Hi all
Just wondering, is it considered OK to play bass with a plectrum?
I seem to recall seeing somewhere that its frowned upon by the low note 
community.

To me, it shouldn't make a difference but I don't want bass players burning 
effigies of me in public squares for heresy.

Also, what an acceptable action for a bass? have googled this and at some 
point I did find a reference but I cant find the cursed thing now!!
I know its higher than a guitar! wish I could find that dam,n reference now!

Picking up the bass (having not touched it for an age) and the action seems 
huuuugggeeeee,,,,
is that more due to the fact I'm used to the action on a guitar I wonder? 
Does it even matter?


Cheers for any advice, its much appreciated.

no66y
<sig.exe>

"no66y©"  wrote in message 
news:PcadnTXL8ba7WArXnZ2dnUVZ8qKdnZ2d@bt.com...
> Hi all
> Just wondering, is it considered OK to play bass with a plectrum?
> I seem to recall seeing somewhere that its frowned upon by the low note 
> community.
>
> To me, it shouldn't make a difference but I don't want bass players 
> burning effigies of me in public squares for heresy.
>
> Also, what an acceptable action for a bass? have googled this and at some 
> point I did find a reference but I cant find the cursed thing now!!
> I know its higher than a guitar! wish I could find that dam,n reference 
> now!
>
> Picking up the bass (having not touched it for an age) and the action 
> seems huuuugggeeeee,,,,
> is that more due to the fact I'm used to the action on a guitar I wonder? 
> Does it even matter?
>
>
> Cheers for any advice, its much appreciated.
>
> no66y
> <sig.exe>

Well, it's always been whatever is right for the song or the bassist AFAIK. 
Having played for roughly thirty years, my preferred option is fingers, but 
i've seen and heard lots of bassists over the years using plectrums and they 
sounded great.

As to action, I like it as low as it will go, as long as you can still dig 
in.
YMMV. I'll cheerfully put up with a bit of fret buzz (which I can either eq 
out, or more usually mute out with my fingerstyle), rather than feel pain in 
my hands over the course of a long gig.

A lot can depend on string types and gauges too.

HTH

Peter

"no66y©"  wrote in message 
news:PcadnTXL8ba7WArXnZ2dnUVZ8qKdnZ2d@bt.com...
> Hi all
> Just wondering, is it considered OK to play bass with a plectrum?
> I seem to recall seeing somewhere that its frowned upon by the low note 
> community.
>
> To me, it shouldn't make a difference but I don't want bass players 
> burning effigies of me in public squares for heresy.
>
> Also, what an acceptable action for a bass? have googled this and at some 
> point I did find a reference but I cant find the cursed thing now!!
> I know its higher than a guitar! wish I could find that dam,n reference 
> now!
>
> Picking up the bass (having not touched it for an age) and the action 
> seems huuuugggeeeee,,,,
> is that more due to the fact I'm used to the action on a guitar I wonder? 
> Does it even matter?

I play bass with a pick, but I am not an authority...

It sounds as though the bass just wants a set up.
I set my Squier P-Bass (before I sold it) and my MM St##gR#y copy up as low 
as they would go.
Dunno what strings were on the P-Bass, but the "not-MM" has Rotosound 
45-105s on it.

It depends on what you want and what suits you.
If it feels too high, then I'd start by lowering the bridge saddles a bit.
The truss rod may need a bit of a tweak, but only touch that if you know 
what you are doing.
...and check the intonation whilst you are about it.

Dave

"no66y©"  wrote in message 
news:PcadnTXL8ba7WArXnZ2dnUVZ8qKdnZ2d@bt.com...
> Hi all
> Just wondering, is it considered OK to play bass with a plectrum?
> I seem to recall seeing somewhere that its frowned upon by the low note 
> community.
>
> To me, it shouldn't make a difference but I don't want bass players 
> burning effigies of me in public squares for heresy.
>
> Also, what an acceptable action for a bass? have googled this and at some 
> point I did find a reference but I cant find the cursed thing now!!
> I know its higher than a guitar! wish I could find that dam,n reference 
> now!
>
> Picking up the bass (having not touched it for an age) and the action 
> seems huuuugggeeeee,,,,
> is that more due to the fact I'm used to the action on a guitar I wonder? 
> Does it even matter?
>
>
> Cheers for any advice, its much appreciated.

As regards playing with a plectrum, you could do worse than follow the 
example of Jet Harris, original bassist with The Shadows, who used/uses one 
frequently.
http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Jet_Harris
Jet, the "father of the bass guitar" - he was probably the first in the UK 
to ever own and play one - was still doing gigs, at the age of 70! - until a 
month or so ago, when he was taken ill. He is currently undergoing tests for 
suspected throat cancer.
http://shadmusic.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=215

George

no66y© wrote:
> Hi all
> Just wondering, is it considered OK to play bass with a plectrum?
> I seem to recall seeing somewhere that its frowned upon by the low
> note community.

If its good enough for Macca, its good enough for me.
And countless other bassists I admire from Peter Hook, Mani, Andy 
Rourke.....the list is endless.

-- 
www.facebook.com/tomscotland

no66y© wrote:
> Hi all
> Just wondering, is it considered OK to play bass with a plectrum?
> I seem to recall seeing somewhere that its frowned upon by the low note 
> community.
> 
> To me, it shouldn't make a difference but I don't want bass players burning 
> effigies of me in public squares for heresy.

There's nothing wrong with playing with a plectrum but it's not a bad 
idea to learn to play fingerstyle too. You'll get a different sound and 
it's always useful to be able to play fingerstyle as a backup if you 
drop your plectrum mid song...

It does all depend upon what you are playing really. For rawk/metal you 
may want the trebly attack that a plectrum will add to your sound to 
help cut through the rhythm guitars. A slow reggae bassline on the other 
hand will probably sound better played fingerstyle.

> Also, what an acceptable action for a bass? have googled this and at some 
> point I did find a reference but I cant find the cursed thing now!!
> I know its higher than a guitar! wish I could find that dam,n reference now!

Some of the manuals to be found here, e.g. the Jazz Special manual, 
contain setup info which may be of some use - 
http://www.fender.com/support/instruments.php

Andy

"no66y©"  wrote in message 
news:PcadnTXL8ba7WArXnZ2dnUVZ8qKdnZ2d@bt.com...
> Hi all
> Just wondering, is it considered OK to play bass with a plectrum?
> I seem to recall seeing somewhere that its frowned upon by the low note 
> community.
>
> To me, it shouldn't make a difference but I don't want bass players 
> burning effigies of me in public squares for heresy.
>
> Also, what an acceptable action for a bass? have googled this and at some 
> point I did find a reference but I cant find the cursed thing now!!
> I know its higher than a guitar! wish I could find that dam,n reference 
> now!
>
> Picking up the bass (having not touched it for an age) and the action 
> seems huuuugggeeeee,,,,
> is that more due to the fact I'm used to the action on a guitar I wonder? 
> Does it even matter?
>
>
> Cheers for any advice, its much appreciated.
>
> no66y
> <sig.exe>
>

Personally, I very very infrequently use a plectrum - it's just wrong.
Maybe that's because none of my heros used one either.

If I had to play a cover that had an part which is so obviously played with 
a plectrum, then that's what it would be.
Otherwise, it's fingers or the dreaded thumb, but that's a whole nother 
argument.

"no66y©"  wrote in message 
news:PcadnTXL8ba7WArXnZ2dnUVZ8qKdnZ2d@bt.com...
> Just wondering, is it considered OK to play bass with a plectrum?

For me the most significant difference is in stopping notes.

If you play straight 8ths with a pick it gives a completely different feel 
to playing it with a pick. With a pick it tends to run together into one 
continuous sound but with fingers you can really make it pump and have 
little pauses between each 8th note.

I also believe that when playing the bass it's just as important that you 
stop the notes in time to the grove ... as opposed to just starting them in 
time.

Cheers,
Steve W

"no66y©"  wrote in message 
news:PcadnTXL8ba7WArXnZ2dnUVZ8qKdnZ2d@bt.com...
> Hi all
> Just wondering, is it considered OK to play bass with a plectrum?

you can play it with your... rhythm stick, if that's what you want.

The attack of a note is quite different if you use a plectrum, or fingers... 
so it's just a different sound. It depends on what you want. I started out 
with plectrum because I was used to that after years playing electric 
guitar. BUt now I use fingers only, pretty much, because I like that sound 
better. BUt that's just me. Some bassists use plectrum almost exclussively, 
so if you try to play their parts, they sound closer when you use a 
plectrum.

So... whatever you prefer.

I personally prefer, usually but not always, the sound when using fingers. I 
also like to be freed from the tyranny of the plectrum "where did I put it?" 
and "whops, there it goes! I dropped it again, how am I going to retrieve it 
while I'm playing?"


> I seem to recall seeing somewhere that its frowned upon by the low note 
> community.

Some people may talk like that. Let them. As far as I'm concerned they can 
go impale themselves on a broomstick. There are snobs everywhere. Don't let 
them dictate how you play. Do what *you* like.
I sometimes get asked "do you play with a pick or fingers?" and get very 
approving nods when replying fingers... as if it were a bad thing to use a 
pick. At that moment I know I'm talking to someone I shouldn't really be 
talking to, unless I really have nothing else to do, like counting the socks 
in my drawer.

I am really really fed up with some of the attitudes of musicians [1] when 
it comes to gear, technique etc.

[1] "amateur" musicians, usually. Generally, when I've met people who make a 
living out of playing music, they tend to be a lot more down to earth.


> To me, it shouldn't make a difference but I don't want bass players 
> burning effigies of me in public squares for heresy.

let them be constricted by their little minds! :-)

make sure they burn the stuff in winter, it'll look prettier.


> Also, what an acceptable action for a bass? have googled this and at some 
> point I did find a reference but I cant find the cursed thing now!!
> I know its higher than a guitar! wish I could find that dam,n reference 
> now!

I have no clue, I adjust action "to taste". Thicker strings vibrate a lot 
more widely (and wildly) than thinner strings, so yeah, the action will be 
higher. But I never bothered measuring it. When it feels good and doesn't 
rattle, that's where it's at.
Also, with bass, it doesn't bother me so much whether it's a bit higher or a 
bit lower... unlike guitars.
But if you want numbers you should be able to find them online.

The talkbass forum is full of good info. Like any public forum, exercise 
discretion and critically assess any post... because there's a sea of 
rubbish there too, but it's not too hard to find good information by people 
who know what they're talking about.

> Picking up the bass (having not touched it for an age) and the action 
> seems huuuugggeeeee,,,,
> is that more due to the fact I'm used to the action on a guitar I wonder?

I felt that way.
Now I switch a lot and I don't notice anymore.
But after playing bass, taking the guitar feels like I am a giant and the 
strings are all wimpy and close together... but the weird sensation last a 
minute.


> Does it even matter?

Only if it matters to you :-)

Jose

"FatBoySlimFast"  wrote in message
>
> I also believe that when playing the bass it's just as important that you 
> stop the notes in time to the grove ... as opposed to just starting them 
> in time.


indeed!

It's amazing how much you can change the feel of a song just by little 
tweaks to a bassline. Spaces are very important in bass.

Jose
-- 
www.mcnach.com
Richt Hoat Chillies: http://www.myspace.com/rhcpscot  - Bass: OLP MM2
Conscious Route: http://www.myspace.com/consciousroute  - Bass: Warwick 
Corvette $$
www.myspace.com/purplenoise68
-
Current favourite guitar: Fender 'Sambora' Stratocaster
Current favourite bass: Warwick Corvette $$

George Weston wrote:

> "no66y©"  wrote:

>> Hi all
>> Just wondering, is it considered OK to play bass with a plectrum?
>> I seem to recall seeing somewhere that its frowned upon by the low note 
>> community.
>> To me, it shouldn't make a difference but I don't want bass players 
>> burning effigies of me in public squares for heresy.
>> Cheers for any advice, its much appreciated. [...]

> As regards playing with a plectrum, you could do worse than follow the 
> example of Jet Harris, original bassist with The Shadows, who used/uses one 
> frequently.
> http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Jet_Harris
> Jet, the "father of the bass guitar" - he was probably the first in the UK 
> to ever own and play one - was still doing gigs, at the age of 70! - until a 
> month or so ago, when he was taken ill. He is currently undergoing tests for 
> suspected throat cancer.
> http://shadmusic.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=215

The fact that both Jet and Licorice Locking (his successor in the Shadows) 
were among the first generation of bass-guitarists in the UK - and both 
swapped to the bass guitar from the double bass - also shows that the use of 
the pick is not limited to guitarists-turned-bassists.

On 28 Aug, 12:50, "no66y©"  wrote:
> Hi all
> Just wondering, is it considered OK to play bass with a plectrum?
> I seem to recall seeing somewhere that its frowned upon by the low note
> community.
>
> To me, it shouldn't make a difference but I don't want bass players burning
> effigies of me in public squares for heresy.
>
> Also, what an acceptable action for a bass? have googled this and at some
> point I did find a reference but I cant find the cursed thing now!!
> I know its higher than a guitar! wish I could find that dam,n reference now!
>
> Picking up the bass (having not touched it for an age) and the action seems
> huuuugggeeeee,,,,
> is that more due to the fact I'm used to the action on a guitar I wonder?
> Does it even matter?
>
> Cheers for any advice, its much appreciated.
>
> no66y
> <sig.exe>

Nothing wrong at all with playing with pick.  If people look down on
you for it, ignore them.  They are obviously ignorant snobs.

Macca, Duff, Lemmmy... all pickers.  John Deacon switched between the
two depending on the sound he was after.

I'm mainly a fingerstyle (3 fingers to be precise), but will use a
pick sometimes as it just sounds better for certain songs.  Sweet
Child O'Mine and Chelsea Dagger just don't cut through and sound right
fingerstyle.

I'm an advocate of putting as many techniques into your arsenal as you
can if it serves the song (as long as they're played well and you
don't attempt something you can't yet do).  I mean, I'm not a fan of
slap bass, a vastly over-rated bass technique, but I do it if
necessary.  Not brilliantly, but well enough to get by.

Greg

Hi
Thanks everyone for the replies, lots for me to think about.

I hadn't realised how many bass players do use a plectrum. I just recall 
some arse moaning that a bass player (who sounded fab btw) was using a 
plectrum. I thought maybe it was akin to crossing the streams on proton 
packs or dividing by zero etc....

Now I know that there is no "right or wrong" I feel happier.
I guess I used a plectrum because that is what I'm used to with guitar so 
felt at ease. It probably is worth while trying to get into the habit of 
using fingers (or at least giving it a darn good try) before surrendering to 
the pleccy.

I will also feel more confident if someone complains about using a pleccy on 
a bass in telling them to go boil their heads!!

The track I have been looking at uses finger plucked bass so this would be a 
good time to put extra effort into trying that.
If I need to learn a bass part for a more rocky song I could then switch to 
the pleccy.

Some great advice about the action also. I have the worlds cheapest 
precision bass copy so why I didn't think of looking on the f*nder site I 
shall never know so that was a great help. I realise most people would go by 
feel but as I have only just picked the bass up for the first time in months 
I don't have any experience to judge the "feel" so a starting point is 
great.

I have adjusted the intonation and the neck relief seems OK so far.

The bass just feels so weird  - massive rope like strings, strings 2 feet 
apart and a neck the length of a dining table :-)

I have also started taking more notice of bass players - though I started by 
paying close attention to the bass player in Dream Theatre (no66y jnr bought 
some DT dvd's from play.com) but he is just wicked:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:John_Myung3_(H.I.).jpg

Ah, I ramble...........

Cheers everyone for the advice
And Jose - I think that was a definitive post for anyone starting with bass 
:-) outstanding.


no66y

Hi all
Quick update....

I measure the action on my el cheapo p-copy-bass and compared to the numbers 
on the F3nd3r site and mine was a *mile* out!!

Not just a little, a mile! No wonder it felt so odd to play!

So, some improvisation ensued so I could measure the 2.4 mm and 2mm and away 
I went with the little allen key.
(I checked the neck relief while I was at it and that still seemed fine, 
which is odd considering the cheapness)

I started on the E string and went as low as the adjusters would let me - it 
was still slightly higher that the recommendations on the F3nder site but 
only by a nats tadger and it was infinitely better than when I started.

Repeated the above for the G string - again took it as low as the adjusters 
would allow. It too its still a tad high but nothing to worry about (about 
1/2 mm )

Adjusted the other 2 strings to suit.

I could shim the neck and get the action down a bit more but we'll see how 
it goes for now.

Then plugged the sucker in, re tuned and wow, what a difference!

Guitar time was running out by this point so only had 5 mins to actually 
play. Stuck with the fingering [??] and played along to song (Django)
and it felt awesome to be honest! I really hit the groove.

Using just fingers is going to take some getting used to (1 finger maybe OK, 
but more?)

So, there you have it, I'm now on the right road at least so many thanks all 
for the help.

no66y - a happy bunny :-)

On Sat, 29 Aug 2009 18:49:21 +0100, "no66y©" 
wrote:

>Hi
>Thanks everyone for the replies, lots for me to think about.
>
>I hadn't realised how many bass players do use a plectrum. I just recall 
>some arse moaning that a bass player (who sounded fab btw) was using a 
>plectrum. I thought maybe it was akin to crossing the streams on proton 
>packs or dividing by zero etc....
>
>Now I know that there is no "right or wrong" I feel happier.
>I guess I used a plectrum because that is what I'm used to with guitar so 
>felt at ease. It probably is worth while trying to get into the habit of 
>using fingers (or at least giving it a darn good try) before surrendering to 
>the pleccy.
>
>I will also feel more confident if someone complains about using a pleccy on 
>a bass in telling them to go boil their heads!!
>
>The track I have been looking at uses finger plucked bass so this would be a 
>good time to put extra effort into trying that.
>If I need to learn a bass part for a more rocky song I could then switch to 
>the pleccy.
>
>Some great advice about the action also. I have the worlds cheapest 
>precision bass copy so why I didn't think of looking on the f*nder site I 
>shall never know so that was a great help. I realise most people would go by 
>feel but as I have only just picked the bass up for the first time in months 
>I don't have any experience to judge the "feel" so a starting point is 
>great.
>
>I have adjusted the intonation and the neck relief seems OK so far.
>
>The bass just feels so weird  - massive rope like strings, strings 2 feet 
>apart and a neck the length of a dining table :-)
>
>I have also started taking more notice of bass players - though I started by 
>paying close attention to the bass player in Dream Theatre (no66y jnr bought 
>some DT dvd's from play.com) but he is just wicked:
>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:John_Myung3_(H.I.).jpg
>
>Ah, I ramble...........
>
>Cheers everyone for the advice
>And Jose - I think that was a definitive post for anyone starting with bass 
>:-) outstanding.
>
>
>no66y 
>

Hmmm...so you flatpick with the six string, right?

Practice fingerpicking (at a relatively basic level) on the six
string, and you'll get the basics of fingerpicking down pretty quickly
for the bass. There's a lot more room between the strings. The big
difference is that the fingerpick stroke on the bass is fundamentally
down, whereas on the six string it's across or up (for extra bite).

I usually fingerpick on the bass, resting my thumb on the top of one
of the pups. You'll get used to stopping the strings with the
fingering hand (left, in my case), rather than killing a chord or
phrase with the the heel of your strumming hand.

You'll also get a much more deep, funky sound from fingerpicking on a
bass. If you're playing Jam covers (for instance), this is not a good
thing - you want as much attack as possible. On the other hand, if you
want P-Funk on the 1...:-)

I had a long conversation with the bassist from Massive Attack a
couple of years ago about how he got his his sound. The bottom line
was that he fingerpicked everything VERY GENTLY through a 1000W
backline amp - he was barely touching the strings.

As far as set ups are concerned, they pose almost exactly the same
questions as electric six strings. - and you get the same shit with
tuners, bridges and pups.....

My advice is to get a Rickenbacker, have it set up properly, drink
heavily and play it any way you damn well like.

Then we can have a conversation about amps...:-)

Pete (Have fun - fart around with it - there are NO RULES!)

"JNugent"  wrote in message 
news:iIydnVZnl9lGigTXnZ2dnUVZ8qdi4p2d@pipex.net...

> The fact that both Jet and Licorice Locking (his successor in the Shadows) 
> were among the first generation of bass-guitarists in the UK - and both 
> swapped to the bass guitar from the double bass - also shows that the use 
> of the pick is not limited to guitarists-turned-bassists.

Now you mention it Bill Wyman used a pick in his 'upright-electric-bass' 
early days with the Stones, and chewed gum and looked bored all at the same 
time.

icarusi
--

remove the 00 to reply

"Jose de las Heras"  wrote in message 
news:7fsdppF2lbie4U1@mid.individual.net...

> Some bassists use plectrum almost exclussively, so if you try to play 
> their parts, they sound closer when you use a plectrum.

You can also use hybrid picking (pick + fingers) on a bass. I can't recall 
anyone famous doing it, but it can be done, I've done it and it's an 
interesting sound. Not forgetting thumb pick as used by Chas Chandler of the 
Animals who used both up and down strokes.

Slightly off bass but Nills Lofgren uses a thumb pick and fingers, and gets 
some interesting harmonics similar to Lenny Breu style.

icarusi
--

remove the 00 to reply

On Sat, 29 Aug 2009 00:04:53 -0700, "icarusi" 
wrote:

>"Jose de las Heras"  wrote in message 
>news:7fsdppF2lbie4U1@mid.individual.net...
>
>> Some bassists use plectrum almost exclussively, so if you try to play 
>> their parts, they sound closer when you use a plectrum.
>
>You can also use hybrid picking (pick + fingers) on a bass. I can't recall 
>anyone famous doing it, but it can be done, I've done it and it's an 
>interesting sound. Not forgetting thumb pick as used by Chas Chandler of the 
>Animals who used both up and down strokes.
>
>Slightly off bass but Nills Lofgren uses a thumb pick and fingers, and gets 
>some interesting harmonics similar to Lenny Breu style.
>
>icarusi

Yup, first thing that came into my mind. Have problems getting the
pick out of my mouh in time to play the harmonics though..:-)

Pete

On 29 Aug, 23:53, anyth...@contractorcom.com wrote:
> On Sat, 29 Aug 2009 18:49:21 퍝, "no66y©" 

>
> My advice is to get a Rickenbacker, have it set up properly, drink
> heavily and play it any way you damn well like.

Excellent,
this may be the best piece of advice you ever get!

Graze

<anything@com> wrote in message
> My advice is to get a Rickenbacker, have it set up properly, drink
> heavily and play it any way you damn well like.

/me check Rickenbacker prices..
<cough>
Looks like I may have to stick to my budget Rock n' Roll!

Some nice looking basses out there - shame I have no cash <dammit!!>

Great post though - lots more to think about.


> Then we can have a conversation about amps...:-)

well my el cheapo came with an equally cheapo practice amp (15w IIRC) I dont 
actually use it, I run the bass through the mixer and direct into the PC.
That sounds better than the amp (which I used maybe once or twice if that)


> Have fun - fart around with it - there are NO RULES!


Indeed I will :-) many thanks

Cheers

no66y

On Sun, 30 Aug 2009 17:55:34 +0100, "no66y©" 
wrote:

>
><anything@com> wrote in message
>> My advice is to get a Rickenbacker, have it set up properly, drink
>> heavily and play it any way you damn well like.
>
>/me check Rickenbacker prices..
><cough>
>Looks like I may have to stick to my budget Rock n' Roll!
>
>Some nice looking basses out there - shame I have no cash <dammit!!>
>
>Great post though - lots more to think about.
>
>
>> Then we can have a conversation about amps...:-)
>
>well my el cheapo came with an equally cheapo practice amp (15w IIRC) I dont 
>actually use it, I run the bass through the mixer and direct into the PC.
>That sounds better than the amp (which I used maybe once or twice if that)
>
>
>> Have fun - fart around with it - there are NO RULES!
>
>
>Indeed I will :-) many thanks
>
>Cheers
>
>no66y 
>

Try and find a second-hand Trace Elliott 300W. Thaty can do anything.

Compared to six string electrics, basses are REALLY expensive. The
cool thing about them is that you only need one.

I've got two Bass speakers which I'm really quite keen to get rid of.
Come and get them - they're just taking up space.

Pete (in Bristol)

<anything@com> wrote in message
> Try and find a second-hand Trace Elliott 300W. Thaty can do anything.

:-)
Some on fleabay and one on gumtree glasgow IIRC.
Doubt I could sneak one past the gate gurds - no cash apparenty either.
Though I'm reasonably content running it through the PC.


> Compared to six string electrics, basses are REALLY expensive. The
> cool thing about them is that you only need one.

I found myself drooling over some on websites yesterday!
though it seems we apparently never had any spare money for stuff I'm 
interested in........
Seem to have plenty for ruddy stamps though!


> I've got two Bass speakers which I'm really quite keen to get rid of.
> Come and get them - they're just taking up space.


If I could, I probably would - just for the fun of it :-)
Cheers for the offer though.

no66y
<random sig generator>

And a bit of low note video by Mr Wooten just for completeness

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tygz5q9G2no



no66y
<sig.dll>

wrote in message 
news:7nml959hppaqfumhg9b7ni7navpvr3b5os@4ax.com...
> On Sun, 30 Aug 2009 17:55:34 +0100, "no66y©" 
> wrote:
>
>>
>><anything@com> wrote in message
>>> My advice is to get a Rickenbacker, have it set up properly, drink
>>> heavily and play it any way you damn well like.
>>
>>/me check Rickenbacker prices..
>><cough>
>>Looks like I may have to stick to my budget Rock n' Roll!
>>
>>Some nice looking basses out there - shame I have no cash <dammit!!>
>>
>>Great post though - lots more to think about.
>>
>>
>>> Then we can have a conversation about amps...:-)
>>
>>well my el cheapo came with an equally cheapo practice amp (15w IIRC) I 
>>dont
>>actually use it, I run the bass through the mixer and direct into the PC.
>>That sounds better than the amp (which I used maybe once or twice if that)
>>
>>
>>> Have fun - fart around with it - there are NO RULES!
>>
>>
>>Indeed I will :-) many thanks
>>
>>Cheers
>>
>>no66y
>>
>
> Try and find a second-hand Trace Elliott 300W. Thaty can do anything.
>
> Compared to six string electrics, basses are REALLY expensive. The
> cool thing about them is that you only need one.
>

Unfortunately that's not true. You need a fretted, a fretless, perhaps a 
five string, an acoustic bass guitar, a double bass, a nice wee Danelectro 
if one comes along... It just goes on and on.

Tim ;-)

On Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:20:24 +0100, "littleroots"
 wrote:

> wrote in message 
>news:7nml959hppaqfumhg9b7ni7navpvr3b5os@4ax.com...
>> On Sun, 30 Aug 2009 17:55:34 +0100, "no66y©" 
>> wrote:
>>
>>>
>>><anything@com> wrote in message
>>>> My advice is to get a Rickenbacker, have it set up properly, drink
>>>> heavily and play it any way you damn well like.
>>>
>>>/me check Rickenbacker prices..
>>><cough>
>>>Looks like I may have to stick to my budget Rock n' Roll!
>>>
>>>Some nice looking basses out there - shame I have no cash <dammit!!>
>>>
>>>Great post though - lots more to think about.
>>>
>>>
>>>> Then we can have a conversation about amps...:-)
>>>
>>>well my el cheapo came with an equally cheapo practice amp (15w IIRC) I 
>>>dont
>>>actually use it, I run the bass through the mixer and direct into the PC.
>>>That sounds better than the amp (which I used maybe once or twice if that)
>>>
>>>
>>>> Have fun - fart around with it - there are NO RULES!
>>>
>>>
>>>Indeed I will :-) many thanks
>>>
>>>Cheers
>>>
>>>no66y
>>>
>>
>> Try and find a second-hand Trace Elliott 300W. Thaty can do anything.
>>
>> Compared to six string electrics, basses are REALLY expensive. The
>> cool thing about them is that you only need one.
>>
>
>Unfortunately that's not true. You need a fretted, a fretless, perhaps a 
>five string, an acoustic bass guitar, a double bass, a nice wee Danelectro 
>if one comes along... It just goes on and on.
>
>Tim ;-) 
>

Yup. And a Westone. Always liked Danelectros - just because they look
so coooool...:-)

Pete

"FatBoySlimFast"  wrote in message 
news:9JOdnUr9Eu7VEQXXnZ2dnUVZ8rGdnZ2d@brightview.co.uk...
> "no66y©"  wrote in message 
> news:PcadnTXL8ba7WArXnZ2dnUVZ8qKdnZ2d@bt.com...
>> Just wondering, is it considered OK to play bass with a plectrum?
>
> For me the most significant difference is in stopping notes.
>
> If you play straight 8ths with a pick it gives a completely different feel 
> to playing it with a pick. With a pick it tends to run together into one 
> continuous sound but with fingers you can really make it pump and have 
> little pauses between each 8th note.
>
> I also believe that when playing the bass it's just as important that you 
> stop the notes in time to the grove ... as opposed to just starting them 
> in time.

Exactly the same deal on slide guitar, which is why I'd never dream of 
playing slide with a pick. It's like riding a bike in stilletos. 
(Allegedly.)

Steve
-- 
http://www.fivetrees.com

On Tue, 1 Sep 2009 23:52:47 +0100, "Steve at fivetrees"
 wrote:

>"FatBoySlimFast"  wrote in message 
>news:9JOdnUr9Eu7VEQXXnZ2dnUVZ8rGdnZ2d@brightview.co.uk...
>> "no66y©"  wrote in message 
>> news:PcadnTXL8ba7WArXnZ2dnUVZ8qKdnZ2d@bt.com...
>>> Just wondering, is it considered OK to play bass with a plectrum?
>>
>> For me the most significant difference is in stopping notes.
>>
>> If you play straight 8ths with a pick it gives a completely different feel 
>> to playing it with a pick. With a pick it tends to run together into one 
>> continuous sound but with fingers you can really make it pump and have 
>> little pauses between each 8th note.
>>
>> I also believe that when playing the bass it's just as important that you 
>> stop the notes in time to the grove ... as opposed to just starting them 
>> in time.
>
>Exactly the same deal on slide guitar, which is why I'd never dream of 
>playing slide with a pick. It's like riding a bike in stilletos. 
>(Allegedly.)
>
>Steve

Jeez...I've played plenty of slide in my time and it's never occurred
to me to fingerpick it.

Pete

wrote in message 
news:pnfr95lu11mcu0caaroegf2lqh891pul31@4ax.com...
> On Tue, 1 Sep 2009 23:52:47 +0100, "Steve at fivetrees"
>  wrote:
>
>>"FatBoySlimFast"  wrote in message
>>news:9JOdnUr9Eu7VEQXXnZ2dnUVZ8rGdnZ2d@brightview.co.uk...
>>>
>>> I also believe that when playing the bass it's just as important that 
>>> you
>>> stop the notes in time to the grove ... as opposed to just starting them
>>> in time.
>>
>>Exactly the same deal on slide guitar, which is why I'd never dream of
>>playing slide with a pick. It's like riding a bike in stilletos.
>>(Allegedly.)
>
> Jeez...I've played plenty of slide in my time and it's never occurred
> to me to fingerpick it.

Heh!

For me at least, the real key to slide playing is damping. Think of a piano, 
where all the strings are damped unless actively played - I basically do the 
same thing with slide guitar, with fingers/palm against the strings (and 
spare fingers on the slide hand north of the slide). I guess one could do 
this with hybrid picking, but I just find using a pick for slide a huge 
encumbrance - I get way finer control with fingers...

YMMV etc etc etc.

Steve
-- 
http://www.fivetrees.com

On Wed, 2 Sep 2009 18:50:40 +0100, "Steve at fivetrees"
 wrote:

> wrote in message 
>news:pnfr95lu11mcu0caaroegf2lqh891pul31@4ax.com...
>> On Tue, 1 Sep 2009 23:52:47 +0100, "Steve at fivetrees"
>>  wrote:
>>
>>>"FatBoySlimFast"  wrote in message
>>>news:9JOdnUr9Eu7VEQXXnZ2dnUVZ8rGdnZ2d@brightview.co.uk...
>>>>
>>>> I also believe that when playing the bass it's just as important that 
>>>> you
>>>> stop the notes in time to the grove ... as opposed to just starting them
>>>> in time.
>>>
>>>Exactly the same deal on slide guitar, which is why I'd never dream of
>>>playing slide with a pick. It's like riding a bike in stilletos.
>>>(Allegedly.)
>>
>> Jeez...I've played plenty of slide in my time and it's never occurred
>> to me to fingerpick it.
>
>Heh!
>
>For me at least, the real key to slide playing is damping. Think of a piano, 
>where all the strings are damped unless actively played - I basically do the 
>same thing with slide guitar, with fingers/palm against the strings (and 
>spare fingers on the slide hand north of the slide). I guess one could do 
>this with hybrid picking, but I just find using a pick for slide a huge 
>encumbrance - I get way finer control with fingers...
>
>YMMV etc etc etc.
>
>Steve

Kinda thing. I use the traditional 1 finger resting on the strings
behind the slide (to kill the harmonics) and mute with the heel of my
hand. It doesn't make me a good slide player but at least the tone is
right even if the notes are wrong..:-)

Pete

On Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:50:39 +0100, "no66y©"  wrote:

>Hi all
>Just wondering, is it considered OK to play bass with a plectrum?
>I seem to recall seeing somewhere that its frowned upon by the low note 
>community.
>
>To me, it shouldn't make a difference but I don't want bass players burning 
>effigies of me in public squares for heresy.
>
>Also, what an acceptable action for a bass? have googled this and at some 
>point I did find a reference but I cant find the cursed thing now!!
>I know its higher than a guitar! wish I could find that dam,n reference now!
>
>Picking up the bass (having not touched it for an age) and the action seems 
>huuuugggeeeee,,,,
>is that more due to the fact I'm used to the action on a guitar I wonder? 
>Does it even matter?
>
>
I don't think it matters. I play fingerstyle, but I don't much get on
with plectrums on 6-string guitars either.

Action again is a matter of taste, and what the guitar will allow
without buzzing. I like it as low as possible, and my Jaguar lets me do
that, but not all basses are happy that low.
-- 
Chris Bolus (change o to zero to reply by email)
A guitar is for life, not just for Christmas!

anything@contractorcom.com wrote
> Kinda thing. I use the traditional 1 finger resting on the strings
> behind the slide (to kill the harmonics) and mute with the heel
> of my hand.

I use one of my daughter's scrunchies positioned just after the nut to kill u/w 
harmonics. For ultra rock 'n' roll coolness vibe, the scrunchie must be pink 
with a few wisps of hair stuck to it.

> It doesn't make me a good slide player but at least the tone is
> right even if the notes are wrong..:-)

No! The notes aren't wrong, they're not necessarily played in the right order. 
(Eric Morecambe)

Frank A Muller

"Chris Bolus"  wrote in message
> Action again is a matter of taste, and what the guitar will allow
> without buzzing. I like it as low as possible, and my Jaguar lets me do
> that, but not all basses are happy that low.


I have lowered it as much as it will sensibly go - its just a cheap bass 
after all.

Been taking more notice of bass players.
Phil Lynnot - fingers
Victor Wooten - Fingers
Sting - ermmmmm........ his thumb it appears!:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnLMFS5-i-o&feature=related

Rudy Sarzo - fingers
Lemmy - appears to use a pleccy
Geddy Lee - fingers

etc.....
I'll persevere with fingers I think :-)


cheers

no66y

no66y© wrote:
> Hi all
> Just wondering, is it considered OK to play bass with a plectrum?
> I seem to recall seeing somewhere that its frowned upon by the low note 
> community.

Graham Maby (one of my favourites) uses plectrum some of the time, so 
that's OK by me.

I use plectrum sometimes and fingers sometimes. They give very differet 
feels and sounds.

Owing to my attempts at playing guitar, I found it easier to play bass
with a pick.  I found that my timing and dexterity with a pick were
much better than with my fingers, and I could still do the "start/
stop" thing that Steve White refers to.

When I've picked up a bass recently, I have been using fingerstyle,
but I think if I played out, it would be back to the pick.

It doesn't really matter how you do it, as long as it works.

Ian

On Thu, 3 Sep 2009 08:27:09 -0700 (PDT), IanM 
wrote:

>Owing to my attempts at playing guitar, I found it easier to play bass
>with a pick.  I found that my timing and dexterity with a pick were
>much better than with my fingers, and I could still do the "start/
>stop" thing that Steve White refers to.
>
>When I've picked up a bass recently, I have been using fingerstyle,
>but I think if I played out, it would be back to the pick.
>
>It doesn't really matter how you do it, as long as it works.
>
>Ian

I can't play bass with a pick - too much attack, but it's horses for
courses. If I'm playing bass (rare) I like to go thump thump rather
than twang twang. 

Having said that prolly one of my favourite bassists to listen to was
Chris Squire, and I'm pretty sure he used a pick.

Pete

littleroots wrote:

>  wrote:

[ ... ]

>> Compared to six string electrics, basses are REALLY expensive. The
>> cool thing about them is that you only need one.

> Unfortunately that's not true. You need a fretted, a fretless, perhaps a 
> five string, an acoustic bass guitar, a double bass, a nice wee Danelectro 
> if one comes along... It just goes on and on.

Fender Bass VI?

Mine is being included in the next Haynes manual...

[Seriously.]

Surely any serious bassist would be able to do both? It's all down to
the song, after all... you wouldn't play "The Boys are Back in Town"
with your fingers, and you wouldn't play "Under the Bridge" with a
pick.


adrian

On Sep 4, 8:59 am, Adrian Clark  wrote:
> Surely any serious bassist would be able to do both? It's all down to
> the song, after all... you wouldn't play "The Boys are Back in Town"
> with your fingers, and you wouldn't play "Under the Bridge" with a
> pick.
>
> adrian

Having given this subject further thought, I think for live work it
matters less than recording.  The attack differences would be MUCH
more noticeable on a recording than playing with a live band.

Everything that I played when I was in a band, and everything that I
played on at the Wigan/NotWigans that I attended was played with a
pick, and I never had any complaints (apart from me complaining about
myself).

I think I may have gone to fingerstyle for Little Wing a couple of
times, but that would be it.

Ian

On 4 Sep, 08:59, Adrian Clark  wrote:
> Surely any serious bassist would be able to do both? It's all down to
> the song, after all... you wouldn't play "The Boys are Back in Town"
> with your fingers, and you wouldn't play "Under the Bridge" with a
> pick.
>
> adrian

In fact, I think 'The Boys Are Back In Town' is harder to play
fingerstyle, and I'm primarily a fingerstyle bassist.  It just flow
better with a pick.

I did once see a RHCP tribute band a couple of years ago, and the
guying playing 'Flea' (replete in skeleton outfit and mohawk) used a
pick with a P bass.  Oh and left-handed too.  I've got nothing agaist
you southpaws, but how can you possibly contemplate playing Flea's
basslines with a pick, let alone the very wrong P bass?

G

"IanM"  wrote in message
> It doesn't really matter how you do it, as long as it works.


That seems to be the general consensus.
So if anyone complains about using a pleccy I will just point them in 
Lemmy's direction :-) (aside: I wonder how long Lemmy would last on the x 
factor..... anyways....)

So I guess now I should get practicing rather than playing Beatles tunes on 
my stylophone!
only **62** days left!! <gulp>

cheers all

no66y
<sig in post>

On Sep 4, 2:41 pm, Greg  wrote:

> In fact, I think 'The Boys Are Back In Town' is harder to play
> fingerstyle, and I'm primarily a fingerstyle bassist.  It just flow
> better with a pick.
>
> I did once see a RHCP tribute band a couple of years ago, and the
> guying playing 'Flea' (replete in skeleton outfit and mohawk) used a
> pick with a P bass.  Oh and left-handed too.  I've got nothing agaist
> you southpaws, but how can you possibly contemplate playing Flea's
> basslines with a pick, let alone the very wrong P bass?

Yep, exactly my point in both cases... for the Phil Lynott stuff, I
can't imagine anyone getting the right feel (especially on the triplet-
feel stuff like "The Boys...") without the distinction between up- and
downstrokes. As for Flea, he's the perfect example of powerful
fingerstyle bass... all the attack comes from the amp tone and sheer
hard work!


adrian

On Thu, 3 Sep 2009 13:35:43 +0800, Frank A Muller wrote:

-------------------8><
> I use one of my daughter's scrunchies positioned just after the nut to kill u/w 
> harmonics. For ultra rock 'n' roll coolness vibe, the scrunchie must be pink 
> with a few wisps of hair stuck to it.

If you had been Eric Johnson, you would have included the hair colour. ;-)

"IanM"  wrote in message 
news:0b205bbc-fefd-426f-a590-073acf77430d@y42g2000yqb.googlegroups.com...
> It doesn't really matter how you do it, as long as it works.

I agree. Whatever works best.

I think it's good to have the ability to use either but each to their own.

One thing finger style helps me with is when I want two notes, each on 
different strings, in quick succession. You can have one finger on each 
string and pick them as close together as you like, without having to be 
lightning fast with the pick. This is particularly helpful when playing 
octaves ... which jump from say string 4 to string 2.

Cheers,
Steve W

wrote in message 
news:2hc0a59th7i3s0nnjdagqr48ri5m81p55d@4ax.com...
> I can't play bass with a pick - too much attack, but it's horses for
> courses.

Anothe point. I find I play different things with each style.

The fact it's different seems to inspire you to play differently.

When I played with a pick I always felt I played like a guitar player. 
That's just me ... not a criticism of playing with the pick. Moving to 
fingers forced me to think differently.

Generally, thinking differently is always a good source of inspiration!

Cheers,
Steve W