oldslapper

[quote name='carlitos71' post='1089198' date='Jan 14 2011, 12:19 PM']anybody got any suggestions then? cheers Carlos[/quote] Sorry Carlos, Mark is based in Dorset. Have a look in bass tutors in the "for sale" section, I would think there's a fair few good ones in London. All the best, John

[quote name='Gareth Hughes' post='1088990' date='Jan 14 2011, 09:50 AM']Fair play with the lessons. I just took my first upright lesson a few days ago (getting almost stranded in the snow on the way there too!!). I've been playing upright professionally for about 12 years - basically got one and got gigs just because I had one so very much learnt on the job - so after all that time I have a LOT of bad habits to correct. After one lesson I'm already feeling, and more importantly - HEARING - the changes in my playing, especially with my bowing. Yes, I am a wee chuffed ferret. How I wish I could go back to my younger self and give me a slap for not taking lessons then.[/quote] That's a great post Gareth! In the 12 years you've been paid to play the Upright I wonder how many MD's have asked you whether you'd had lessons, before booking you?? You must have already had a great deal of musicality and ability and hard work...(or you're VERY cheap ), in order to maintain that length of work. I think it's a great example of a pro wishing to improve, and not too proud to go and get lessons!....that's a true Pro. There's a bit of me that gets exasperated with the misguided belief that you have to be perfect before venturing out. Always seek to improve, through playing with others and through the guidance of those who have trodden a similar path, and who can spot the dangers, and shout encouragement. Most of all "get out and play people!!" Stop worrying about the imaginary talent police turning up and carting you off because you're using an illegal extended fingering. Ooh I'm feeling all evangelical."...gotta get a witness...."

[quote name='baboom' post='1085558' date='Jan 11 2011, 02:45 PM']Me too -I've got my first lesson (introduction really) on Thursday with Endorka/Jennifer. Unlike you though, I've never even touched one, let alone gigged with it! Very excited though. Thankfully I've got band practice the night before which should shake off the christmas cobwebs on the EB after a few weeks away in the other half of the world with nary a thick string in sight (just took the mandolin on the plane this time, but it had to go in the hold). Let us know how the session goes.... I leave the splits to you - I suspect it is a bit further on in the book "progressive gynmastics for musicians" than I have got to! T[/quote] Great lesson with Mark. His Pilates background was enormously helpful in sorting out posture/positioning. Already feel more physically efficient and relaxed. Lots of homework too. How was yours with Jennifer? John

[quote name='Damo200' post='1085570' date='Jan 11 2011, 03:02 PM']Mark Thistlewood I presume? Demon player and premium piss-taker! If its him, you're in good hands![/quote] The very same. He'll have plenty to take the piss out of with me! Any messages?

Ok, so having gigged the Upright now for 12 months, I am painfully aware of how bad my technique is, the evidence of which is in aching wrist/forearm. So have booked lessons with a teacher who plays in a symphony orchestra near me, who is also a Pilates teacher. First lesson tomorrow. I shall come away all cultured like, and be able to play the beasty whilst doing the splits, ..........might video that. Seriously looking forward to it. John

Yes please!

You could write a song about this recent experience with your dad.......you are already feeling emotions about this. We communicate feel, which is our interpretation of an emotion, through our playing/writing? My daughter and i have just been listening to Bond theme tunes in the car for the last 2 hours and dissecting them. Huge difference in the feel of each song as the artist interpret the songs. Bassey/Jones/Gladys Knight/KD Laing all communicated emotion as they interpreted the songs. AHA, Duran Duran, Madonna, no emotion or feel, just cold whining indulgence. I don't know what your dad really meant, only he does, but perhaps you could ask him more and tap into this new connection with him. I am talking out of my a@#e as usual, so take no notice.

and very attractive, so I think, overall, she kind of comes out on top. [/quote] .can I be the first to say.....MATRON!!

[quote name='Clarky' post='1078572' date='Jan 5 2011, 02:10 PM']Can I point out for the avoidance of doubt that Honeys are a type of bass string [/quote] Yeah BIG disappointment!

Bought Clarky's Honeys, uber fast delivery...thanks, John

[quote name='Clarky' post='1047895' date='Dec 5 2010, 12:12 AM']'Ow much? Good price. Cheap as Asda. Cheap as chips. Cheap as shoplifting[/quote] Ok let me shoplift then.. PM'd

[quote name='bartelby' post='1076538' date='Jan 3 2011, 05:43 PM']So you've decided which EUB then?[/quote] Not yet Liam. I'd like to try some Honeys on my ADB. Thanks for the play this a.m., very helpful. Hope you and the family had a good day. John

Did these sell Mr Clarky sah? Would like to buy, if Jake's not interested, been promised them, or bought them. Ta John

Jam, if you're looking for reading & theory in particular at this time, and you can't find a decent bass tutor in your area, then go to a piano teacher......seriously.

Many thanks Dave. I like to move a little when playing, and find myself swaying a bit when not singing, so I reckon you may be right about the NS on a stand being a bit restrictive. I'm trying out an NXT tomorrow, so will see whether the feel and sound compensate. John

I'm after an EUB to use as a back up to my ADB. I think I've narrowed it down to the above 2 for my budget (circa £700). I've been offered an as new SWB, with hard case for a good price. I would consider another Bassix, but not sure if budget would cover one. Anyone give me some comparisons, or your experiences of either please, Many thanks, Happy New Year John