jonnybass

It depends on the band/music for me. For standard covers i use a 5. For originals i use a 5 and for any vintage covers gigs I use a 4. Switching between them isnt a problem now, but I've played 5s on and off for 30 years. Getting a good tight B string is very important, so construction of the 5 has to be of a good level. Jonny

Hi I am trying to work out an option for selling etickets for our band gigs, it looks like Eventbrite do it, but id love to hear any real world experience from basschatters out there. Jonny

Cheers Rich, I tried Elixirs when they first came out (im that old) but really didnt like the feel, although the more I think about it, I was playing two-three times a week and loving Labella Hard Rockin steels on my basses then. I may take another look at these. Jonny

Thank you, I'll investigate. I notice Warwick do a Red or Black label. Do you have any experience on the differences? Jonny

It all depends on the bass Im using and how often. My Fretless got a brand new set of Thomastiks in 2018, I think they were around £40, still going strong and no need to change them. My four string jazz which is doing the most work at the moment, gets a set of Ernie ball hybrid slinky's (£19.99) every 6-8 weeks depending on gigs and weather. Not found a suitable set for my Sire V7 five string, its currently strung with my spare fairly fresh (March) Newtone 5 string Platinums (£40 odd quid including delivery) which i use for the ACG. I haven't gigged with the ACG since June last year, so just ordered a set of Newtones for it, but when gigging regularly they get changed every 3 months. Anyone recommend a decent 5 string set for the Sire? They need to be roundwound, Nickel, 45 to at least 130 standard Long scale? I prefer flexibility link Hybrid slinky's and Newtones...Preferably under £30 Do D'Addario do a set that meets this? Only tried a flatwound set a few years ago and didnt like them... Jonny

Bought a strap from Kevin. No hassles, package arrived, decent comms throughout. Jonny

I watched a few minutes of the video, and then skipped to the music bits. My view is its up to you to play, look or use equipment how you want to. I love the solo bass stuff, you get some terrific noises and feelings coming across. As long as you keep doing what you want to, then go for it. Jonny

Totally agree about some elements of this post but other points get me thinking. While it feels illogical to ascribe sonic characteristics to some materials for electric instruments, there can be no denying the skill of a luthier. In addition I often wonder how much is the placebo effect. Do musicians play better on certain instruments because they are comfortable and feel better (for them)? I think they do, in the same way artists use certain brushes, writers use certain implements etc.. I remember starting out playing and reading Chuck Rainey's bass method. His advice was pick a bass you like the sound of unplugged, as on an electric instrument it can only get better when you plug it in. This is something I kinda agree with.

I have a V7 5 string in burgundy mist. Bought new. As soon as it came I took it to a tech for a set up, and it made a huge difference, immediately a far better playable bass. So be prepared for a set up (obvs YMMV). I found the B string is good, i've had worse /played far worse 5 strings over the years. I didnt like the pre-amp, sound was average but too many knobs on it. I have swapped it out for a Fender 3 band (4 knob) one I had kicking about. Its taken a huge step forward. The tuners are heavy making it a little neck heavy, but I can and have used it on a 3 hour gig without any discomfort. PIckups for my taste are a bit weak sounding, also not a huge fan of single coils but they dont have too much hum (at least haven't been for me so far). Over time I am looking to replace the tuning pegs for lighter ones, and change the pickups once thats done, this is easily a main gigging bass for me with any covers band I work with. For the money a great bass, they look cool (after my ACG probably my most commented on bass for looks) and are a good platform to modify and turn into an even better bass. Jonny

I adjust the angle of my fingers, usually, for more straight or faster sections I have the tips of my fingers vertical over the point of the string I am plucking. When I want growl or harder attack I turn my fingernails more towards the neck and hit slightly harder, usually leading with the middle finger. This works for me, I'm sure I got this tip from watching a Bryan Beller interview on youtube somewhere. jonny

I'd go to the albums Roll the bones or Counterparts. Although Im not sure the 72 was used on Roll the bones, you may still not like them..

One of my favourite groups, but not for everyone. There are songs with space, clearer tone etc, all depends what era of Rush you are listening too. My favourite thing about them is they sound like Rush and no one else does. Even when they change their style (slightly) i.e. less wizards, more other stuff.. Jonny

Tricky topic, but i always start with strings. Then my thoughts are different if the bass is a keeper or not. If its a keeper then I'd be less worried out making "destructive" changes so pickup shape, pre amp knob count, switches etc can all be different. If I wasnt sure if it was a keeper Id want any changes to be "non destructive" so no change to pickup shape etc. I'd then look in my spares bag and second hand, and whatever came up first for the best price is what I'd go for. If it improves the sound but not fully, I'd look at changing the next component. If it does, I'd stop. Did that with my Sire V7, didnt like the sound, went with Custom Newtone strings, I preferred it, but still lacking. Had a spare Fender pre amp in a bag, changed it. I now have a bass with a sound Im happy with.

Personally, I think everyone plays so differently what works for one person doesnt work for another. On my five string basses I use Newtone Custom guage nickel wrapped roundcore strings 50-130. They work really well on my ACG and ok on my Sire, at my next string change on the Sire I'll try something else, but it will still be nickel wrapped steel. My thought process is always material, feel (stiffness), sound I like Nickel as its more forgiving on my fingers, and produces (for me) less string noise. The strings need to have quite a loose feel, I hate strings that are too rigid. Then they need to sound fairly bright and growly. I usually use trial and error after that.

Just picked up a Zoom B6, so far (in the house) I'm impressed, does everything I need a multi effects to do, easy to create or adjust sounds, nothing lacking for me. Practicing with the band this weekend which will be the next test. Then a gig in a couple of weeks.