Recent content by slam dunk

You have two very beautiful basses. I started playing 5 string basses almost exclusively in the nineties but kept a few 4 strings I’d played for years. Sometimes it feels right to use a 4 string. Like you, I always feel the need for a back up bass, so I acquired a second 5 string, then a...

I've been playing a long time, and physically it's harder to stand for a few hours. For certain non-visual gigs where I'm just reading parts, or playing background music while people eat, I'm more than happy to sit down and do the job. When it comes to rock though, certain jazz, or modern...

I've owned dozens of basses and currently have about fifteen. I have very little interest in purchasing anymore (my wife appreciates that). All of my basses are unique to me, even if many of them appear very similar to non-bass players. I get quite a few gigs, and I'll play one bass all the time...

Bravo! Bass prejudice or basscism is something I can relate to because I’m seldom playing Fender P and J basses. Nothing against them, but I feel like I moved on years ago out of necessity. I have a beautiful ruby red Tobias bass I purchased in the 80’s. It doesn’t sound like a Fender, but it...

I’ve owned both and in my opinion you can find a sound to fit any situation with the G&L. That’s not always true with a P-bass in my experience/opinion. If you want the G&L to sound something like a P-bass, try neck pickup, series, and passive to start. It’s totally subjective but why settle...

You don’t necessarily need to be able to sing a bass part in order to play it, but I feel you should be able to “hear” the part in your head to play it well. Ear training is something we all do in various ways, whether through learning our parts by listening, listening to other musician’s parts...

There are many songs that bring tears to my eyes. I suppose therapy would help. Anyway, here’s a couple: How Do You Keep The Music Playing- James Ingram and Patti Austin, and Someone That I Used To Love- Natalie Cole.

There’s a lot of rudeness going around. People don’t learn respectfulness towards others anymore. Actually, awareness of others would be a great place to start.

Some time ago it occurred to me I seem to have lost much of my sense of smell. Chronic sinus issues, allergies, aging, whatever, I’m just not capable, or aware of smells like I used to be. I don’t know whether it’s a curse or a blessing. Weed is an exception though. That weed fog awakens my...

You make some great points. Regarding who the music speaks to, who the artists are writing for and trying to reach, are there artists currently writing new material in an effort to reach older folks who could be grandparents?

Check out the Tedeschi Trucks Band, and how about Lake Street Drive.

It is fun. The first six string I started with was an Ibanez. I now have two Ibanez six strings plus other six strings. They’re not the best for slapping, and on many gigs I rarely use the upper string, but it’s been a blast, especially using chords. Go for it.

Sorry to tell you this but the odds are you’re going to put a lot of effort into a project that will fail miserably. That’s where I’d put my money anyway. I admire you for having the idea and ambition, and if you just want a Frankenstein to hang on the wall as art, by all means go for it. If you...