....

[quote name='gareth' timestamp='1476800523' post='3157350'] if you get the chance, take it You only live once [/quote] What he said. I work as much as I can, and my plan is to reduce my living costs to the point where I can live on my musical income. Classical, rock/pop, originals, covers, whatever. Don't care, I love it all and I'd much prefer not to have to do anything else

Practice, practice and practice some more! I find - 30+ years of sightreading behind me, to be fair! - that I focus mainly on rhythm, the notes are the easy bit, particularly on BG. Tap out - in your head if necessary - anything that's not obvious, and make sure you know what you're counting - if you have a conductor, is he/she beating that 4/4 section in 4, or 2 or maybe even 1? The notes themselves can usually be read as you go, the key is practice and more practice!

The sounds are part of it, but there's more to it. I feel like mine inspires me, I'm a better player with the Wal strapped on than with anything else I've ever played. It changes the music I play for the better.

My Mk1 fretless is never leaving me. The world does not contain enough money. Every time it comes out of its case it comes "bearing a gift beyond price".

How did I learn? Bough a bass, started playing. Played along with records, formed a band with schoolmates and worked at it. All my formal musical education came from the classical world, playing double bass. I've been doing both for 35+ years now, and I wouldn't say I've learnt to play yet! Bass guitar is no fun to me unless it's in a band setting. I practice at home, but the idea of noodling away at home just doesn't cut it. Give me a gig, that's always been my motivation to learn

Horses for courses, of course, but I find a "correct" French or Italian bow hold is much more natural than a "correct" German bowhold. It might be worth seeking out a lesson or two with a good classical teacher who can show you the True Path, whether with a French or a German accent!

You pretty much get what you pay for, so yes, pay a little more and then when your son moves on to a slightly better instrument you 'll have a decent bag to put it in. You can't have too many handles. My Roth & Junius bag has 6 handles and two carrying straps and is superb, if a bit dearer than the Westbury.