Marvin

[quote name='Alun' post='671602' date='Dec 1 2009, 09:43 PM']String crossing is one of the trickiest things to do on bass IMO. I would suggest the folowing exercise: 1, play 2 notes one each string ( doesn't matter what notes really, this is aimed purely at the picking side of things), making sure you strictly alternate. First do it with index then middle, and then reverse it so you'e playing middle then index. Slowly go from the E string to a, then, D then G, and back down again. Don't worry about speed, just aim for accuracy and keep the fingers alternating. Once that starts to feel comfortable... 2, same as above but with 3 notes per string but still alternating so the E string will be index, middle, index , the A string will be middle, index, middle, etc. Again, reverse it as well so you start with the "other" finger The reason I suggest making sure you can start with either finger is that most players will feel more comfortable starting with one or the other ( I certainly do) and may stumble if they have to start a pattern with the other one ( again, it definitely happens to me which is why I started doing this exercise) Finally, try one note per string. I say to do this last as I find it the trickiest of the lot. Hope that helps! Cheers Alun PS You can also do all the above skipping strings once you're happy with the string crossing [/quote] That certainly will help, Many thanks.

I'm in a no man's land with regard to technique at the moment. When I was younger, late teens, I used to play with a pick. No I've picked (not an intentional pun) up the bass after a +15 yr gap I can't for the life of me play with a pick - generally I have problems muting and hence create an awful noise. However, I really struggle getting used to using my fingers - only 2 at most index and middle. I have difficulty getting a good disciplined technique crossing strings. For example on the Brand New Heavies track Spend Some Time, in the chorus there is a run that goes across all 4 strings. Played cleanly it sounds brilliant but simple. I just get my fingers knotted up. I'm putting in down to beginners problems and will come with practice. Fingers crossed - perhaps not that's my problem.

[quote name='skankdelvar' post='667653' date='Nov 27 2009, 06:21 PM']And no issues about us 'picksters'. Good for you! (Aside: What a nice chap. If only all bandleaders were like this.)[/quote] I've been known to be quite 'picky'! And here here, nice sounding chap, pity I live the other side of the country, sounds right up my street - well road actually I live in a road, well not actually in it, I've digressed again.

A good welcome to you there across the border. Upgrade for your amp, you could try searching through some old threads for some inspiration, I think one of mine is around asking a similar question. Cheers

That puts a bit of a different light on it really. Quite, AAAAAAGGGGGHHH decisions. That doesn't help much does it!

I'd stick with the band you are with, it sounds from what you say to be what a band should be. If you can do both, fine. But as I have 3 kids I wouldn't let anything come before them. Sorry if it sounds a bit preachy it's not supposed to.

Was very tempted to buy one earlier this year, a smidge over £100, and looked the part. Unfortunately, it would have probably just collected dust as I found it a little heavy. Still great looking though. A none bass playing ( and for that matter technically a non musician, I think you know what I mean) person I know seems to find it endlessly amusing that Westies are so highly thought of. Tw4t.

[quote name='waynepunkdude' post='669403' date='Nov 29 2009, 07:56 PM']Oh if anyone cares I made a video. [url="http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=189122034164&ref=nf"]http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=...4164&ref=nf[/url][/quote] Very fitting. General violence, loved it.

[quote name='waynepunkdude' post='668255' date='Nov 28 2009, 01:45 PM']Got the track back yesterday, if you want to have a listen?[/quote] Liked it. Tight with some good energy. Mrs Marvin didn't realise that I had switched from we7 to play your track. Although I'm not going to tell you what I was listening to beforehand.

[quote name='waynepunkdude' post='642790' date='Nov 1 2009, 08:26 PM']I have no idea about the kit, I have no clue when it comes to drums.[/quote] That sounds like a drummer I know!

That is nice. I have a cheap bass, but can't take photo's. Saying that I can't play either.

Showaddywaddy, early '80's. Queens Theatre North Devon. Taken by my parents. First gig on my own (well with mates) punk band called The Vibe Tribe (formerly The Cult Maniax) somewhere in North Devon, but I can't remember the year. Probably early 90's. Brilliant night.

Sorry to have wasted your time, but the whole band thing has just gone t1ts up. Bal1s

They don't make them anymore , so.........

Ibby without doubt for me. Just don't like the Cort. No particular reason.

[quote name='51m0n' post='665944' date='Nov 26 2009, 09:30 AM']You get a nice cup of tea/coffee, a long unhassled sit down with all the top gear you could want and Mark doesnt look upset if you attempt a sensible haggle (along the lines of throw in that doohickey and I'll buy this extremely beautiful bass thats got me by the scruff of the neck right now). You can always ask him yourself he's Poptart on here (and a more perfect moniker for him I cannot imagine )[/quote] That's how all purchasing experiences should be like.

Probably overlooked because he's not pushing himself to the front and Pearl Jam are one of those marmite bands, you know you either love them or loathe them. Personally I've always liked and rated his playing. Really got into WMA and Rats off the second album, always thought his lines gave a great groove on those two. And tone, don't forget the tone.

Many thanks to you all. Found out that my local music store stocks both, so probably best if I pop along and have a noodle. Also a good friend, and fellow bassist, knows of someone who has just bought an ashdown, so may fire a few questions that way.

no.12 The Breeders- Cannonball, love it.

Thanks. I did have a play around on a Park practice amp a couple of months ago (which I believe is something to do with Marshall) and that had a good sound. And I've got to say for 15w was loud, it kept up with a drummer and guitarist, albeit full volume.

I've always liked Fairy Tale of New York - Pogues/McColl. Always bandied about at Christmas. However, I'll admit this may not be appropriate for your band.

Looking at getting a 300w combo for pub gigging. Marshall MB4210 [url="http://www.marshallamps.com/product.asp?productCode=MB4210&pageType=SPECS"]http://www.marshallamps.com/product.asp?pr...;pageType=SPECS[/url] or Ashdown MAG C115-300 EVO II Combo [url="http://www.ashdownmusic.com/bass/detail.asp?ID=77"]http://www.ashdownmusic.com/bass/detail.asp?ID=77[/url] Both about the same price Is one better than the other, eg reliability etc?

Free - Heartbreaker

Brick House by The Commodores. I even do the moves, otherwise my fingers just don't get funky enough. :blush:

Thanks for that one Pete. Never heard of it before but looks a worthwhile read.