Youngest MTD 635-24 player? (or: Geddy Lee at 10)

[moosik]

This is my son Ben playing a Rush song for guests on his 10th birthday last weekend.

YouTube - Rush - Freewill

After the guests left, Ben wanted to have a couple of other takes to clean up some mistakes. But I think that the original (where he was a little nervous in front of an audience) is best.

The ash/ash/maple MTD is my gift to Ben for the amazing effort he has put in since he started playing about 2.5 years ago. I bought the bass here on basstalk from Jerry (VroomVroom). I believe that Ben is the youngest player in the world to play this model. It's a lifetime bass for sure. I'm starting to look for an MTD fretless now for Ben's 11th birthday.

Ben could not have played this well at 10 without the mentorship of his absolutely outstanding teacher, Cameron (BassFlute). Check them out in a Sonny Rollins duet, where Ben is taking some first steps in improvisation:

YouTube - Alfie's Theme - Bass Duet

If you guys like either video, please put a comment on youtube. Ben is still self-conscious about his singing and live performance. Any positive reinforcement would mean a lot.

I sent the Rush clip to Geddy hoping that Ben could meet him backstage after their Vancouver show at the end of June. I hope that Geddy gets my message.

It's been an amazing experience discovering the world of bass over the last couple of years., and this forum has been an important part of it. Thank you all for creating and sustaining this vibrant community.

Moshe

[bass12]

I can see why you'd be proud of your son - he's doing fantastically. Nice, solid playing for someone his age. I'm sure Cameron is a great teacher and he certainly seems to be doing the right thing with Ben. As for being the youngest player on an MTD 635, who knows and, really, I don't see why that would matter in the least.

[moosik]

Initially I had some misgivings about giving Ben the MTD at the age of 9 going on 10. I thought that it would be an overkill. But he adapted to it immediately.

Cameron said that the finer the instrument, the more the player hears, the better refined his technique will be. As I see it, Ben will continue growing into the instrument.

The "youngest player" is just a joke. It doesn't really matter.

[bass12]

Originally Posted by moosik

Initially I had some misgivings about giving Ben the MTD at the age of 9 going on 10. I thought that it would be an overkill. But he adapted to it immediately.

Cameron said that the finer the instrument, the more the player hears, the better refined his technique will be. As I see it, Ben will continue growing into the instrument.

I totally agree. MTDs are notorious for showing up any sloppiness on the part of the player and Ben's technique (and expressiveness on the instrument) will be all the better/more effective for it. You did the right thing!

[Lonesomedave]

good job!

although my son is not playing a multi-stringed bass, i totally agree with his (that is, your son's) teacher on a quality instrument. I have my son playing a custom Fender Jazz Geddy Lee, and a Lakland 4-94, and they truly are fantastic

/s/ Dave

[moosik]

Dave,
It's a lot of fun to be the father of a young bassist. Don't you agree?
There are some challenges to be sure. Bass is not as well liked by family and friends when they come over as say piano would be. Many keep asking when he'll start playing guitar. Also, you need to set the kid up with a drum machine, backing tracks etc.
I find that the 6-string offers many more possibilities for branching out from accompanying bass lines.

[chris lykins]

Thats awesome.

[mb94952]

I am speechless. You must be the proudest father to have a son who
A. - Plays bass fantastically,
B. - Can SING and PLAY, and
C. - plays RUSH, which is some of the most difficult rock music out there.
I have been playing for YEARS and I still have never tried to get through the entire song FREE WILL.

Ben is amazing and is a (get ready for the big pun) FORCE 10

[Red Four]

That is absolutely fantastic. I think the best aspect of these videos is the calm fluidity of his playing motions, the obvious pleasure he's taking in it, and the relaxed tone of that pleasure.

Those things all speak to the quality of the environment you've created for him - more than just the technical things like tools and information, it looks as though you've given him something special in a way that is completely healthy and natural for him - a rare combination. Kudos to you, dad, for doing something so great for your son! I only hope I can do half as well with my boy (who's 2) when he comes of age.

Best of luck to Ben, he's off to a tremendous start. He looks more at ease on his 6-string than I do on my four!

[Dr. Cheese]

I hope Geddy Lee sees this! OP, I know you are proud of your son.

[jwbassman]

That was great!! He's gonna be a monster player if he continues to stick with it. Completely awesome.

[Lonesomedave]

moosik:

absolutely it's fun.

don't listen to all the naysayers. Just keep right on doing what you're doing. bass is a noble instrument and besides that good guitar players are a dime a dozen... not so good bass players.

once your son hits the stage and wows the crowd and gets that feedback, he'll never look back. you've obviously done a fantastic job...just keep right on.

the videos i sent you of my son represent the end product of some 3000+ hours of practice, and he loves it. tell your son there is no substitute for practice. as long as he does not get burnt out by it, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PRACTICE TOO MUCH, BUT IT IS VERY EASY TO PRACTICE NOT ENOUGH!

/s/ Dave

[Dave Siff]

That's really amazing and inspiring. It should be something special to watch his progress. If he's already that good at 10, the sky's the limit!

[diehard70]

Talented 10yr. old you have there. I gave my 13yr. old nephew one of my warwicks' a few years ago and he plays daily (he got a 5'er this past Christmas from his Grandparents and he plays circles around me, now). Very cool

Music...the gift that keeps giving -Dann

BTW...Happy birthday to Ben

[bass12]

Originally Posted by Lonesomedave

the videos i sent you of my son represent the end product of some 3000+ hours of practice, and he loves it. tell your son there is no substitute for practice. as long as he does not get burnt out by it, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PRACTICE TOO MUCH, BUT IT IS VERY EASY TO PRACTICE NOT ENOUGH!

/s/ Dave

Be careful with that one! I've known more than one bassist who had to quit playing because of permanent damage that was incurred due to over-practicing.

[Lonesomedave]

bass 12:

explain that one. do you mean damage to their hand? my son practices between 3 and 4 hours a day, and i can see that he's suffered no ill effects

/s/ Dave

[bass12]

Originally Posted by Lonesomedave

bass 12:

explain that one. do you mean damage to their hand? my son practices between 3 and 4 hours a day, and i can see that he's suffered no ill effects

/s/ Dave

Carpal tunnel syndrome and severe tendonitis.

[wumusic]

Originally Posted by Red Four

That is absolutely fantastic. I think the best aspect of these videos is the calm fluidity of his playing motions, the obvious pleasure he's taking in it, and the relaxed tone of that pleasure.

+1. Totally agree. Looks completely natural. And the deftness he shows getting around the 6 string fingerboard is impressive. Well done!

[Lonesomedave]

bass 12:

well, i'm not sure what the answer is. if he does not practice enough he will not be good. if he over practices and suffers carpal tunnel etc, then he won't be good.

i can see no answer except to continue on as we have done, with practicing 3, 4, or 5 hours a day and take our chances.

as far as giving advice to moosik, i would say he doesn't need it. he will direct his son as he thinks best, and if the past is any indication, his son will do just fine

/s/ Dave

[jefwho]

All I'm going to say is i have more than twice the experience than he does and i couldn't play that and sing at the same time.