Recent content by Robert Rollins

Obviously you have to determine whether or not medication is the right way to deal with your nerves. If it's not terribly awful, medication might be the wrong way to go. This goes without saying, but talk to a doctor about medication before making any decisions. They know how this stuff works...

I really just need an amp that's going to sound good with my acoustic bass that is budget friendly. I don't have $1k laying around, so expensive brands like Acoustic Image are out of the question. I don't currently have a pickup (in my school jazz band I play into a mic), so I can get one of...

I know that. However, I've seen interviews of Bob Cranshaw where he talks about how when Ray played loud clubs and needed to turn up he'd distort his amp.

This.

So you wouldn't recommend buying one? I've heard Ray wasn't exactly an expert when it came to amplifiers.

Does anyone own one of these? How do they sound? I've been thinking about trying to find one on eBay or something. How does electric bass sound through it? This is the model Ray Brown used, correct?

To each his own. Happy hollidays! :)

Steve Swallow is really the only guy I listen to who plays with a pick. That doesn't mean I'm not okay with people using picks, he's just the only guy I listen to who does.

I'll forward you to Paul McCartney. ;)

Not using a strap. In my opinion, you should always play with a strap, even when sitting down. You shouldn't need to hold the bass neck up yourself. It slows you down and wastes your arms' energy.

The only "Realist" I know of is a piezo pickup made for the upright bass. Is this what he's talking about...?

This alone was enough for me to say quit. The guy sounds like a total tool to me. In my opinion, there's no reason you should be in his band, paying your money for the band, when you're not getting anything in return. I would quit the group. However, the decision is yours.

I don't have too much experience buying gear, so take others' advice over mine. However, here's my 2¢: I'd buy it as long as it still had warranty coverage and a decent return policy. Otherwise I'd be skeptical.

Everyone hates my tone, myself included. I need to get a nicer bass. :(

Learn bass lines that will challenge you. If you're a jazz guy, learn some of the upright players' walking lines. If you're into rock music, learn some of the lines from your favorite bands' albums. It all depends on what you like and what you want to play. For example, I don't listen to...