marvin spangles

Hi Merchant Thanks for your reply I should have clarified that I am searching out for a significant upgrade to my bass set up. I intend to play quite a few basses. I play both classical and pizz. Although the latter is where I earn money I really have been smitten with arco recently and am considering working up towards a diploma next year. So I want a bass that sings easily under the bow (taking into account my fledgling technique) but still be suitable for Jazz gigs.

Are any of you guys using the same bass for classical and jazz gigs. If so what compromises if any have you made?

Had a Tom and Will ...the zip bust after about a year. I have a deluxe mooradian since 2007.Holding up well and great padding.

[quote name='fatback' timestamp='1333578428' post='1603948'] I'll defo get to a gig. The course is out of the question for two reasons, one I can't get more than a day at a time free, and two I'd be too scared as irredeemably rubbish [/quote] Hi Fatback Everybody is rubbish compared to Goldsby and Rufus. There is a wide range of standards there. Everybody gets put into an ensemble matched to your standard of playing. They all get to perform a short programme on the final day. It's always great and all students and tutors are very supportive. Aside from the nightly official concerts there are student jams which are exactly that . But as you get confident with your ensemble you get a chance to put it out there. Despite my own mediocre playing I always come away from it buoyed up. You also get a chance to chat to many students in the same boat as your self. The standards of students is varied and that's what makes it great. It's a bit like golf in that you measure your improvement according to your own handicap so to speak. It really can be a life changing experience. And let's face it it's pretty short to have regrets.

[quote name='sarah thomas' timestamp='1333566598' post='1603738'] 350 euros for the summer school and another 125 euros for a student room. It goes up another 50 euros after 30 May. They say there will be details of workshops posted later this month. Anyone live near Sligo? [/quote] I live about a couple of hours away. I have gone there about 4 times. It's worth it for the concert gigs alone. The worlds best Jazzers playing to a like minded audience. It's a great 'shot in the arm' to reinvigorate your enthusiasm. What more could you want. I hope to go there again this year.

[quote name='fatback' timestamp='1333558054' post='1603567'] omg. That's a residential type course though, isn't it? [/quote] Yes it is but even the accommodation is quite cheap. Google "Sligo Jazz project 2012" and have a look.

I should practice what I preach. I am working through some Bach pieces and the Eccles Sonata and some days I make progress then some days I take two steps backwards. I need a teacher myself ... [quote name='sarah thomas' timestamp='1333546192' post='1603301'] I'm a pushover for Rufus Reid's relaxed low-down voice though. I could listen to him all day, speaking or playing. [/quote] I don't want to hijack the thread but both Rufus Reid and John Goldsby are the Bass tutors in the Sligo Jazz course 2012. Both are amazing players but Rufus is the Yoda of the bass.

Get a teacher!

Yes £6000 for their concert range which are originally built in Hungary and finished off in the Martin Workshop. The Martin range of hand made basses are £12 k.. He also has a range of old Masters ...

Hi JW I hope to get to Banbury before June but if I don't I'll certainly try and make the trip to hear your big band and perhaps get a look at your bass providing I'm not gigging myself. Larne is at the other end of the provence . I live in the NorthWest. Where and when are you playing? I sure would have been curious to have a go on that bass at 250k. Keep us posted on your progress with your new bass. Enjoy.

Hi JW It's my intention to visit G Martin's in the near future. I'd be very interested in your review of this bass. And did you try any of his other basses etc....

[quote name='chrisd24' timestamp='1332873842' post='1594328'] thanks for all your replys, im certainly leaining towards the spiro's! My bass is probably on the small side of 3/4 though (scale is about 40.3 inches) so do you think the mediums would be a better choice as my tension will be a bit lower anyway? Not sure what you mean by this. I don't think that having a slightly reduced string length means that the tension will be less. Maybe others could pipe in here... [/quote] Both Mittles and Weich's are great strings. Maybe somebody could lend you some to try. If you are patient you can get them second hand.

[quote name='Mr Bassman' timestamp='1332845721' post='1593784'] I use the MB210 for my louder gigs and I've always had plenty volume / headroom. The combo is bass heavy, I often have the bass control around 1/ 4 - 1/3 I never have the master past 1 0clock The Mitre is a small venue, I would normally take the MB200 head and a single UL110 to a venue that size. All I can think is the rest of the band are too loud. If they want to play authentic sounding rock & roll with double bass they should cut the volume to suit. Who was on drums? Animal? P.s. Don't forget the phase switch, can work wonders if you are close to the speakers, which I guess you were at the mitre. [/quote] What Bass man said. The band are either too loud or you are having issues with the Pick up / bass .

[quote name='TheG' timestamp='1332791745' post='1593250'] Just looked up La Scala and they do look very nice. So did you just order it online or did you buy it over here and did you get to try one first? [/quote] Crazy as it may seem I bought it sight unseen based on all the hype on Talk Bass. A fool and his money are easy parted. However it was the best decision I have ever made bass wise. The only downside was the price because the $ 6200 price became £5000 when you key in Customs, VAT , flights etc. I got it in 2007 Still love it. However if you are after your 'Dream' bass I'd take my time and try out as many basses as possible. You can check out Talkbass.com for other opinions on the New Standard Basses. If you ever visit N Ireland you are more than welcome to try the La Scala.

[quote name='TheG' timestamp='1332775373' post='1592927'] Somewhere out there there is a bass looking for me and I for it.....! [/quote] Yes I agree . I am on the hunt for another bass too ( mainly for classical music but if it does both then happy days). I have a hybrid that I use for Jazz that no bass has come close to as yet. It's a La Scala model put together by Arnold Schnitzer in NY. I also have a bass which I use for classical gigs that although a great bass is not MY Bass. Good luck with your journey . Keep us posted.

[quote name='TheG' timestamp='1332619116' post='1590868'] Hi there. I play Jazz and have got an old Checkoslovakian plywood bass that people have said sounds good which it does but it has its limitations, it doesn't sing out and its sound is all on one level. Its got a pretty good punchy low mid sound but thats all it does. Is there anyone here with experience of buying or trying basses that can give me a few pointers in the right direction? [/quote] Hi TheG You might also consider a hybrid bass. It will be considerably cheaper and will have most of the advantages of a fully carved bass and amplify really well. A good quality hybrid will 'beat the socks' of a mediocre carved.

Hi Zero9 I think Thomastik may have changed the compostion of the spiro weich's , I got a set recently (last Dec ) I wouldn't describe the Weich's as Zingy in any way on my bass. In fact they produce quite a 'fat' tone. The Mittles on the other hand tend to be a little zingy out of the box but settle after a while. Of course every bass is different...