niceguyhomer

My PJ4 nick is silky smooth with nice satin finish, I thought that was how they come but I suppose they may go that way when played in a bit I guess.

I liked my Rebop as it came with the stock pick ups. In some ways I preferred it to the Euro I have.

My car... For bigger gigs, I have the use of this... ...and for our regular gigs on Fantasy Island, I use this...

It does thanks - I do have balls but sadly no skill

Thanks Jon and everyone else, I'm not daunted by this other guy's playing TBH, my technique isn't light years away and I know I can learn to play the right notes in the right places as he did but the big difference is that he had a natural feel for the rythmn and the mythical groove he was laying down was so understated but so right for the music. I guess I'll have to keep working on it and jamming along to stuff that'll improve my playing and build up my confidence.

[quote name='BassBunny' post='473335' date='Apr 27 2009, 01:10 PM']Hi Al, Been going trough a similar problem. Nick gave me a couple of Guitar/Drum tracks and the chord Structures to put my own Bass line to. Realised I was really stuck for ideas. Did the first one but was really stuck coming up with something different for the second. Realised that by doing some Chord Work, the door has started to open. Incidently, where abouts in Manchester is it? Might come down and see if thunderthumbs fancies it.[/quote] The Thirsty Scholar on Oxford Road opposite The Palace Hotel.

[quote name='skankdelvar' post='473312' date='Apr 27 2009, 12:48 PM'][b]Nerves[/b] - thread here [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=28528"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=28528[/url] [b]Improvising[/b]: Blues bass is [i]mostly[/i] pattern based, with multiple pattern variations, [i]mostly[/i] interchangeable between songs (which is a [i]very good thing[/i]). Try spending a week learning some "stock" patterns as if you were learning the bass lines for a song. Then a week practising the patterns in different keys. Later, try lifting bits from one pattern and merge them with bits from another. When you can do that on the fly, you're improvising. Sure, some blues bass players 'compose' lines as they go along; but they've either had previous musical training, or they've been doing it far longer than you. Just a matter of time and practice - sorry if that sounds unfeeling, but it's a pain barrier we all have to go through. And, IMO, blues bass is best played understated and with restraint. For the moment, just play less notes and tell them you've got a minimalist approach [/quote] I'm fine with blues - I did what you said and learned some stock lines and chop and change 'em about. I did a dep gig in front of about 200 people a couple of weeks ago at The Burnley Blues Festival - didn't know the set or what key the songs where in and I was fine / no nerves at all. Last night with jazzy / funky stuff.

[quote name='jakesbass' post='473196' date='Apr 27 2009, 10:41 AM']P.S Al, you also have Gary Culshaw on your doorstep (I already passed his number to someone else this week) have a couple of lessons with him, he is one of the North Wests abolutely monster improvising bass players, groovy as hell too.[/quote] Might be the way forward methinks - a shove in the right direction. Confidence is a big problem for me I know it is and I play much better on my own through my Tascam and seem to clam up when I'm out of my comfort zone - eg, improvising etc. It's never been a problem when I've been playing live with the bands I've been in because I've practised the set to death and can play the songs in my sleep.

Went to the open mic night to end all open mic nights at The Thirsty Scholar in Manchester. The keyboard player and guitarist in my new band organise it every month so, being a team player I went along. Something strange happened to me on the way, I’ve never felt it before but I was actually nervous – I don’t do nervous. Anyway, we got up on stage, pub’s full of musos and we begin by playing some blues – something I’d be quite comfortable with normally but I played like a complete arsewipe (cos I’m nervous). A couple more songs and they start letting the bands up to play to my relief. I’m actually dreading getting back up on stage for the ‘freestyle’ bit (as they call it) and almost kiss this American guy when he comes up to me and asks if I mind if he could play bass for a while....”knock ‘em out” I says. He pulls out the most droolsome ’66 Precision out of the bag and plays the best bass grooves I’ve ever heard anywhere and for the next hour, my ears were treated to some wonderful funky, jazzy music with drums, percussion, keys, two saxes, two guitars and the best bassist in the world (to my ears). Anyway, I get up this morning and start mulling it over whilst chewing on my bowl of porridge and I now realise why I was nervous. I’ve never done an open mic night before on bass and I’m not very good at improvisation. I realise that I’ve spent the last four years learning songs on bass and if you came to any of the gigs I’ve done, you’d be forgiven for thinking I can play bass but after last night, I realise I can’t. I’m a guitarist who can play some songs quite well on bass. Lessons have given me technique and I know my way around a fretboard but my playing’s mechanical and I can’t ‘groove’ to save my life. Any tips on how to become a proper bass player?

No - mine was a 4.

Oh sh*t ...I'm getting GAS for a DJ5. There's no hope for me

I sold my Genz Benz head and bought an Ashdown ABM RC500 EVO II after hearing a band a couple of months ago. The guy was using a MAG head and a 4x10 NAG cab with a US Jazz and it was the sound I've been searching for. I've done 3 gigs with it and love the tone I'm getting from it with my Sadowsky. It is more old school and thumpy but that's what I want in my blues band. I use it with the 'bright' button engaged though - sounds better IMHO.

Sorry Steve - I realise what I am

There's a joke in there somewhere about them only working once a month........na can't think of it...wait...no...erm something about a T. Amp on ....mmm..... if you buy one, are there strings attached.....no. Sorry just thinking out loud.

[quote name='OutToPlayJazz' post='326553' date='Nov 11 2008, 11:13 AM']Hey Chris, I was wondering when you'd show up I think I'm going to have to try the Metros at GG in Newcastle to see if I like them, really.[/quote] I was in Hull all day yesterday Rich - if I'd known I'd have brought my PJ Metro Hybrid over for you to try. Shame. I've wanted a Sadowsky ever since I've played Wayne58's 3 NYCs and now I have one and having done a couple of gigs with it, I'm not disappointed apart from the fact I wish it had 5 strings. The NYCs are fantastic but the Metros really are as good if a tad heavier.

Should be an OBBM cable waiting for me when I get home tonight

I've learned the hard way that you don't need a Rolls Royce to deliver the milk. I've gone backwards with my rig and I'm now using the cheapest gear I've ever had and I'm happy as the proverbial pig.