Grassie

It's quite amazing really that there has been no British bass "hero" of any note since Zender (IMHO). If you need one song to sum up his abilities, then it's got to be "Just Another Story" from Return Of The Space Cowboy. Brilliant stuff.

I have an SX and they are indeed excellent value for money. Do you have a price for P+P to the Isle of Wight?

Blimey, that was quick...

[quote name='risingson' timestamp='1347391767' post='1800245']
Que the pendants and Fender critics giving you their alternative answers to this one
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Actually, some of [i]my[/i] favourite basslines were played on Wals, Jaydees, Schecters and Warwicks, but the [i]true[/i] classics were played on Precisions. We all know that don't we...?

If you're into percussion, steer clear of the Musicman Bongo....

I too started off with a Sunn Mustang (the horrible 90's one with the plastic knobs), then bought an older P-style one (yes, I've had two of them! ). Bought my first 5er (an Epiphone thingy with reverse headstock and active electronics), then a USA DLX Fender Jazz 5, back to a Mex Jazz 4, bought an SX Vintage Series P back in May and that is a revelation, even for a cheap P copy. So much so that I've sold my Mex Jazz and am now in the market for another reasonably priced Precision. Just think about some of your favourite basslines. Chances are it was played on a Precision bass...

Photos please!

I'm trying to sell my Mex Jazz. If it goes this weekend, I'm having this...

Mint green all the way.

I have to say, I've only ever seen the stuff on youtube, but he really is an individual, and proof (were it needed) that playing the bass guitar with a pick is not only acceptable, it can be downright FONKY. I think he's fantastic.

I used to sing backing vocals in my last band, and quite enjoyed it. I can't recall having received any complaints... It's more of an attention thing, I think. I was always quite happy standing on the end, plonking away, with everyone in the audience watching the singer, and I've always been content with my contribution to any band I've been in. I've never had a problem with not getting attention - I'd rather not have it. But I want to and enjoy playing in a band, so it's a bit of a catch-22.

Love all your replies chaps, you really are a nice bunch aren't you? We might have a replacement already, but it's far to early to tell if it's going to work. I will certainly consider giving it a go myself, but I've tried it before and I couldn't bear to hear myself, seriously, I have a real problem with hearing my own voice... It's weird. Thanks again!

[quote name='Dr.Dave' timestamp='1344873315' post='1770455']
Respect to your thread as an individual thing but it's a common story round here - someone already mentioned to get ready for a flood of similar storie.

Yes , you have to be a certain type of individual. The type that gets sick of being at the bottom end of a power struggle that hampers their opportunities to make music and decides to get to the top of that food chain because the end result justifies the means. I assure you - all that takes is practise - but for some reason many of us think practising bass for 2 hrs a day for years is worth the trouble - but practising singing isn;t. We expect to be able to sing or not straight off the bat and the journey ends if we can't.

Confidence?? Front man skills?? All can be learned and all can be bluffed during the learning process.

If we don't want to sing - fine. But let's not tell ourselves we can't.

This weekend I'll be out playing while many musicians wish they were but were let down by a singer. I'll be playing and singing not because I'm gifted but because I believe in myself and I practised.
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That's quite inspirational actually... seriously. Perhaps not such a pointless thread? Thanks man... like i said, something to think about.

[quote name='thumperbob 2002' timestamp='1344873140' post='1770450']
Anyone can front a band- all it takes ( at the start ) is a person who is comfortable being out of their comfort zone. Very easy to get into. I used to front a band or two, whilst playing bass simply because the singer we had wouldnt do anything interesting, and also kept losing their voices on the day of a gig.

Its just practice, like anything.

Would never class myself as a real singer though. They are a different breed.
[/quote]
Mmmm.... something to think about I suppose, although the reason we wanted a singer in the first place was because I had a go at it when we started, and it wasn't pretty....In my head I thought I sounded awesome, reality bit me on the arse!

[quote name='Dr.Dave' timestamp='1344872230' post='1770427']

My answer has always been to learn to sing. Become the singer yourself. All it takes is the same degree of practise that other musicians put in.
[/quote]
We've been there. But it takes more than you've mentioned. You have to be a certain type of individual to have the confidence to front a band. If it was just about technique and being able to hold a tune then I'm sure a lot more musicians would be doing it. I get your point though. Although i disagree with your idea that this is "another pointless thread". It's neither "pointless" or "another". It's mine.

[quote name='pietruszka' timestamp='1344871994' post='1770418']
Going through it now mate. The singer in one of my bands seems to get the impression her ideas and thoughts aren't welcome all the time. She can be very difficult, I won't go into details on a public forum, but trust me it's a headache not worth having.

I feel for you I really do.






Dan
[/quote]
Been there with the female singer... too much red wine during gigs, that was her problem.

So, after what seems like an eternity rehearsing, and finally we're ready for gigs, the singer bails out on us. Cheers then, great timing...
He also sings in an originals folky type duo, and recently did a local gig at a mini-festival down here. I think it may have gone to his head. He was the singer in my last band and when we were hunting for a vocalist for this new band his name came up because he is pretty good at fronting a rock band (albeit a covers band). So we got him in. Now, there has been a bit of a break for four weeks because two of us have taken time out for family holidays, plus the rehearsals have to revolve around mine and the drummers shift patterns (not an easy thing to sort). Singerboy has been aware of this but has spat the dummy cos no-one has phoned him to tell him when the next rehearsal is. I sent him a text today to let him know that we would be reconvening on Thursday, and received his resignation in return. Nice of him to wait until I've booked the rehearsal room before he decides to tell me he can't be bothered anymore... I think communication works both ways though... we've not heard anything from him either. Dare I ask if any of you lovely people have had similar experiences....?

How about this?

[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA6ykQMVP3Y"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA6ykQMVP3Y[/url]

Can you tell me more about the priming/topcoat? How many coats of primer do you use? What grade of sandpaper do you use? How many topcoats? What type of paint? Sorry for all the questions, but there is an Aria jazz in my local cash converter and I fancy having a go at a re-fin meself...

How does it sound? Surely you lose something tone-wise by having a bass covered in leather...

[quote name='The Legoheads' timestamp='1341790330' post='1724304']

It's odd because it looks like it's almost ready to rock and roll but when I think about it, there still shed loads of work ahead. I just need to make sure I don't jump the gun and do things in the right order. The closer you get to the end, the more critical it is not to screw something up and this being my first build, I don't have experience to guide me...
[/quote]
This is your[i] first [/i]bass build????? Holy cow! What are you going to come up with when you've got a few more builds under your belt? Really enjoying this thread, and I love these basses. GASsing like mad right now...

He recently opened a new charity shop here on the Island. Me, the missus and the boy went down to have a mooch and my intention was to shake his hand and have my photo taken with him. Unfortunately, I'm such a fanboy I couldn't muster the nerve! I am officially a 37 year old saddo! Mrs. Smiff has been taking the p**s ever since...

Good luck Joel. I stopped buying BGM after the last Les Claypool issue because it seemed that we were getting interviews with the same players once a year, even when they had nothing new to say. As there seems to be a new focus and drive to give us lot a decent mag again, I may well re-new my subscription.

I bought a Vintage Series SX P Bass a couple of months ago, and I have to say, my jazz hasn't had a look in since. Nice and light, tight neck pocket, great sounding bass for £159. I understand they're a bit tricky to get hold of though...

Saw Jeff playing these during Pearl Jam's set at the Isle of Wight Festival last night. The minty green one is one lovely looking bass, and has not helped my GAS at all. Mr. Lull makes some nice '51 style P-basses too, shame they're so bloody expensive!