Going into the Studio: Bass Maintenance?

Kevin Hsieh · #1 10-28-2008, 08:46 PM

Going into the recording studio for the second time!

This time hired to record a college audition tape for someone. My buddy David Wong passed it on to me so I have to fill a rather large pair of shoes. I noticed a small seam that buzzes when I was bowing... Should I bring the bass into the shop for some work before the gig or would I be cool with holding off on it?

Jazzdogg · #2 10-28-2008, 11:09 PM

Can you make a test recording to see if the buzz is audible?

salcott · #3 10-28-2008, 11:23 PM

I'd get it fixed now rather than take a chance on having it ruin the session.

Kevin Hsieh · #4 10-29-2008, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazzdogg

Can you make a test recording to see if the buzz is audible?

i could do something with my edirol but it's not as hifi as a studio recording. the studio picks up stuff that i wouldn't hear myself

Quote:

Originally Posted by salcott

I'd get it fixed now rather than take a chance on having it ruin the session.

that's what i was thinking... thanks!

adbass · #5 10-29-2008, 09:37 AM

I almost always bring my bass in to a luthier before any recording session.

Those recordings will last forever; imagine how PO'd you'd be if after the session you found some omnipresent buzz in your sound!

Plus it's nice to know your instrument is tip-top (sound post adjusted properly, etc) before putting it in front of a microphone. Well worth a trip to the luthier.

Eric Hochberg · #6 10-29-2008, 10:52 AM

Hey Kevin,

I would get the seam fixed before the session if you are hearing a buzz. While you may not be playing arco on the session, the open seam may still affect the pizz sound of the bass. The seam could also open a bit more between now and the session day. Better to record with your equipment in good shape. A seam repair is also an easy and quick fix.

Don't get me wrong, I don't believe in babying the bass to the extent that you are constantly seeing a luthier, just get it fixed when there is a problem. I've done many sessions when my bass didn't sound optimal, where some tweaking may have helped, but it still sounded good and got the job done.

damonsmith · #7 10-29-2008, 02:37 PM

I would get a clamp and some hide glue. If you have a real old amazing bass it is one thing, but if you just a have a even a great work horse bass (like me) you don't want to run to the luthier for EVERY seam repair. Only use hide glue, though.

Jake deVilliers · #8 10-29-2008, 03:30 PM

Speaking as the repairman, I'm much happier to see the bass weeks before the event rather than getting panicky phone calls from the studio!

forester · #9 10-29-2008, 06:42 PM

fix buzz w/toothpick, matchstick,etc. minutes before the downbeat

stand straight..no slouching..smile..have some courtesy..and for petesake make sure your fly is up. do us proud!

Nathan Parker · #10 10-29-2008, 07:13 PM

I think it was Ray Brown, but it may have been someone else, that said "You just have to play louder than the buzz".

CamMcIntyre · #11 11-04-2008, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Hsieh

i could do something with my edirol but it's not as hifi as a studio recording. the studio picks up stuff that i wouldn't hear myself

+1 on your own comment. I did a session where the guy used a Neuman something or other mic. It was an awesome sound, but man-i never realized how loud I breath while playing.

salcott · #12 11-04-2008, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nathan Parker

I think it was Ray Brown, but it may have been someone else, that said "You just have to play louder than the buzz".

I heard it from George Duvivier.