spongebob

I'm a full left-hander that plays bass right-handed. When I've been playing the drums (not for a while now though) I'm (as another poster was) an open-hander.

I found last week that the fingers gave so much more bottom end - can that ever be emulated with a pick?

When I played some fingerstyle in my covers band this week instead of my normal pick, I asked the band at the end what they thought about the change in tone, and how it sounded within the group. All four replied the same - 'didn't realise you were doing anything different'! I'd go with the school of thought that the bass is your business - do what sounds good, and what you feel comfy doing.

When I use a pick, I have the other 3 fingers sticking out! It enables me to incorporate a few bits of finger work alongside. Trouble is, I simply can't play a Jazz bass as I keep hitting the controls with those fingers.....and I have really tried not to!

[quote name='chaypup' timestamp='1321368964' post='1438288'] You're in your early 90's and still playing? Well done sir! [/quote] Err......well spotted that man!

[quote name='Len_derby' timestamp='1321356269' post='1438093'] I've just started going the other way! After playing fingerstyle since about 1974 I've just started experimenting playing with a pick. I've always done a bit on guitar too, so (trying to do)the technique isn't new to me. I'm loving that 'clicky' sound with a roll of felt under the strings by the bridge too. I'll give you a wave as our trains pass going in opposite directions! [/quote] Agree that a happy medium is good, gives extra versatility.

I've been playing for a fair while now (early 90's) and although I started playing fingerstyle, I've been using a pick for most of that time. Just found it easier, and that it suited the kind of stuff I was doing. However, in recent months I seem to have changed my playing style. I used to play Rics, have switched to Precisions exclusively at the start of 2011, and have found that the change has given me more versatility in the way that I play. At recent band practices, I've been doing more and more songs without the pick....and TBH, it sounds a lot better. Whereas sometimes I've struggled to be heard, the fingerstyle has allowed for a whole lot more bass in the tone....and hey presto....I can cut right alongside our (very loud and very mid-dy) guitarist. Pick songs then sounded thin in comparison. I appreciate I'm talking to the converted here, but I just found it interesting as to how you can play for years, and still find room to change what you do and how you sound. Now, more's the pity, I'll have to practice more.....!!

Have a great time! I saw the 'Union'/Yes Music Plus (can't remember the exact title) tour at Wembley in abut 1990/91. It was the tour when all the members briefly came together except for, I think, Peter Banks. All those ego's on one stage! It was a revolving one, so you got to see everyone at some point. I remember they opened with an epic long version of 'Yours Is No Disgrace'....super stuff, and Squire was great throughout! Hope that's got you more excited!

Shame you don't want a 50's CVP...shameless plug for mine for sale!! They're way better than the 60's.............!

I'll still buy it anyway...!

2 for me. One for main bass, one for practice+whatever else (maybe a less than glamorous gig!) Both are very, very similar, so I've always got my sound which ever one I take!

I'm afraid I'm going with the flow here - no great for me either! Having spent the last 18 months gigging most weekends, I began the year a bit miffed with the whole thing. Band politics, car vandalised twice at gigs in '10, etc. Band was going nowhere - so in February I chucked it in. Wanted a small break to get back into playing again, rather than just going through the motions. Took 3 months away from bands. Enjoyed it! Eventually joined a covers band....still with them now. Have also recently joined an originals band which is proving great fun. Gig-wise, I've managed a couple so far, and one more to come for sure. Both bands looking for a busier 2012. TBH, I started the year wanting to be more satisfied musically than racking up gig numbers than I have in recent times, so I call that a success. Other side wasn't so good, with job problems and a bit of sadness in the family. I lost my dog in February, and that kind of set the tone for the year for me, I really miss my pal. Biggest thing in my playing was my conversion to Fender. After a good few year playing Rics, I finally got to see the Precision light. Rics all gone, and two P's in their place....so at least I've finally found my bass voice, and my true tone!

+1 - my favorite neck I've had on any bass, ever, and it sounds massive. It's the same neck size as on the Road Worn - I think!

The Dolphin music site shows what's discounted as well, with prices. Some good savings there!

Mike Dirnt sig bass anyone? Love the 50's look of these, just worried about the versatility compared to a standard P....bit too 'punk' if I get a big playing funk or something!

Thanks all! It is a very nice bass, and TBH, the quality is not, to my hands, any different than my 50's P! As for the neck, it probably is thicker than x bass, but from playing the 50's, anything else feels too small now! Oh...and Tom....I'll make sure I keep it well looked after and you a shout when the time comes!

I've had a couple of CV's before, the 60's P and Jazz - loved them, but had to make space so sold 'em on. Being down to just one bass recently - the MIM 50's P - I needed a backup, and hell, just wanted another similar-ish bass that wasn't a direct copy! I did a bit of reading, and plumped for the 50's P in Butterscotch. It's a lovely looking bass, and has come out the box really well put together, as one has come to expect from the CV's. I did read in places about the pickup power - mine is very good indeed, bags of tone and power. Maybe I got lucky! In short, it's a great bit of kit, and just over £300. Looking at the Tele basses (which it's pretty similar to), there is a bit of a price gap! I'm surprised Fender only make this bass in the CV range. I know there's the 60th Anniversary P, but that's almost 2k, and not single coil pups. Ever since I saw Billy Cox with one, it's a bass I've always wanted....the fact it's in the CV is just a bonus! I'll try to post some pics, but it's just standard, and that's how it'll stay! If you're in the market for one, go ahead, you won't regret it.

Item number: 390359120708 No relation or affiliation to me! Looking at the prices of the Tele basses for sale (purely for interest's sake) and came across this, as seen in the 'Don't Look Back In Anger' video. I tried to paste the direct link, but it was huge! You can search for the item number, or just look for Fender Telecaster Bass and it'll show up, with loads of pictures. It's pricey, but there are others pricier!!

I've just started his book, 'Riding Shotgun' as suggested above. Really enjoying the read - he comes across like a good guy, as well as a great player! I've dug out some mid-70's stuff on YT, and he seems to be playing his (I read somewhere) a '55 Precision. What a tone!

Probably already known, but I read this morning online that Gerry Mcavoy has left Nine Below Zero. His last gig will be in December around the time he turns 60. I'm quite new to his playing - really getting into Rory Gallagher over the recent months. I find Gerry's playing really inspirational, and perfectly fitting the songs. I'm aware he uses a Stingray now, but also in the past a couple of Precisions. I'm currently digging his tone on 'Live In Europe' - any idea what bass he used on that? His tone just slays everything in it's path! Anyone else a fan of the great man?

Great article and pics - cool!