The Funk

[quote name='Oscar South' post='200061' date='May 16 2008, 12:07 AM']My concept of earth is a state of fragile serenity, its completely calm but threatening to explode with irresistible power at any time.[/quote] I used a very similar line on a girl a couple of nights ago. The only difference being I was talking about my penis. Needless to say if it had been successful I wouldn't be submitting a widdly w***fest. I think we should have as many entries in each category as possible (ie. each Element). If someone did want to do a suite, that would be awesome - so long as Earth, Wind and Fire's legal team don't see this... I've started on an idea for Fire and I've got a couple of concepts in mind for Water and possibly Earth. Air might be tricky but I'd like to have a go. If I submit the video for [i]Sexy Boy[/i], please disqualify me. EDIT: Could I suggest a separate thread for people to submit their entries in and then a third thread for votes/critique? Maybe people could give some brief information about each of their entries, such as how long it took, what instruments are on it, how it was recorded, what the concept behind it was, whether any kind of clever techniques were used and why. This could actually turn into something constructive - kind of like a songwriters'/composers' collective.

I have a 1000W power amp for my rig. It's nice to know there's more there if I need it. That's still half the Watts of your average ladies' hair dryer: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=18779&hl=hairdryer"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=...mp;hl=hairdryer[/url]

Randall have a similar system for guitar. It's a bit like using a Pod but "real".

It seems like most people aren't up for a full-on "who can widdle the widdliest widdle" contest but I think people might be interested in attempting various challenges. The first one Oscar mentioned at the beginning seems like it could be a good challenge. Then maybe people could keep suggesting challenges to see if other people were up for having a go at them. For example, you could have a "you don't need a drummer to keep time" challenge. No restrictions or guidelines on what people can or can't play, just a theme for inspiration. So I think Oscar should start a thread in the Recording forum to set Challenge 1. What do you say?

[quote name='Muppet' post='199193' date='May 14 2008, 11:43 PM']Sounds like you were actually using a SVT-450H and the effects loop is in series so when you use the send, it breaks the signal path (I don't think the volume on the head would have affected your monitoring if this is the case). The preamp out socket would also have done what you experienced, so two output signals, both cutting the signal to the cab, exactly as you say. The only way you could have done in IMO is to use the XLR line out.[/quote] I think a simple Y cable would do the trick from either the Effects Send or the Preamp Out. Plug one end of the Y cable into either the Effects Send or Preamp Out and then one side of the split back into the amp at the Effects Return or Power Amp In. Then plug the other side of the split into a volume control unit like in Ped's system and then into your headphones. It sounds complicated but it's much cheaper and more practical than my first 3 suggestions - and that monster 3 cab rig you tried! I think that would work. But I think you'd be stuffed if you found yourself plugging into an amp that didn't have a built-in effects loop or preamp out/power amp in. EDIT: If the Y cable + in-line volume control + in-ear monitors system works, I might try it on a gig to see what it's like.

I think the only answer is to upgrade your in-ear monitoring system so that the signal splits off from your bass before it goes into the amp. If you got something like an EBS Microbass II, you could plug your headphones into the headphone out and run a "clean" signal from the Link output on it. There's probably a cheaper device but none of the in-ear users seem to be posting in this thread.

The individual parts look great so far. I want to see it finished and hear it in the studio!

[quote name='7string' post='199100' date='May 14 2008, 09:59 PM']In my opinion, music shouldn't be a competition....[/quote] It's alright. I guarantee my entry into the competition wouldn't be music. It'd be a pointless widdlefest at the highest tempo I can manage.

I find that the more gigs I play, the better I get at playing in time and in tune when I can't hear anything much. I've never played a gig with good sound - and I wouldn't expect it from a jam session. You could try running a slightly different two cab set-up where you put a 2x10 or something on the floor as your main cab and then stick another quieter one (something like a Gallien-Krueger MBX Cab) on a stand up by your ears.

The main prize in winning any competition is the ego stroking you get, surely?

[quote name='Oscar South' post='198742' date='May 14 2008, 02:23 PM']Thats just not fun though, its like the 'slow race' at sports day for kids who had no chance of winning any other sporting event.[/quote] Well, come on then. Let's at least get the categories rolling. Best solo bass composition/performance Best Prog/Metal bass performance in an ensemble Best Funk bass performance in an ensemble Best Swing etc. Fastest, most pointless, and widdliest noodling <- I will be entering this category with a piece I'll call "Single for too long - The Slap It Self-Abuse Suite" Or do you guys think there should be no categories? This is going to end up like the final act of the movie [i]Crossroads[/i], isn't it?

[quote name='Happy Jack' post='197508' date='May 12 2008, 08:54 PM']I'm playing very small venues, but I'm an inexperienced player and I'm really not happy unless I can hear what I'm playing pretty clearly. With the cab either on the floor or a low stand, I can never hear myself properly on stage.[/quote] I'm a relatively experienced player (although I have nothing on some of the guys on these forums) and I have that same problem. The only solution I have is to either play with a stack (inappropriate for small venues) or angle your cab up to your ears using a foam wedge underneath the front of it. If you're only using the cab to hear yourself (ie. you're also going through the PA) then you could just stick your amp up on a chair or stand.

[quote name='bubinga5' post='197966' date='May 13 2008, 02:00 PM']Blimey i never posted this often before , im in a bit of a dillema.... im in a band at the moment that play rock blues (think allman bro's, beatles, zep etc) although i like this sort of stuff, it really is not me, without wanting to name drop i like stuff, like Incognito, Meshell Ndegeocello, Earth wind and Fire, Prince etc..I know playing different styles is great for my overall playing, but i never really get to play how i want to...or maybe its that i dont like the style he wants me to play in?? Maybe i should be flattered these guys chose me to be the bassist (they had quite a few auditions) both guys have got 20+ years under there belt so i feel like bit of an idiot for moaning I know its good experience, but im just not feeling there groove. What do you guys/girls think[/quote] Continue in this band and definitely start your own funk band. Once you're running your own band that plays exactly the stuff you want, you can sit at a blues jam and enjoy watching the two guitarists who can play rhythm spit licks at each other without feeling the need to do anything impressive. Well, tolerate is probably a better word than enjoy.

[quote name='Oscar South' post='197991' date='May 13 2008, 02:26 PM']I meant more Mingus and less Jaco in my definition of 'proper Jazz'.[/quote] Interviewer [to Jaco]: How would you describe your style of jazz? Jaco: I play R&B.

[quote name='Russ' post='197526' date='May 12 2008, 09:22 PM']I should hate this stuff on principle, but I've been sucked in. Was the same last year with the Joseph one. Jessie's going to win, that's as obvious as it was that Lee was going to win last year - she's in a different league to all the others. But I like Jodie. Then again, I have a thing for loud Northern lasses! [/quote] Is Jessie the Irish 18-year old one? Do you think Lord Lloyd Webber is hoping she literally would do anything?

Not my kind of thing but tight and heavy. Sounds good.

I really like My Father Told (apart from that dodgy drum fill - you know the one I mean ).

It's alright, you don't have to explain yourself. I'm one of the few guys here who isn't trying to tell you you're wrong for not being into funk. Sorry for my reaction. It was just that one comment that wound me up big time. To even joke that Bootsy Collins only sounded funky because of an envelope filter is stupid.

Just picture me as the Jesus in your avatar. Very much appreciated!

The first Victorian prozzie in the opening titles is a friend of mine.

Yeah, sorry. I still think you had two valid points.

[quote name='Oscar South' post='197465' date='May 12 2008, 08:19 PM']No actually thats an envelope filter [/quote] Don't be an idiot on purpose. Bootsy never used any effects with James Brown. That was only later with the P-Funk. EDIT: I actually agreed with you at the beginning. I don't think bassists need to listen to funk to understand all about groove, locking in, sitting in the pocket and all the other terms we use to describe feel and time. Some of the tightest bass players come from metal and jazz. I also agree that songwriting in funk music was never as varied as in rock music or as sophisticated as in swing - although that's not a fault of the genre itself. I still think that but now I think you're just trying to go out of your way to irritate people. And from some of your comments it sounds like you're an ignorant kid who's never listened to any real funk in his life.

[quote name='Brother Jones' post='197433' date='May 12 2008, 07:47 PM']Then at the end the singer made a massive thing of it and apologised to the audience 'on behalf of the bass player and guitarist'. FFS....[/quote] If a singer did something like that in my band, the guitarist or I would grab the mic and say "and we apologise to you on behalf of the bollock-less c*** who can't play a musical instrument".