paul h

None more eighties! Nice

[quote name='ambient' timestamp='1467884069' post='3086923'] I came at bass playing backwards I guess, so I do find some peoples ways of doing things odd, so you'll have to excuse me. I started on violin and learned to read etc. Then switched to classical guitar and again sight-read stuff, and learned what the notes were on the fretboard. When I switched to playing bass, I assumed that the only way to play was the way I'd had with the other instruments. I expected to join a band and be given music to play. It never really occurred to me that you could play any other way. It was actually a bit of a eureka moment when a guy in a music shop that specialised in books, told me that most players just use the chords to make thier own lines. I'd gone in looking for books with printed lines in, having previously seen books full of piano and guitar chords, I just assumed there would be a bass version. [/quote] That's the beauty of all this...there is absolutely no right or wrong ways to approach things! I'm quite jealous of your musical journey...my theory is practically nonexistent and my technique is pretty weak! In hindsight I wish I had tried a more disciplined approach in my early days.

Youtube is an absolute godsend. I can't even comprehend how I managed to work stuff out 30 years ago...wearing out LPs by constantly moving the needle back to that tricky middle eight bit

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1467883412' post='3086911'] The Markbass/Barefaced rig is more versatile than the Rumble, however. But is it worth an extra £550..? I've got to say yes really, haven't I? [/quote] I like my gear to inspire me...so if it works for you it's totally worth it. Of course I've never spent £550 on anything so what do I know

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1467883460' post='3086913'] I have Fender GAS at the moment... either for a shell pink custom shop jazz with a matching headstock or an American Standard maple/sunburst jazz... However I sold an MIJ jazz last week that was an excellent instrument... I'll never learn [/quote] Oops! I have permanent gas for a PJ with a J neck, candy apple red, matching headstock, mint scratchplate. When I win the lottery (Friday night I assume) I think I will be giving LImelight a call

[quote name='AndrewJordan' timestamp='1467822744' post='3086551'] Just listen to it and then move your fingers around until it sounds right...........................thats what I do...... [/quote] That's how I started out. I put on an Iron Maiden record and then moved my fingers around the fretboard until I found the notes that sounded correct. Really, isn't that just how everyone used to get started? Now I just go to Youtube and let someone teach me Whatever technique or methods you use, the only way to improve is to put in the time and effort. Eventually your ears get more used to spotting intervals and it does become easier. Also a grasp of very basic theory helps of course.

I've gone through a phase recently where every guitar I own seems to have terrible intonation! I think it's partly because they are all cheap guitars ...but I'm beginning to realise the main reason seems to be that I'm too heavy handed and the strings I use are too light.

I've only ever played outdoors once and I loved it. I would love to play a festival...of course I would have to have a functional band first!

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1467833742' post='3086647'] Yes, it's 13kg. It's all relative - the One10 is 7kg, but it's still too heavy - if you need to carry it for a mile. I remember thinking only quite recently that 24kg is nothing for a bass cab and back in the day was happy to throw an 8x10 around. Where are the snows of yesteryear..? [/quote] My Compact is 12kg....that has now become my upper limit. My back is literally made of tissue paper. Yes. Literally. I remember having to carry my Trace 1x15 combo up several really narrow, awkward flights of stairs at one gig. I decided the easiest way was just to lift it right above my head. It was easy. It does go someway to explaining my current physical condition though

People like stuff

Tbh the biggest surprise for me with The Winery Dogs was Richie...I hadn't really paid him that much attention and I had no idea he had that voice...and a lot of soul in his playing too. I'm not really an album kind of guy these days (with a couple of exceptions) so most of the stuff of theirs I've heard is just from browsing Youtube

I suppose I started listening to Billy back when he was doing shred stuff with Tony McAlpine and the like...but I don't disagree, he did do some tasteful stuff with Mr. Big. The Winery Dogs just seem to have a bit more groove. (I'm probably wrong)

[quote name='LewisK1975' timestamp='1467813907' post='3086469'] Ooops! I actually meant to say I assume most of you HAVE listened to The Winery Dogs! Now Fixed! [/quote] Lol

[quote name='LewisK1975' timestamp='1467813147' post='3086460'] I assume most of you have not listened to Billy's latest venture - The Winery Dogs. 3 piece band featuring Mike Portnoy on Drums and Richie Kotzen on guitar / vocals. Whilst it's very AOR on times, it's a shining example that those techniques are still going strong today. Albeit by the same guy. As for why no clones, there are some guys around, check out Danny Growl for one. I think the main issue why there are fewer 'clones' is that it's a bloody difficult thing to nail correctly! [/quote] You assume incorrectly. And personally I think he has really dialled it down for The Winery Dogs....but that's probably more about the songs than anything else.

@bassjim hopefully your next bass will be the right one for you! Good luck!

[quote name='karlfer' timestamp='1467812387' post='3086449'] So, as we all know, QC is not just a Fender issue. [/quote] Absolutely! I think it's the same with all mass produced instruments...some just come out better than others! I'm more likely to take a punt for £200 though I am currently gassing for a custom shop, heavy relic telecaster guitar...so I do like Fender...I just haven't found the "one"

[quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1467811532' post='3086437'] I am aware of the issues that COULD be present, but if I found a bass I liked, I wouldn't let a high action stand in the way of asking it be lowered and hoping there aren't any other issues. I don't think a decent Fender salesman would let that get in the way of a potential sale either. [/quote] Well I clearly didn't like it enough to bother with. If you want to go back in time and get the sales guy to set it up, go for it! My problem is that I've got two Chinese made Fender copies. An SX jazz and a Retrovibe Aero2...which is an Aerodyne copy...and they were both awesome out of the box. If I ever play a Fender that feels as good as either of those I will buy it on the spot.

[quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1467804678' post='3086361'] Really? That can be adjusted you know. [/quote] Yes it can...but a high action can hide all sorts of problems with the neck and the frets. I'm not spending that kind of money on a bass not knowing whether I will be able to set it up to my liking. I've had many a bass where I've lowered the action only to discover high frets that need levelling...or that the neck needs shimming. £1000 is a lot of money to me and I don't want to be dicking about if I've spent that kind of money

I still fancy a One10...or a Super Compact. The minute my Gen1 Compact is less than stellar I will upgrade but the thing is just awesome Funnily enough, and no disrespect intended, but the Two10 isn't tempting me...it's too heavy

I think that's a very interesting question! I was a Big Billy Sheehan fan...Mr Big at the Birmingham Institute still rates as one of my all time favourite gigs. However, I've never really had a desire to play like him. I imagine he has inspired many people to play bass but you're absolutely correct, I can't think of a single bass player who seems to have copied his style! Funny that.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1467757024' post='3086053'] ...And the guitarist, who will tell you he has learnt the song but will actually have listened to it once in his car on the way to the rehearsal. Good luck! [/quote] Errr....am I doing something wrong then?

I've had Japanese P which I loved and a Mexican J which was so, so. Oh and an Aerodyne which was pretty nice. I've never actually found a US Fender that I liked enough to buy. I did try a P a few years ago that did have something about it. It sounded great but the action was ridiculously high and that and the £1000+ price tag put me off.

I've never been able to afford anything really expensive so losses are always pretty minimal