• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Adler sets new record!

#121
" Some seriously close-minded people in this thread. It's pretty sad that there's so much fear and anger aimed at a musical instrument."

Expressing an opinion represents fear and anger?

How do you draw that conclusion? Putting down an opinion different to yours is a good example of broad mindedness? Could you elaborate?

I think your underwear is too tight.
 
#122
Originally posted by Thor
Wow, I could tie my gf to that and .... whooopeee!

New loading ramp for the van!

...
Click to expand...
How about, "Who steamrollered that sitar?"

BTW while I could never play one, and can't imagine being in a band that called for one myself, I admire people who can make music with these monsters. :)

The juvenile and close-minded "too many strings" comments are just that - juvenile and close-minded. I ignore 'em - they're not worth the dignity of a reply (even though I'm tempted!).
 
#123
Originally posted by john turner
i'm amazed at how juvenile many of the responses in this thread have been.

those of you who're feeling their (obviously already questionable) manhood threatened by a unique _instrument_ enough to actually insult the idea behind it ought to be ashamed of yourselves. this isn't a guitarist forum. perhaps a dose of maturity is in order.
Click to expand...

Whilst I don't know why anyone would be "threatened" by a multistringed instrument, I think there does come a point where "functional" gives way to ridiculous.

Remember when you were young and you'd think of all these cool inventions like jet powered cars? Sure, they "could" have an application, but that doesn't mean that the general population has to agree or not point and stare.

You may think walking around in a full body bear suit is a perfectly appropriate and contextual way of keeping warm in the winter - does that mean people won't point and laugh?

I guess my point is that there are some "inventions" or "extentions of accepted thinking" that cross that threshold of being a natural evolution of ideas and start to get into the realm of showmanship / ridiculousness. Do they have a legitimate function? Maybe, but being able to point to a legitimate use doesnt make an idea any less amusing - look at wishnevsky basses.

I think saying that it is immature or close minded to laugh at something which is, on its face, quite an exception to normal thinking is denying people the right to be amused by something which is very amusing.

Does an 11 string bass have a genuine place in society? Maybe - Do I think it is one of the most hillariously unecessary basses built for the purposes of saying it was built? Absolutely.

YMMV :)
 
#127
I don't understand how one could think that the 11 string was built simply to say that it was built. While a "jet powered car" might not be functional as an everyday driver, that doesn't mean that it doesn't have a place in the racecar industry. Just like the 11 might not be what you would use as an everyday instrument, it definitely has a place in the music industry. Try playing a complete classical piece, not just the bass line, on a four string without having to alter the original composition by jumping octaves, not entirely possible. The 11 string was played by several different people at the show, those of you who were fortunate enough to experience the many talented players, would concur that the 11-string was not only attempted but concurred by several. One player in particular whose name I think is “Jimbo” was able to play classical, funk, and several other styles after only having it in his hands for maybe three minutes.

I do not remember if Mr. Turner had the opportunity to play the 11, however, his attitude towards it is greatly appreciated. Simply because it is not the easiest instrument to pick up once and master does not mean that it should be bashed by those who were not able to see the bass placed in a practical setting. Several people I spoke with at the NAMM show about this instrument stated how easy it was to reach the low C# string. Like anything different players chose different playing styles. Some liked to play it like a regular bass, while others liked to play it somewhat like a “Stick.” Hopefully Mr. Adler’s craftsmanship will not be stifled and overlooked simply because some believe that an 11 string is outrageous, you truly do have to experience the bass first hand in order to truly appreciate this work of art.

BTW, there seemed to be a greater appreciation of the 11-string from foreigners than Americans, hmm.
 
#128
Originally posted by BariBee2000
I don't understand how one could think that the 11 string was built simply to say that it was built. While a "jet powered car" might not be functional as an everyday driver, that doesn't mean that it doesn't have a place in the racecar industry. Just like the 11 might not be what you would use as an everyday instrument, it definitely has a place in the music industry. Try playing a complete classical piece, not just the bass line, on a four string without having to alter the original composition by jumping octaves, not entirely possible. The 11 string was played by several different people at the show, those of you who were fortunate enough to experience the many talented players, would concur that the 11-string was not only attempted but concurred by several. One player in particular whose name I think is “Jimbo” was able to play classical, funk, and several other styles after only having it in his hands for maybe three minutes.
Click to expand...

I don't know if you were responding to me directly, but if you were, it appears you may have missed my point.

I know that this instrument may have a place in the industry - however that doesnt make it any less amusing or ridiculous. Few would argue that Les Claypool's 1 string 36" bass is not an amusing instrument - some would say completely impractical - yet it still has *a* place.
In fact, theres a guy in Melbourne who places the drums on the street on a pair of buckets turned upside down? Its got its place, but I dare anyone not to walk past and laugh at it!

If someone were to build a 20 string bass, a 30 string bass? at what point would *you* think that its ridiculous? I think that everyone has a point at which they probably say, enoughs enough - who is anyone to criticise someone else for having a view on it?
 
#129
Quite frankly when it comes to the number of strings there is never a time to say enough is enough. Once you start hindering a person's creativity in the music realm we might as well just stop playing music.

It would be obsurd of me to think that people won't laugh at it at first sight since it is the first of its kind, however, I still have the right to think that by doing this they are showing their musical immaturity.

BTW.. How many of you actually tried playing it before commenting about it? (I don't mean this in a mean way, I'm just curious)
 
#132
It's really hard to tell by a photo how a bass sounds and plays. The neck is very thin (flat) so it's easier than it looks.It's a new instrument , so it does take some time to adjust to 11strings . A couples of bassists picked it up and were flying on it. Of course it's not for everybody ,just as a fretless isn't for everybody.

Due to the noise restrictions at the show ,it was only cranked up through a GK head and a Basson 8x10 cab ( with the 200 oz magnets) during the last 5 minutes of the show. I think you would be impressed at how audible the low C# is. Playing that string at the 12th fret was very impressive.
I spent about 4- 8 hours a day over the last 9-10 days trying to get somewhat used to it . By the last day of NAMM ,It really was quite comfortable.

It weighs about 15 pounds. It may not be your thing ,but Adler builds some incredible basses. He had a fretless 4 string there , low C#-E that was over the top. The 5 and 6 string basses were pretty incredible .The 11 string has some very cool electronics . The pick ups and passive EQ are Villex . It has three truss rods.

There are lots of possibilities if you compose ,arrange ,like to play two handed styles or you can just play bass , very low bass at that. The 11 string records nicely. Either you take to it ,or you don't. You will hear sound you haven't heard before out of this bass/guitar.

Oh, you can reach the low notes with your left hand- the low C# string made the conga
players eyes turn red (humor).

To put it in perspective , remember what your thoughts were the first time you saw a 6 or 7 string bass. If you have any doubts about Jauqo's low C# string , put them on hold until you can experience the string in person, Don't be surprised if you start seeing some other companies making 11 's soon.
 
#133
Originally posted by BariBee2000
Quite frankly when it comes to the number of strings there is never a time to say enough is enough. Once you start hindering a person's creativity in the music realm we might as well just stop playing music.

It would be obsurd of me to think that people won't laugh at it at first sight since it is the first of its kind, however, I still have the right to think that by doing this they are showing their musical immaturity.

BTW.. How many of you actually tried playing it before commenting about it? (I don't mean this in a mean way, I'm just curious)
Click to expand...

Do I need to play an 11 string bass to know thats its not needed in my arsenal? No - I am still coming to terms with all I can do on a 6 string. Guess what, i've never driven a new BMW 5 series - does that mean I can't comment on its looks? or whether I think its appropriate for me?

No one is arguing that limits should be put on anyone's musical creativity - however it is not immature to laugh at something you find amusing. Remember, people are laughing at the object as very few of us have heard what (if anything) can be done with it that makes it such a huge leap forward over the 9 string, or the 6 string. Therefore, all we have to go on is its usefulness relative to our needs.

Some people would argue that drugs enhance musical creativity - I still laugh at people who say this. Does that make me immature?

If someone handed that to me and said, this will offer you more musical creativeity, I would hand it back and say, no, it offers me 5 more strings to suck on ;)

Anyway, this is getting OT :) Sorry!
 
#135
Originally posted by BariBee2000
I don't understand how one could think that the 11 string was built simply to say that it was built. While a "jet powered car" might not be functional as an everyday driver, that doesn't mean that it doesn't have a place in the racecar industry. Just like the 11 might not be what you would use as an everyday instrument, it definitely has a place in the music industry. Try playing a complete classical piece, not just the bass line, on a four string without having to alter the original composition by jumping octaves, not entirely possible. The 11 string was played by several different people at the show, those of you who were fortunate enough to experience the many talented players, would concur that the 11-string was not only attempted but concurred by several. One player in particular whose name I think is “Jimbo” was able to play classical, funk, and several other styles after only having it in his hands for maybe three minutes.

I do not remember if Mr. Turner had the opportunity to play the 11, however, his attitude towards it is greatly appreciated. Simply because it is not the easiest instrument to pick up once and master does not mean that it should be bashed by those who were not able to see the bass placed in a practical setting. Several people I spoke with at the NAMM show about this instrument stated how easy it was to reach the low C# string. Like anything different players chose different playing styles. Some liked to play it like a regular bass, while others liked to play it somewhat like a “Stick.” Hopefully Mr. Adler’s craftsmanship will not be stifled and overlooked simply because some believe that an 11 string is outrageous, you truly do have to experience the bass first hand in order to truly appreciate this work of art.

BTW, there seemed to be a greater appreciation of the 11-string from foreigners than Americans, hmm.
Click to expand...

Well put. :)
 
#136
No I'm not connected to Adler. I've been reading the postings for the last few weeks and this one struck a cord with me. I was at the NAMM show and I was fortunate enough to experience other people playing it. I know that I would not be able to tackle it, but it was very inspiring to hear very talented musicians play it. At first sight the 11 string is intimidating, but once you not only see it in person and hear it being played there would be a lot less criticism.

And yes I do know that it is not for every one since it is a lot of bass, but that doesn't mean that it should be considered pretentious.
 
#137
Originally posted by BariBee2000
No I'm not connected to Adler. I've been reading the postings for the last few weeks and this one struck a cord with me. I was at the NAMM show and I was fortunate enough to experience other people playing it. I know that I would not be able to tackle it, but it was very inspiring to hear very talented musicians play it. At first sight the 11 string is intimidating, but once you not only see it in person and hear it being played there would be a lot less criticism.

And yes I do know that it is not for every one since it is a lot of bass, but that doesn't mean that it should be considered pretentious.
Click to expand...

Two points:

1. Pretentious means intended to attract, notice and impress others. What things would you call pretentious? Personally, I think my 6 is pretentious ;)

2. To justify 11 strings over say, 9 or 6, or 4, I would want to see that the player makes use of the extended range in a way that is not possible on other instruments. Sure, I could use and 11 string to play ACDC bass lines, but that would be pretentious :).
 
#139
Originally posted by bmc
" Some seriously close-minded people in this thread. It's pretty sad that there's so much fear and anger aimed at a musical instrument."

Expressing an opinion represents fear and anger?

How do you draw that conclusion? Putting down an opinion different to yours is a good example of broad mindedness? Could you elaborate?

I think your underwear is too tight.
Click to expand...

Perhaps you need to re-read your original post. Expressing an opinion is one thing; I wouldn't have had a problem if you said "I don't like the way it looks" or "it's got way too many strings for me to want to play it." But you went way beyond that with your comment "If you can't say it with 4-6 strings, you can't say it with 11," thereby stating the instrument (as well as the people who use it) are invalid both in mere existance and in musical capacity. There was no optimism, like "it's way too big for me, but I bet someone could make some great music with it." Your entire post was pessimistic, in fact. To come up with such blanket negative statements on not only the instrument but on the music created with it involves some serious prejudices on your behalf.

And my underwear is just right, thank you very much.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back