Ambient/Post-Rock/Textural bass playing thread

[lordradish]

The wing just doesn't light my fire. I get that they are functionally the same thing, but I like what I like.

Yeah, I'm not as impressed, to be honest.

That's what I've been doing.

And what are you thinking, in that regard. Are you looking at this as more of a portable practice instrument, or something else? Would you be happy jamming out with someone with everything an octave up? I'm not sure if I would.

I think what I may do after I hear back from him is find out more about the custom string set - cost, availability, and how much adjustment I'd need to make if I switched to regular. I'd really like the low range. If I could get those custom lows and change em once a year, and then switch to regulars if not available, that could work for me. Then again, the regular strings would be better for practicing chords, because that's what they're gonna sound like when I play them on my full-scale 6.

Damn you for introducing this to me. I'm trying to save money, here, and I still haven't even gotten my Iridium, yet.

 

[steubig]

seems like the low string would go to B on the string.

if you tuned down a whole step, you’re at an open A for the low string.

not regular 6-string range, but might be enough?

 

[lordradish]

seems like the low string would go to B on the string.

if you tuned down a whole step, you’re at an open A for the low string.
not regular 6-string range, but might be enough?

Yeah, I heard back from him, he says the customs can get down to low E, but I don't know if I'd go that route, as I kind of want to stay in standard tuning, and want my B. I did ask if low B was possible, at all.

I go back and forth on the low/high thing. Again, I'm used to LOW stuff. But I also want to practice my sixer chords, and I think I'd probably get a lot more chord practice if I had this thing. I really could see myself disappearing in my woods and sitting down my brook and just practicing.

Export fees and such to US would be about 70 bucks. I also asked him how much the customs cost, as well as how much adjustment I'd need to make, should I go back to regular strings. I don't think there's a truss rod on this. Also want to find out if the raintree is more sustainy than the mahogany. He sent me some pics of raintree...

 

[ugly_bassplayer]

Yeah, I heard back from him, he says the customs can get down to low E, but I don't know if I'd go that route, as I kind of want to stay in standard tuning, and want my B. I did ask if low B was possible, at all.

I go back and forth on the low/high thing. Again, I'm used to LOW stuff. But I also want to practice my sixer chords, and I think I'd probably get a lot more chord practice if I had this thing. I really could see myself disappearing in my woods and sitting down my brook and just practicing.

Export fees and such to US would be about 70 bucks. I also asked him how much the customs cost, as well as how much adjustment I'd need to make, should I go back to regular strings. I don't think there's a truss rod on this. Also want to find out if the raintree is more sustainy than the mahogany. He sent me some pics of raintree...
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How about just using it an 8ve up with regular strings and just consider it a totally different instrument than your regular 6er??
Keeps you from maybe overthinking the 2 tuning thing and custom string dilemma.

Like some sort of mini tenor bass thing.
Just adding another tool to the toolbox?

My 2 cents.

 

[monsterthompson]

And what are you thinking, in that regard. Are you looking at this as more of a portable practice instrument, or something else? Would you be happy jamming out with someone with everything an octave up? I'm not sure if I would.

I'm thinking of using it as a unique instrument that happens to have familiar spacing and string sizes. I mean you can run an octave pedal, or even get their built-in octave circuit. However, I'm thinking with all my existing basses and synth sounds, this would be another noisemaker in a higher register.

My live jams are pretty much done, particularly with conventional band situations, so fitting with a band is not a concern I have. With my limited finger dexterity, the guitar world is still not really workable. The bass string spacing and size doesn't present the same challenges. I think something like this would be a bit of a dexterity builder, and easier on my shoulders and back than a traditional 32" or 30" design.

I keep leaning toward the X3M with two or three necks. Buy once, cry once. Have an arsenal of necks to try if I feel like changing it up. Tuning to what feels right. Maybe the 25.5" 4-string neck tuned to B (7th fret E, not a low B) would work. Hmmm, with a 5-er neck, It could do F#, which could easily drop tune to E. Who knows.

 

[lordradish]

How about just using it an 8ve up with regular strings and just consider it a totally different instrument than your regular 6er??
Keeps you from maybe overthinking the 2 tuning thing and custom string dilemma.

Like some sort of mini tenor bass thing.
Just adding another tool to the toolbox?

My 2 cents.

I am leaning that way.

 

[lordradish]

I'm thinking of using it as a unique instrument that happens to have familiar spacing and string sizes. I mean you can run an octave pedal, or even get their built-in octave circuit. However, I'm thinking with all my existing basses and synth sounds, this would be another noisemaker in a higher register.

My live jams are pretty much done, particularly with conventional band situations, so fitting with a band is not a concern I have. With my limited finger dexterity, the guitar world is still not really workable. The bass string spacing and size doesn't present the same challenges. I think something like this would be a bit of a dexterity builder, and easier on my shoulders and back than a traditional 32" or 30" design.

I keep leaning toward the X3M with two or three necks. Buy once, cry once. Have an arsenal of necks to try if I feel like changing it up. Tuning to what feels right. Maybe the 25.5" 4-string neck tuned to B (7th fret E, not a low B) would work. Hmmm, with a 5-er neck, It could do F#, which could easily drop tune to E. Who knows.

That seems to make a lot of sense for your particular situation. I'm firmly in the long-scale camp when it comes to necks, so that's less feasible for me. I do worry about the durability of that lower horn, though, it's kinda pointy!

When are you making a decision?

 

[monsterthompson]

That seems to make a lot of sense for your particular situation. I'm firmly in the long-scale camp when it comes to necks, so that's less feasible for me. I do worry about the durability of that lower horn, though, it's kinda pointy!

When are you making a decision?

I'm still figuring out pricing, and how much I really want to deal with 2-band vs. 3-band eq or a 2nd PU. I'm in a bit of a COVID-meh mood, so I'm not super motivated. Plus, I'm still enjoying the Sol Invictus, so I want to milk the new-gear buzz as much as I can before I get too GAS-y. My apartment is getting a little cramped, so adding more things makes my skin crawl a little. If it weren't for COVID, I'd be more likely to flip a few things to make space.

 

[lordradish]

I'm still figuring out pricing, and how much I really want to deal with 2-band vs. 3-band eq or a 2nd PU. I'm in a bit of a COVID-meh mood, so I'm not super motivated. Plus, I'm still enjoying the Sol Invictus, so I want to milk the new-gear buzz as much as I can before I get too GAS-y. My apartment is getting a little cramped, so adding more things makes my skin crawl a little. If it weren't for COVID, I'd be more likely to flip a few things to make space.

I'm going basic on this one... passive, one pickup.... if I get it. Wanna keep it simple, unlike my other basses.

Hey, I remember a while ago, early in the pandemic, you got sick... did it turn out to be the 'rona?

 

[monsterthompson]

Hey, I remember a while ago, early in the pandemic, you got sick... did it turn out to be the 'rona?

Not sure. I tested as negative, based on the oral swab. Had a bunch of lingering feelings of "sickness" though. Haven't had the antibody test. Now, I'm just dealing with the psychology of being locked on my apartment all day every day. The LA heatwave hasn't helped, but I seem to be back to relatively normal (for me).

I'm currently mapping out an ambient COVID themed track idea in my head; a representation and expression of my experience.

 

[lordradish]

Not sure. I tested as negative, based on the oral swab. Had a bunch of lingering feelings of "sickness" though. Haven't had the antibody test. Now, I'm just dealing with the psychology of being locked on my apartment all day every day. The LA heatwave hasn't helped, but I seem to be back to relatively normal (for me).

I'm currently mapping out an ambient COVID themed track idea in my head; a representation and expression of my experience.

Hope you didn't get it, as there's a lot of stories of how it's having long term effects on people, and from what you've shared, you've already been through hell as far as health things, long before that.

Interesting about the COVID track. I have had several times during this where current events inspire my playing. Usually something about the uncertainty of COVID or the incompetence of our current leadership, and it plays out in the music. For the latter, it ends up being something that sounds both silly and terrifying. Had one called "The Ramp and the Water" a few weeks ago.

 

[ugly_bassplayer]

I just finished mixing the improv we recorder last Sunday.

Drums
Noise synths.
2 vocals.

All taped live in the jam space. 8 inputs in total. 100% improvised. It really is on the "brutal" side of things.
Reflection/representation of our times???

Will officially be my bands 2nd album.
"Live for No One"
Just wanted to share an update.
Everyone is in sleep mode, I wanted to shake @%##*#* UP. At least I can say.....we did this!!!!!

Got lots more stuff recorded for my solo shizzle also.

 

[lordradish]

Okay, so I'm sitting here like a moron checking my email every minute to hear from Maurizio. This is stupid.

Do they have a vaccine for GAS? Seriously? Because this happens all the time. You think you have everything you want, then they invent something else.

A year from now, when my contract's up, my income's gonna be cut in half (I fully expect to have other work by then). So I keep using this as a lame-ass excuse... "well, better get that now, because you won't have money for it, next year."

 

[lordradish]

I just finished mixing the improv we recorder last Sunday.

Drums
Noise synths.
2 vocals.

All taped live in the jam space. 8 inputs in total. 100% improvised. It really is on the "brutal" side of things.
Reflection/representation of our times???

Will officially be my bands 2nd album.
"Live for No One"
Just wanted to share an update.
Everyone isn't in sleep mode, I wanted to shake @%##*#* UP. At least I can say.....we did this!!!!!

Got lots more stuff recorded for my solo shizzle also.

Love that title, and its content seems like something I can do to keep the Jehovahs from knocking on my door. Bring it on.

 

[ugly_bassplayer]

Love that title, and its content seems like something I can do to keep the Jehovahs from knocking on my door. Bring it on.

Ohhhhh....yessss..
They wont even come near......don't worry.
They'll be scared %#&##&less

 

[JES]

Do they have a vaccine for GAS?

I think it involves going off the grid.

 

[lordradish]

I think it involves going off the grid.

Yeah, that, or poverty. Neither is an option I want to embrace!

 

[lordradish]

Ohhhhh....yessss..
They wont even come near......don't worry.
They'll be scared %#&##&less

I actually have fun with em when they come. I'm an almost militant atheist who also happens to know a lot about history, theology, and Bibilical history, so sometimes, I try to deprogram them. Almost worked, a few times. I can tell, cuz they get nervous. But your album might do the trick, too.

 

[Haroldo]

wanna hear an experiment on hydrasynth using the ribbon theramin control to control pitch (microtonal scale) while futzing with macro knobs to change some stuff? yes? great!

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A very microtonal Scotsperson. (Nice.)

 

[cosmicevan]

Okay, I reached out to Maurizio about the string issue (the concern about being able to get strings for this thing 10 years from now). Here's the response...

"Actually both the Miezo and x3m work with standard strings. We use .125/.40 as our stabdard gauge. This allows tuning the shortest scale 16" Miezo to the B1 pitch equivalent to 12th fret if your standard bass. Using commin heavuer gauges like .130... .135 you can lower the tuning. A cystom gauge is only necessary if you want to go really low, like E1 or lower. But most of our clients don't need that. So, short answer - use standard string in the gauge you prefer."​

It'll be a miracle if I don't pull the trigger on this by the end of the day.

Maybe ask him if deals can be had for a bulk order. I'd be very serious on getting in on one of these especially if he chops off some $ if we order a few in one shot.

There's also this, which Chris Stambaugh (maker of my fretless). These are nice, too, but pricier...

Wing Instruments

I am a big fan of Chris' work (also CB that you play), but the lead times on the website are listed at like a year and a half and I've heard some stories that people have been waiting on instruments from Chris for an unreasonable amount of time...plus I'm already waiting on a Carl Thompson for about a year and a half, if not more.

I just finished mixing the improv we recorder last Sunday.

Drums
Noise synths.
2 vocals.

All taped live in the jam space. 8 inputs in total. 100% improvised. It really is on the "brutal" side of things.
Reflection/representation of our times???

Will officially be my bands 2nd album.
"Live for No One"
Just wanted to share an update.
Everyone is in sleep mode, I wanted to shake @%##*#* UP. At least I can say.....we did this!!!!!

Got lots more stuff recorded for my solo shizzle also.

Nice! I have a series of recordings that I did called concerts for no one. I'd essentially play a live solo set without stopping and see what comes out...using loopers and blending ideas in and out of each other. Some are pretty nice, others less so...the more of them I do, the better I get at solo technique and keeping things moving and interesting with just me playing. Haven't done one in a while, but have definitely been writing more and again - COVID seems to have inspired some ideas. My biggest challenge is not getting distracted by any number of the toys I brought in over the past 6 months that I'm still in n00b learning mode on. I do deal with a significant amount of COVID-meh moods though where I can't bring myself to do anything...I'm SUPER burnt out from toggling back and forth between non-stop remote work and being dad/husband. I'm pretty pumped for my kids to go back to school in early September. I think our entire family needs it and numbers are super low locally and the plan seems pretty safe (though we'll be watching and will yank the kids as soon as things start to change). Summer camp ran locally without incident - well one camp had a minor outbreak, but the 3 others locally that ran, nothing and kids weren't even in masks.