BigAlonBass

[quote name='endorka' post='1068419' date='Dec 24 2010, 12:26 AM']Sorry Big Al, looks like I just parroted your post :-) Jennifer[/quote] No problem. You know what they say - "Great Minds Think Alike"......... I generally don't listen to the ones that counter with "Fools Seldom Differ"

I honestly don't see what the problem is. I work regularly with three different Bands, two of whom de-tune all the strings on their instruments by a semitone, to allow the vocalists to hit some of the more difficult notes. We all de-tune, but fret the "normal" notes. I practise and learn any new songs by listening to C.D's at home, and have a POS old copy Bass that is tuned "normally" so I can play along with the songs I'm learning. When I go to the Rehearsal/Gig, I take the de-tuned Bass, and play the "normal" notes I have just learnt, which are the same notes as everyone else in the Band. It may sound like a G#, but we're all fretting the G. Not too annoying, unless you have Perfect Pitch! It's not a case of "Telling you what to do", it's just the Band being helpful so that you don't have to transpose every note in every song down half a step on the fly.

I'm contemplating swapping one of my "no-name" basses for a crappy 5-string, to see what all the fuss is about, and to find out if I can actually play it!

I don't think Karen Carpenter ever sounded like she was singing down her nose............

[quote name='thebrig' post='1053765' date='Dec 10 2010, 09:53 AM']What do they sound like, are they up there with standard Precisions?[/quote] Not really. With them being an Active Bass in their original configuration, they're a bit more 'modern' sounding. I replaced the pick-ups on mine, as most people seem to do, and with a bit of 'tweaking' can get very close to the Precision Sound. It also has a Jazz pick-up, but it doesn't do the Jazz Sound very well at all. If you can get a sound you're happy with (I did) they're a nice, comfortable Bass to play.

[quote name='gicut58' post='1046011' date='Dec 3 2010, 09:21 AM']This is all so cool - constructive critique requested, and boy did I get it! thanks for all your help peeps, plenty to chew on! G[/quote] Precisely. When it comes right down to it, you're the one who has to make the decisions on your sound, but when you get a lot of opinions from folk who play the same instrument as yourself, it can give you a starting point that you may not have seen, being too close to the problem in the first place. Good luck!

[quote name='gicut58' post='1044883' date='Dec 2 2010, 11:59 AM']the questions I'm asking are as follows - am I wrong in wanting 'my sound'? I hate....with a passion......the sound the bass produces that other band members want. How much does wearing earplugs affect audio reception? am i being asked to compensate for the hearing issues of others? am I being a bit too much of a prima D? any constructive criticism gratefully received G[/quote] Answers in chronological order:- Yes - Tough - It Varies - No - Yes. In the last few Bands I've been in, I can categorically state that I have NEVER had "my sound" onstage. It's always been a matter of compromising to make the BAND sound good, not to keep a single member (us) happy. I wear earplugs as well, so it doesn't grate as much as it used to in 'The Olden Days', as it takes a bit of treble out of the sound you're actually hearing. The only true test is to get out in the audience by means of a radio transmitter or a very long guitar lead, and listen to what it sounds like out there. If you still think it sounds rubbish, you're in the wrong Band, because you (or they) never be happy with your sound.

Cool idea! I'll have a virtual ticket, please.

[quote name='Annoying Twit' post='1037332' date='Nov 26 2010, 07:41 AM'][url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Black-Rickenbacker-bass-copy-Bruce-Foxton-/260696408955?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item3cb2b7837b"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Black-Rickenbacker-b...=item3cb2b7837b[/url] Completed listing, no bids @ £49 start bid? I'd guess that the seller ended it early. Perhaps he's having some sort of battle with the Ric forum folks.[/quote] Yes, he mailed me back when I asked. "Copyright Issues with E-Bay" and he's apparently got some stock in, that he's selling off at £329.

[quote name='Conan' post='1037444' date='Nov 26 2010, 09:35 AM']Sadly they are not much use with a Status series II...! [/quote] I found that if you bash a nail into either side of the neck, they work perfectly.

£510.27p

You Sir, are a gentleman - Thanks!

Link, please. I can't find a "BAS" site anywhere, and I've got exactly the same problem finding stuff for my old AH350X.

[quote name='flyfisher' post='1012220' date='Nov 4 2010, 04:01 PM']When I bought my own P-bass, it didn't have the finger-rest and I tend to rest my thumb against the top pickup - is that a generally used technique?[/quote] Yes.

Glad you got it sorted out, mate. I thought something had gone wrong with my computer, when I wasn't getting the same as you.

[quote name='Bassassin' post='999565' date='Oct 24 2010, 11:58 PM']Blatant copy, I'm surprised the listing's still active. Jon.[/quote] So am I-it's been reported.

Some of the lads on here have started using Methylated Spirits to clean their strings. If you're one of them, immerse your fingertips in (clean) meths for 5-10 minutes every day. I just balance mine in a flattish old saucer on the chair arm while I'm watching the idiot box. I tried it after an old Double-Bass player told me about it, and it actually works.

[quote name='spinynorman' post='995494' date='Oct 21 2010, 12:49 AM']Just noticed the "see similar" icons that have appeared on all pictures on eBay. Apart from the resulting mouseover popup, which is a pain in the a***, does it strike anyone else as very unfair to sellers. If you've paid to display a picture, why should eBay use it to send your potential customers to someone else? When I tried to to find an email link to raise this with them (not that they take any notice) a picture of a customer services type woman showed up on the page, with a "see similar" icon on it. Of course, I tried to follow that link, but it said it couldn't find any more deals on nice young ladies for me to consider. [/quote] It doesn't say "see similar" for me? I just get the name of the item, and nothing more.

[quote name='greyparrot' post='986718' date='Oct 13 2010, 10:51 AM']People have things for sale i may wanna buy, but they dont come back to the site...............how anoying! he he (my rant for today)[/quote] It must be our fault. I've P.M'd three different people as well, wanting to buy stuff from them, and they've never been seen again!

"From little acorns grow mighty oaks" Keep at it in the privacy of your own home, and you should be able to sort out the 'quite flat' problem over time. I started 'singing' at a very similar rehearsal, so for most of the Bands I've been in for the past few years, I've learnt all the lyrics for the songs, and a few times we've been able to fulfil Gig commitments when the Vocalist has been unavailable/ill/indisposed. I recommend lots of reverb and delay on the desk, as it covers a multitude of sins!

[quote name='hksixer' post='984106' date='Oct 11 2010, 09:44 AM']Hi there I'm new to this bass forum and a new recent bass learner. I used to play the cello but fancied a change however not to far a change from that so decided to pick up the bass. Had a go at guitar but my fingers are to dumpy for that. I have been up to the bass gallery a couple of times and always liked the look of the basses up there. Also started to really listen to the bass in the music i listen to. So i bought myself a cheap bass of the internet and have been learning for about 3 or 4 months now. Am trying to teach myself but would appreciate any tips from you guys. I bought an HK from germany and went the whole hog and bought a 6 string. It sounds lovely, well to me anyway but being a novice i suppose it could sound anything but lovely to any longtime bass player. I have checked out some of your basses and there are some awesome looking ones on the forum. Hope that this is going in the right place on the forum. Haven't used a forum before Cheers [/quote] Yep-it's the right place. Welcome on board.