Recent content by wluffman

I'm a Boomer, and I love the sound of a P-bass, although my personal preference is the Jazz. In terms of sound, to me, the P is the closest electric instrument to an acoustic upright bass; not an exact match by any means, but close enough to satisfy most people. (But louder and easier to lug...

Of course, it depends on the music and the player; but I'm mainly into Classic Rock and the Top 40 Era, so I don't want "squeaky" strings when I play. Flats, tapewounds and groundwounds get the nod from me. (Admittedly, I don't really have a "squeak" problem with roundwounds on a bass, but...

I don't think Larry Graham's Jazz ever got lost in the mix on those classic Sly & The Family Stone records. Nor did Geddy Lee's admittedly non-typical Jazz when playing with Rush.

Going from rounds to flats, and vice-versa, changes the way a bass plays and sounds; no doubt about that. Which to use all depends on what you like and/or what the song needs. Personally, I prefer the more acoustic-sounding thump of flat on most of the music I play. Then again, I'm an Olde...

The last time I performed live, I was a guitarist -- and that was ages ago. But I have watched Lance Hoppen (ex-Orleans, now primarily a Nashville studio pro) back multiple performers at oldies shows several times. Lance brings two basses. His primary is a P which he uses with every act he...

Satin finish is fine in the studio, or maybe if the body is a nice natural-looking wood finish. But in general I consider it a mistake for a performer to play in public with an instrument that doesn't look shiny and catch the lights. Live performing may be mostly about the music, but it's also...

If your band is really good, well-known regionally, a good fir with the other bands on the bill, and either have a recording contract or know you have a good chance at being signed, then onr of the scenarios described MIGHT be worth considering. But if you're a new group just building a local...

Something both local and classic. Where I live (near Memphis) that would mean Elvis, Stax-Volt, Hi, Box Tops. Also Muscle Shoals-based classics, since so much "Memphis music" was recorded there, and the sound/feel is similar. Almost anywhere, Bob Seger and/or Eagles. And ZZ Top, of course...

I don't own a short-scale bass; but if I liked the way it played and sounded, I'd be happy to get one. It might not be ideal for everything, but should be a great choice for most use. My current 34" bass would make a good backup instrument -- longer and heavier, but fine otherwise.

In addition to the excellent advice others have already given: 1. Photograph and insure everything valued over $100. 2. Rent a climate-controlled storage unit at your destination. Have the bass gear and other valuable large items delivered there for storage until your new home can receive...

I'm almost #3. Love the '50s-'60s classics I grew up on, plus some '70s and later -- but I play a J. Nothing against the P, started with one and loved it; but I prefer the J and it's my only bass at the moment. It comes "close enough" to the P sound to satisfy me, works well on most R&B, and...

I like flats because they come reasonably close to the sound of an upright bass, with deep tone that doesn't "zing". Great for classic oldies from the '50s, '60s, even a lot of '70s and later music. If the overall sound of the band didn't rely heavily on synths or effects, flats usually fit in...

I'm a little(!) behind on this thread, but I think I have a decent excuse:open-heart surgery less than a month ago. It happened like this. One night my wonderful gf Pam had her head on my chest and heard my heart skip a beat. No big deal, she's that special to me, my heart should skip a beat...

To get the bass itself, all you need is a sunburst MIA Precision in sunburst, vintage pickup, and the right strings. To get the signature sound though, you'll need Jamerson's fingers, which are much harder to duplicate.

Karen Carpenter, Whitney Houston, Diana Ross and Adele are all on my short list. So is Patsy Cline. But the all-time best, at least when paired with an amazing bass line, has to be Peggy Lee. Listen to "Fever", then tell me I'm wrong.