Bass Hangout Forum Feed

Atlanta Slow Jam

eric@basshangout.com — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:44:46 CST

I'm looking to pull together a slow jam in the Atlanta area (Little Five Points), to be held either at night during the week or Saturday during the day. I'm a beginning banjo player (Scruggs style bluegrass) and would like to get in practice with other instruments. My plan is for us to play between 100-150 or so BPM depending on the song, and to mainly hit songs using the I-ii-IV-V chords. Then advance as we go. Shoot me a message if you have any interest. Let me know what instrument you play, your favorite songs, how long you've been playing and what days would work for you. And if anyone is beyond a 'beginner' but would like to join, feel free. It would be good to have a bit more experience at guitar or bass to anchor the timing. Thanks! Don

Do you mix strings?

eric@basshangout.com — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 06:33:12 CST

I play Hillbilly Larry’s Slap Bass strings on my bass fiddle. I really like the strings tone and buttery feel. The price don’t hurt none either. However, the E string has always been a little low in volume compared to the others. Last night I changed the E string back to a Perlon core steel wrapped string and that really evened out the volume level problems I was having between the strings. The tone is not as deep, but the volume level is much stronger. Looks a little funny with one bright silver string beside the 3 black strings, but I think this is a better set up for me tone and volume wise. I was wondering what strings (mix or match) some of you use on your bass fiddles and why?

Bluegrass Slow Jam in Burlington, MA

eric@basshangout.com — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:55:13 CST

You're invited to a directed Bluegrass Slow Jam at The Real School of Music in Burlington, MA. An experienced jam leader, guitar player, and banjo player will lead the group through fun to play bluegrass standards. If you've ever stood by on the sidelines wishing to take part, this is your chance to jump in and get your feet wet in a totally supportive atmosphere where anyone with a guitar, banjo, mandolin, bass, dobro or fiddle is welcome! Singing is strongly encouraged (you don’t have to sing on key). The session will take place on June 17, 2010, from 8:00pm until 9:30pm on Thursday night at 56 Middlesex Turnpike (exit 32B on the 128/95 across from Trader Joe's). Cost for the night will be $20. The Traditional Music Project The Real School of Music 56 Middlesex Turnpike Burlington, MA 01803 1-(888)-881-7325 http://therealschoolofmusic.com/

Bluegrass bassist wanted - Sacramento area

eric@basshangout.com — Mon, 7 Jun 2010 16:09:04 CST

Hi, bass fans... The bass player in our band passed away a couple weeks ago and we are looking for a replacement. We want someone who is good enough to play with but not so good that you're in demand and in several other bands. We play out 2-4 times monthly; we play festivals, wineries, county fairs, private parties, etc. We're playing the Horse Show coming up in Sacramento June 11, 12 & 13th. We usually rehearse on Thursdays so if you're looking, we might want you! [:D] Please send me a msg if you're interested... Erik The Pope

can anyone ID this bass

eric@basshangout.com — Fri, 28 May 2010 12:26:00 CST

I bought this from a guy who said he sold it to a guy for his son (punk rock bass player) and bought it back after he pretty much destroyed it. Structually its fine but it sure is ugly LOL. I was told it was a 60's Fender but I kinda doubt it. I bought it based on it being a junked out old no name bass so I'm not out anything if its not a Fender. [;)] Any and all opinions are welcome and Thanks Craig

Collectors corner

eric@basshangout.com — Mon, 24 May 2010 11:17:15 CST

The other sites have collector [or vintage] forums. Any chance of Bass having one? Does anyone collect. I have 2 but I just play them [ one fretted/one frettless] Vintage amps?

Bass Strings

eric@basshangout.com — Sun, 23 May 2010 18:34:49 CST

I am a beginner Bass player, bluegrass only. I have a 1963 Kay M1, nice bass. But I'm not liking the strings, been thinking about changing them, but the cost makes it a bit hard to experement. Does anyone know anything about the, Black Diamond Dog House Bass strings. They are supposed to be especially for Bluegrass playing. So far I can't find anyone using them. Also, if I should change strings, does anyone buy used strings, they are only a couple months old? Thanks for any help you may be able to give.

Good Songs For Okay-Good Bass Players

eric@basshangout.com — Thu, 20 May 2010 15:24:29 CST

I need some songs to learn and I am not one of those amazing bass players im Okay-Good

Bass Recommendation for Wife

eric@basshangout.com — Tue, 11 May 2010 11:49:23 CST

I just setup this account for my wife. (I'm a banjo hangout member.) I am in the market for a good quality bass for my wife. She has very small hands so I've always thought along the lines of electric bass guitar. She'll be playing with our family band, which is young but improving every day. We play mainly bluegrass, gospel, traditional stuff. Any thoughts or recommendations would be greatly appreciated! I'd like to be somewhere in the $500 range. Thanks! -Clay

Any one used SWR amps?

eric@basshangout.com — Mon, 3 May 2010 10:50:04 CST

I haven't had a bass amp since I sold my SVT many years ago, but now I am being asked to audition for local bands so I figure I need a new amp. I want a small combo but the Ampegs I've listened to were not what I remember. I played through an SWR WorkingPro 12 and I liked it. Does anyone have any experience with them? Thanks

String Height (again)

eric@basshangout.com — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 05:43:14 CST

I just bought my daughter a used upright bass. (hoping she will take an interest in it.....it's looking good right now) The string height at the nut...(upper part) is almost touching the fret board, in fact the E string has a small piece of plastic under the string at the nut, probably to keep it from vibrating on the fret board. I am totally ingorant about this (I'm a banjo player....LOL), and there are no other bluegrass players or bass players around me for 300 miles. Thanks for any suggestions, Gordon

setting up a bluegrass bass

eric@basshangout.com — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 10:46:13 CST

Howdy everyone Yesterday, I picked up a very good deal on what I believe to be a pretty decent upright bass. The label on the inside says "Wilhelm Kohl copy of Antonius Stradivarius". The bass was played previously by a jazz player, so the adjustable bridge is at it's lowest setting. What should I do to set this bass up for bluegrass? I know I should raise the bridge height, but how much, and what is the proper way to do so? The bass sounds amazing now, so I don't want to mess anything up. Any help you could offer for a newbie upright player would be greatly appreciated thanks! [:D]

Bluegrass Bass -- 21st Century Edition

eric@basshangout.com — Thu, 1 Apr 2010 19:10:47 CST

Bluegrass Bass -- 21st Century Edition Complete Instruction Guide to Playing Bass 173 pages, 2 CD’s, full color, spiral bound so it lays flat as you play www.AustinPickinRanch.com Howdy Bass Hang Outers, I am Ritchie Mintz, also writing for my old amigo and co-author Ned Alterman. I am the author of a revolutionary banjo instruction book, Conversational Bluegrass Banjo that teaches banjo picking without TAB. But today I’m here to talk bass. Ned and I wrote Bluegrass Bass in 1976 and Oak Publications released it in 1977. It was a pretty big deal for us because Oak had a prestigious series of bluegrass instruction books. The fiddle book was by Gene Lowenger, the Dobro book by Stacy Phillips, the banjo book by Pete Wernick and the bass book by Ned and me. By the 1980’s the book had sold out and Ned and I forgot about it. Imagine our surprise that by 2005, Bluegrass Bass had become a cult classic that trained 3 generations of bass players and was selling on eBay for $50 (it was $6.95 new). In 2006, we got our copyright back and now we are proud to announce Bluegrass Bass – 21st Century Edition. This is a blockbuster bass instruction manual that is complete with theory and technique, plus exciting interviews with the top bass players in all of bluegrass. It features simple, understandable explanations of scales, chords, progressions, and how music works. It includes a CD of the original floppy soundsheet from the original book that features the songs of the book in stereo. The bass is in the right track and the rest of the band is in the left track so you can isolate the bass and learn the parts. You can play with the bass and the band combined and then tune out the bass and you are the bass player in the band. You can set your CD player to ‘repeat’ and play along until you get it. Thank you for welcoming our roll out of Bluegrass Bass – 21st Century Edition. We are proud to call Bass Hang Out our new home and we thank Eric for taking us on as the very first advertiser. We look forward to a long association. So, here’s to the low tones. Ned Alterman & Ritchie Mintz

Gibson EB3

eric@basshangout.com — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 12:02:20 CST

I'm thinking about selling my old Gibson EB3. I just called two vintage dealers, and one told me that it was made in 1964 or 65. The other dealer told me that it is from the early '70's. Can anyone here tell me the age of this instrument? The serial number is 176074, and stamped below is "Made in USA". You can see a picture of it on my website. It's the dark chocolate standing next to my short scale SG bass. Thanks, Greg

Tailpiece Cable - What kind to use?

eric@basshangout.com — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 20:26:18 CST

I'm looking to replace the heavy gauge wire holding my tailpiece to the endpin. Gollihur has different types. Any recommendations? This is an old German carved instrument originally owned by an area high school for it's music ed program.. It's got a lot of wear but it sounds great sound. I use it mostly for playing pizz. but do some occasional arco on it.

Guild Starfire II...

eric@basshangout.com — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 13:37:08 CST

There is a Starfire II on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/Mint-Condition-Pristine-Guild-Starfire-II-Bass-w-case_W0QQitemZ250597355512QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item3a58c42ff8 This guy says he bought it brand new in 2002 and it does look pretty pristine. I always thought that Guild stopped making them in the '70s some time (mine is from '72, S/N 71738). The S/N of his is AG100268 and there is no S/N info on the Guild site from '98 to 2005. Anyone know the story on these Guild basses? Thanks...

MarkBass.... Anyone Tried Them?

eric@basshangout.com — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:39:32 CST

Has anyne had any experience with MarkBass products? I noticed a couple amps that looked interesting to me. They have a Micro Bass, and a MiniMark combo amp. The Micro weighs less than 10 lb. Right now that is looking pretty good to me! I play every Tuesday night with a group of between 8 and 14 people in a Jam setting. Every week I drag my amp and Bass Guitar over there. I have three Bass amps: 1. Ampeg B3 (on wheels) 2. Ampeg BA115 3. Crate 25 Watt (The lightest of the bunch) Is MarkBass a good option or is there another small amp that works and sounds good?

Bass banjo youtube

eric@basshangout.com — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:35:52 CST

Check out this monster: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_7k0VjLY2w&feature=related

Hi, All -

eric@basshangout.com — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:00:47 CST

My name's Michael, just came over from FHO to see what's going on. I am developing K C Fiddles, the fiddle division of K C Strings. Along with fiddles and violins, we make and sell upright basses. Lots of them, at all price levels. We have basses in many of the top US symphonies, and even sent three recently to the Russian national orchestra. We also have one guy who does bass repair full time, and another who picks up the overload. In other words, I have fairly good basic knowledge of basses, but I'm not by any means an expert. I do hang around with several, if you include the guys that build them, and talk to them almost every day. We also have several pro bass players of all different styles on the sales staff. One of our owners graduated from the Leningrad Conservatory, was bassist for the Kirov Ballet, and for the Kansas City symhony. I can probably get fairly good answers to most building, repair, and setup questions, regarding upright basses, and, in the process I will learn a lot more, myself. I expect I'll learn a lot more about playing, too, since I have a lot of work to do there. Bass players are always welcome at jams, and some times it's a nice break from playing fiddle. I look forward to meeting every one, and hope to be able to contribute now and then.

FYI: washtub and gutbucket aficionados...

eric@basshangout.com — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:20:33 CST

I started this group yesterday...could be of interest to some here: http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/group.php?groupid=156

'On The Sunny Side'-Welcome Greg Connor

eric@basshangout.com — Tue, 9 Mar 2010 12:56:40 CST

Hello Greg Connor - Bass Hangout is a neat place ...don't have all those thousands and thousands of Banjo Hangout guys but this Hangout is growing. I think Eric has another home run in process with this Hangout. I like the song you posted 'On The Sunny Side': http://www.basshangout.com/myhangout/media-player/audio_player2.asp?isjukebox=no&musicID=6327 I know you write the songs, play all the instruments, sing, produce, etc. (I am not sure I like you) [:D]. Welcome! Phil

'61 King Moretone for sale in Tennessee

eric@basshangout.com — Sun, 7 Mar 2010 20:44:36 CST

details here: http://www.basshangout.com/classified/1582 Pics to interested buyers!

Slow Jam Workshop in Framingham Massachusetts

eric@basshangout.com — Fri, 5 Mar 2010 09:40:17 CST

The Slow Jam Workshop will run for six weeks Monday nights April 5, 2010 — May 10, 2010 Time is from 7:30-9:30 p.m. The Slow Jam Workshop will focus on jamming etiquette, getting people to play together, and having fun while learning. We will also cover: The Circle of fifths and how to use it The Nashville Numbering System and how to use it Common Bluegrass chord progressions Bass runs Lead-ins Turnarounds Fills and where to use them Back-up techniques Chord construction Kick-offs Key transposition Endings All Bluegrass instruments welcome — Guitar, Mandolin, Bass (acoustic), Dobro™, Fiddle, and Banjo. Other instruments with prior approval of facilitators. Who would benefit from the workshop — anyone who canback up chord changes from and to a G, C, D, A, and E chord on their instrument and wants to have fun learning how to be a contributing member of a jam. We have run this workshop at least a half dozen times in the past few years and the participants always have fun and develop excellent jamming skills. Fee: $90.00 for six week session Held at Amazing Things, 160 Hollis Street Framingham, MA You must preregister Facilitators: Pat Rooney and Heavy Thumb Contact: slowjamworkshop@yahoo.com Heavy Thumb 508-429-5504 (home) Pat Rooney 508-634-6733 (home)

Thoughts / experiences with the Ahsbory Bass?

eric@basshangout.com — Mon, 1 Mar 2010 17:37:33 CST

My friend just got an Ashbory Bass and is having some fun with it - it sounds awesome! He has had some trouble with tuning in these first few days but he says it is getting a little easier to keep in tune but that aspect is still a bit painful. The guy from 'largesound.com' told him when he ordered the bass to not plan on attending any jams for a couple of weeks because it takes time to get the strings settled into decent tunings. This was 'sound advice' for sure! Does anybody have any experiences or thoughts they might share about tuning the Ashbory and any thoughts about how long it takes to get some stable tunings?

Nashville Number System

eric@basshangout.com — Mon, 1 Mar 2010 12:08:21 CST

Anyone here making active use of the Nashville Number System (NNS) in their bass playing? I have recently begun practicing playing my bass "by the numbers" as a way of better adapting to the sporadic last-minute key changes that happen at my church services.

...electric bass (w/amp) @ Bluegrass jam?

eric@basshangout.com — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:23:51 CST

What are the feelings on the use of a Carvin solid body electric bass w/amp in Bluegrass jams? Thanks for any comments.

Which Strings for an Upright?

eric@basshangout.com — Wed, 3 Feb 2010 11:03:31 CST

I've noticed several types of strings available for non-bow upright players, steel, synthetic, tape wrapped, etc. What are the preferences, and why?

archive.org - lots of free live music

eric@basshangout.com — Tue, 2 Feb 2010 12:59:59 CST

Hey all, I'm mostly over at Banjo Hangout but thought I'd stop by to let you know about a source for live concerts. I've been working with them to help spread the word. It's totally free and a non-profit library organization dedicated to archiving tons of stuff and making it all accessible for free. http://www.archive.org/details/etree There's a number of bluegrass and bands with banjo on there and lot of other good stuff too. Here's a list I compiled at a glance but I'm guessing there are some others too: .357 String Band Acoustic Syndicate Arthur Lee Land Assembly of Dust Back Forty Bad Livers Barefoot Manner Bela Fleck and the Flecktones Big Daddy Bluegrass Band Big Smith Blue Turtle Seduction Blueground Undergrass Borrowed Angels Brittany Reilly Broke Mountain Bluegrass Band Butterjive Cadillac Sky Carolina Chocolate Drops Cast Iron Filter Chatham County Line Cindy Woolf Cornmeal Cross-eyed Rosie Danny Barnes Del McCoury Band Dirtfoot Don Reno Dread Clampitt Flat Mountain Girls Girls, Guns and Glory Green Mountain Grass Greensky Bluegrass Hackensaw Boys Hayseed Dixie Tony Trishka Uncle Earl It's all free and most of it can be downloaded or streamed. If you have recordings you'd like to upload they encourage that too. You would first email them to get a page set up. You have to have have permission to include these as it is a non-commercial, trade-friendly site. Also, Deadheads love it…over 7,000 concerts on line! There's lots of other great stuff on the site too. Check out the movies and the Wayback Machine. If you enjoy it you can add a link to your sites or blogs. There is also a blog at: http://internetarchive.wordpress.com/ Best, Jeff

look at this guy

eric@basshangout.com — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:29:22 CST

I ran across this on bho. Watch the guy with the upright. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeJ5SUQ2qYM [:p]

Jamming website for Michiganders

eric@basshangout.com — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 07:42:05 CST

Feel free to check out this website for communicating jams in Michigan: http://michigan-musicians.ning.com/

Make electric sound acoustic?

eric@basshangout.com — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:11:25 CST

I ask this out of complete ignorance.......Is it possible to make an electric bass sound like a acoustic double bass. I would like to add bass to the guitar and banjo tunes I have recorded but just don't like the way an electric bass track sounds in there. I would love to have an upright bass fiddle but haven't been able to convince my wife that it could be considered furniture too. Thanks

Making an Solid body bass (from scratch)!

eric@basshangout.com — Sat, 9 Jan 2010 18:41:37 CST

Hello everybody. So I've just recently started working for a local luthier, and came up with the brilliant idea that I should make my own bass, AND it seems that there aren't any forums about anyone building there own bass from scratch, so I guess I'll start one. So here's a few Ideas that I've heard: Ebony is good to be used for fretboards Mahogany is a good wood for bodies and necks Fretless basses have excelent harmonics But as someone who's never built an instrument, here are some questions: Should I use active pickups or passive pickups? What pickups are better: Single Coil or Double Coil? And does it matter? Must I use a preamp? Does it matter what bridge I put on it? Does a whammy bar REALY help? Are there specific measurements for anything? Are there certain techniques? How do you make the neck? How do you fret it? And so on and so on... So anyway, please give some answers about these questions, and even add some.

What's your favorite P-Bass?

eric@basshangout.com — Sat, 9 Jan 2010 13:00:15 CST

I'm looking for a P-Bass. The Fender Americans are alright. Lakland makes a really nice one. Anyone have any other suggestions to look into?

Thinking of rebuilding my practice amp

eric@basshangout.com — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:09:31 CST

I have a new, primary bass amp in my GK Backline 210. I am thinking of gently disassembling my Johnson RepTone 15B practice amp. 15 watts through a 6.5" speaker. Not exactly loud, or booming with bottom end. I was checking out a web site, and specifically this project: http://diyaudioprojects.com/Speakers/Jordan-JX92S-Bass-Reflex/ It got me thinking I could do the same treatment to my RepTone. Why? To see if I can do it. I don't have to make an mods to the electronics of the RepTone. And I just might be able to coax some more bottom end out of the tiny speaker.

Which Pre-amp For Acoustic Pickups?

eric@basshangout.com — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:06:26 CST

I got some gift certificates to a well-known online retailer, and may invest in a better pre-amp for my upright, which has a bridge mounted pickup. Any recommendations?

restoring

eric@basshangout.com — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:42:52 CST

I bought a 1975 Rickenbacher. I cant remember exactly which model right now, im at work and cant look, sorry. Its in pretty rough shape. I bought it as a collector thing, not an everyday player. The paint is bad and the frets are very worn. Electric wise it is fine. Will restoring this ruin the value and coolness of it? I dont know that I will ever sell it but would a restoration ruin any value? I know some things are better fixed up, some are better left rough. Thanks in advance for any help or advice. Pensnut

Born? -or- Made?

eric@basshangout.com — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 07:50:15 CST

Years ago, while reading Bass Player magazine, I came across an article which brought up the hypothesis that most bass players are "made" not "born". This idea struck a chord with me. I fall firmly into this category, as I picked the bass mainly because all of my friends who played it were busy. I am mainly a guitarist, so the addition helped me better understand the lower perspective. Therefore, as a bassist, I was made not born. Where do you fall in these two categories? Was bass your first (perhaps only..) instrument? Just curious.[8D] ~guitdawg~

Last Letter Word Game

eric@basshangout.com — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 13:04:01 CST

Rules are simple. Just choose a word that starts with the last letter of the previous word. Words used can be any length, EXCEPT all words MUST be at least two letters long. I'll start: Turkey

Price of Upright Bass

eric@basshangout.com — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 21:04:20 CST

I am just starting to think about playing bass. What kind of price range can I think about for an entry level used bass. Also, do I look for a 4/4, or 3/4 size..?? Thanks, Gordon

Upright Fingerboard Profile?

eric@basshangout.com — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:52:31 CST

Which is better, the asymetric fingerboard with the E string bevel, or a more symetric fingerboard?

What's a Fair Price for 70s Ampeg B-15 Portaflex?

eric@basshangout.com — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 07:11:35 CST

I have the opportunity to buy an early 1970s Ampeg B-15 Portaflex fliptop bass amp from the estate of a good friend's father. It seems to be in good but very used condition. I believe the speaker connection has been wired directly (I've heard that the original speaker connection was made via the latches when the head was flipped up). Otherwise it appears to be all original. I've played through the amp during a few 4-hour long big band gigs and it worked fine. Any idea of what an amp like this goes for?

Having a hard time getting started

eric@basshangout.com — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 20:24:01 CST

Hey guys! I'm a Banjoist! Not a particularly advanced one.. I can Jam.. understand chord SHAPES for major, minor, 7th and a couple more.. in other words I feel fairly confident in my KNOWLEDGE about the banjo... and spend time studying theory.. I just got my 1st bass.. I can play a couple bass progressions, and have been practicing some different right hand techniques.. but I want to understand how to find and lay out proper chords on the bass.. On the banjo, there were only three primary shapes, and I could use those with counting, to find any chord on the fretboard.. is it the same with Bass? Any good web sites or videos I can look at that explain some bass theory? I feel that everything I've found so far discusses technique instead of true understanding..

Daedalus Rig

eric@basshangout.com — Wed, 9 Dec 2009 15:00:45 CST

Hey all, so i'm considering selling off my live touring rig. It consists of: Daedalus C-81 Cab Daedalus 4 space rack Rane ap 13 lexicon mx200 furman power conditioner halfer p1500 power amp I wanted to post here on the hangout because i also have a pretty specialized pickup/mic system i've been using. Basically i had an audio technica ATM-350 mic wired into my input jack with a schatten pickup under the bridge and ran these both into the rane, which if you're familiar with the ap 13, they allow blending and eq of a mic and pickup. So! I'd love to see this whole she-bang including the pickup and mic go to another player! It would make the most sense considering the customization i've done. I'm not doing much traveling by land these days and can't fly with this gear so have decided to part ways. I put these pieces together myself over quite a bit of time and they are all immaculate and road tested! I'm flexible on price due to the large number of items, and will consider all offers, Please let me know if you have any questions! cheers!

Bolt On or Neck Through?

eric@basshangout.com — Tue, 8 Dec 2009 22:03:04 CST

For those of you who play electric bass, do you prefer bolt-on or neck-through bass construction, and why? --Steve

Newbie to bass world, lookin for suggestions

eric@basshangout.com — Sun, 6 Dec 2009 21:24:56 CST

I just ordered an epiphone Thunderbird goth.. I read several reviews that said it was the best Bass under $500... Anyhow.. I have a GUITAR amp laying around here that a friend gave me.. it's like a fender sp.10 beginners amp... comes with the cheap beginners fender at walmart.. (geeze..) Will I be able to use that amp for a while, or do I need to right away buy a new amp? If I do, What kind is recommended say in the $150 range on the USED market? Thanks a ton! -Ray

String Height

eric@basshangout.com — Sun, 6 Dec 2009 19:55:48 CST

What kind of string height does your upright have at the "C position and at the end of the fingerboard (closest to the bridge). Thinking of lowering mine a bit for easier fingering, but don't want to be so low as to provoke buzz or unintentional string contact.

Compressors with Upright Bass?

eric@basshangout.com — Sat, 5 Dec 2009 13:08:41 CST

Anyone use a compressor in live shows? or recording? I often play out with my wife, who sings and plays guitar. I bow some of the songs and there is such a change in sound levels and such over the course of a set that I feel that a compressor will help balance my sound behind hers.

What do you drive?

eric@basshangout.com — Wed, 2 Dec 2009 14:49:35 CST

Playing acoustic upright is one thing. Getting to the gig is something else altogether. So my question is what do you drive around when you have to take the bass, and are there any special tricks to getting the bass in and out of your particular vehicle of choice or keeping it safe on the road. What do you say when someone says, "Oh, we'll just put the bass in the back seat of my Prius and ....."

Jack Cooke RIP

eric@basshangout.com — Wed, 2 Dec 2009 12:24:37 CST

Jack Cooke passed away last night (December 1). As the bass player for the Clinch Mountain Boys for over 40 years, he was an integral part of the Stanley sound and a friendly, outgoing presence both onstage and off. He will be missed. http://www.thebluegrassblog.com/jack-cooke-rip/

8 string basses

eric@basshangout.com — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:51:41 CST

I am considering purchasing an 8 string bass -- also known as an octave bass -- i.e. where the basic 4 strings are doubled with octave-up strings. I have a few questions and would appreciate anyone's input: (1) Hagstrom was the innovator of the 8 string bass in the '60's and recently introduced a modern version. What would be a better approach: To try to find a good condition '60's original or to buy a new, modern version? Any insights? (2) All octave basses I've seen have the high octave string at the "top" (as the bass hangs around your neck on the strap) and the thicker, low string on the "bottom" of the pair. With this configuration it seems that anyone who plays bass by plucking (like me) will end up mostly missing the higher, thinner string as you pluck the lower, thicker string. Is this true? Can a "finger-plucker" effectively play an 8 string strung like this and will the high, octave strings sound? Or is downstroke pick playing required? (I don't think the strings can be reversed because of the size of the slot in the nut. It is sized to accomodate the string in question and so if the strings were reversed there would be problems.) (3) Should I give all this up and just get an octave-up effects box for my ordinary 4 strings?