EssentialTension

One advantageous thing about open string notes is that they are easily available in any and every position. So I'd recommend using them. I don't disagree with those who are saying that differences in timbre on different strings or different frets can make a useful/important difference but the beginner doesn't need to start from there.

[quote name='bass2345' timestamp='1392000774' post='2363476'] I'm worried people will notice it sounds different and think I'm not as good a musician [/quote] Most people won't even know you are playing bass, let alone notice anything sounds different. Your teacher is correct.

Third and little fingers (i.e. 3 and 4) work as one for 124 Simandl. Like several others, I use 124 for first 5-7 frets and OFPF after that. OFPF on occasion on lower frets if necessary for getting the line.

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1391854889' post='2361967'] Almost 5 year old post alert!!! [/quote] It's good to find the old threads rather than always start a new thread without searching first.

[quote name='karlfer' timestamp='1391838931' post='2361863'] Great bass company, woeful UK distribution, Yet you email them about getting some stockists in the UK and they just don't seem bothered. Sad. [/quote] [quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1391856896' post='2361990'] Why do you need to email them? The UK dealers are listed on the Lakland website. I've emailed them a couple of times and got prompt replies. The first time Dan Lakin answered my questions personally. [/quote] I've had nothing but prompt and helpful dealings with Lakland - with Dan Lakin when he was still there and with John Pirruccello and others since Dan left.

[quote name='Pasha' timestamp='1391810867' post='2361692'] I have this Bass "Taranis" (4 string) it has a very nice sound. I am trying to find out why "Warwick" discontinued making those (any ideas?) [/quote] They didn't sell well.

[quote name='patrikmarky' timestamp='1391801534' post='2361562'] Thinking about a lakland spalted maple fiver ..with bart pups...any one got an opinion... [/quote] If I was you I'd have a search for the Basschat threads where Laklands have been criticised strongly for the quality control of neck/pickup/bridge alignment and I would probably want to play before I bought. Also, I wouldn't myself go for spalted maple or five strings or bart pickups. However, my Lakland Decade is spot on excellent.

[quote name='waynepunkdude' timestamp='1391800779' post='2361538'] Wouldn't usually but it's Clarky. Could you guys also vote for The Dodge Brothers whilst you are there, my fave film critic's band. [/quote] I did.

[quote name='Mark Dyer' timestamp='1391506843' post='2357792'] Ha. Soz, wasn't meant to sound like some secret knowledge. I was referring to tuning the E string flat so that it stays tuned correctly when flipping the lever up and down. There's a great video that shows you how to do this, I'll try and find it. [/quote] [quote] [b]Question:[/b] WHEN I FLIP BACK TO "E" FROM THE LOWER NOTE I NOTICE IT COMES BACK SHARP - IS THERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY X-TENDER KEY? [b]Answer:[/b] No! Your x-tender key is fine, you need to follow this tuning procedure; First tune the E note. With the thumb lever in the up position (E) tune your string up to E. Always tune from flat up to pitch. Now give your thumb lever a quick flick down and up. Check your E note with your electric tuner to see if it came back sharp. If it did, see how sharp it came back. Lets say for example it came back 10 cents sharp. Drop your E string with your tuner down and then bring it back leaving it 10 cents flat of E. Again, give your thumb lever a quick flick down and up. Your E string should pop sharp 10 cents, leaving it exactly on E. Now, flick your lever to the down position and check your lower note. Lets say for example you are tuning the lower note to D. If the note is out of tune, flick the lever back up to the E position, adjust the fine tuning screw either by rotating it counter clockwise to sharpen the lower note, or clockwise to flatten the lower note. Now, flick the thumb lever to the down position and check the low D. If the low D is still out of tune, repeat the procedure by flicking the lever back to E, readjust the fine tuning screw and flick the lever down to D to recheck. When you get your low D in tune, flip the lever up to E, check your E and there you are! Here is the reason behind this tuning procedure: There is always friction between the string and the bone nut. Therefore, the fret board side of your string will be slightly looser than the peg head side of the string. When you use the x-tender key for the first time after tuning, you equalize the difference in string tension causing the note to pop sharp. You must use the x-tender key one time to equalize these tensions after tuning. That's why you leave it slightly flat when you tune your E. And that is why you must flip down to check your D after tuning with the fine tuner. If you are still confused, call us at 607-532-9404 and have your bass and electric tuner in front of you. We have the Xtender Key Tuning procedure published on our web site. You may want to check them out. [url="http://www.hipshotproducts.com/faqs/view/16"]http://www.hipshotproducts.com/faqs/view/16[/url][/quote]

Yes, but that's not a Fender - check the headstock, the paintwork, the scratchplate etc. - and nor does the seller claim it is.

Done, and liked some of the other people too.

Drat, beaten to it.

[quote] [font="Arial"][size="2"]Id assume it to either be e Fugigen or Matsumoku produced guitar but unable to determine which name was on the headstock.[/size][/font] [font="Arial"][size="2"]Made in Japan on the neck plate[/quote][/size][/font]

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1391770203' post='2361042'] Thanks! Having a good photographer take it makes a massive difference though. [/quote] Yes, I've noticed that someone's mate with a mobile phone doesn't really crack it.

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1391725504' post='2360753'] Bollocks!!! [/quote] Great pic.

I like this band a lot - got introduced to them by Christmas gift from my son.

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1391683422' post='2360037'] It doesn't matter where you stand. However you should always be facing forward looking at the audience. They are the reason why you are on stage in the first place. [/quote] Yes, this. However, also, in my case, being right handed and assuming a right handed drummer, stage left if I am playing bass guitar, but stage right if I am playing upright bass.

[quote name='tedmanzie' timestamp='1391627950' post='2359465'] This thread has had me raking through my stash of plectrums. I've been quite taken with my fatter picks, but i've only got to about 1.3mm. Has anyone tried a really FAT pick? Like 2 or 3mm? [/quote] There's been several of us stating in this thread that we use 3mm Big Stubbies.

For me the marker would devalue the bass. In fact I just wouldn't buy it.

[quote name='Jigster' timestamp='1391374816' post='2356501'] I've started playing on my fretted bass, but with my eyes closed and in the dark, driven by some insane idea that this might be lay some preparation for playing unlined fretless? What think ye of such science? [/quote] What everyone else said plus play it as you normally would. Don't set out to play fretless bass, just play bass like you usually would and listen carefully and adjust appropriately.

Yes, what trick? Cough up now.