Gust0o

He's also rocking some Levis. There my knowledge endeth.

[quote name='Faithless' post='1359167' date='Sep 1 2011, 08:01 PM']Pretty much exactly what Doddy says. Listen, learn, get the band together. What about 'scientific' side of that - scales, theory, etc - if player would really dig what he's doing, he would sooner or later come up with questions, when answers to them would involve all that mentioned stuff.[/quote] What band are you in, tiger?

[quote name='Faithless' post='1358934' date='Sep 1 2011, 04:12 PM']Oh my.. It's just not funny. The thing is - you don't become better at something by [b]not [/b]doing it. If you needed a break, and now feel fresh coming back, then that's fine, but stating that you got better is just wrong. Not wrong for you, Sildx, but wrong for those upcoming players who read this and catch on this. I probably wouldnt be arsed to go into this, but stuff like this reminds me of hundreds of young players catching Jaco's quote on "Being able to do it without practising" the wrong way.[/quote] I'd go back and read it all again, lah. I don't think you've got what he was saying, at all. "Better" reads a number of ways - either just technically better, as in some improvement in skill; or better in an emotional sense. I have no doubt Nige has come back in the latter space. He knows his limits; he knows what he wants; he's able to compartmentalise that from some of the guff and judgement on here; and yes, I absolutely believe he's better for it

I get the point about the usefulness of a good knowledge of theory; though I can't help but hark back to the chap who posted recently, complaining that he couldn't translate his established knowledge into what he wanted to hear from his instrument. There's a balance, and it sounds as if it's a balance based upon personal needs; with some pragmatic advice which suggests that you should look to continue learning throughout your bass playing career, in whatever capacity and at whatever rate you might feel appropriate to yourself. We've not often reached that balance, as we are often to be found bogged in our favourite rut - where personal needs are disregard for some blanket 'best practice' of learning the theory as a "must" not a "should", with a nice shade of disdain to proceedings. It puts backs up and the polarity of the issue isn't helped by the differences in ourselves as players and musicians - that advice can often seem like a lecture from on high, somehow reinforcing failings in my own ability. I can read; though I lack the proficiency to be able to handle a reading gig any time soon, and a lot of the finesse is missing. I think I'd just like to keep going at my own pace.

[quote name='clarkpegasus4001' post='1357961' date='Aug 31 2011, 07:58 PM']So do we take it from that , it's an "original material" band then?[/quote] Sounds like. I read it as you'll be jamming/writing the basslines as you go. Bit harder to prepare for, maybe, but a good opportunity to do more than show you know a few tracks. Let us know how you get on

[quote name='silddx' post='1357792' date='Aug 31 2011, 06:04 PM']The only thing you MUST do, is ignore all this and get in tune with your personal musical needs and voice and follow them. You will build your toolbox based on what you personally need, not what the cardboard cut out bassist curriculum from the academy dictates. Of course, this comes from my point of view of the pop and rock bassist playing original music. To be a good sessioneer, jazzer, or play classical or other musical form rooted in heritage and discipline, you will need all those theory and reading skills, and a technical toolbox you can execute with ease. In which case a good teacher will be what you need. But never forget you have a voice of your own, don't be afraid to use it.[/quote] Well said, Nige.

[quote name='Bilbo' post='1357621' date='Aug 31 2011, 03:16 PM']I just think that, by not playing your bass, you have 'forgotton' your abilities and are enjoying rediscovering them. If you stick with it, you will start to see your shortcomings again.[/quote] Well, if not a motivational speaker, maybe you could become the world's first pro roshambo player, eh?

[quote name='EssentialTension' post='1297641' date='Jul 8 2011, 08:40 PM']Other way round for me - when I had a Jazz - neck 100%, bridge 70%.[/quote] This is what I currently do, and have no complaints. Well worth a try rolling one back. Suggest try both and see what takes your fancy.

[quote name='RhysP' post='1357444' date='Aug 31 2011, 12:58 PM']Indeed. Fascinating though it is, Let's not take a detour down that particular road AGAIN, eh?[/quote] It's a very insistent SatNav, isn't it?

I have a slightly more budget Platinum with Wizards - I do think they're a great little bass shape; if I could find a Year of Birth '81 USA I'd be delighted

[quote name='Mr. Foxen' post='1357270' date='Aug 31 2011, 10:55 AM']Last picture is my Mockingbird. Has an awesome growl on the bridge pickup, so figured gun for that. I sent him a full pic of it and he said 'Strange looking bass'.[/quote] Ah-ha! Thought I recognised it - looks like a USA model, certainly with the fancier electronics. I am envious Odd he thought that the Mock was the 'strange looking bass', given the Scarab's unique looks

The controls look like a BC Rich Mock - is that so? This will certainly be interesting!

One of whatever Nigel is having, please - this is the most mellow I've seen him. It's infectious to the point of pricking even my grump

Some of those look pretty bloody good! Also, I love their motto: [quote]we supply wholesale and retail,the quality is excellent and the price is satisfactory[/quote]

Do we know why they take so long to produce?

[quote name='lozbass' post='1346972' date='Aug 21 2011, 10:35 AM']+1 Some fantastic Grabbers and Rippers turning up - what a joy, I don't think these basses have had the appreciation they deserve (fantastic players with a very distinctive tone). Gust0o - that G3 is astounding! Great to see one in such condition 35 years on. Shockwave, same too - a great example that will come to life with a bit of care (I'm not sure about the bridge - I know Hipshot produce a nice replacement for the 3 point found on Rippers, but I'd imagine it's the original bent plate on the Grabber)[/quote] Thanks loz - it's had some TLC, mainly around just giving it a polish. I know some of the guys on Talkbass would rather see the vintage patina, but I tend to think more of it as dirt... Especially when it genuinely is Besides, I want someone to own this after me, or at least be saying something like [i]wow, that is in great nick 50 years on...[/i]

Are the planets in alignment?

Bluff it out in key! Where bluffing fails, pretend fiddling with the bass and come back in on the next beat once memory has been restored.

Here, here: and a welcome return! Didn't we have a lad on here, a couple of years ago now, who seemed to be flitting through Ken Smiths in his quest for the perfect bass? I'm probably still in the space of ignorant bliss compared to a lot of you more knowledgable chaps.

Does the ESP Viper count, too? Always fancied a black Eb3 with blocks - very cool!