Conan

Some of the best examples of sparkling dry white wines are made outside the French region of Champagne. They are, therefore, not "Champagne" and not allowed to call themselves such. Doesn't stop them being better and more pleasurable than the "original" though! Does that make sense?

Hi Stuart! I visit Edinburgh regularly and stay at my in-laws place in the New Town. I could be up for a bash up there too! Welcome to the forum!

Great stuff! Love the Gus too!

I've heard some very positive opinions about Vintage guitars. Never played one myself though, but people whose opinions I trust rate them highly.

Some great advice here. Isn't BassChat wonderful?!

[quote name='FrederikVanDuuren' timestamp='1326365377' post='1495967'] I would never buy a Squier:So if you combine your technique with a cheap/bad instrument from starters, it will obviously sound bad Hope this helps... [/quote] Sorry, but I disagree! Most of us would agree that Squiers are variable in quality but if you get a good one they can be very good. I've been playing for thirty years and have had a few good basses. My current favourite to play is a Squier Affinity P bass - which also happens to be the cheapest bass I have ever bought!! Shop around and try individual basses out is the only way to guarantee that you get a decent instrument. I do agree though that it is much harded learning on a poor quality bass - especially if the neck is poor. That said, I think that the general quality of cheap basses now is far better than it was when I started playing.

[quote name='louisthebass' timestamp='1326357177' post='1495778']Judging by the fact you like Myung & Harris, there wouldn't be a lot of point exploring things like Harmonic / Melodic Minor or Whole Tone scales unless you feel the need to.. [/quote] Isn't that slightly prejudiced? Are you implying that rock bassists need less theoretical knowledge than players of other styles of music?

[quote name='Russ' timestamp='1326329386' post='1495696']You can make the right sounds, but you'll only understand what they mean if you learn theory. Music is a language too. [/quote] I think the concept of "understanding" is somewhat over-rated. What exactly do you mean by "understand" in this context? If one can play a tasteful, counter-harmonic bassline under a certain chord progression just because it sounds and feels nice, does one need to understand WHY is sounds and feels nice? I would say, in most situations, that one doesn't.

[quote name='gmtx725' timestamp='1326325429' post='1495656'] I'm still torn between a Music Man SUB and the Squier CV Precision if anyone can give me a gentle nudge towards either one of those... [/quote] I think you are still slightly missing the point. Both are decent basses, but you won't know which one YOU prefer until you try both. And even then, there will be some examples that are better than others. This "problem" is as simple or as difficult as you want to make it!

[quote name='christhammer666' timestamp='1326312074' post='1495398'] my 2 favourite bassists are john myung who knows the bass inside out and the other is steve harris who even though is an absolute monster on the bass would admit to not having much knowledge of theory [/quote] Interesting point. From a personal point of view though, I'd far rather listen to Harris than Myung! Again, not from a reverse-snobbery point of view - just because I think SH has a more interesting style and tone. Horses for courses I guess.

[quote name='iconic' timestamp='1326314435' post='1495443'] For me playing a bass and theory is a bit like moving to Spain, sure you can enjoy yaself without learning the lingo, many expats dont speak a word, but learning the language makes things a lot easier and even more fun in every possible way![/quote] That's a brilliant analogy!! Love it!

[quote name='christhammer666' timestamp='1326312074' post='1495398']I wouldnt know if i was playing bass chords or just playing with myself. [/quote] Really?!?! I know very little theory. A few years ago I had a few lessons with a well respected local bass teacher. He was amazed at what I could play without knowing what the hell I was doing! That's not to say that I wouldn't [i]like[/i] to know some more theory, but I have a busy life and just can't dedicate the time to it that it would require. I have a basic working knowledge of the difference between major and minor scales and thirds, fifths, etc - but that's it. I don't say this because I am proud of it - but just to add to the discussion. It is possible to become a reasonable player with very little theoretical knowledge, but having it certainly won't do you any harm! I don't subscribe to the reverse-snobbery ideology of refusing to learn theory. That's just silly.

[quote name='fatboyslimfast' timestamp='1325756858' post='1487025']You can pick up a decent Squier precision for around £80 normally, so allow £20 for a new set of strings and you have a totally reliable backup bass.[/quote] I got mine on here for £65!! Great neck. A set of DRs and a pickup upgrade and I have a bass that sounds and plays great for a total of about £120. What's not to like?

My advice would be..... slow down! You sound like you are in a big hurry to get something. Don't be. Take your time, try a few basses and amps and then think about it. It's a buyer's market at the moment so if you have cash in hand you are in a strong position to haggle and barter. But DEFINITELY buy used gear. On here if you can as you will be dealing with bass players who usually know what they are talking about!

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1325954802' post='1490348']It's really light, but so resonant. it sustains forever. [/quote] Looking at that bridge, I'm not surprised! What type is that? It's real heavy duty stuff...

Actually, I quite like it!

As someone who regularly stays in Edinburgh, I only see this as good news!

[quote name='bungle' timestamp='1325844864' post='1488520']Here's the M83 track with it, the line starts at about 1:15. [/quote] That's nice! It actually sounds very like Marcus Miller in tone and style...