sdgrsr400

Also think about the return journey through US security. If you look anyway suspicious (i.e. not white) then you might have trouble. I heard a story on another board that stringed instruments were being challenged because "you could remove the strings and use them to throttle someone".

When I tried DR HiBeams which are relatively slack, I found there was quite a lot of fret buzz which required the action to be lifted as the amplitude of these strings' vibration was significantly higher than on my usual somewhat higher tension Overwater strings. This does make sense when you think about it. So, what you gain on the slackness you may lose on the action height. But there's so many variables involved YMMV.

You could also get this: which is available at [url="http://www.musicroom.com/se/ID_No/034945/details.html"]http://www.musicroom.com/se/ID_No/034945/details.html[/url] Those transcriptions seem a little more detailed (and possibly more accurate) than those in SITSOL. Unfortunately, there is some duplication between the books but who cares. There's no CD with this book, but presumably you've got a Motown compilation with all the hits.

I use the GTune VST plug-in which is very accurate indeed: [url="http://www.gvst.co.uk/gtune.htm"]http://www.gvst.co.uk/gtune.htm[/url]

I've found quite a difference between through-neck and bolt-on neck construction too. However, after a rather nice bottle of Merlot I am unable to explain it

I had one of the older (Bart PU) 55-02's and although I toyed with the idea of modding it, I never felt it really necessary as the fundamental sound was excellent across the board. The switching wiring of the stock PU's is quite complex and not exactly traditional so just a preamp upgrade would not have made sense. In the end, as I didn't really get on with the 35" scale and wide neck string spacing I recently sold it to a player who is very satisified with it as it is. Now I have an Ibanez SR1205 in natural maple/mahogany which is 34" scale and quite narrow string spacing (16.75mm) and is far more comfortable and easier to play than the 55-02 (though correspondingly not so suitable for slap/pop). I've scrapped the existing PU's and electronics and replaced them with Semour Duncan SSB-5 soapbars in a completely passive configuration. At some point, if I really feel the need to go active, I'd probably put in a Glockenklang preamp. I'm still working on the sound (probably need to change string type) and am generally pretty happy. If I had a criticism, it's that the low B notes are a bit less clear than the Lakland but that's probably a scale thing I have to live with. Let us know how you get on!

As several have said, awareness of genre is of the essence and most good session musicians will be familiar with a wide variety of styles and would be able to groove well from very basic charts. Many jazz charts, for instance say "swung" which implies a different reading of certain note values/relationships to normal "straight" playing. Another example in the classical field is the waltz, which if played in the most echt-Viennese style subtly alters the standard 3/4 rhythm to weight the middle note slightly. Attempting to notate such a stylistic choice would be considered daft. This discussion reminds me a bit of the "Can you teach feel?" thread we had some time ago!

Yes, an indispensable book and warmly recommended. There's also a DVD "Standing in the Shadows of Motown" which is a feature film by the same author about JJ and co, also very good. There isn't a lot of live footage of JJ, but the way the other musicians talk about him brings him very much to life.

Bought a LAG acoustic guitar from James: very good communication, helpful, goods exactly as described, no problems at all. Recommended!

Having such a thriving bass market which we have here is a real win-win: by trading among ourselves we keep our funds in our community, and also we get access to many different kinds of gear at affordable prices. I bet governments would love to tax these transactions if only they could work out how! Giving a modest donation to BC after a successful sale is a much nicer feeling than being scalped for commission by some other third party. Viva BC

Well, when you say "my fingers", I think the question might be how many fingers are you using?

Hal Leonard Bass Method by Ed Friedland (Complete Edition) is pretty good.

Are there any vids of him playing fast? The examples above are very spacey and perhaps not representative?

[Shepherds] Bush Hall is a good venue for up-and-coming bands: [url="http://www.bushhallmusic.co.uk/"]http://www.bushhallmusic.co.uk/[/url]

[quote name='crez5150' post='652050' date='Nov 11 2009, 10:02 PM']During the 'off' season.... I drive from Essex to Newbury once per week and Essex to Sussex once per week..... far enough I think...... The Essex to Newbury is normally about a 3 hour drive because of the M25.[/quote] That's truly awesome Must be a good band to merit such dedication...

[quote name='retroman' post='610539' date='Sep 28 2009, 06:24 AM']+1......The last set of roto's I bought were as rough as a badgers back passage, and would have been more useful as files!! [/quote] +2 never again

Excellent stuff, I think he is one of the best of the bass ultra-virtuosos. I much prefer him to Alain Caron who leaves me cold.

Hmm, well personally I wouldn't assume a modal approach is right at all. I would be assuming pretty much a regular diatonic (major/minor) tonal framework with limited modulation, unless there is very clear melodic and harmonic evidence to the contrary. If you want to move on from triad tones, then I'd say clearly to look at stepwise walking bass lines with diatonic and/or chromatic passing notes. There are a number of books on that subject, Ed Friedland comes to mind.

Give Lawrence at Overwater a ring: I had a very similar problem with a .134 'B' of theirs which, although standard 34" scale, was too long as the winder is closer to the nut than normal hence the problem. When I spoke to him he rummaged around and found another shorter version which he then sent on an no-fee exchange basis. So, it would appear they have a variety of non-standard lengths available. It might be useful to know what thickness you are after before ringing. I'd say he'd sell single strings too. Incidentally, I highly recommend Overwater nickel medium weight strings: easily the best I've ever used - and good value too.

Welcome "Bass Orchestra", now there's a thought...

+1 for OP: and you can leave your bass plugged in, and no faffing around with batteries...

Yes, great venue - used to go to lunchtime classical concerts there when I worked in the area. Is the music in western rhythms, or did you learn tals in amazing time signatures like 17/18?

I'd say stick to 34" scale and not be tempted by 35" (which are common on 5-strings). How many strings are you after?