Ambient/Post-Rock/Textural bass playing thread

[ugly_bassplayer]

Any of the modular folks use the Afterneath module? I wasn’t in love with the pedal version I tried but I’m looking at it as a module and wondering if I should reconsider.

As in EQD afterneath??
If so I just tried one this week, I absolutely hated it.

If not, just ignore me as usual.

 

[monsterthompson]

As in EQD afterneath??
If so I just tried one this week, I absolutely hated it.

If not, just ignore me as usual.

Thats the one.

 

[lordradish]

Any of the modular folks use the Afterneath module? I wasn’t in love with the pedal version I tried but I’m looking at it as a module and wondering if I should reconsider.

Not modular (yet), but have you looked at Meris' Mercury 7 module? If it's anything like the pedal, it's great, and, I suspect a bit more usable than the Afterneath.

 

[ugly_bassplayer]

Thats the one.

It really sounded more like an added shhhhhhwshhhhhh (like a brittle wind sound) beneath the original signal than an actual reverb.
The blend sounded really weird, but it kinda didn’t blend at all.....!??!1
Also on some settings a feedback loop would swell and not stop even when stomping the foot switch on and off.
I found it absolutely horrible. Could be user error, but I have a hard time believing I $%^& up something so simple.

I used on bass, soft synth and my JMT synths.
Was awful on all 3.

My 2 cents

 

[emjazz]

Depends which version Afterneath the module is modeled after. They have changed them along the way (I have no experience myself)

 

[ugly_bassplayer]

Depends which version Afterneath the module is modeled after. They have changed them along the way (I have no experience myself)

I had the v1.
The v2 only has a soft footswitch as an upgrade.
Other versions I have no idea.

 

[lordradish]

Interesting convo on string tension, one, as someone playing since '84, I've given almost no thought to, in terms of my own playing. I tend to focus more on action/setup. I'm also strange in that I hate old, dead strings, unless I'm playing reggae.Not so much now, because I'm not gigging and I'm synthing a lot more, but if I'm playing regularly, I change every 3 months or so.

It's strange, for some basses, I use the same thing, for others, I change it up. I've used Bass Boomers on the Wal since forever, DR sunbeams on the Stammie fretless. I'm still figuring out what I like for the EBMM and the CB, I've yet to find a set for six string that blow me away...I always use a 130 for my low B's, so that limits my choices, somewhat.

I am curious as to what the best approach will be for the upcoming Miezo 18". I'm going to be tuning it F#BEADG. Trying to think about how the much shorter scale will factor into what gauge/tension I like. I'd assume a lower tension would be better, right?

 

[steubig]

Interesting convo on string tension, one, as someone playing since '84, I've given almost no thought to, in terms of my own playing. I tend to focus more on action/setup. I'm also strange in that I hate old, dead strings, unless I'm playing reggae.Not so much now, because I'm not gigging and I'm synthing a lot more, but if I'm playing regularly, I change every 3 months or so.

It's strange, for some basses, I use the same thing, for others, I change it up. I've used Bass Boomers on the Wal since forever, DR sunbeams on the Stammie fretless. I'm still figuring out what I like for the EBMM and the CB, I've yet to find a set for six string that blow me away...I always use a 130 for my low B's, so that limits my choices, somewhat.

I am curious as to what the best approach will be for the upcoming Miezo 18". I'm going to be tuning it F#BEADG. Trying to think about how the much shorter scale will factor into what gauge/tension I like. I'd assume a lower tension would be better, right?

you're tuning the meizo up a fifth from the regular 6-string bass low B? if so, i think you want to consider that you'll want something closer to an E string for the F#. though *for me* that you be too much tension cause you're tuning up a whole step from what would be the normal pitch.

the caveats in this are that i may not understand what you're doing and i haven't owned a bass like this, do i have no practical experience (it's all theoretical).

i've been playing since 1970 (crap i'm old). i started really thinking about string tension in the mid-90s when i started looking for flats for one of my 6-strings. i really liked the ti flats and that started me thinking of things in this nature. really got more into it in the 2000's i think.

i liked the strings to "sing" a bit, if there's too much tension, i find it harder to achieve that. bends and vibrato sound better to me with lower tension. i do something that i call "half fingerings" that can't be done with higher tension strings. chords are a bit easier cause you're not fighting 3–4 strings with more tension—and trying to have different vibratos for different strings is a bit easier if the strings are lower tension.


another benefit is old hands don't have to work as hard.

 

[lordradish]

you're tuning the meizo up a fifth from the regular 6-string bass low B? if so, i think you want to consider that you'll want something closer to an E string for the F#. though *for me* that you be too much tension cause you're tuning up a whole step from what would be the normal pitch.

the caveats in this are that i may not understand what you're doing and i haven't owned a bass like this, do i have no practical experience (it's all theoretical).

i've been playing since 1970 (crap i'm old). i started really thinking about string tension in the mid-90s when i started looking for flats for one of my 6-strings. i really liked the ti flats and that started me thinking of things in this nature. really got more into it in the 2000's i think.

i liked the strings to "sing" a bit, if there's too much tension, i find it harder to achieve that. bends and vibrato sound better to me with lower tension. i do something that i call "half fingerings" that can't be done with higher tension strings. chords are a bit easier cause you're not fighting 3–4 strings with more tension—and trying to have different vibratos for different strings is a bit easier if the strings are lower tension.


another benefit is old hands don't have to work as hard.

Yes, F# up from low B. I think I'm just going to ask the luthier about this when the time comes to make a decision. Given it's not a full-scale bass, I'm not expecting to just use the same things.

 

[JES]

i do something that i call "half fingerings" that can't be done with higher tension strings.

please tell us more.

I’m also partial to lower tension. In my case, less pain, more expression.

 

[dukeorock]

I’ve been toying with lighter strings...would have to deal with my caveman right hand ‘technique’

 

[monsterthompson]

I recently went to much lighter strings than I usually use on my Dingwall D Bird. It's taking some adjustment time, but I'm getting there and learning to like them.

I'm also getting a Miezo built, and have been pondering the tuning and tension issue.

 

[lordradish]

As I'm starting to pay attention to this more... what other factors besides gauge have to do with tension? The density of the material, type of winding? Is there any advantage to a high tension string?

 

[ugly_bassplayer]

As I'm starting to pay attention to this more... what other factors besides gauge have to do with tension? The density of the material, type of winding? Is there any advantage to a high tension string?

Maybe not much help.
By I like my flatwounds with relatively high tension.
I played alot of upright and my left hand technique uses a lot of simandl fingerings.

I like having an upright feel with a bass with flats.

My 2 cents

 

[steubig]

As I'm starting to pay attention to this more... what other factors besides gauge have to do with tension? The density of the material, type of winding? Is there any advantage to a high tension string?

i think some of it has to do with construction technique. i once read about thomastik going through a fairly laborious process, but don't know how true it was (and don't remember it anyway). there amy also be something about the shape of the core string? i recall that folks use differene things, but don't know how that manifests in tension or longevity.

it's possible types of materials could make a difference? i know that pure nickel is supposed to age differently that steel-plated nickel (allegedly lasts longer).

higher tension might get you more percussive drive? dunno.

 

[lordradish]

i think some of it has to do with construction technique. i once read about thomastik going through a fairly laborious process, but don't know how true it was (and don't remember it anyway). there amy also be something about the shape of the core string? i recall that folks use differene things, but don't know how that manifests in tension or longevity.

it's possible types of materials could make a difference? i know that pure nickel is supposed to age differently that steel-plated nickel (allegedly lasts longer).

higher tension might get you more percussive drive? dunno.

I'd think higher tension probably works with a pick better, if anything. Hence, the Kaye/Jamerson thing.

 

[steubig]

I'd think higher tension probably works with a pick better, if anything. Hence, the Kaye/Jamerson thing.

well jamerson was fingers and came from upright; kaye was pick and came from jazz guitar.

[fwiw, a web search on kaye's strings: What kind of strings have you always used? A. I've always used medium-gauge flatwound strings since I play exclusively with a hard pick (with a flat wrist, not like guitar players).

and on jamerson: James Jamerson used La Bella heavy-gauge (. 052-. 110) flatwound strings that he never changed.]

pretty sure lesh used pyramids, which are somewhat lower tension, and he's pick player. cassisy was a finger player who i think also used pyramids.

 

[emjazz]

Round core is more stiff than a hex core. Look for that as well.

 

[steubig]

Round core is more stiff than a hex core. Look for that as well.

thanks.

 

[Spectrum]

I've never used Pyramids and because they are bass strings I know they are round in cross section like all instrument strings, but I can't shake the image in my mind that they are triangular and will slice your fingers, because of the name. This comment is not useful or helpful in any way, but thanks for reading.