What do YOU think bass playing is missing?

[f'nar f'nar]

I was thinking during my 13 hour retail shift today about what I think bass is missing. By that I mean, if you could invent anything for the bass what would it be perhaps an effect? Perhaps an innovative new bass design? Perhaps new amp or built in bass features? What would it be and why?

Think about all the inventions that have made bass playing both easier and more enjoyable? Take the quick release bridge system, literally slices time of string changes/breakages mid gig, great innovation for both bass and guitar. Or the quick de-tuner, never have to spend time on drop-d again, or take that to the next level with the hyperbass.

So what would it be for you?

[Matt Till]

Uh, if anyone had any good ideas, why would they announce it here? So someone could steal their idea? If anyone has any good ideas, they will patent them, not announce them on a message board.

[f'nar f'nar]

Just thought it might prompt some interesting discussion. My bad.

[f'nar f'nar]

Oh! I didn't mean to explain designs or anything. Just descriptions of what the thing would do. For instance someone suggesting something along the lines of quick release bridges might say:

"a faster way to change strings during gigs if one breaks"

I think I miss communicated that? I dunno.

[MysticMichael]

Originally Posted by f'nar f'nar

I was thinking during my 13 hour retail shift today about what I think bass is missing. By that I mean, if you could invent anything for the bass what would it be perhaps an effect? Perhaps an innovative new bass design? Perhaps new amp or built in bass features? What would it be and why?

If anything, I think it would be something structural and integral to the functioning of the instrument itself - rather than some fancy gimmick or accessory. Something in the same vein as the Chapman Stick, the Dingwall fanned fret design, or the progressive electronics of the Peavey Midi Bass or the Peavey B Quad 4/5 bass.

Problem is, early adopters of new innovations are rare, and so change happens slowly - even when the innovation in question is clearly superior to the status quo. Five-string and six-string bass guitars existed as prototypes for many years before they ever caught on in the mainstream market. Likewise, the Chapman Stick - while a huge, visionary leap forward (in my opinion) - remains a niche instrument, adopted by no more than a handful of professional bassists, relatively speaking. I personally think that Peavey was way ahead of its time in introducing the Midi Bass and B Quad models - because both those models were discontinued years ago.

MM

[evilgus]

I suspect I'm very much in the minority then, being an owner of both a Chapman Stick AND a Dingwall bass!

Currently own :

Chapman Stick - built exclusively for tapping and IMO, perfect for rhythmic or highly syncopated bass work.

Dingwall basses/fanned frets - built for improved string tension and better/more consistent tone down low.

Currently desiring :

NS Stick - multi-mode instrument designed for tapping or normal bass (and guitar) techniques.

High-quality bass electronics with PRESETS! Is that what the B-Quad 4 was capable of? Too long ago, can't remember!

Cheers,

EG

[kcolyar]

I would like a bass preamp system that sounds as good as what guitar players get. I have never found one that is "clean", they always affect the tone too much. I want to be able to get my tone then be able to push a button and have chorus or reverb, with out losing the tone. Just one preamp system where I could store two or three different tones then apply some effects. Maybe there are some out there that I dont know about, I have not played for people or audiences in about 15 years now. I just know my guitarist were always able to have multiple tones on stage that sounded great, and I had to keep one tone. Not fair!!!

[Barkless Dog]

A robot bass that you can switch various tunings on the fly or even during a song.

[fearceol]

I think what's badly needed is a round wound type string that keeps it's out-of-the-wrapper brightness for for maybe two years or so, even after been played by the most sweaty and dirty hands.