Given an ultimatum

[LuckyPants]

I'm using a 5 month old Fender Precision Special, Deluxe Series. It's an active and is on the factory setup which gives me a live sound and feel that I enjoy greatly and often a recording sound to match but I will have it looked at and I'll definitely put flats on it as a few of you have mentioned it.

[mjac28]

I really think the issue they have is with your personality that "horrific self esteem" is a drain on relationships I know because I suffered from it when I was younger it drives people away because everything you do is tainted before you even attempt it. If the band were to become an overnight sensation you would be the miserable one in the group always thinking you weren't good enough or you didn't deserve the success. I would get these issues addressed because it's hard for us to judge your abilities because people with very low self esteem rate themselves so abnormally low and I find it hard to believe that after nine years and constant practice you can't control string noise? I think you can just fine I think you must be a very good bass player because they would have dropped you by now and if this situation doesn't work out you will be ready for the next one. I do mean to sound harsh because it's what I needed to finally break free of a very crippling disease I wish you the very best and if need anything feel free to PM me.

[Nashrakh]

Originally Posted by lfmn16

Obviously I don't know the whole situation, but given how much trouble it is to find a new bass player, particularly a GOOD bass player, it's hard to believe that they are going to replace you for the reasons stated.

So close to recording an EP too. I find that kind of odd, I mean what are they gonna do without one? I could only fathom one of the guitar players fills in which may or may not be their best bet. I'm skeptical.

[eyeballkid]

Originally Posted by hdracer

Some strings make more noise then others. You could try some bright flats for the studio.

this is very true.. some strings pick up every little finger noise, some dont. also, maybe cut the treble a little on your bass or amp to cut down noise. Some strings are so bright and sizzly on the string noise tip that I cant stand em!!

[LuckyPants]

Originally Posted by Nashrakh

So close to recording an EP too. I find that kind of odd, I mean what are they gonna do without one? I could only fathom one of the guitar players fills in which may or may not be their best bet. I'm skeptical.

But on the other hand, I sent my drummer a text this morning because he was supposed to send me over one of the tracks we were recording so that I could practice it relentlessly today in preparation for recording it tomorrow, I also asked him for a more specific guide on what I should work on.

He saw the message (joys of facebook) but didn't respond

You're right Mjac, though I would say that I can be confident at times and I'm certainly far from miserable. I'm fully confident on stage, for example. My self-esteem holds me back mostly when I have an idea on bass, they suggest I change to something else I'll very rarely stick up for my idea and just do what they tell me. That and I'm afraid I'll hold them back. But otherwise I'm okay.

[hdracer]

Originally Posted by LuckyPants

I'm using a 5 month old Fender Precision Special, Deluxe Series. It's an active and is on the factory setup which gives me a live sound and feel that I enjoy greatly and often a recording sound to match but I will have it looked at and I'll definitely put flats on it as a few of you have mentioned it.

Get a set up!

[j.kernodle]

whatever you do, don't go in to the studio with brand new round strings.

[MNAirHead]

An option.. give them the OK to have a studio guy come in and do your parts..

[Munjibunga]

You just need to do three things: practice, practice and practice.

[jgroh]

Like the others have said...most people that arent bass players dont know what an isolated bass track can sound like. Look at the comments on Youtube on some of the isolated pro's tracks, people saying its too sloppy or too much noise that it CANT BE so and so really playing, when they just dont understand. I personally try to minimize noise as much as possible when recording, but I find its a fine line...the more I try to be perfect, the stiffer my playing becomes. So I try to get a good balance.

And as someone else said here, if it sounds good in the mix, then who cares if there are minor string squeaks or noises? Guitards have the luxury of hiding behind distortion and effects to mask their flaws. If they bust your chops, ask them to hear their tracks with no effects/distortion and I bet there will be issues with theirs!

[eyeballkid]

+1000

[obimark]

Sounds like douchebagitis, It is catchy, contagious and there is no cure.
Either you don't play well at all and they are subtly trying to tell you this, or they are douchebags.

I've recorded many demos, and I think my technique is pretty good, but when soloed you hear my string noise, etc.
I would not recommend changing to flats just to record as that is a very different sound than roundwounds etc...

[mjac28]

Originally Posted by LuckyPants

But on the other hand, I sent my drummer a text this morning because he was supposed to send me over one of the tracks we were recording so that I could practice it relentlessly today in preparation for recording it tomorrow, I also asked him for a more specific guide on what I should work on.

He saw the message (joys of facebook) but didn't respond

You're right Mjac, though I would say that I can be confident at times and I'm certainly far from miserable. I'm fully confident on stage, for example. My self-esteem holds me back mostly when I have an idea on bass, they suggest I change to something else I'll very rarely stick up for my idea and just do what they tell me. That and I'm afraid I'll hold them back. But otherwise I'm okay.

That sounds better in that first post you sounded bad. I would tell the other folks in the band to relax if everyone isn't ready to record don't waste the studio time until you are and you have a better chance of being discovered by someone at a live gig than some EP on a record exec's desk buried under a few hundred other ones.

[jmattbassplaya]

Originally Posted by mjac28

I really think the issue they have is with your personality that "horrific self esteem" is a drain on relationships I know because I suffered from it when I was younger it drives people away because everything you do is tainted before you even attempt it. If the band were to become an overnight sensation you would be the miserable one in the group always thinking you weren't good enough or you didn't deserve the success. I would get these issues addressed because it's hard for us to judge your abilities because people with very low self esteem rate themselves so abnormally low and I find it hard to believe that after nine years and constant practice you can't control string noise? I think you can just fine I think you must be a very good bass player because they would have dropped you by now and if this situation doesn't work out you will be ready for the next one. I do mean to sound harsh because it's what I needed to finally break free of a very crippling disease I wish you the very best and if need anything feel free to PM me.

Agreed 100%.

[NaH]

For the fret noise:

Markbass SuperBooster w/ VLE set to 2/3 and VPF set to 1/3. Rounds off the sound (for a warmer feel) and takes the edge off of the string noise. No, it doesn't get rid of it completely. Plus it has a XLR DI out. Worth the $129 investment. According to the Markbass site it is discontinued, but it looks like you can still get them at Musicians Friend.

I also have used flatwounds and love the feel of them.

[NaH]

Originally Posted by j.kernodle

whatever you do, don't go in to the studio with brand new round strings.

Why is that?

[Andybart]

Recording, practicing and playing shows together in a band is supposed to be fun. A way to get feelings out and to collaborate with your band members and grow. If the fun is taken away and you feel like you do now, then maybe it's not really what you want to be a part of. I understand where your band members might be coming from but honestly if they really care they wouldn't have given you an ultimatum. I'm guessing you all are splitting the cost of recording? If not, this should definitely be the case. Everyone pays an equal amount and everyone gets about the same amount of recording time. Band members should work together and help each other out. Give constructive criticism without fear of feeling stupid. After all you guys made these songs together and ultimately have a goal of getting them recorded and out for people to hear together. I don't know. If this were happening to me I would have already been gone. You cannot take the fun out of playing music or it will ruin the whole experience. Tell them to stop being so effing serious. It's your guys' first EP. Have fun with it and communicate with one another while tracking. Give honest opinions. Like someone else said earlier, the overall mix is the only thing that should matter. Nobody can sound perfectly, that's what computers are for.

[Hobobob]

They are a bunch of A-holes who are taking advantage of your shyness and social awkwardness. Basically, they're bullies. I guarantee you the distortion sound I like would probably tick off quite a few other musicians. Why? SUBJECTIVE OPINION. If they don't like the sound you're getting, they can at least help you to find a more agreeable tone. And ragging on you for fret buzz and string noise? Hilarious. The music may be great, but to me the people sound like garbage. You are definitely good enough at bass. You're just not good enough at asserting yourself and teaching people how they should treat you, which I wholly understand. I used to be like that too. I got to the point where I realized I was good enough and those who didn't see it just didn't belong in my life. I hope you reach that point soon, your life and your relationships with bandmates will improve. As for this sorry lot of ingrates, I say dump em. Who cares who they record with, they've only shown that they're not personally good enough for you.

[Landy67]

Is this a real studio or someones basement with a recorder? I got invited to record some hammer dulcimer bits for a song. I screwed up in a few places, and we just "Punched in" the right notes by having me replay the bad parts, and the engineer swapped out the parts as I got them right. I had to play the same part three or four times to get it right, but it only took 10 or 20 minutes to get a clean track.

If they like you playing live, I don't see why the studio should be the killer.

[vishuddha]

Here's the thing... you've been with them for 6 months. You are recording in a few weeks. They can either settle for what you say could be a sub-par recording, or get a new bassist, attempt to teach him everything in a couple of weeks, and then have an even WORSE recording.