Magic - Guitarist converted to Bassist - No regrets

triplej333 · #1 01-29-2008, 02:45 AM

I love the 6 string guitar. I love rock / blues. I love music theory.

When I watched the Wooten/Bailey "Bass Extremes" video in about 2002, I became dazed and it hasn't stopped yet. When I realized what slap was, along with tapping, I became so intrigued that I borrowed a 4-string base model BC Rich Warlock and destroyed my thumb and fingers for 3 months. Rhythm came so natural that I wondered why I ever picked up a pick. I was determined to buy only what felt right. After trying every decent bass (literally) in Guitar Center, I gave up. I thought some were okay, but none were worth the price. Then I was directed to the "used" section. There was a Sukop 5 string for $1550. As soon as I touched it, it was a no-brainer. I'd never heard of the brand and I didn't care. I bought it on the spot. Maybe it was because it made a mediocre player sound super, but I didn't care.

There is so much sound waiting in a bass guitar that I can hardly justify my time practicing economy / sweep picking and playing scales / solos on the guitar. I will never stop being a guitarist, but I get more enjoyment from the unlimited range (okay, semi-unlimited range) that a bass guitar provides to the ear. The sound is thicker, the feel is deeper. Harmonics ring and embrace clarity.

I wish I were a musician, but I am not. I am only a bassist and a guitarist until the tables turn. I cannot consider myself a musician unless I am using my experiences in a collaboration to create something new. My Roland JV-1010 synth/drum box is not enough.

I wish I had eternal time to play music, but I have to build and repair houses to survive. Music is so much more fun though...

aikakone · #2 01-29-2008, 04:12 PM

If anything, it sure sounds like you enjoy what you're doing. That's the thing right there.

I also liked your comment about so many sounds waiting in a bass guitar.

meev992 · #3 01-29-2008, 05:09 PM

Welcome to the low-end

triplej333 · #4 02-07-2008, 01:30 AM

Should be fun here on the forums. Thanks for the replies!

To any bassists, experienced or not, realize that the bass guitar can produce melody, harmony, symphony (if you're really good) and most of all, originality. Let's work on the originality part of it for now. Style and technique will come with practice, and both are derived from your originality... Ouch!! (I'm sorry, I'm being smacked!) STOP IT!!! (They're telling me I'm being too much of a copycat!!!) QUICK SMACKING ME!!!

Anyway, I'm sure someone has said the same things that I'm saying before, but I can't be wrong, can I???????

climb · #5 05-21-2008, 11:11 AM

You must have great taste--

Sukop basses are truly fantastic, and you a got a great deal of a price on it.

Jessup · #6 05-22-2008, 05:16 PM

Thats awesome, I hear of lots of people starting to play bass but when they think they've mastered it (impossible) they move onto guitar. You dont hear the other way around too often, its nice.

AugustGrey · #7 05-23-2008, 12:07 AM

gday all,

i was forced (LOL) onto bass as starting up a band we found we didnt need 2 guitarists..... but,............. i have become a bass monster!! its an awesome feeling to know that playing along with the drums, thumping away keeping time and adding a wall of low end onto the music is taking it up another level!

myself i have been studying various styles and there is so much to learn........i have adopted pick style ( days of playing the 6er) but have been meddling with slap/pop.....

Rock on all newbies!! is there somewhere on here we can download / watch ppl music??