neilp

That's the thing though, isn't it? I don't hate him, and the only thing I'll remember him for is a pretty stunning technique (we're back to the girlfriend again!). The rest just leaves me cold.

Everyone should have a girlfriend like that at least once, if only to teach us what's really important. In the same way everyone should listen to Jaco at least once....

Why thank you! If only that applied to my music too...

I don't like Jaco. I won't deny his technical skill - what would be the point? Or his mastery of theory. IN MY OPINION, though, there's nothing else there. No sense of beauty, or human quality. Its a structurally perfect, exquisitely detailed empty vessel.

I won't deny he's been hugely influential either. Whether that's a good thing is another matter....

If your neck relief is right, you ought to be able to get it to zero, or almost zero. Bear in mind that the "amplitude" of the open string's vibration is zero at the nut, and very very small close to it, so if you've got the relief right, that should do it. That's what the relief is there for, after all!

Do you know what frequency your A string vibrates at? 55Hz...
You need to be able to reproduce those frequencies accurately. You do need a certain amount of power, but in general a lot less than most people think. Back in the 80's/90's all you needed for most smal/medium venues was 200 watts or so. Now everyone's dragging 500W rigs with multiple cabs around! Do we really need this sort of power? I can't remember ever thinking the Dynacord couldn't cope!

I still love my Dynacord BS 412 combo. It was even better before some toerag nicked the matching extension cab!

I use the same on mine, Elixir nickel

Mmmmm nice, very nice!

All Matsumoko SBs are the business, the SB1000 is just the top of the pile![attachment=206144:IMG_20150719_180658.jpg][attachment=206145:IMG_20150719_190738.jpg]

Yep, the more expensive of the two. Unless you're transporting a Lott bass worth 80k, I'd say it's up to the job

Roth & Junius bag from Thomann. Not loads of money, well made, good strong zip, six handles (just counted 'em), shoulder straps and four pockets of various sizes. Really nicely padded, all round a good bit of kit.

Neil

Looks nearly as nice as mine!

[quote name='pineweasel' timestamp='1448406099' post='2915262']
The string spacing is quite a bit tighter than a Fender, isn't it?
[/quote]
Yes,probably less so at the nut end, but at the bridge it's very noticeable. Needs a more precise approach to right hand technique, but it does make the bass easier to play fast passages on than a Fender. If you like it, it's great. If you don't, it's probably horrible. Part of what gives the SB1000 its character. I love it, but I know at least a couple of really good players who just can't get on with it, so try before you buy is good advice. Try the one you're going to buy is even better advice! I wouldn't buy a bass I haven't played. Well, unless I could afford a new Wal................

Ah, ok, I misunderstood! Granted, the body is a wee bit smaller than most and the headstock's quite short. It's certainly daintier than the Wal, but feels chunkier than the Cort, so I view it in those terms - middling!

Where did you get that idea? 34" scale just like the majority of instruments

They're great instruments, and have a character of their own. They may sell for 700-900, but you wouldn't get me to part with mine for that. It's like the Wal, it's part of me. Just love everything about it.

You could have my mint 1979/80 SB1000 for £895!!

Actually, thinking about it, no. you couldn't. Not for twice that...

Quick update - the walnut pin I got from Ben is very nicely made, looks good and has definitely opened the sound up a bit and increased the projection. Very happy, thanks to Ben!

Neil

Just recieved my new endpin from Ben. I haven't noticed the benefit with the ladies so far, but it's well made. I'll report on the sound later

[quote name='Lw.' timestamp='1447239627' post='2905959']
I can't believe just how many people play with only one hand; are you not limiting yourself a bit by just playing E,A,D & G?
[/quote]
my thoughts exactly

Very true! I don't agree with much of what Mr Bruce said, but I have to say I always regarded Mr McCartney as being of very modest gifts...

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1446814973' post='2902566']
Well, there are all the other times someone has expressed a similarly bizarre viewpoint about McCartney ... like every time he or The Beatles are mentioned.
[/quote]
With respect, what's bizzarre about it? Frogs Chorus? Mull of Kintyre? Band on the Run? All the most insipid Beatles output? Please.... A competent bass player, just about
Look up Jack Bruce's views on McCartney.

McCartney doesn't count. Even if he died today, everything he's ever done has "trite" and "banal" and "cliche-ridden" stamped all over it in 20-foot letters. Iconic? Never was, never will be IMHO

If you're struggling with an unfamiliar piece, I'd try listening to it and counting through the bass part without playing anything a couple of times, then try to fit in the important entries. Build it up gradually. I haven't played the piece so I can't offer any specific advice. Sorry
Neil