Eight

[quote name='truebassman' post='386730' date='Jan 20 2009, 09:01 PM']Shall I bring my £200 bass (OLP Stingray copy) I'm very proud of or will it just be embarassing/laughed at ? I'm the sort of person who would bring it in a plastic carrier bag[/quote]
... Well thats it sorted then - there's no way I'm bringing my £50 bass if you're worried about being embarrassed about bringing a £200 Stingray copy.

Turnkey in London was always my favourite music shop. You went in and they just had everything out from guitars to whole DAWs/sequencers that you could play on - didn't even need to ask the staff first. Spent so much money in there.

I'm told they closed down or moved or something.

[quote name='spiltmilk_2000' post='386465' date='Jan 20 2009, 05:44 PM']I started the thread about minor modes which was mentioned earlier in this discussion. I wasnt looking for someone to supply a magic answer or anything... or to tell me what to play when... And I dont think our original poster here was either. More I wanted to understand the theory of minor modes so that I could analyse what I already play (through feel!) and try to see why it works or why I like what I like. You've got to have parameters and rules so you can decide when to break them![/quote]
I totally agree with what you said - but I often think that last expression doesn't help. To people who don't like the idea of the theory side, it might suggest that music theory is somehow a rule that "learned" people follow and ignorant/rebellious/creative people do not.

Which in my opinion, is untrue and unfair.

edit: I guess saying that perhaps you need to understand the convention before you break it doesn't have much of a ring to it.

I prefer to think about music theory as a way of qualifying and quantifying elements of music. It gives people a way of discussing music in detail (as opposed to a vague comment like 'moody' as I used in another thread). As you said, working out how/why you like certain things in music (other people's and your own) and sharing those opinions. Analysing effectiveness - particularly in your own music e.g. you wanted a certain feel, but why didn't you get it. etc. There are benefits when writing music too.

I've never said that anything you learn from music theory can't be similarly achieved by people who never study it. For me, I *know* it helps - the more I learn the more productive, creative and inspired I am. Others have to do what seems right for them.

[quote name='mcgraham' post='386350' date='Jan 20 2009, 04:25 PM']Eight, I don't pretend to speak for everyone, I was merely making an observation that was my opinion.[/quote]
Sure thing.

[quote]as for the rest of your post... it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me[/quote]
Ok, I'll try to put my opinion a little blunter.

If you're talentless, then it doesn't matter if you know music theory or not. If you're talented, you'll find a way thats best for you to use to that talent. Maybe that includes theory, maybe it doesn't.

I do not believe music theory stifles creativity one bit. Music theory does not tell you to do anything; its not rules and its not a prescription. Its theories and explanations. Understanding cadences does not restrict you from using any note available to you on your instrument to end your measure/piece etc. etc.

Just in the same way as a fairly adequate knowledge of English grammar and spelling doesn't prevent me from typing something like "lolwut n00bs" as a stylistic parody of World of Warcraft players.

I certainly don't recall anyone credible saying that music theory is a replacement for ears; and I would never say that you must must learn music theory if frankly, you don't want to. But to suggest that it is actually detrimental to creativity is completely unfounded.

[quote name='mcgraham' post='386202' date='Jan 20 2009, 03:10 PM']I totally agree. It's sickening that the most learned people often seem to be the most stale musically.[/quote]
*Seem* is the operative word. As in "seem to you".

From what I can see, (and bass seems no different from any other part of music in this respect), most musicians are stale. Law of averages in a way - or perhaps the definition of average. Some choose to study large amounts of theory. Others choose not.

My opinion - in music, the end justifies the means. And mediocrity will still be mediocre whether the writer is an encyclopedia of music theory or not. Genius will be still be genius, and pants will still be pants.

Each to their own.

[quote name='Old Horse Murphy' post='385928' date='Jan 20 2009, 12:26 PM']Dust it? Haven't you heard of Mojo?? [/quote]


PM sent.

[quote name='Old Horse Murphy' post='385878' date='Jan 20 2009, 11:55 AM']As it's sitting there gathering dust mate, I'm sure we can arrange something[/quote]
Cool - that'd make my week. I'll sent you a PM fella.

BTW Feel free to dust it. j/k

[quote name='William James Easton' post='385698' date='Jan 20 2009, 08:46 AM']i might go back to reading that.[/quote]
BassPlayer?

Is that the really thin, over-priced bass guitar magazine?

I like BGM. Ok yes, the reviews are probably a little on the dubious side but its a good read and I find the tips/technique/transcriptions stuff to be good.

[quote name='waynepunkdude' post='385714' date='Jan 20 2009, 09:10 AM']I'd rather it go to someone who hasn't got an amp like yourself, so PM me over your address and I'll send it when I can and just give me the money when you receive it..[/quote]
Oh ok, that would be great.

Sending PM.

Cheers mate.

Ok so the vote is long since over... but as someone bumped the thread I felt like posting my opinions.

1. John Entwistle - The Who
For me, John's lines are proof that bass doesn't have to be repetitive following the chords, or a mirror of the guitars. I know he's not the only one btw but he happens to be the one I look to.

2. Sean Yseult - White Zombie
Bit of a contrast, Sean shows that bass doesn't have to be like John Entwistle to be great. Thumping great rhythms that really shaped a band I loved. Plus she's a hottie. This is all subjective so I get to include her.

3. Pete Steele - Type O Negative
I love the moody basslines he writes. Plus it helps that by being the front man and main songwriter, they put out tracks where the bass is essentially the lead instrument.

So close...

4. Kim Nekroman - Nekromantix
Rockabilly/psychobilly is teh sh*t! I love that stuff and few are on par with Nekroman. Couldn't quite decide between him and Steele...

[quote name='Hoppo75' post='385566' date='Jan 19 2009, 11:00 PM']Let me know folks[/quote]
Yeah I'll definitely be driving so if you and you're company can swing some easy parking then it'd be much appreciated by me.

Good thinking.

[quote name='waynepunkdude' post='385542' date='Jan 19 2009, 10:46 PM']You can take it mate but I won't be able to send for a couple of weeks.[/quote]
That wouldn't be a problem for me. Maybe the easiest thing to do then would be for you to drop me a PM near the time you'll be able to post it and I'll get the money to you.

If you get a better offer in the mean time which saves you having to post it then I won't be put out. I won't be buying one for a fair while so I'll certainly still be interested when you're ready.

[quote name='waynepunkdude' post='385407' date='Jan 19 2009, 09:06 PM']Also interested in weird trades.[/quote]
Lol. Tempting.

Well unfortunately I couldn't pick it up but if you'd be ok posting it then I'd definitely be interested. Currently running my bass through the computer/DAW so a little practice amp would be perfect. If you want to hang on and see if anyone local wants it then I'd be happy to take a reserve spot.

Edit: would probably have to be a trade for money since looking at the crap I have assembled around me - maybe too weird.

It can't be done - I just tried.

Don't suppose you fancy doing it for £30? Forty is a bit more than I should spend on something I'm not entirely sure I'll use.

Worth a try

[quote name='Josh' post='384501' date='Jan 18 2009, 11:12 PM']Simply Red's Bassist and Moloko's Bassist.

If anyone knows their names I would greatly appreciate it .[/quote]
I don't know about Simply Red, but Moloko's Mark Brydon used to play bass and may have played on their tracks. Fine Geordie lad there - always did like that band.

[quote name='warwickhunt' post='384454' date='Jan 18 2009, 10:27 PM']Not impossible but a Metro ride and then a bit of brown nosing with someone who has a car (hint below) wouldn't go amiss. [/quote]
Hahaha, no brown nosing required. The offer of transport is there for anyone who wants it.

March 1st looks good with me.

[quote name='uptonmark' post='384260' date='Jan 18 2009, 07:10 PM']are you sure you`re not really a guitarist [/quote]
LMFAO!!!!

[quote name='Geek99' post='384072' date='Jan 18 2009, 03:37 PM']Thoughts?[/quote]
How long have you been doing work on this and having these problems?

From earlier life experience on a different instrument, the only thing I know that helps you follow/count the beat is to keep doing it. Hours at a time if you have to. I guess its easier if you know what you're playing quite well and can devote more of your brain to concentrate on timing. And yeah, there's no physical *need* for you to tap your foot - maybe practice counting the beat out loud as you play. I hate doing that - makes me feel such a moron but it does seem to make it easier to avoid zoning out.

I am having to work on this myself - just bringing up old tips that worked for me once and will hopefully help me again now

Hahahaha, sounds good. I'd be unlikely to bring anything unless I happen to have bought a new bass by then - not embarassing myself by being seen in public with my current piece of sh*t.

But my car has decent space in the back if anyone needed a hand transporting gear.

Hi mate,

What goes on at a bass bash?

[quote]1) Who's up for it in principle?[/quote]
Yeah I would be. Assuming total beginners are welcome to come along and try to weasle information and tips out of you all.

[quote]2) Would you prefer a weekend afternoon or a weekday evening?[/quote]
I'd be easy on that one. Probably would choose a weekend afternoon just to make sure I could get there in time and not have to worry about when I finish work.

[quote]3) Would you be prepared to chip in - literally - a quid or two for hall hire?[/quote]
Sure thing.

I just watched Some Kind Of Monster today. I've never been a Metallica fan but it was interesting stuff.

Trujillo is a great bass player in my book and from a performance standpoint, the way he moves and plays seems to inject a bit more of the meat back into the band. Too good for Metallica? Quite possibly.

I've always thought that Lars was a cock; but to be honest, I kinda saw where he was coming from a lot of time in that film. Still...

Anyway the most interesting bit for me was the interview between him and Dave Mustane. Now Megadeth I quite liked so it was a bit weird to hear him going on like it was all a big mistake and he wished he could go back and undo things.

[quote name='Old Horse Murphy' post='382626' date='Jan 16 2009, 04:56 PM']Sadly not the case. This would (I assume) be a start up business with no links whatsoever to the OP's current business other than the OP himself.[/quote]
I would assume so too. But running one successful business gives you bonus points with the bank. A spot-on business plan and watertight research is probably also essential right now. Maybe, as you said, he would need to personally guarantee the loan - thats between him and the bank to decide.

I don't know if the banks would even consider a music shop at all at the moment - maybe too much competition for them to feel comfortable. And I'm not saying getting money is easy, far far from it. But there is money out there - for the right people. Unfortunately I'm not one of them. All I'm saying is that if you're someone who can get it, now might be a decent time as property is cheaper and interest rates are lower.

[quote name='Dr.Dave' post='382588' date='Jan 16 2009, 04:26 PM']Ha! Top marks for deduction and cynicism[/quote]
No cynicism - I just thought you were making a suggestion, happened to sell a few Fenders etc. from time to time and were being jokey/friendly about saying so.

I do genuinely appreciate the advice, and at this point anything is possible. I may well decide to buy a Fender (or the ilk) and forever thank you for persuading me to reconsider my negativity towards them.

[quote name='chris_b' post='382577' date='Jan 16 2009, 04:18 PM']No it's not. Banks are not lending. That's why, at the moment, a lot of good companies are going under![/quote]
They're not lending as freely, but at this moment if you have a decent track record you can get some very very good deals.

Assuming the OPs current business is healthy and his plan is thought through then he could well find himself with banks crawling all over him to lend money. Truth is, banks don't see that many applications for loans other than risky ones or from people with credit issues. Right now they don't want to take any risks. Which is a problem for struggling companies - the banks don't want to lend money to a business which is failing, for obvious reasons.