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There are loads and loads of folk on the net who do bass transcriptions, but it can sometimes be hard to find exactly what you are looking for. What songs are you wanting to learn?
Cover Solutions on Youtube is very good and does requests in exchange for payment. If he chooses your song then everyone gets the benefit because his transcriptions are bang on.
In other news, I'm tackling SBL. I now have a much better understanding off what a scale actually is and why they are useful. By focusing on the intervals rather than the notes or a pattern you can remember how to build a scale and recreate them anywhere. I don't know why more people don't explain it this way. I just need to memorize more of the fretboard so I can move around a little quicker.
Also, I've wanted a Boss OC-5 for ages and they've been out of stock for years. They popped up at Anderton's and I grabbed one. It sounds mint. Really deep, thick, sub bass sounds that sound more DNB than guitar. Haven't had time to play with it much yet but I love it.
There's a guitar tab app I use that gets Bass tabs added to it pretty quickly, you have to get pretty obscure before you draw a blank, quite a few tabs are submitted by the band themselves.
Currently learning Wenceslas by Gnome
YouTube comes up trumps again and again.
Type the name of the song followed by “bass tabs” and there’s a pretty good chance you’ll find a version of it, otherwise, and this is a good test for any player, find a video of someone playing a cover version and watch how they play it. YouTube is a great learning tool as you can slow it to 75% or even 50% without changing pitch.
There are also free transcription sites available via a google search, some of the free. One such is freebasstranscriptions.com
He has something like 200 songs written out in standard musical notation.
Liamguagan.com also gives free downloads and has tab as well as musical notation. His YouTube channel also has a lesson on how to play by ear. I’m currently using his transcriptions for a couple of Muse tracks.
In other news, I’m tackling SBL. I now have a much better understanding off what a scale actually is and why they are useful. By focusing on the intervals rather than the notes or a pattern you can remember how to build a scale and recreate them anywhere. I don’t know why more people don’t explain it this way. I just need to memorize more of the fretboard so I can move around a little quicker.
That’s just it, once you’ve got the patterns memorised they are repeatable over the entire fretboard. Arpeggios are also very useful for this, as long as you think why you are playing them. Simple triad arpeggios show you where to find the 3rd, 5th and octaves. Simply stick a I, IV, V backing track on and riff on arpeggios. Let’s say you start in G major, and ply arpeggios on G C and D, then start in A and play A D and E Now B to play B E F#. Kept as simple as possible start on the E string so that the next two chords have roots on the A string. You’ll soon realise you’re playing exactly the same patterns two frets higher each time. That I,IV, V pattern never varies, so you can play a I,IV, V arpeggio bass line in absolutely any key, all you have to do is find the root on the E string. To challenge yourself, try to name each note as you play it. So your G major arpeggio is G B D G, A major is A, C#, E A. You soon learn where the intervals fall
So... I got a guy on fiverr to transcribe the bass line from a YouTube vid! For the princely sum of £6!!!
I realise its not exactly an advanced baseline but I'm a complete beginner and I adore this track. I hope you enjoy!
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Currently learning Wenceslas by Gnome
I enjoyed that. quite alot
does anyone have a recommendation for a decent small bass amp?
preferably teenytiny headphone amp that isn't plastic tat thing
like a tiny head or a belt mounted thing.
It doesn't need anything like "sounds" my black wound trubass strings sound ace as it is 🙂
New Bass Day
Sandberg California II VS4 Lionel Short Scale
Soft aged - 'tis a thing of beauty and gives me the chops of Victor Wooten.
(well 1 of those things is true 🙂 )
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Oooosh that Sandberg's nice, like the chunky 6-bolt neck join.
Nice bass!
Am likely to buy my first bass tomorrow. I like the look of the Squier 40th Anniversary Precision at Andertons.
I'd be there today if the trains were running.
Those Squier P basses are so good. My white one (pics on here somewhere) sounds lovely. Build quality is fine but QC isn't great so make sure you get a good one and don't be scared to ask for an exchange if you need one.
I keep looking for decent local used ones so I can have something to mess around with. I want to try flat wound strings and BEAD tuning, stuff like that. Maybe even a crazy paint job.
Also, if you're a current SBL member they're offering half price lifetime membership. It's a chunk of money that I wasn't planning on spending but it might be good value in the long run. It would be nice to just have access to it forever.
Anyone got experience of the Sire based?
I’ve had a couple of Sires. A short scale and a 5 string active jazz bass. Both were poorer than the Squier equivalent in terms of build quality and the 5 string weighed more than it should. I’m not a fan.
@eddiebaby how about my fender p bass instead of the Squier?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/304579025826
First time posting on this thread...
I've played bass on and off for 30 years now, been in bands etc, and then once the last band finished I stashed everything away about 10 years ago...
Decided that going to work, training and racing wasn't enough of a life so I've started 'ProjectFunk'
Having essentially played 'rock' bass for 30 years I'm dedicating myself to learning a completely new style.
Currently learning the first two Jamiroquai albums as I love the work of Mr Zender, and exploring Funkadelic etc..
Read a few people on here talking about getting things tabbed etc. My advice would be to persevere with tuning your own ear and trying to figure out what's being played yourself. It may take you 469,000 listens to a track and screams of 'what the funk is he playing there!?', but when you figure it out it's much better than just reading a tab.
Darn. I appear to have bought a secondhand P Bass from some dodgy bloke on here...
Happy days.
I'll try. 🙂 And thanks for the forum discount.
Coincidentally Kemper released a free pack of bass amp profiles yesterday...
Yes!! I am now a bass player owner. First impressions is how much I have to move my hand to get just behind the fret to a clean sound.
But blimey it is the sound of the Gods!
A beautiful condition great playing beast. A lot of work ahead. 🙂
Oh god, why did I start reading this thread?
Not played bass for 35 years (a Westone Spectrum DX)....but found myself testing a few out today.
Tried loads of Squiers, Ibanez and Cort.
2 favourites by far were the Corts, a B4 Element at £450 and a short scale Action Junior at £150!
A mate (pro bass player) also has a couple of Yamahas for sale, a BB1100 and a BB400.
Any opinions?
Buy my Stratocaster or my JTV59.
I need more Teles and basses.
But seriously, I’m just starting and loving it,
A mate (pro bass player) also has a couple of Yamahas for sale, a BB1100 and a BB400.
I’m a big Yamaha fan so I’d be looking closely at those.
New, the Yamaha TRBX 304 is excellent, but tbh any of the brands you mention will be great.
Keep an eye on gumtree and Facebook marketplace for something second hand?
Thanks for the reply, much appreciated.
Just off the phone with my mate, he's coming up to try a few out with me.
My excellent local music shop, Pro Solo in Burnley can get any of the Corts in, as well as several other brands.
I tend to keep stuff (7 guitars so far!) and I know Pro Solo will look after me in terms of price and after sales.
Mate rates the Cort basses very highly, but thinks the Bartolini pickups may be a bit polite for the music I usually play (psych/stoner/metal).
However, I'm a big believer in buying an instrument that speaks to you and based on today, the Corts aren't just speaking, they're shouting quite loudly!
I was convinced I wanted a Squier Affinity PJ or a Squier Anniversary - the Affinity PJ would need work, neck finish, tuners and a fret polish, all of which I can sort out. Lovely profile neck and insane value at £209.
The Anniversary J I tried was immaculately finished, but the neck was huge at the dusty end, a real handful, not what I was expecting.
Going to try some Yamahas at PMT tomorrow.
Pray for my wallet.
eddiebaby
Full Member
Buy my Stratocaster or my JTV59.
I need more Teles and basses.
Get thee behind me! 🙂
I've already got my perfect Strat, Jap Limited Collection 2019 - Nitro, Custom Shop '69 pickups, deeeeeelightful.
But yes, you need more Teles.
Specifically, you need a Squier Vintage Modified Tele Custom II, the one with 2 P90's and one piece maple neck.
'Just' a Squier, but my god, they are heavenly.
Prices keep going up, don't leave it too long!
Currently running a Am ProII with a Twisted Tele at the neck and a Bootstrap Palo Duro in the bridge. Epicness x 10.
But the P bass is getting the love at the moment.
I prefer short scales and the Cort action junior plays well but the single humbucker is not the best and can be a bit limiting. I currently play an Ibanez Mikro and it plays as easily and fast as a guitar - very nice neck with scale of 28.6"
It is tiny though and guess some would not see as a 'proper' bass but suits me fine.
I currently play an Ibanez Mikro and it plays as easily and fast as a guitar – very nice neck with scale of 28.6″
Slightly longer than my baritone. Nice one.
Can you tell what it is yet?
Just restrung it,changed to a gold anodised pickguard, halved the releief and slightly raised the saddels but the net result is a lower action with no buzzing, other that when I'm not fretting just behind the fret.
Just been setting up drum loops on garageband in different tempos, keys and rhythms and (attempting) playing along. Brilliant fun.
They look like the saddles on Junior'sz Jazz bass. They used to rattle down with playing until I put some wood glue on the threads. It looks like the middle saddle screw and the one to the left of it need tightening - worth a check.
Check the intonation too, the A-string saddle isn't where I'd expect, the adjustment screw looks a bit bent but that shouldn't be an issue as you'll be winding the saddle in. I find tuners don't work very well on open A and E strings and have to rely on my ear relative to the G and D strings.
Correction; Middle bridge screw needs tightening.
@Edukator As ever thanks for the input.
Bridge screws are bang on tight. Probably a criticism of my dodgy iPad photography/lighting.
Intonation. Again might be the photo.
I'm running a Peterson StroboStompHD with sweetened bass tuning with .1% accuracy and the tuning and intonation at the 12th and 19th frets are bang on.
Maybe I'm running a different action to you but as I say, no buzz unless I'm screwing up fretting. Only using fingers so not hammering it with a pick.
Edit: Oh string gauges are slightly "light top / heavier bass". 45 65 85 105
Your tuner is no doubt more accurate than my eye, and your screw driver feel better than the photo too.
It could be down to string gauges that the saddles don't have the usual steps between them. The A and D are often closer than the others with only 2mm or so stagger between them but I've never had them at virtually the same position on any bass I've set up. To be honest it's not worth worrying about too much, slight tuning errors aren't as noticeable as on a guitar.
Hiya!
Ended up buying a Cort B4 Element and it's lovely. I really fancied a Jazz, but as above, this one just felt much comfier. I'm very, very happy with it.
Currently playing through a Fender Mustang Micro headphone amp, great at home but I need something for jam sessions with mates and possibly the odd small pub/club gig. I can't guarantee a PA.
So, I need an amp.
Drummer and one or two guitars, psych, old school punk and rock, but reasonable volumes.
For guitar I use a 15 watt Orange Rocker 15 valve amp and it's bloody loud, but still sounds fantastic.
Ideas?
Ideally I'd like something light but flexible;
Effects loop.
DI out if possible.
Nice clean tones (I have a pedal board I can use for distorted sounds).
Simple - modellers with hundreds of built in amp sims and effects confuse me.
The Fender Rumble 100 looks like it might fit the bill.
I'd happily take the Rumble 40 if it was loud enough.
I love Orange guitar amps so happy to try a Crush 50 or 100.
Ashdown? Ampeg?
I'm also very open to the idea of something like a Trace Elliot Elf head and adding a nice (Barefaced!) cab later.
All suggestions welcome.
Ideally I’d like something light but flexible;
Effects loop.
DI out if possible.
Nice clean tones (I have a pedal board I can use for distorted sounds).
Simple – modellers with hundreds of built in amp sims and effects confuse me.The Fender Rumble 100 looks like it might fit the bill.
I’d happily take the Rumble 40 if it was loud enough.
I love Orange guitar amps so happy to try a Crush 50 or 100.
Ashdown? Ampeg?I’m also very open to the idea of something like a Trace Elliot Elf head and adding a nice (Barefaced!) cab later.
All suggestions welcome.
Rumble 40/100 etc., won’t be enough if you want to play in a band. What’s your budget and would you consider used?
My Crush 100 is a beast. It has an effects loop, nice clean tones, plenty EQ shaping. It also has a gain and blend function so you can dial in grit/filth and blend in clean at the same time, footswitch option to control/defeat the blend. Balanced xlr line out. If you're anywhere near West Yorks come and have a play.
Rumble 40/100 etc., won’t be enough if you want to play in a band. What’s your budget and would you consider used?
Ta!
Budget flexible, but realistic.
I'd rather buy nice than twice.
Used?
Mmmm, not too sure. From someone I trusted, yeah. But not from someone I didn’t know.
Amps lead a hard life. I'd want to know the history.
Scapegoat, that's lovely, thanks.
Luckily, I'm not too far from Promenade in Morecambe, who seem to have a damn good selection of bass amps in atm.
Might have a drive up tomorrow!
Rumble 40/100 etc., won’t be enough if you want to play in a band. What’s your budget and would you consider used?
A 40 maybe too small, but a 100 should be fine mic'd up.
Ashdown stuff is good VFM second hand, but a trip to Promenade should never be passed up!
Cheers all.
No one locally has the Rumble 100 in stock but I'll have a drive up to Morecambe anyway, see what they recommend.
RustySpanner
Full Member
Cheers all.No one locally has the Rumble 100 in stock but I’ll have a drive up to Morecambe anyway, see what they recommend.
Honestly if your end goal is to play some gigs I’d be looking at a rumble 500 as a minimum. When you are sandwiched between a drummer and a guitarist with a 4x12 you won’t be able to hear yourself with just a rumble 100, especially in a rock/punk band, you might get away with it in a jazz band. I have gigged a lot with a GK mb212ii which I really recommend, it has a great tone that really cuts through. I used to have a rumble 500 but prefer the GK which is a bit more powerful and has a more modern tone, while the rumble is more vintage, less hi-fi. They don’t make the mb212 anymore, replacement is a legacy212 combo which is £799 (on offer at the moment). Think the rumble is a bit cheaper. I’d also suggest you get better flexibility with a separate head and cab, though a combo can work out a little cheaper.
Oooohkay.......
Nice trip to Promenade yesterday.
Rossi recommended the Rumble 200 but it's huuuge and I'm running out of room!
Also managed to have a listen locally to a Trace Elliot Elf combo, the 1*8.
Obviously a totally different beast, but I liked it. If they'd had the 1*10 in stock I'd probably have bought that.
I'll have a think about how they'll both fit into the room.
I could sit on the Rumble (and use it as a table!) but I'm not sure I'd want to be schlepping it to and from jams.
The 1*10 Elf seems to be the favourite atm........
Ended up with the Elf 1*10 combo.
Managed to test one up against a drummer in the shop and it was surprisingly loud. Too loud with an additional 1*10 cab.
Small and loud, nice tone.
The 1*8 was punchier, but lacked some real low end.
Great deal from Cam at PMT Leeds as well.
PMT have always been very fair with me.
Took the Elf to a jam tonight and it held up very well.
A drummer and 2 guitarists, one with a solid state 100w Marshall and one with an Orange OR15 into a separate cab.
On it's own, it was fine at rehearsal, no earplug volumes. The compression kicked in with the gain up and the volume lowered a bit, sounded fine. Able to get grindy, treble emphasised early Hawkwind tones, generic rock and old school 60's thump no problem.
Not a huge amount of headroom spare, but it worked well.
Tried it plugged into a Markbass 15" cab (not sure of the model), so the built in 10" plus the 15" cab at 4 ohms. Too much for my ears, tbh, even with foam plugs in.
A Barefaced cab is definitely, definitely in my future.
Most importantly, I managed to carry the bass and the amp down and back up a flight of stairs without putting my back out!
Loved it. Think I played six notes all evening, but not necessarily in the right order.
The Cort is delightful btw.
I'd prefer something with classic looks, but the thin neck is a delight, it feels very natural and accommodating, the bass equivalent of my Ibanez RG550.
The active electronics remain a bit of a mystery, small adjustments result in a very marked tonal shift, but I'll get used to it.
Love to all.
Loved it. Think I played six notes all evening, but not necessarily in the right order.
That's my playing style 🤘
Anyone got any experience of the Fender Rumble modelling amps? I only play for fun these days (at home) and use a SWR Workingman 10 combo which is great. But my old Zoom multi effects unit has died, and my cheap and lowly Sonicake effects unit is pretty limited (pre-amp, boost, compression, fuzz and octave). I feel the need for some reverb, delay, chorus, phase type stuff.
Happened upon a YouTube video of the Rumble 40 Studio combo and it looked great. Anyone use one or has tried one?
Currently torn between getting one of these to expand my playing, or picking up a fretless bass (had one back in the day and always regretted selling it on). Been watching some of Tony Franklin's stuff on YouTube, hence my renewed interest in fretless, though have always loved that mwaah!