jackp86 Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 Hi My name is Jack I am a bass player I play both bass guitar and string bass. I am currently studying the MA level in popular music. Part of the course requires that I do a project into an area which interests me. I have chosen to research into the role of the bass player with the shift from the string bass to the bass guitar within the 1950s to present and including popular music styles. I was wondering if you could please help me by answering a short questionnaire in relation to this, to form a true opinion. Thank you for your time and for helping me with this. Jack 1) How long have you been playing Bass Guitar/String Bass for or both? 2) If you don’t play string bass/bass guitar have you thought of doubling up on either to get more recognition as a bass player? 3) Who are your favourite exponents of both string bass/bass guitar? 4) Do you think that both the bass guitar and string bass are important as bass instruments? 5) What genres do you think are important for bass players to listen to? 6) Do you think electric guitarists can learn to play bass guitar more than string bass? 7) Do you think bass can be used to solo as well as accompany other instruments? 8) Do you think it is important to learn to sight read? 9) What do you think of bass guitars such as 5 string/6 string e.g. as being an add-on to the bass players role? 10) What are your opinions on electric upright basses as a substitute for the string bass? 11) What is the best amp to use for bass guitar or string bass? 12) What pickups for string bass are the best for capturing the natural tone of the instrument? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat Burrito Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 1) How long have you been playing Bass Guitar/String Bass for or both? 20yrs of electric and 6 months of stand up bass. 2) If you don’t play string bass/bass guitar have you thought of doubling up on either to get more recognition as a bass player? N/A - I certainly get more comments after gigs with the double bass 3) Who are your favourite exponents of both string bass/bass guitar? I like Rick Danko (The Band) a lot. 4) Do you think that both the bass guitar and string bass are important as bass instruments? Yes, certainly in rock / pop music 5) What genres do you think are important for bass players to listen to? Listen to a wide range of things you like. I like everything from folk to reggae, country to rock etc etc 6) Do you think electric guitarists can learn to play bass guitar more than string bass? Yes, that's why Leo Fender designed the bass guitar. Something that gets forgotten by some bass players 7) Do you think bass can be used to solo as well as accompany other instruments? Yes but I think it's best in a supporting role 8) Do you think it is important to learn to sight read? No. It depends what you want to achieve. It's only a barrier for some session work 9) What do you think of bass guitars such as 5 string/6 string e.g. as being an add-on to the bass players role? No opinion, not for me. 10) What are your opinions on electric upright basses as a substitute for the string bass? There are some good products on the market now but personally I'm a traditionalist. 11) What is the best amp to use for bass guitar or string bass? It depends on what you hope to achieve. I have an old Bassman tube head that I run through an Ampeg SVT cab. I don't know about best but it suits me. I tend to D.I. the double bass 12) What pickups for string bass are the best for capturing the natural tone of the instrument? Again I have a Shadow pickup that works for me and doesn't colour the sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bloodaxe Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 [b]1) How long have you been playing Bass Guitar/String Bass for or both?[/b] Electric only - 28 years Fretted, 7-8 months Fretless [b] 2) If you don’t play string bass/bass guitar have you thought of doubling up on either to get more recognition as a bass player?[/b] No - String Basses scare me. Recognition isn't why I do what I do (but it's nice when it happens). [b]3) Who are your favourite exponents of both string bass/bass guitar?[/b] String - Willie Dixon Electric - Jack Bruce/Neil Murray All within a Band context [b]4) Do you think that both the bass guitar and string bass are important as bass instruments?[/b] Yes. [b]5) What genres do you think are important for bass players to listen to?[/b] All - inspiration can come from the most unlikely places. [b]6) Do you think electric guitarists can learn to play bass guitar more than string bass?[/b] In theory, yes, depends on the guitarist. The reverse maybe a more interesting avenue to explore though. [b]7) Do you think bass can be used to solo as well as accompany other instruments?[/b] Yes - Google/Youtube Colin Hodgkinson & Nils Henning Oersted Pedersen. [b]8) Do you think it is important to learn to sight read?[/b] It doesn't hurt, depends on your personal goals though. [b]9) What do you think of bass guitars such as 5 string/6 string e.g. as being an add-on to the bass players role?[/b] They have their uses. Depends on player preference & material. [b]10) What are your opinions on electric upright basses as a substitute for the string bass?[/b] Not really a substitute, more of an alternative. [b]11) What is the best amp to use for bass guitar or string bass?[/b] Personal preference - I know of a DB player that uses a 300w Ashdown & 4 x 10 (Pete Pritchard) [b]12) What pickups for string bass are the best for capturing the natural tone of the instrument?[/b] Outside my purview - Fishman seem popular. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marvin spangles Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 [quote name='jackp86' post='689806' date='Dec 20 2009, 03:09 PM']Hi My name is Jack I am a bass player I play both bass guitar and string bass. I am currently studying the MA level in popular music. Part of the course requires that I do a project into an area which interests me. I have chosen to research into the role of the bass player with the shift from the string bass to the bass guitar within the 1950s to present and including popular music styles. I was wondering if you could please help me by answering a short questionnaire in relation to this, to form a true opinion. Thank you for your time and for helping me with this. Jack 1) How long have you been playing Bass Guitar/String Bass for or both? 20 years or so on both 2) If you don’t play string bass/bass guitar have you thought of doubling up on either to get more recognition as a bass player? 3) Who are your favourite exponents of both string bass/bass guitar? Stanley Clarke for both. I actually don't know many doublers. heroes would be Ray Brown, Charlie Haden Dave Holland. 4) Do you think that both the bass guitar and string bass are important as bass instruments? Yes both have unique roles depending on the music genre 5) What genres do you think are important for bass players to listen to? All genres but you can't ignore the great Jazz bassists and their performances. Worth listening to all the RnB greats Bootsy Collins etc Personally love all the bass lines in Steely Dan recordings also Stevie Wonder's bass lines are great even though a lot of them are played on synth. Finally check out JS Bach's bass lines they teach you so much. 6) Do you think electric guitarists can learn to play bass guitar more than string bass? I don't really know. My own experience of listening to guitarists play bass is not a happy one. They don't think of the Harmonic\rhythmic role of the bass. 7) Do you think bass can be used to solo as well as accompany other instruments? Of course? 8) Do you think it is important to learn to sight read? Absolutely! Reading is an essential tool for the pro bassist. You will get more gigs. 9) What do you think of bass guitars such as 5 string/6 string e.g. as being an add-on to the bass players role? I have no experience beyond 4 strings. 10) What are your opinions on electric upright basses as a substitute for the string bass? Generally they are second best. There are many good EUBs eg Azola but they just can't compete with the organic double bass. 11) What is the best amp to use for bass guitar or string bass? I use an Acoustic Image Contra for small gigs. And the Acoustic Image Focus III into a Euphonic Audio cab for loud gigs or bass guitar gigs. 12) What pickups for string bass are the best for capturing the natural tone of the instrument? I have used the Shadow, Rev solo and Full circle. My favourite by far is the Full circle[/quote] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
velvetkevorkian Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 1) How long have you been playing Bass Guitar/String Bass for or both? Played double bass for about 11 years and bass guitar for about 9. 2) If you don’t play string bass/bass guitar have you thought of doubling up on either to get more recognition as a bass player? n/a 3) Who are your favourite exponents of both string bass/bass guitar? The only player whose playing on both I know is Stanley Clarke. 4) Do you think that both the bass guitar and string bass are important as bass instruments? Yes- they fill different roles. 5) What genres do you think are important for bass players to listen to? Whatever genre they want to play in, or ideally all genres. 6) Do you think electric guitarists can learn to play bass guitar more than string bass? Yes- bass guitar is physically and musically less demanding in a lot of circumstances. 7) Do you think bass can be used to solo as well as accompany other instruments? Yes, although its very difficult to do well. 8) Do you think it is important to learn to sight read? For me, yes, but it depends on what you want to do. If all I wanted to play was pub rock or indie for example it would be a pretty wasted investment. 9) What do you think of bass guitars such as 5 string/6 string e.g. as being an add-on to the bass players role? I love them. I play a 5 string upright and 4, 5 and 7 string electrics. I don't see myself going back to 4. You lose nothing by taking on more strings IMO. 10) What are your opinions on electric upright basses as a substitute for the string bass? No direct experience but its bound to be a compromise. 11) What is the best amp to use for bass guitar or string bass? Really down to personal taste. I tend to practice through a hi-fi and gig on whatever amp is provided. 12) What pickups for string bass are the best for capturing the natural tone of the instrument? Don't really gave enough experience to comment, although the Revolution Solo II I've just fitted seems to be good in that respect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinyd Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 1) How long have you been playing Bass Guitar/String Bass for or both? Bass guitar over 20 years, upright about 1 year. 2) If you don’t play string bass/bass guitar have you thought of doubling up on either to get more recognition as a bass player? n/a 3) Who are your favourite exponents of both string bass/bass guitar? On upright it's Ron Carter, Dave Holland, Cachao. On bass guitar Bootsy Collins, Paul Jackson, John Taylor and Bernard Edwards would be some faves. 4) Do you think that both the bass guitar and string bass are important as bass instruments? Yep, definitely. 5) What genres do you think are important for bass players to listen to? I think that there are great bass players in every genre, but in my entirely personal opinion genres like funk, jazz and latin are more fun to play bass to. 6) Do you think electric guitarists can learn to play bass guitar more than string bass? Yep, as bass guitar is much more like a 6-string. 7) Do you think bass can be used to solo as well as accompany other instruments? Bass solos can work if they're short and interesting and don't involve noodling around at the top of the neck sounding to all intents and purpose the same as an electric guitar. 8) Do you think it is important to learn to sight read? If it helps you to be able to play things that you wouldn't otherwise play, then yes. 9) What do you think of bass guitars such as 5 string/6 string e.g. as being an add-on to the bass players role? If you like the extra strings, go for it. Personally, I like the quote from someone about "not being done with these 4 yet". 10) What are your opinions on electric upright basses as a substitute for the string bass? Not quite the same instrument, but there are many cases when the EUB is a valid substitute. 11) What is the best amp to use for bass guitar or string bass? Lots 12) What pickups for string bass are the best for capturing the natural tone of the instrument? Haven't been playing it for long enough to have a useful opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TPJ Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 1) How long have you been playing Bass Guitar/String Bass for or both? Electric bass, since 1978. Double bass off and on since 1980. Currently playing both 2) If you don’t play string bass/bass guitar have you thought of doubling up on either to get more recognition as a bass player? I double. Both are enjoyable in their own right. 3) Who are your favorite exponents of both string bass/bass guitar? String Bass: Ray Brown, Paul Chambers, Mingus, Walter Page, Dave Holland, old school guys Electric Bass: James Jamerson, Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, Verdine White, Jaco, Phil Lesh, groovers. 4) Do you think that both the bass guitar and string bass are important as bass instruments? Yes, they form part of the foundation of time and groove 5) What genres do you think are important for bass players to listen to? All? Classical, jazz, blues, Motown, pop, fusion 6) Do you think electric guitarists can learn to play bass guitar more than string bass? Depends on the ability and talent of the guitarist. 7) Do you think bass can be used to solo as well as accompany other instruments? Yes 8) Do you think it is important to learn to sight read? Yes, and being able to transcribe is a very useful skill as well. 9) What do you think of bass guitars such as 5 string/6 string e.g. as being an add-on to the bass players role? No problem with it really. I play both 4 and 5. The 5 string is an important axe for me when I'm jobbing, doing sessions, pop gigs etc... 10) What are your opinions on electric upright basses as a substitute for the string bass? In this day and age with the difficulty and expense of transportation, EUB can really help out. After all, if you are using a pickup on your UDB then you have to settle for a tone that's not quite what your bass sounds like acoustically. A quality EDB can sound the same as a fine UDB with a pickup. It's about compromise. 11) What is the best amp to use for bass guitar or string bass? One that get's you "your" tone and voice. 12) What pickups for string bass are the best for capturing the natural tone of the instrument? I'd say mics are better but are prone to feedback at anything above moderate volume. It's very subjective and heavily reliant on the natural tone of your instrument and your style of playing. Again, which ever one get's you "your" sound, and it can get very expensive finding out Good luck with your project Jack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doddy Posted December 21, 2009 Share Posted December 21, 2009 1) How long have you been playing Bass Guitar/String Bass for or both? 14 years on Electric, 10 on Upright 2) If you don’t play string bass/bass guitar have you thought of doubling up on either to get more recognition as a bass player? It totally allowed me to get more work 3) Who are your favourite exponents of both string bass/bass guitar? Assuming you mean doublers- John Patitucci,Tom Kennedy,Christian McBride Stanley Clarke,Brian Bromberg,Chris Minh Doky,Conrad Korch..........there's loads 4) Do you think that both the bass guitar and string bass are important as bass instruments? Of course they are!! 5) What genres do you think are important for bass players to listen to? Everything!!!! 6) Do you think electric guitarists can learn to play bass guitar more than string bass? It's physically similar,so yes 7) Do you think bass can be used to solo as well as accompany other instruments? Yes of course it can-and has for centuries. 8) Do you think it is important to learn to sight read? Yes,Very. I don't know why people would not want to learn. 9) What do you think of bass guitars such as 5 string/6 string e.g. as being an add-on to the bass players role? They are great-they aren't an 'add on',more of an evolution. 10) What are your opinions on electric upright basses as a substitute for the string bass? Electric Uprights are great if you have a good one. Too many are just like big fretlesses. 11) What is the best amp to use for bass guitar or string bass? Depends......there are a ton of good amps out there. MarkBass,Roland,Polytone AER, Acoustic Image, Euphonic Audio,Aguilar,Walter Woods-all make good amps for doublers 12) What pickups for string bass are the best for capturing the natural tone of the instrument? Again it's all personal preference. I like the David Gage 'Realist', but Underwood and Fishman make popular pickups too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted December 21, 2009 Share Posted December 21, 2009 1) How long have you been playing Bass Guitar/String Bass for or both? Bass guitar - 35 years, Electric upright - 9 months. 2) If you don’t play string bass/bass guitar have you thought of doubling up on either to get more recognition as a bass player? n/a- but it wouldn't be about recognition. 3) Who are your favourite exponents of both string bass/bass guitar? I don't really have favourites, I listen to lots of people 4) Do you think that both the bass guitar and string bass are important as bass instruments? of course they are. 5) What genres do you think are important for bass players to listen to? all of them, of course 6) Do you think electric guitarists can learn to play bass guitar more than string bass? of course, they are physically more similar 7) Do you think bass can be used to solo as well as accompany other instruments? of course it can and is 8) Do you think it is important to learn to sight read? the importance of sight reading depends on what you are doing as a musician, for some it would be indispensible. But there's also a difference between being able to immediately read and play on first sight and being able to make sense of notation which would be not disadvantageous for any bass player 9) What do you think of bass guitars such as 5 string/6 string e.g. as being an add-on to the bass players role? they are fine but they don't interest me and aren't necessary for what ido 10) What are your opinions on electric upright basses as a substitute for the string bass? they take up less space and allow me the opportunity to play some upright 11) What is the best amp to use for bass guitar or string bass? there is no best amp 12) What pickups for string bass are the best for capturing the natural tone of the instrument? there is no best pickup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gnasher1993 Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 [b]1) How long have you been playing Bass Guitar/String Bass for or both?[/b] Electric - 2 years. Upright - 1 year [b] 2) If you don’t play string bass/bass guitar have you thought of doubling up on either to get more recognition as a bass player?[/b] I double on both. [b]3) Who are your favourite exponents of both string bass/bass guitar?[/b] Electric - Kai Echkardt, Anthony Jackson, Rocco Prestia Upright - Paul Chambers, Ron Carter, Dave Holland [b]4) Do you think that both the bass guitar and string bass are important as bass instruments?[/b] Yes, very much so. [b]5) What genres do you think are important for bass players to listen to?[/b] I think all musicians should absorb as much music as possible. I mainly get my inspiration (as a bassist) from jazz. [b]6) Do you think electric guitarists can learn to play bass guitar more than string bass?[/b] I think most guitarists could fumble there way around with a bass guitar, no problem. Upright however, different story. [b]7) Do you think bass can be used to solo as well as accompany other instruments?[/b] Why not? It's been done before and I think there's more to come. [b]8) Do you think it is important to learn to sight read?[/b] In my experience, it definitely helps. [b]9) What do you think of bass guitars such as 5 string/6 string e.g. as being an add-on to the bass players role?[/b] My upright is a 5 string but I only play 4 string electrics at the moment. I don't have anything against extended range...whatever the player needs. [b]10) What are your opinions on electric upright basses as a substitute for the string bass?[/b] Technique wise, no problems. Sound wise, I don't think an EUB can compare to an acoustic upright. [b]11) What is the best amp to use for bass guitar or string bass?[/b] Subjective to each player's desired sound. I use a GB Shuttle 3.0 w/ 8" cab. [b]12) What pickups for string bass are the best for capturing the natural tone of the instrument?[/b] Again, subjective. I use a Shadow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huge Hands Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 (edited) 1) How long have you been playing Bass Guitar/String Bass for or both? [b]Bass Guitar 18 years, Upright Bass 5 years (although the latter is mainly at home for personal gratification)[/b] 2) If you don’t play string bass/bass guitar have you thought of doubling up on either to get more recognition as a bass player? [b]See above[/b] 3) Who are your favourite exponents of both string bass/bass guitar? [b]Jamerson. 'Nuff said.[/b] 4) Do you think that both the bass guitar and string bass are important as bass instruments? [b]Of course. [/b] 5) What genres do you think are important for bass players to listen to? [b]All genres.[/b] 6) Do you think electric guitarists can learn to play bass guitar more than string bass? [b]I think it depends on the person. I struggle to play the guitar because I have fat fingers, I'm sure guitarists with dinky hands might struggle to stretch on the upright?[/b] 7) Do you think bass can be used to solo as well as accompany other instruments? [b]Yes, but not the sort of thing I like to listen to for very long.[/b] 8) Do you think it is important to learn to sight read? [b]Yes, I wish my skills were better.[/b] 9) What do you think of bass guitars such as 5 string/6 string e.g. as being an add-on to the bass players role? [b]I love 5 strings for the extra low notes and position possibilities. I'm not into extra high strings because I'm not a "widdler" but I'm sure they are good for those that are.[/b] 10) What are your opinions on electric upright basses as a substitute for the string bass? [b]Never tried one, but once you've tried to get a 3/4 acoustic into a Renault Clio along with the amps and other stuff, you begin to wish you had.[/b] 11) What is the best amp to use for bass guitar or string bass? [b]Erm, this will cause a flame war for personal preference, it's all subjective! I use an Ashdown rig, but never been happy with the upright through it. I think this is down to lack of setup time spent with the pickup and its preamp to get a nice sound, rather than the rig though![/b] 12) What pickups for string bass are the best for capturing the natural tone of the instrument? [b]As above, RE: subjectivity. I suppose I could generalise and say flatwounds?[/b] Edited December 22, 2009 by Huge Hands Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 1) How long have you been playing Bass Guitar/String Bass for or both? Electric - 29 years - Double bass - three weeks 2) If you don’t play string bass/bass guitar have you thought of doubling up on either to get more recognition as a bass player? Not to get more recognition but to get more work! 3) Who are your favourite exponents of both string bass/bass guitar? Dave Holland and Marc Johnson on double. Steve Swallow and Jimmy Johnson on electric 4) Do you think that both the bass guitar and string bass are important as bass instruments? DIfferent instruments that work better in different settings but, yes, they are both important 5) What genres do you think are important for bass players to listen to? All 6) Do you think electric guitarists can learn to play bass guitar more than string bass? Yes, the change is easier 7) Do you think bass can be used to solo as well as accompany other instruments? Of course but with care 8) Do you think it is important to learn to sight read? Very - not because its is essential but because it is particularly useful 9) What do you think of bass guitars such as 5 string/6 string e.g. as being an add-on to the bass players role? 5 string yes but the 6 is probably not worth the extra upper range as it is thin and icky. After that, I think the ERB thing is a bit 'for the sake of it. 10) What are your opinions on electric upright basses as a substitute for the string bass? If the instrument works, fine, if it doesn't.... 11) What is the best amp to use for bass guitar or string bass? Too simplistic - I use Eden but others would do the job just as well. 12) What pickups for string bass are the best for capturing the natural tone of the instrument? Not got that far yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jakenewmanbass Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 1) How long have you been playing Bass Guitar/String Bass for or both? Bass gtr 34yrs, Double bass 29yrs 2) If you don’t play string bass/bass guitar have you thought of doubling up on either to get more recognition as a bass player? na 3) Who are your favourite exponents of both string bass/bass guitar? Dave Holland, Ray Brown, Marc Johnson, Scott LaFaro, Jimmy Johnson, Steve Swallow, Meshelle Ndegocello 4) Do you think that both the bass guitar and string bass are important as bass instruments? equally, yes 5) What genres do you think are important for bass players to listen to? all 6) Do you think electric guitarists can learn to play bass guitar more than string bass? if you mean more easily? Yes 7) Do you think bass can be used to solo as well as accompany other instruments? in the right context yes 8) Do you think it is important to learn to sight read? essential for all but the most gifted 9) What do you think of bass guitars such as 5 string/6 string e.g. as being an add-on to the bass players role? anything above 5 sounds poor to me (subjective) 10) What are your opinions on electric upright basses as a substitute for the string bass? there are some good ones, but they don't have the same energy 11) What is the best amp to use for bass guitar or string bass? subjective 12) What pickups for string bass are the best for capturing the natural tone of the instrument? ones that include some amplification of the air/wood vibrations tend to sound more natural, but it depends on the instrument and the player. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassace Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 1) How long have you been playing Bass Guitar/String Bass for or both? Double Bass 47 years, Bass Guitar 1964-80 2) If you don’t play string bass/bass guitar have you thought of doubling up on either to get more recognition as a bass player? No 3) Who are your favourite exponents of both string bass/bass guitar? Double Bass, Ray Brown, Paul Chambers, Leroy Vinegar, Scott LaFaro 4) Do you think that both the bass guitar and string bass are important as bass instruments? They are essential in jazz/pop/rock. The influence of the bass guitar is now declining in jazz where the double bass has regained its supremacy. 5) What genres do you think are important for bass players to listen to? Every bit of music with a bass line in it. No exceptions. 6) Do you think electric guitarists can learn to play bass guitar more than string bass? Your grammar is a bit wobbly but they can IMO find it easier to convert to bass guitar, which I think was the point of your question. 7) Do you think bass can be used to solo as well as accompany other instruments? Yes, but sparingly! 8) Do you think it is important to learn to sight read? Not necessary but you'll be a more complete, busy player if you do. 9) What do you think of bass guitars such as 5 string/6 string e.g. as being an add-on to the bass players role? Whatever rocks your boat. 10) What are your opinions on electric upright basses as a substitute for the string bass? They have their place but are not a substitute 11) What is the best amp to use for bass guitar or string bass? String bass: I like Acoustic Image/EA speaker separates. The Gallien-Krueger is a very effective and versatile combo. 12) What pickups for string bass are the best for capturing the natural tone of the instrument? Are there any? Seriously, a pickup does a good job of getting the sound of the bass through the mix and out there. Natural it ain't. Best 'natural' sound is to use a good microphone through front of house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougal Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 [b]1) How long have you been playing Bass Guitar/String Bass for or both?[/b] Bass Guitar: 20 years String Bass: Aged 15-18, then a gap, now about 2 years. So 5 years in total? [b]2) If you don’t play string bass/bass guitar have you thought of doubling up on either to get more recognition as a bass player?[/b] N/A [b]3) Who are your favourite exponents of both string bass/bass guitar?[/b] String: Scott LaFaro, Garcia-fons, Ron Carter, Rufus Reid. In a less musical sense, the guy that does contrabass conversations, Jason Heath, has done more than any other individual to advocate the double bass on the internet. Electric: Wooten and Pastorious are probably the most innovative / original & therefore [b]4) Do you think that both the bass guitar and string bass are important as bass instruments?[/b] Yes. I but I also think the Tuba, Trombone and Bassoon are important. I'm not sure what you're getting at with this question. If you're asking which I think has made more of an impact, in recent history, it'd have to be the electric bass. [b]5) What genres do you think are important for bass players to listen to?[/b] Whatever inspires them. One of the things I love about the bass is that it's an incredibly versatile instrument: from classical to Jazz to death metal. The electric bass is also a very young instrument in the grand scheme of things. I think it has some evolving to do. [b]6) Do you think electric guitarists can learn to play bass guitar more than string bass?[/b] There's a reason the bass Leo designed in the 50's is called the 'Precision'. [b]7) Do you think bass can be used to solo as well as accompany other instruments?[/b] Yes, but it's not something I'm particularly interested in listening to, or performing. [b]8) Do you think it is important to learn to sight read?[/b] Yes. I'm with Wooten on this one: It's important to be able to read, write and articulate in any communication medium, be it language or music. I can sight read English, I should be able to sight read music if I'm fluent. (Actually I'm still on 'Dr. Zeuss' / 'The Red Pirate' music wise, but you get the drift). [b]9) What do you think of bass guitars such as 5 string/6 string e.g. as being an add-on to the bass players role? [/b] You should ask this at extendedrangebassist.com. This is a natural part of the instrument's evolution: as strings and amplifiers (?and musical taste?) have changed to deal with both the lower frequencies and a greater frequency range, it's natural that an instrument fills the void. Might as well be the bass. Where does the Chapman stick fit in to your question? It's not something that could have existed in the 50s because of the technology issues. Is it still a bass? Certainly it's bassists that seem to take to it. [b]10) What are your opinions on electric upright basses as a substitute for the string bass?[/b] I think they are an instrument in their own right. I don't think they'll ever replace the string bass in the same way that electric violins won't replace the violin. I wonder if there are violin forums that argue this? [b]11) What is the best amp to use for bass guitar or string bass?[/b] Electric Bass: depends on the setting. I like an ampeg or GK 800RB into an 8x10. String Bass: I use a bassbase (GK) into an accugroove tri-210 as it has a nice even frequency response. [b]12) What pickups for string bass are the best for capturing the natural tone of the instrument?[/b] I haven't yet heard a piezo that yields the true tone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hector Posted December 24, 2009 Share Posted December 24, 2009 [b]1) How long have you been playing Bass Guitar/String Bass for or both? [/b] 7 years on bass guitar and 3 years upright. [b]2) If you don’t play string bass/bass guitar have you thought of doubling up on either to get more recognition as a bass player? [/b] N/A [b]3) Who are your favourite exponents of both string bass/bass guitar?[/b] I think there's something to be gained from listening to everyone, but personal favourites are: Red Mitchell, Ron Carter, Ray Brown, Chris Minh Doky, Scott LaFaro (String Bass), John Patitucci, Christian McBride (Both), Nathan East, Marcus Miller, Anthony Jackson, Paul McCartney, Richard Bona, Matt Garrison (Bass Guitar). These are just a few that spring to mind, but there are hundreds more! [b]4) Do you think that both the bass guitar and string bass are important as bass instruments?[/b] Yes. I also think their roles as treble instruments are becoming more and more important with the advent of extended range bass guitars and the prevalence of thumb position playing on the string bass. [b]5) What genres do you think are important for bass players to listen to? [/b] Best to see things as only two genres: Good Music and Bad Music, both of which depend very much on the listener. Good music (as defined by you) tells you what to play like and Bad music (again, defined by you) tells you what not to play like. This helps you find your own voice on the instrument, as everyone has a different idea of what's good and bad. [b]6) Do you think electric guitarists can learn to play bass guitar more than string bass? [/b] Probably yes, in terms of physical difficulties. [b]7) Do you think bass can be used to solo as well as accompany other instruments?[/b] Yeah, but it ought to be used with taste, as with any other instrument. [b] 8) Do you think it is important to learn to sight read?[/b] Important depends on what each player wants out of the instrument. Errol Garner never learned to sight read and he did just fine. However, it's not exactly like you've got anything to lose by not learning to, and it opens up lots more offers of jobs. [b]9) What do you think of bass guitars such as 5 string/6 string e.g. as being an add-on to the bass players role?[/b] They're fantastic, helping to redefine the role of the bass. [b]10) What are your opinions on electric upright basses as a substitute for the string bass? [/b] Maybe I'm too traditional, but I think that although they're much easier to transport they can never sound quite as beautiful. [b]11) What is the best amp to use for bass guitar or string bass?[/b] Depends on each player, obviously. I would go for any combination of Markbass and Aguilar, as they're my preferred brands. [b] 12) What pickups for string bass are the best for capturing the natural tone of the instrument?[/b] This is and incredibly individual choice, as it depends both on the bass and the player. I tend to favour pickups that go under the feet of the bridge, to get a good dollop of body resonance. Personally I prefer a pickup not to colour my sound, simply to keep it exactly the same but make it louder! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Holder Posted December 24, 2009 Share Posted December 24, 2009 [quote name='jackp86' post='689806' date='Dec 20 2009, 03:09 PM']Hi My name is Jack I am a bass player I play both bass guitar and string bass. I am currently studying the MA level in popular music. Part of the course requires that I do a project into an area which interests me. I have chosen to research into the role of the bass player with the shift from the string bass to the bass guitar within the 1950s to present and including popular music styles. I was wondering if you could please help me by answering a short questionnaire in relation to this, to form a true opinion. Thank you for your time and for helping me with this. Jack 1) How long have you been playing Bass Guitar/String Bass for or both? 28 years electric 20+ double bass 2) If you don’t play string bass/bass guitar have you thought of doubling up on either to get more recognition as a bass player? 3) Who are your favourite exponents of both string bass/bass guitar? Herbie Flowers 4) Do you think that both the bass guitar and string bass are important as bass instruments? Yes 5) What genres do you think are important for bass players to listen to? Anything & as much as possible. 6) Do you think electric guitarists can learn to play bass guitar more than string bass? No 7) Do you think bass can be used to solo as well as accompany other instruments? Yes 8) Do you think it is important to learn to sight read? Yes 9) What do you think of bass guitars such as 5 string/6 string e.g. as being an add-on to the bass players role? Yes 10) What are your opinions on electric upright basses as a substitute for the string bass? No substitute 11) What is the best amp to use for bass guitar or string bass? Roland Cube for double & electric basses 12) What pickups for string bass are the best for capturing the natural tone of the instrument? David Gage 'The Realist' but only a microphone gets the real sound.[/quote] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Major-Minor Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 1) How long have you been playing Bass Guitar/String Bass for or both? Double bass 44 years bass guitar 41 years 2) If you don’t play string bass/bass guitar have you thought of doubling up on either to get more recognition as a bass player? 3) Who are your favourite exponents of both string bass/bass guitar? DB John Pattitucci / Eddie Gomez / Rinat Ibragimov / Thomas Martin / Chris Lawrence / Stanley Clarke / Eberhard Weber BG Laurence Cottle / Jaco P / Richard Bona / John Pattitucci / Stanley Clarke 4) Do you think that both the bass guitar and string bass are important as bass instruments? There are several other bass register instruments - tuba / bassoon / bass trombone / contra-bassoon / cello / organ bass pedals / timpani They all have there rightful place in music. I chose to play BG and DB because I love the sound and feel, not because of their importance within music. 5) What genres do you think are important for bass players to listen to? There is no music you should ignore. One can learn something from every genre, every musician, even if its just that a particular music style is not to your taste. 6) Do you think electric guitarists can learn to play bass guitar more than string bass? I took up guitar at age 12, DB at age 15 and BG at age 19. They all inter-relate in terms of technique. 7) Do you think bass can be used to solo as well as accompany other instruments? Of course. Listen to solos by Rinat Ibragimov or John Pattiticci for instance. I often play unaccompanied solos at concerts. 8) Do you think it is important to learn to sight read? Absolutely vital - especially if you want to have a long term, lifelong career. 9) What do you think of bass guitars such as 5 string/6 string e.g. as being an add-on to the bass players role? I play a five string BG almost exclusively these days. Many producers / arrangers specify this in their scores (ie notes lower than E) 10) What are your opinions on electric upright basses as a substitute for the string bass? There is no substitute for the double bass. An EUB is a great instrument, but its not a DB. 11) What is the best amp to use for bass guitar or string bass? I use Gallien-Krueger. 12) What pickups for string bass are the best for capturing the natural tone of the instrument? I use an Underwood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.gif.9ad672bb8b84505709f76b39c8c256ec.gif)
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.