iamthewalrus

It really depends on your interpretation of "pop" music. If you're talking about the increase in popularity of bands such as The Kaiser Chiefs, Coldplay, Franz Ferdinand, Kings of Leon, or most rock bands, then you need to at least be a fairly competent & solid player. The guys who play bass in those self contained bands probably have a good idea of what they can play around the chord progressions in the songs they play. On the other hand, if you're talking about everything else - these gigs are possibly either being covered by guys out of places like Berklee, BIT, ACM, ICMP, or the small cadre of session bassists in Europe & the US ("schooled" players - the only exception to this would be Pino ). I think the vast majority of us gave up eons ago trying to figure out what "pop" music is - everything nowadays seems to fit in category somewhere. I'd be interested to see what the pros who post on here would say about this subject.... Cheers, iamthewalrus

I know there was a transcription in a copy of Bass Player magazine years ago of "Son of a Preacher Man". All my magazines are tucked away in a suitcase somewhere in the house, but maybe one of the members on here who has got more immediate access to their back issues might be able to help? Cheers, iamthewalrus

I think the fact that he's a pianist shouldn't be an issue as he's playing a chordal instrument. It might actually be more of a benefit as pianists play both the bass part & chords pretty much at the same time. He could probably teach you quite a bit about how chords & scales work together, as well as improving your melodic sense as well. Lets us all know how you get on. Cheers, iamthewalrus

I've been following this build with great interest, & I must say that is an absolute stunner! Any soundclips in the offing? Cheers, iamthewalrus

Hi all, Just in case anyone's interested, there's a 10 minute film clip of Victor Wooten using a Korg Metronome on their website (www.korg.com - look for ProSessions). The clip's quite educational (it's not a technique fest but there's some groovy funk & swing things going on) & he actually explains how to use one of these things without it clicking on every beat in 4/4 time, & points out about getting your "internal clock" happening. Enjoy! Cheers, iamthewalrus

Hi Steve, I've got an Aria IGB68/5 for sale in the Basses for Sale Section if you're interested. It's probably the lightest bass I've ever played on a gig, but it's not lacking in punch. PM me if you're interested? Cheers, iamthewalrus

Welcome aboard - another one in the RG postcode area here.... Cheers, iamthewalrus

[quote name='wayneyboy' post='475548' date='Apr 29 2009, 10:25 PM']do they cater for all levels?[/quote] The cross section of people at the ACM Summer School tends to range from people who have been playing a few months to many years. The age range also tends to run from young teenagers to guys in the 40+ category. The teachers do a great job in teaching right across the spectrum. I did it twice & thoroughly enjoyed it both times out. Cheers, iamthewalrus

My gear travels in a Vauxhall Corsa. Not the biggest car in the world, but it's big enough for me. Both my Epifani cabs fit in the boot with the rear seat forward a bit. My amp & my gig bag with my cables & leads sit on top of the cabs. My bass case lays on the rear seat & my stand goes in one of the footwells. Cheers, iamthewalrus

[quote name='YouMa' post='475467' date='Apr 29 2009, 08:55 PM']Is this the calling all the heros,it bites.[/quote] Yep - the very same Cheers, iamthewalrus

Good bass - tried one out in the Bass Centre when they were in Wapping & I almost filled my pants it was so good! If the Euro millions comes up this Friday I'm buying one! Cheers, iamthewalrus

Hi all, Have had a couple of "It Bites" albums on in the car the last couple of days ("Once Around the World" & "Eat Me in St. Louis"), & have really enjoyed listening to Dick Nolan's bass playing. I remember seeing a TV recording of the band in London in the early 90's, which was around about the time the band split. I know the band have reformed minus Frank Dunnery & Dick Nolan, but just wondered if anyone knows what Mr. Nolan's doing now? Floor is open to the Prog Rockers.... Cheers, iamthewalrus

I agree with Bilbo's statement about chords & scales - when I first started learning to play, it was a case of learning that chords come from scales. Looks like a case that CK is subscribing to Jeff Berlin's school of thought in terms of chord tones being ultra important. CK's best bass moment is definitely the part on "Sloop John B" - an absolute classic (IMO of course). Cheers, iamthewalrus

My Overwater 5 string Jazz & my Yammy TRB5 both have a 35" scale. I think Overwater even do a 36"? Cheers, iamthewalrus

What about Melissa Etheridge? (Kevin McCormick & Pino). Cheers, iamthewalrus

Hi BBC, If you're serious about doing a covers band, you need to have an idea what material you want to play. This ties up with what sort if gigs you're looking for, as if you're looking to do a wide cross section of gigs (i.e. weddings, parties, company functions, working mens clubs, British Legions etc.), be prepared to play a lot of music you may not necessarily like. You may find that some of these gigs will require you to comply with a dress code (i.e. Tuxedos, or collar & tie, or smart casual). If you're looking at doing a particular sort of material, you'll be restricted to doing mainly pub gigs, but there's nothing wrong with that. Money for doing weddings & the like pay better than your average pub gig - you may be looking at a minimum of say £250 - maximum - sky's the limit. Pub gigs in the South East you're looking at somewhere between £150 - £180, depends on the landlord. Some bands only get a cut of the takings behind the bar, so that being the case, make sure you get loads of your mates in to drink lots of beer & publicise the gig well in advance. Equipment wise (apart from your own backline) you'll need a decent size PA (I'd say at least 1kw) - this would comprise of a powered mixer, a couple of PA speaker cabs (with adjustable stands), two monitors (1 powered, 1 slave), a sufficient number of mics for all the vocals (plus a couple of spares in case they break down). You'll also need decent quality leads to hook all the stuff up with, a sufficient number of plugboards as you'll probably find that there's only one socket in the entire room to plug into! If you're looking at micing everything up & pushing it through the PA, you'll need to invest in a couple of Bass Bins & increase the wattage of the PA. Doing these kinds of gigs will increase your musical knowledge & stretch you as a player. I've learned more about music by playing in covers bands than I ever did by playing originals. I've probably only scratched the surface with some of the stuff above as there will be countless other guys on here with greater experience & knowledge who will add in stuff I've overlooked. Let us know how you get on. Cheers, iamthewalrus.

I had a BB1100S (which I wish I still had). Without doubt one of the best 4 string basses I've ever owned, Yamaha's are excellent quality basses for the money, no question. Cheers, iamthewalrus

Hi Jon, Nice to see you on here - I've got a couple of your books (Funk Bass & Funk Fusion Bass). Both great workout books Looking forward to any wisdom you can impart on us Limeys! Cheers, iamthewalrus

There's a slightly similar related thread on Talkbass: [url="http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=521631"]http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=521631[/url] If I got called to do a dot reading gig, I'd have to turn it down from the viewpoint that I know I wouldn't be able to do it. Being able to read opens a lot of doors & I keep kicking myself for not doing it years ago. It sounds like you're not far off the mark in terms of doing those kind of gigs though, so it's only a matter of time now. Good luck Cheers, iamthewalrus

Saw the documentary about the '64 UK Tour, was absolutely amazed that it was so poorly attended, considering the talent that was on the bill. They don't write stuff like that anymore - nearest I've heard to anything of that quality is the Rapahel Saadiq track they've been playing on Radio 2. Long live 60's Soul (The Flame Keeps on Burning - yeah I know that's associated with Northern Soul...) Cheers, iamthewalrus