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Bass Photography! Part 2

#821
These are my two early '80s Aria SB basses.

1981 SB1000:
20130731DSC_2232NIKOND90with170-500mmf-28lensat39mm06secatfnof-11atISO200.jpg


1982 SB600 (fretless):
20130731DSC_2234NIKOND90with170-500mmf-28lensat45mm2153secatfnof-11atISO200.jpg



I was taking some photos of them both today when I realised that none of my photos usually show the dings and dents (although these two basses don't have that many), as I tend to avoid reflections :hmm:. That's a shame, as it's nice to see a little aging on a bass now and again.

So, I decided to use the reflection of the light thru the curtains to add a bit more 'texture' to these portraits. I wasn't sure at first, but I quite like them now :).
 
#822
Fender32, both of your shots are very nicely done, and they are bringing back some old memories.

I played the bass in your top photo only once for about 15 minutes in Sam Ash in the early 80s.

I can't recall all the tones that came out of it, but I remember that I liked them.

It's another of my "not buying" regrets.

Thanks for posting it. ;)

Mike
 
#826
Michael Jewels said:
Fender32, both of your shots are very nicely done, and they are bringing back some old memories.

I played the bass in your top photo only once for about 15 minutes in Sam Ash in the early 80s.

I can't recall all the tones that came out of it, but I remember that I liked them.

It's another of my "not buying" regrets.

Thanks for posting it. ;)

Mike
Click to expand...

Thanks Mike :)!

The basic tone of the SB1000 is quite punchy and 'nasal' - a bit like a cross between a P Bass and a Ric 4001, IMO. With the 6-way EQ switch, you can get two more slightly 'scooped' versions or four significantly bassier versions. It's not a great all-rounder, but it's good at what it does ;).

I've only had these two for a matter of weeks now and for me too it was a case of regretting not buying one back in the late '90s, when I had the chance and they were cheap(ish) and plentiful. As you can see though, decent ones can still be found, so it needn't be too late for you either ;).

Andy
 
#827
So, anybody into lighting of guitars? Yeah we all are. So here is the thing. Different colors do better with some techniques than others. I have found methods to photograph most color combinations.

But for the heck out of me I can't do these two combos:

Problem color scheme #1:
- Fiesta red body
- Tortoise guard
- Rosewood fretboard

No matter what I do, that combo comes out flat. Example:

img_9139_45.0mm-1.600-f5.6-100iso-tse45__avrifiesta83_editauto_med.jpg


Obviously that picture is too dark, but the point is, if I boost the mids to make is normally bright then the structure of the body goes entirely poof and the fiesta red looks like extra waxed crayon.

And problem #2:
- Plaintop cherry sunburst guitars, especially Les Pauls with slim binding (LP standard, not custom)

I don't even have a good example pic :mad: Apart from looking either boring or clown-faced (too much contrast on the red border), or both, they also look fat-bellied unless I bring out the TS-E. But my 45mm TS-E cannot shift and tilt on the same axis, so if I want to use shift to correct the proportions I have to give up shift and can't manipulate the focus plane.

Some pics from yesterday mostly using dark room methods.

http://wavehh.dyndns.org/music/guitars201312/index.html

It works very well for sunburst.
img_9121_45.0mm-1.600-f5.6-100iso-tse45__avri62sunburst_editauto_med.jpg
 
#828
@uOpt:
You sound like you know what you're doing in regards to the mechanics of photography, but I'll just throw out a couple of things and maybe something will stick.

First, color-wise, I think that 1st pic looks like there's too much red in the entire frame, which to me means the white balance is off.
Here's a copy of your PBass pic with only the while balance changed:

attachment.jpg


Does this appear closer to what you are looking for?

Second, if you're not already, you should be shooting in RAW, rather than JPEG. Lots more latitude with RAW files in the editing process (i.e., changing/fixing the white balance).

Third, you might want to look into focus stacking (Google it for lots of info/examples). Not as quick and easy as taking (and editing) a single pic, but it might help you in this situation.

Hope at least one of those suggestions helps...

Regards,
Allen
 

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#830
WOW - I have to admit, I love it when someone resurrects these cool threads - especially with all the amazing basses and stunning photographs in this one! Far too many incredible instruments here to single any out.

Here are some more photos of some of mine with a little more detail:

PRS #11:

PRS-22.png


Custom Viola Bass with Variax transplant:

V-Bass.png


Roscoe "Birdie" with RMC Piezo midi system:

Roscoe-1.png


Roscoe "Buckie" with RMC Piezo Midi System:

Roscoe-2.png


Rob Allen Mouse with Spalted and Flamed maple top:

Rob-Allen2.png


Andrew Drake hollowbody "Wilma":

Wilma.png



Apologies to the coffee table haters. I have a Fender collection too.

Keep em coming - I could look at this thread all day long, and probably will.

Best,

BassHappy
www.innertainment.net
 
#840
Just swapped necks on my USA jazz and got this shot of it. I wanted to shoot it where it is normally sitting when not being played for context - I appreciate studio work but generally like to try to shoot out and about wherever the subject is. I'll have to get more shots later though - the composition was not that thought out even though the rough idea is there.

11737037346_ca3b9e4d6f_z.jpg

DSCF8355-Edit by Invalid Link Removed, on Flickr
 

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