NBW (New Bass Week)

[Andy1325]

So having some time on my hands I thought I would start to learn bass.

I've played guitar for years but never ventured into the low end at all.

The last year or so we've been through four different bass players in the band. 

So with a typical guitarist's head on thinking 'how hard can it be?! Its two strings less so 33% easier to learn than guitar..." I decided to give it a go.

(PS it's not easy at all, how far do your fingers stretch?!)

So this week I've bought a reasonable setup to begin my bass journey.

One Bongo thanks to @Jack on here, and a Sire V7 Ash/Maple thanks to Andertons.

Amp wise I bought a TC BG250 112, and a Zoom MS-60B fx pedal for silent practice.

 

Overall I'm really happy with my start.

I'm just going through the Fender Play app to start with as I didn't want to play with a pick and pretend it's just a big guitar, as I felt I might miss some of the subtleties, and reinforce some bad habits.

I'm in awe of the slap stuff though. That stuff really intrigues me.

 

Anyway, enough rambling. 

Onto the most important question, black or white pickguard?

 

 

 

[Doctor J]

A Bongo is one hell of a start, very nice.

[Andy1325]

2 minutes ago, Doctor J said:

A Bongo is one hell of a start, very nice.

Ta!

 

I've loved them for ages, can't explain it, I know they're a bit divisive but I seem to be drawn to guitars of that ilk too.

My gigging guitar is a Luke, so knew anything by EBMM would be pretty decent. 

My first good function band, the bass player had a Stingray in natural with black guard and a towering Trace Elliott rig. Absolutely loved his sound and how well put together that bass was 

 

[Jack]

Pleased that we could make a deal.   That Sire (maybe the vintage one of the same as I like the black binding) is exactly what I'm going to do with my Bongo fund so thank you for that as well.

 

PS- White

[Andy1325]

4 minutes ago, Jack said:

Pleased that we could make a deal.   That Sire (maybe the vintage one of the same as I like the black binding) is exactly what I'm going to do with my Bongo fund so thank you for that as well.

 

PS- White

Thanks again for making it happen bud! 

The Sire is very very good.  The neck is sublime, inlays are flush, no finishing issues at all, lacquer and paint is well done, frets are nicely seated, no dead spots or rough edges.

 

And yes, white is a good shout.

I was thinking about bright pink pearl...

 

[BassApprentice]

Jeez, if everyone here had that sort of bass gear as their starting point! 😂

Very nice, enjoy!

[Andy1325]

20 minutes ago, BassApprentice said:

Jeez, if everyone here had that sort of bass gear as their starting point! 😂

Very nice, enjoy!

Ha ha thanks!

Yes I suppose it does appear overkill.

 

However there was method in my madness.  Having started learning guitar years ago on some real cheesegraters, it nearly put me off. 

Having a decent instrument to learn on was important to me to keep me coming back to it, plus if there was a little investment in it I'd feel guilty if I didn't use it.

Also, decent instruments have usually had a bit of R&D into ergonomics, a bit more time spent making them playable and sounding nice which translates to wanting to spend time with the instrument.

 

[stewblack]

 

1 hour ago, Andy1325 said:

first good function band, the bass player had a Stingray in natural with black guard and a towering Trace Elliott rig. Absolutely loved his sound and how well put together that bass was

The simple fact that you noticed the bass and could name the make of the bass player's rig, loved the sound whilst you were a guitarist tells me you've made the right move! 

The scratchplate question is simple. Tort. Always tort. 

[Andy1325]

2 minutes ago, stewblack said:

 

The simple fact that you noticed the bass and could name the make of the bass player's rig, loved the sound whilst you were a guitarist tells me you've made the right move! 

The scratchplate question is simple. Tort. Always tort. 

Tort with blue?! What kind of craziness is this!?

Saying that I've just received a hot pink pearl scratchplate for a boring black strat today.  Tort isn't so much of a stretch!

 

[stewblack]

Follow the way of the tort my son. You will never misstep. 

[Cuzzie]

@Andy1325 good man - re pick vs fingers. I think its good to have the ability across multiple modalities, but if you like a pick, then go with it, you can be subtle and funky and driven all at the same time.

Great Pick players look at Glenn Hughes, Mike Inez, Doug Pinnick, but if you want a real groovy player, Cody Wright but Bobby Vega is the king.

 

[Andy1325]

2 minutes ago, Cuzzie said:

@Andy1325 good man - re pick vs fingers. I think its good to have the ability across multiple modalities, but if you like a pick, then go with it, you can be subtle and funky and driven all at the same time.

Great Pick players look at Glenn Hughes, Mike Inez, Doug Pinnick, but if you want a real groovy player, Cody Wright but Bobby Vega is the king.

 

Brilliant info, thanks!

Sorted the next few days YouTube watching then!

I'll admit I'm finding it a bit weird with a pick, I'm going for where there usually is a string on a guitar and hitting air between the strings. 

I had a bad right hand injury 25yrs ago and it's still not 100%, so fingering poses it's own difficulties.

(Fnarr, chortle, etc.)

[Cuzzie]

2 minutes ago, Andy1325 said:

Brilliant info, thanks!

Sorted the next few days YouTube watching then!

I'll admit I'm finding it a bit weird with a pick, I'm going for where there usually is a string on a guitar and hitting air between the strings. 

I had a bad right hand injury 25yrs ago and it's still not 100%, so fingering poses it's own difficulties.

(Fnarr, chortle, etc.)

Finbarr Saunders it is then!

I generally find using a pick easier for various reasons, functionality etc. Key for air shots is possibly start of palm muting as you would on a 6 string - this will give you tactile feedback as to where the strings are in relation to where your pick is, it may help?! Then you can start lifting the palm off to let the notes ring as you want.

Notes with a pick can sound a little thinner, as it’s different to a wedge of meat hitting the strings, but if you have done any chicken picking you will be away.

Most importantly - there is no right or wrong way, there is your way

[itu]

With white the pickups come out better... but the most important is the dark fretboard!

Good instrument is always a good choice. I just do not get that everybody should start with toys. Tool is a tool, and it is good to start with a functional one. Enjoy!