Dear Jonathan Herrera (friendly suggestions for BP)

bearclaw · #1 11-13-2009, 02:34 PM

I know that Jonathan frequents this board every once in awhile, so I figured communicating via thread style instead of using an email message. I have to say, I was absolutely floored when the announcement came that Bill Leigh was dismissed as editor in chief. I wish to commend Jonathan for taking control of the reigns, and for doing such a fantastic job under the stressful circumstances.

I know it has been difficult to stay afloat due to sponsorship and advertising dropping like flies. BP has fewer pages these days, but still contains very useful and interesting content. I wanted to make a few suggestions and throw them toward Jonathan's direction. I know he is very open to constructive criticism and suggestions on what can make BP even more enticing. Maybe we as a bass community could come up with some things we wish to see in future issues?

Here are some of my thoughts:

1) In the fall of 2000 there was a great issue about "Getting Heard", with tips on how to sell/promote your music via the internet. It had interviews with musicians taking things into their own hands without record companies interferring. Another issue such as this one would be great to read 10 yrs. later.

2) Being the state of the music industry has been in shambles for quite some time, maybe concentrating on a few issues that dealt stricly with ways to survive as a professional bass player/musician?

3) Perhaps highlighting active rhythm sections from different genres(Funk,Folk,Blues,Jazz,Latin,Irish/Celtic,Metal,Pop,Reggae,Fusion,Country,Soul R&B etc.) and get their take on how they both work together as a unit?

I could go on and on, but it's about us coming up with suggestions as a group. Thanks for reading my rant,

Joseph "Bearclaw" Burcaw

Jonathan Herrera · #2 11-13-2009, 02:38 PM

Hey Joseph,

Thanks for your appreciation and great ideas.

I'm officially paying attention to this thread...I look forward to everyone's input.

Thanks!

Jonathan

Dogsferatu · #3 11-13-2009, 03:34 PM

I'd like to see a working man's survival tip section supplied by both professional bassists and day jobbers alike. As a (unemployed) day jobber and full time bassist (by default) it's tough to play live and pay for equipment, supplies, etc...

bearclaw · #4 11-13-2009, 04:53 PM

Thank you Jonathan, I appreciate all you and Chris Jisi have done for me!

John Wentzien · #5 11-13-2009, 04:58 PM

How about bringing Jeff Berlin back?
I recently cancelled my sub. after being a subscriber since Guitar-Player first started.
A couple of articles about actual MUSIC might be good IMO.

Craig_S · #6 11-13-2009, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonathan Herrera

Hey Joseph,

Thanks for your appreciation and great ideas.

I'm officially paying attention to this thread...I look forward to everyone's input.

Thanks!

Jonathan

So, you're sure you'll probably frequent this thread occasionally?

I think you're doing great! I look forward to every issue.

Marley's Ghost · #7 11-13-2009, 05:07 PM

How about a suggestion box/poll online where folks submit requests for tabs/transcriptions to be printed in future issues?

I'm still digging the magazine too. Have a stack in the loo right now!

nutso42 · #8 11-13-2009, 07:40 PM

I've noticed it tends to be less about playing technique and more about players and gear.... most of which is waaaaay too expensive for me.

I really liked the Soapbox and Reader's Tip! They were fantastic for off-the-wall advice that we never would've thought of before.

P.S. Love the new Technique Tip section. Keep that.

Lazylion · #9 11-13-2009, 10:17 PM

I know it's trite as heck but I'd love a regular "Where are they now?" feature. I could take a name and research it on the internet myself, but that would take the element of surprise out of it.

John Wentzien · #10 11-13-2009, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazylion

I know it's trite as heck but I'd love a regular "Where are they now?" feature. I could take a name and research it on the internet myself, but that would take the element of surprise out of it.

I liked that one too.

ugly_bassplayer · #11 11-13-2009, 10:25 PM

I just have one suggestion.
More written music, a lot more.
That is all, thank you.

Smallmouth_Bass · #12 11-13-2009, 10:32 PM

I always liked the massive product shootouts, like the "Ultimate 5-string" issue of January 1997 (where does the time go?!!). Stuff that incorporates all budgets. An update of that issue would be good.

I've always disliked it when full, multi-page transcriptions have advertisement pages in the middle of them. They should run one page after another. I'd get rid of the TAB too, but I realize that the majority probably does not read standard music notation so I have resigned to the fact that they will be there.

John Wentzien · #13 11-13-2009, 10:35 PM

No Tab.....please!

LaklandBass · #14 11-13-2009, 10:52 PM

I hate to be like this and complain but seriously..... 74 pages last month? I know that "advertising money" is down and all but I truly believe that lowering the value for your customers is not the answer.

and yes.... no more tab.

none the less its a good mag and ive read it forever. I also really appreciate that youre on here and listening. Its good to see that a mag truly does care what people think.

Ed Fuqua · #15 11-13-2009, 10:55 PM

And from the other side of the board, with the demise of the Strad affiliated publication DOUBLE BASSIST, if there were more double bass content (DB featured interviews with players from all genres, luthiers and makers, had articles on historically significant instruments, reviews of instructional books, books of music, recordings etc etc etc) there's a waiting audience.

John Wentzien · #16 11-13-2009, 10:59 PM

Martin Sheradin would be a good start!

skulletwhip · #17 11-13-2009, 11:02 PM

I have been waiting a long time on a Trevor Dunn feature. The man is too good to not be covered.

millsbass5 · #18 11-13-2009, 11:18 PM

Mr.Herrera,WARNING!!:Please....P-L-E-A-S-E DO NOT take this personally!!

First off,I know you guys pretty much pay your bills thru companies advertising in your mag.
But,I've never really seen a bad review on gear.Especially gear that's advertised big-time in ALL guitar/bass mags.It seems as if ALL bass/guitar related mags give over-all "good" reviews on 98% of gear/basses/guitars reviewed.(Of course you'll see a minor niggle,or two about a nut-slot being too wide/deep,for example.)
There was a thread on here just recently about bass/guitar mags giving good/excellent reviews on gear that just isn't up to snuff (in reality), to the experienced,gigging bassist.We work HARD for our money.We want our money to be well spent.
Is it that mags don't want to lose the paid advertisements from companies that get less than stellar reviews?
Gee whiz,man.I'm sounding like a real **** about this.
BUT......Me and many,many others on here would like to know what's up with that.
Ah,hell...I'm not gonna put you on the spot like that.Scratch that last question.I know guys that work at the mags have to answer to the higher-ups.(As the ol' saying goes:"S*i* rolls down hill.")
Don't get me wrong.I've subscribed to BP since it's inception (And GP waaay long before that!)
And,regardless,I'll keep subscribing!!I'd bet my bottom dollar that I STILL learn something valuable in EVERY issue after playing/gigging for 30+ years.

Do What You Can & Keep up the Good Work,

Steve

Munjibunga · #19 11-13-2009, 11:31 PM

Jonathan,

With all due respect, I would just submit that you could redeem a chunk of your credibility if you would conduct a true double-blind test on the power cord you claimed made your rig sound better. While you're doing a good job as Senior Editor of Bass Player, it mildly troubles me that the editor of what is arguably the pre-eminent (if not the only) bassist's magazine would publish such an opinion without the benefit of scientific testing with a statistically significant sample size.

Don't worry though, I've been a subscriber since 1997, and I don't intend to cancel. I like the magazine.

Mike

John Wentzien · #20 11-13-2009, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

Jonathan,

With all due respect, I would just submit that you could redeem a chunk of your credibility if you would conduct a true double-blind test on the power cord you claimed made your rig sound better. While you're doing a good job as Senior Editor of Bass Player, it mildly troubles me that the editor of what is arguably the pre-eminent (if not the only) bassist's magazine would publish such an opinion without the benefit of scientific testing with a statistically significant sample size.

Don't worry though, I've been a subscriber since 1997, and I don't intend to cancel. I like the magazine.

Mike

That was the straw that broke the camel's back for me