StickyDBRmf

I had fun reading this. There are a lot I agree with, and here in the "Born In The USA" (I can't believe that Stanley Clarke video), AND LIVING IN NEW JERSEY, the only songs that really make me start screaming "Ahhh..." while grabbing for the volume is Bon Jovi.

Rosalynn w/ painted rose by Kate. Sorry it'sa guitar, no basses where I'm living, the only other thing here is a STICK. (original strap on that)

And here I thought you were gonna recommend a Joni tuning.

Find an art major at University, give them a try.

I put new strings on the Stick and it's like a lawnmower in a screw factory. Light touch, and I have to turn down the high eq.

That was the question I was waiting for.

The Girl in the Magnesium Dress-Zappa

I'm sorry for your loss. The times I have not had an instrument to scrap around on were difficult. When I was in one rehab, I found a pink acoustic guitar with five strings. They let me play it after I was not on suicide watch. Good thing too, I was tired of drawing pictures with crayons. This is not a joke. I hope you can get your hands on something soon!

Well, here's a guy that doesn't play a "bass", but plays an instrument that has a bass register, strings, fretboard, pickups...just no "body". And it has those "skinny strings", too. AND. It has two courses, one in 4ths, one in 5ths. I play the Stick every day (almost). The basses are in storage, for now, because I have no room for them, but they were hanging on the wall just a year ago. I play my own music, and I still want to record - myself, and with other like-minded dudes. Just having back issues now that drain the energy (and ambition) outa me, but... If I didn't play music I would be in a padded cell or dead.

O K me and Blondie.

First time in studio 1981. We were ready. Drummer knew how to tune his kit, keyboard player took too long. Well, had lotsa keys/synths. Guitarist knew his sound. Me? Bassist with the full gig-rig. Engineer mic'd me & put a DI box on me. Ran the tunes down to get the "band" feel. I later needed to over-dub, wasn't getting the sound right. Engineer brought me in the control room and sent me straight into the desk. What a revelation! I had never heard my basses like that before! (P bass w/ fretless ebony neck & Dimarzio pu, Ibanez Studio 8-string). Much better, to my (and everyone else's) ears. Years and years later, Chapman Stick and a PODX3, at home, with headphones. Trying to get "that sound". Every bass sim tried. Accidently put one of the mixing board pre's in, "Prog Vocal" (Vintage UK). Eureka! The words of the engineer come back to me. Dumb bass player go straight in board... Yes, I do use amp & speaker emulations (favourites are Eden and Alembic preamp) but I still do like a desk pre.

I thought this was about "Studio Etiquette". Where'd everybody go? I'll add me little story later, gotta get ready for the pizza. (not in the studio)

I wake up in the morning, put the coffee on, and something pops in my head. This song keeps occurring over and over, for days at time. Then stops. Then it starts up again. I don't know why. The last time I probably heard it was when it was a hit on AM radio. "This Diamond Ring" by Gary Lewis and The Playboys. No, my gf does NOT want to get married. And doesn't value diamonds. I kinda like the tune. Catchy. Doesn't bother me. No, I don't want to learn it on the Stick.

I always thought those things were to play higher notes! If I had one that's probably what I'd use it for...

Captain Beefheart. That's live by the way. Learning a part from a record was definitely an ear-training experience. I don't "dis" the Beatles to be cool. I just don't happen to like much of their stuff other than "The Beatles". (the white one). The Beach Boys vocal harmonies did more for me. Made my skin tingle. Etc., etc., etc. You blokes have a nice day!

All the records that I say I wish I still had, because of the high "vintage re-sale value", have no grooves left due to learning the parts by lifting the needle over and over again. This, thankfully, never took my pesos away. So this is "Rubber Soul", who everyone seems to taught as the big breakthru album by the beetels. ?. Paul needs a real bass anyone wanting one of these Hofner things is obviosly not about tone. I listened to the whole thing so don't give me any stink. They couldn't find a Fender Bass in England?

Taylor Swift. I hear she's got a great bass player. That she wrote a song about when they were dating but she wouldn't f*ck him.

All my basses are four (except the Ibanez Studio) right now, tuned either standard or "down". They are all in storage right now, so I currently only play 12 string. The Chapman Stick Dual Bass Reciprocal. I know, I know, etcetera, etcetera, but once you play it...FOR A WHILE, it's easier than a standard bass. You tap with either hand. No calluses. (OMG). It's not like I'm gigging in a cover band... Also. The last 5-string I had was tuned EADGC. I de-tuned the E manually when needed. Ho hum.

Turkey In The Straw.

I'm writing these days but when I "paint myself into a corner" I use Todd Rundgren as a pry-bar. Don't actually "write" like him, but as a "OMG! THAT CHORUS! THOSE CHORD CHANGES!", I steal from him-just a way-around-things-that make-me-grin kinda' thing. So I'm writing/learning Martys Mental Hygiene Music. And believe me, it's easier to hear this music than play it.

Ok I have no idea why I like 3rd Secret. Maybe it's a good tune and interesting vocal harmonies. I may be drunk though. Maybe not. Not like I liked any of the bands the first time around.

I should have mentioned one of the Stick teachers with published manifestos calls it Frickin'BEADGooC. Get it? FBEADGC and you ad yer #/b's where you need to as you go round in circles.

We Stick players who are coming from either 4-string or "what's that funny thing you do?" with the standard guitar tuning thingy, the 4ths/5ths is our bible. babble. bubble. THE THING IS. 4ths/5ths. Up the same way coming down. Only in the other direction. Or for that matter, the scales work out the the same way in the other direction.

I had to watch the video to see Sara Lee in the bathtub. I mean, to see what kind of bass she was playing.

Frenetic. Great name.