OliverBlackman

[quote name='Chris2112' timestamp='1323890139' post='1468433'] I could be snide and make a comment about how your illiterate posts give me some idea of why you're working as a string plucker [/quote] You're right. I'm studying music. I've chosen to not promote myself and audition for gigs as i really want to get my chops together before im (hopefully) out gigging most days of the week. Im only just 21 and my student loan keeps me alive while i practice. I thought after just completing my exams i would have a quick look on basschat and you've ruined my nights practice of transcribing and latin grooves

as an example of music courses working. Tom Kent, who is a basschat member, finished ACM 4 months ago and he seems very busy with all the work hes got as a musician

[quote name='Chris2112' timestamp='1323889798' post='1468419'] Bitter? No, A realist, surely. I studied at uni for a year and left when I got a job with a 35 year contract. I don't mean to rain on anyone's parade or make their dreams sound silly but the real world is a tough, unforgiving place and the competition is more numerous and better qualified than ever. You owe it to yourself to give yourself the best chance. [/quote] so your not a professional bass player then... think that pretty much sums up how relevant your posts are

chris 2112 i would love to know your background. You sound like a bitter old git in these posts

and in terms of the music industry. its all word of mouth!

Forgetting most of whats been posted already which is just bollocks, after you've decided you want to study music. You have to decide where and what skills you need to get a spot at that university/institute ect.

firstly as someone who's been studying music for 3 years i will say its a great thing to do and there is lots you can get out of it. For me there were two key areas. 1 Professional tuition i couldnt get in leicester. 2, The chance to join in with some really talented people the same age as me. I've not regretted it at all as becoming a professional performing musician is something im very passionate about. The only thing is is that its not like university that all my mates have gone to (ie getting pissed for 3 years). The work you have to put in and hours of practice is very very very tough. The music industry is full of some very talented people so competition is tough. You just have to smarter, and more determined than everyone else. As a piece of paper a degree is unlikely to get you many gigs. But the experience you have got from taking part in the degree. That will get you gigs. So if you really want it do it!

most guys that play jazz have really good levels of levels of improvisation. I think this could come from a lack of dots and the need to fully understand harmony. The best thing to do is to get Mark Levine Jazz Theory book and start transcribing. Then once you have a good idea of how guys and girls can do it, you can start improvising your own walking lines. A lesson from a decent teacher can also go along way If you want to learn melodies, get hold of the real book

[quote name='JakeBrownBass' timestamp='1323393717' post='1462985'] Also, as a working player I'd personally say image is about 50% the deciding factor of getting the gig or not. You can be the best player in the world but if you don't look right, you won't get the gig. [/quote] sorry to stir off conversation a little bit. But i think image if not already will definitely soon be almost 70%. Students are finding it easier to get a good education in music. There must be at least a dozen good contemporary schools and even more conservatoires that a producing amazing players ever year. Back on conversation. With a 5 string you have to accept that your probably going to want 35inch scale to get the best tone from the low B, also i like the neck to be wider nearer the pickups side for solo'ing. As a small being, 5ft 10, this completely takes away any "badboy" image that being in a band is supposed to create. 80% or so of my gigs that are on electric bass are done on the 4 string basses for that reason and also i dont need the low B without showing off

very lucky! if i didnt have one already i'd be on the phone to chris everyday begging for an endorsement!

dont see why people are having problems with these and jazz basses. Dont leave it at an angle because that just hightens the risk of it falling over. I have it so that the back part is off centre, about an inch and a half. It never falls over and even if you knock it, it would have to take a fair bit of force for it to move

im afraid the further you delve into music the more of a beginner you feel. There is so so so much to learn and its not often anybody truly "masters" their instrument. But i still remember when i was first handed a bass guitar in a music store by my dad, my response being.... "what the hell do you expect me to do with this" of course if you only want to cover tunes and songs you can pick it up to a good level in 2 or 3 years with the right teacher. If like me you want to know the in's and out's, well i'm at 10 years now and im definitely not there

is that the same as sunday at village vanguard? checking them out now :-D

if we could maybe keep this thread updated to what is best for wear and tear. I have a mate a uni who has the M80 and he says it is starting to fall apart after 18 months. Tbf thought it will have been used everyday

very jealous! always love going to the workshop and seeing what martins been working on. oh and the cat lol

the only way things increase in value is if demand increases or supply is low. Theres too many of these for it to be classified as rare and i see no reason why demand would increase? Unless victor wooten suddenly claims to love the MIM fenders with a 60th anniversary stamp

[quote name='skej21' timestamp='1322691860' post='1454698'] In which case, you would HAVE to practice technical exercises in order to correct/improve your technique to prevent such problems. This would inevitably include SOME non-musical exercises. That's just a fact. [/quote] like what exercises? if i'm altering parts of my technique or trying something new out i'll do it whilst playing something, usually scales (which can be made musical using rhythms, dynamics, articulation ect). While on the topic of practice iv also noticed if i dont play stuff i already know to "warm up" and just go straight in with what i need to learn i get much more done. Which gives me more time to be on here

it wont increase in value. to put it bluntly

if you do the required stretches before you play i dont see how you can have hand problems. Except for the last few weeks (bloody coursework) i play bass 5 hours and havnt ever had a problem. edit: unless your technique is bad

i think when he refers to technique he means focus on your technique while doing somethig musical ie learning scales or patterns rather than just focussing on technique. Confidence on the fretboard is more important than technique IMO, especially when so many big name players use non traditional approaches to technique.

nice playing where did you study your degree?

Joe Hubbards views of finger exercises. "Spider exercises, chops building exercises, left & right hand gymnastics, tablature, finger combination drills, technique builders, rubber band assisted finger exercises and grip strengthening exercises all belong in one place- the TRASH! That’s right- anything you practice that does not include musical content and/or context which isn’t engaging the mind as you practice is useless and will not improve your bass guitar playing skills one iota. Oh, I can already hear some of you saying, “What about all of those warm up exercises that I practice?” Let’s first discuss the problem before I prescribe the solution." check the rest out on his website, well worth it

hi jazzers. Can anyone recommend me some really stand out scott Lafaro recordings. Particularly with either Bill Evans or Chet Baker.

new this would be on here soon. It started off at just £50 no reserve! if only everyone had gone away for a week ;-)