Conan

Depends on the bass and the type of music I am predominantly playing at the time. I do find, though, that I am preferring heavier strings than I used to. Just bought a new (to me) fiver and just about to look for some strings. Will probably go down the Newtone route and see what gauges they have around the 45-130/5 range...

I've used them and they were great. No complaints from me.

Not sure about his vocals... but his playing is very tasteful IMO. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=pZQaKMo_soQ"]http://www.youtube.c...d&v=pZQaKMo_soQ[/url] [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkNDKsjSdsk&feature=relmfu"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkNDKsjSdsk&feature=relmfu[/url] [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7EqJwZdcig&feature=relmfu"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7EqJwZdcig&feature=relmfu[/url]

[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHHBl8cz7eY"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHHBl8cz7eY[/url]

[quote name='Low End Bee' timestamp='1340291948' post='1702412'] Besides I haven't learnt how to play or make use of 4 strings properly yet. [/quote] I'm reminded of a quote from Billy Sheehan. I think someone on here has it in their sig...

[quote name='BottomE' timestamp='1340291190' post='1702396'] I respectfully disagree. Most of the "classic" tunes that are famous on bass (not many i know) were done on a 4 string. [/quote] Maybe so, but what if the singers on those "classic" tunes had preferred keys of E flat or D? No low root notes to use then... consequently a possibly rather thin low end...

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1339931845' post='1696362'] In a 70's covers band (so no drop D, no Doom stuff) where the key we play in is as often determined by the singer's range as by the original recording, a 5-string allows me to drop the original key by up to a fourth with no issues at all.[/quote] This, for me, is the key value of a 5. And by a 5 I mean a bass with an extra low string. I just don't see any value in having more high notes - not for me anyway. It's not that I don't play up the dusty end, but I just don't need any MORE high notes! Depends on the music you play I guess. Quite a lot of music is written in E. Try to play those tracks with a singer that can't quite hit the high notes and dropping down may be the best option. That would mean playing the bass lines at the fourth ot fifth fret on the A string as the LOWEST notes on a four string (or, as others have advocated, dropping your E string down to a D - with possible associated string tension issues...). Despite saying, a few months ago, that I was done with five strings; I've just bought another one! As it is a significantly higher quality instrument (I hope!) than my previous two, I anticipate that several of the issues that I used to have will be improved. I sometimes use the low "extra" notes as an effect. They are great for impact. Depending on the band though, playing below E a lot of the time can cause problems with the mix. It certainly does (IMO) with my current originals band. The overall sound was improved by my going back to a four. Just "fits" better with the blend of sounds and instruments in that particular band. Hard to explain, but noticeable when listening to playbacks of recorded stuff.

[quote name='Coilte' timestamp='1340282103' post='1702213'] I cant believe that on a British forum, talking about the blues, that the name John Mayall has not come up yet. He played a big part in reviving the blues, and brought it to a bigger audience, especially it it's country of origin. His "Beano" album with Eric Clapton, has become iconic, and is a "must have" in any blues collection IMO. Below is a track from the album, with the very under rated John McVie on bass. [/quote] You didn't spot Jazzneck's post on the previous page then?

Some nice playing on Robert Cray's stuff. Not sure who the bassist is though... [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2JDRfrnzP4[/media] [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA6Pj6qXFrk&feature=related"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA6Pj6qXFrk&feature=related[/url]

[quote name='Lewk' timestamp='1340189660' post='1700585'] I think this is the most beautiful bass ive ever seen... [/quote] Interesting... I think it's hideous and looks half-finished! Just goes to show that everyone is different.

[quote name='Twigman' timestamp='1340198831' post='1700873'] Since the internet came in, are more bands touring or fewer? More Are there more 'stepping-stone' mid-level venues or fewer? About the same number Is it easier to get a gig or more difficult? Easier Is more good music being made or less? More [/quote] Have you any evidence for these assertions?

[quote name='silddx' timestamp='1339051815' post='1682807'] I'm not really sure why anyone really cares TBH mate, almost everything can sound like almost anything. [/quote] [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpBZDnhvsP0&feature=related"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpBZDnhvsP0&feature=related[/url]

[quote name='gjones' timestamp='1340149131' post='1700155'] I would have no problem downloading Elton John's whole back catalogue (if I could be arsed)...[/quote] To lighten the mood slightly. This is great. I just don't know where to start with this!

[quote name='paul_5' timestamp='1339453962' post='1688862']Ghost of a Chance is Alex's finest hour - it's a superb solo.[/quote] Yes indeed!! Good call that man.

[quote name='paulconnolly' timestamp='1340044677' post='1698245'] I've been alternating Clockwork Angels with Map of the Past. The clarity of all the instruments in Map is amazing and the space for the songs to unfold is stunning. A lot of Clockwork Angels does seem to be full of white noise with not a lot of definition to Lifeson's guitar parts. Some killer bass riffs tho' [/quote] Me too! MOTP is a fantastic album. In some ways I wish Geddy et al would listen to some British Prog to hear just how melodic the genre CAN be. Not that Rush are really "prog" as such any more... I actually find CA to be a rather fatiguing listen. It's all a bit frantic at times. No space in some of the tracks. It's quite a relief to get to "Halo Effect" as it is the first track that allows the listener to take a breather!!. Although I love listening to bass (obviously!), I think the bass and vocals are a bit high in the mix. The guitar is more of a texture in many parts rather than a definable instrument. Nice to hear the use of the acoustic again though! Overall, although I sound very critical here, I think it's a good album. I just have such a long-standing love of Rush that each new album of the last 20 years has been a triumph of hope over expectation. Get back to the melodies guys! There are some in CA, but there is also a lot of empty riffage IMO. BTW, which poster is it that lists names? The only one I got was the double-sided one with the angel on one side and the SMPTe-type blimp on the other...

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1340119212' post='1699403'] IMO boiling string is a complete waste of time. I tried it once and the D string snapped when I put them back on. I couldn't hear any significant improvement in the others. Too much effort for too little gain. [/quote] I used to do it and it definitely worked for me. Some sets were boiled two or three times, but the improvement got less each time and lasted less time too. I got some meths from school but haven't needed to use it yet. I too fail to see the necessity of the tube - unless it reduces stress on the strings by avoiding the need to coil them... but then again they may have spent months or even years in their packet coiled up, so what is the harm in doing it for another hour in a tub of meths?

[quote name='skankdelvar' timestamp='1339783505' post='1694411']And if the concept of 'worst' is so damnably offensive to so many of our brethren, why did they read it rather than simply pass by on the other side? [/quote] Ex-bloody-sactly.

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1339777011' post='1694255'] ... to be followed by 'what's your most disliked colour?' - actually that would make more sense than this. [/quote] Yet you just can't stop yourself posting in it!

[quote name='funkgod' timestamp='1339757756' post='1693779'] £10...mmmm... that 4 pints of beer for gods sake [/quote] Wow! Where do you drink! Please stop posting - I can't take my eyes of your avatar!!

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1339763676' post='1693918']...they're touring with an orchestra ... [/quote]

[quote name='Mr Fudge' timestamp='1337981896' post='1668454'] I will be there with bells on. Have not missed Rush since 1983 on any tour. At the moment we are very lucky because they have been touring every 2/3 years since the R30 tour in 2004. If you put 50p in a jar every week inbetween Rush tours you would get a top ticket, t shirt kebab and possibly a hand job inclusive. It's better than smoking fags or saving up for some ridiculous tatoo [/quote] I like your sense of perspective!

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1339430346' post='1688358'] That is strange... I go through strings quickly but have had a set of Newtones on since before Xmas..which is unheard of for me. I have looked after them and protected them but even so..a month is around the best I can do for strings normally...and the brightness of strings is critical for me. [/quote] I like 'em bright and zingy too. That particular set may have been unrepresentative and to be fair, they are the first set of NTs I have tried. I am also judging their brightness in comparison to DR Fatbeams, so maybe it's not a fair comparison. Good for the price though, as they are around half the price of DRs.