Ruarl

I've done a little research on a related topic. I measured the "operating deflection shapes" of a bass of mine, which are like modes, but for structures with varying internal stress and strain. I found a spot where there was a match between the frequency of a high-amplitude ODS and the second harmonic of a fretted note. So, if you were to play that note, you would expect the energy from that harmonic to transfer into the bass body very easily. And it did! Looking at the spectrum of that note as output by the pickups, the second harmonic died away very quickly compared to other notes which didn't share this feature. This experiment suggests that the stiffer the bass is, the longer vibrations will sustain in the strings (and in the output), because energy that is transmitted into the wood doesn't come out as sound. From the perspective of the bass, a harmonic is just the same as any other note. There are various vibrations ocurring in the string, which may or may not be absorbed into the body (causing them to die away.) I didn't do any experiments direclty on higher pitches, as the equiment I was using couldn't inject enough energy at higher frequencies. But if you extrapolate the results I got to higher pitches, you could say that any bass that absorbed less energy from the strings, whether because it was stiff or heavy, would play louder, longer-lasting harmonics.

Now, I'm a bit of a newcomer to Ibanez basses. But a recent attack of GAS has meant I'm looking at pages listing the EHB1506ms a lot. And I noticed that the price on Anderton's has just dropped to £1339. Just thought I'd mention that here in case anyone else is similarly afflicted...

I just bought a '71 Precision from Michael. He was very patient while I noodled around ineptly, had a nice chat, and supplied a top quality cup of tea. Was very respectful of my Covid precautions without even asking. Top notch seller! Cheers for the bass Andy

Thanks all for the ideas.

I’m trying to learn fretless, and I’ve heard playing along to a drone (say, the root) is beneficial for intonation. What ways are there to make a drone? I’m very comfortable with technology, but I haven’t done anything with music on computers for about 20 years. Can I get a modern sequencer program to play a drone? Are there iphone apps? Web pages? Albums on Spotify? Help me out!

I managed to keep up with it for about two months before life got in the way. The main problem I had was the lectures which introduced each week were nearly an hour long. If you wanted to keep up, you had to watch those on Monday. There was some suggestion from Scott that they would try and move the posting of the intros to the weekend if they ran the course again. I found I could do the exercises in about 30 mins. Unless you have an excellent memory, take notes during the videos. There are various subtleties to each of the exercises, and thanks to Scott’s rambling style, they’re very difficult to find again quickly. Right now, I’m picking the course up where I left off earlier. I have a bit more time at the moment. I’d say it is good value for money, and it has certainly helped improve my technique.

I had a blast last time, despite the snow. I’d love to have another meet up.

I’m going to an exhibition at Excel on 6th April from Manchester. If we can figure out somewhere sensible to meet around 10am, I can take the bass for you. I’ll be travelling by train.

I’ve got 4, for now: Sei 6-string (Serial no. 8 ) JV Jazz Tacoma Thunderchief fretless acoustic. 5-string Stingray-style thing built for me by the Bass Doc in Newcastle. The shopping list is long, though.

I’m a big fan. Really great lines on those early Jamiroquai albums. I’m still refining my efforts on them, 20 years later!

Sounds to me like the second guy was just a bad teacher. In one of the intro videos for the course Scott points out there are different techniques for plucking strings. All are appropriate for different things, and he wants to teach his students to have a conscious choice over which to use, rather than switching between them at random. In your example, no muting method is bad as long as it works. I’m assuming your floating thumb muting is very good, and your second teacher just thought it was not a good idea. I noticed in my playing that I’m switching around in a way I don’t have control over. That’s why I signed up. If you’ve spent a long time acquiring the technique you want, then I don’t think this course is aimed at you. My own technique is something which has only ever received haphazard attention, and I’d like to give it some focus and maybe even cover areas I hadn’t thought of myself.

I’ve joined up as well. Looking forward to some structure!

Great stuff!

This is really amazing. Thanks for sharing. A terrifically skilled bunch of musicians doing something pretty unique. I agree the piano player is particularly good, but he's not miles ahead of the rest. Wonderful! (When's the UK tour?!)

Ah, yeah! I think it was under the E-string, now I see that. (The last time I picked up an upright must be AT LEAST 8 years ago) Thanks, Dad!

I'm not an upright player. Like many electric bassists, I've picked up and upright now and again, and had a noodle. On most of the instruments I've tried, I've noticed that the fingerboard seems to have a kink at the G-string, so the fingerboard is in a slightly different place than it would be if the smooth curve under the other strings continued. Is this a feature? Something copied from other instruments? Something done for students? Or just a normal fingerboard?

I just acquired a second hand Big Baby II and I suspect the Speakon sockets might need replacing. I removed the screws from the backplate last night, but I couldn't get it to budge. Has anyone removed one of these before? Do I need to unscrew anything else? or just apply more force? I could imagine that the plate could have become adhered to the coating which covers the cab, and needs a lever to un-stick.

That is a very pretty instrument!

Welcome! I'm another North-West lapsed musician. Not lapsed for as long as you did, mind. I've found loads of useful information and friendly chat on this site over the past few months. I'm sure you'll have a good time.