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Bass Player magazine
- Thread starter woo10
- Start date
As if people aren't staring at computer screens enough already. Eye doctors will be raking it in once these electronic readers take off.
I'm torn on the BP mag issue. I WANT to support them. I also remember when there were no bass mags to speak of and I don't take that for granted, but they need to do something major to change their image. To their credit, I think they are slowly but surely accomplishing this. They are good people at BP. and I wish them all the best.
There is a big problem regarding subscriptions. I (of course wanting to be supportive) subscribed and received only 9 of 12 issues.I didn't renew
I see this complaint repeated over and over again. Whoever is in charge of subscription distribution is NOT doing their job. How many of us can get away with doing such a bad job and still HAVE a job? I want BP to get through this. Fixing probs with subcriptions would be a good place to start as its turning away REAL suporters. You don't have to win us over you just have to GET the mag to us!you're right and i have about 170 bass player mags ( most of which i bought second hand for a fraction of the price - which is about what they are worth ) so i know something about the mag
not to say the mag is worthless, as it is not, but the mag is only worth about 1 dollar per issue. their agenda is transparent and superficial and the content if not repetitive is predictable for the most part.
imho
jon herrara has posted on another thread,but i see nothing concrete about what they will or will not do in an effort to maintain a loyal customer base.......tons of suggestions have been offered by guys here,including my own predilection toward transcribed songs,but until they decide which way they are going ..... i doubt that i'll be signing on any time soon,as guitar world/legends are way better value in the transcription department.......
but i definitely would like to see mr herrara announce something that they are doing......right now it sounds like they can only hang on while readership falls away and who knows if they will even be around long enough to fulfill any new subs
the uk version does not print transcriptions so i won't be buying those,even used.......
but i definitely would like to see mr herrara announce something that they are doing......right now it sounds like they can only hang on while readership falls away and who knows if they will even be around long enough to fulfill any new subs
the uk version does not print transcriptions so i won't be buying those,even used.......
How are you getting such a reduced price?
My subscription is up in February and I have been getting renewal notices for months. $27.99 IIRC.
I'm another long time subscriber and have every issue of Bass Player since inception. I still can get something useful out of every issue but I think the internet and instant access to so much bass info has made it less of an excitement to receive the newest issue as back in the day pre-internet. One thing I would like to do is to go to their website and have a section to search easier through back issues, such as to be able to look up a certain player profile or piece of gear review that would tell me which issue it was in so I could pull out the issue and read it. Maybe it's there, but couldn't navigate through their site last time I was there to find it. But I remember some TB posts a while back with a bunch of members that also have years worth of issues (if not all issues) and it could be beneficial.
I will say the Japanese Bass Player mag is excellent, lots of transcriptions and a cd with a ton of lesson examples that are also transcribed. I used to travel a lot to Japan and always picked one up when I was there, even though I can't read any of the articles.
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it was just a ton of transcription, new gear reviews (with much more than one or two generic pics), tons of other bass related artiles/pics, etc. I remember they had a cool section 'my dear bass' where they would have a bunch of close-up pics of a big name artist's bass with all the descriptions of mods/wear/etc. Just a huge variety of bass stuff that I could flip through for days even though I couldn't read it. Haven't seen one in a few years though, not sure how they've progressed or maintained.
I will say the Japanese Bass Player mag is excellent, lots of transcriptions and a cd with a ton of lesson examples that are also transcribed. I used to travel a lot to Japan and always picked one up when I was there, even though I can't read any of the articles.
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it was just a ton of transcription, new gear reviews (with much more than one or two generic pics), tons of other bass related artiles/pics, etc. I remember they had a cool section 'my dear bass' where they would have a bunch of close-up pics of a big name artist's bass with all the descriptions of mods/wear/etc. Just a huge variety of bass stuff that I could flip through for days even though I couldn't read it. Haven't seen one in a few years though, not sure how they've progressed or maintained.
"Guitarist" magazine is the same, massive padding from adverts, less and less copy.
I emailed them once to say that they seem to act as a fan club magazine for Gary Moore, he's guaranteed space every time he takes a leak, though his gurns haven't changed in ten years!
They didn't reply, but still do it!
These days with any mag I'll only buy one if I scan it thru & spot something I wanna read, or if someone recommends an issue.
I emailed them once to say that they seem to act as a fan club magazine for Gary Moore, he's guaranteed space every time he takes a leak, though his gurns haven't changed in ten years!
They didn't reply, but still do it!
These days with any mag I'll only buy one if I scan it thru & spot something I wanna read, or if someone recommends an issue.
I had a subscription to it for many years. I no longer get it in the mail nor do I purchase it any more. If I get a desire to look at one, I read it at my local borders with a cup of coffee. I am rarely tempted to purchase it. I think the editors are doing the best they can. Infortunately, they are reluctant to take a critical look at artists and seem to cater to their advertisers. Unfortunately, there are a lot of competing free veunes (such as TalkBass, theory sites, artist sites, vendor sites, etc.) that provide all the reading material I need.
I had a subscription and I didn't renew it because I just didn't see any "value" in it. Sure, it was neat to read about new gear, and see pretty pictures and all. But isn't that why we all have the internet?
There was really no great inside stuff in there. If there were I would have kept up my subscription.
There was really no great inside stuff in there. If there were I would have kept up my subscription.
I was subscribed to Bass Player for a few years back in the late 80's and early 90's and I loved it then, but when I see them on the rack now I just can't bring myself to buy one. That being said, when I was younger and living in a small town, that was about the only way that I could get any info or articles related to the instrument that I love so much. Now with the internet and all the wealth of information available on TB and elsewhere I see no reason to spend so much on something that really doesn't seem to have enough worthwhile reading as opposed to the cost. But if I was still in the situation that I was in back in my younger years I would absolutely still buy it.
It's sad to read all the negative comments about Bass Player here. The magazine cannot be everything to everybody. But it is better than nothing. I have been a long time reader and it has provided me with much in the way of new information regarding artists and gear. In fact all of my current gear was inspired by Bass Player reviews to some extent. We are lucky to have this resource. Even in it's current state, they have still managed to provide some great reading. We are better off with it than without it.
Of more concern to me are some of the advertisers that have disappeared as of late. Some pretty big names apparently don't have the scratch to buy space in the biggest dedicated bass mag out there. I would hate to see some of these resources go under as well. Or worse, the dreaded sell out to some major conglomerate.
The magazine and their advertisers need as much support as we can scrape up. These are tough times.
Of more concern to me are some of the advertisers that have disappeared as of late. Some pretty big names apparently don't have the scratch to buy space in the biggest dedicated bass mag out there. I would hate to see some of these resources go under as well. Or worse, the dreaded sell out to some major conglomerate.
The magazine and their advertisers need as much support as we can scrape up. These are tough times.
better than nothing is hardly a good reason for my decision to buy anything,unless it's an absolute necessity.......the fact that so many find fault is more an indication of declining value than anything else........most here want to see a healthy bp mag,and have suggested ways to accomplish that.....what seems clear is that the current mag is not what many would consider good value for their hard earned dollars
Commreman
Faith, Family, Fitness, and Frets
Call me a contrarian.
I like this month's issue (Jamerson), and the companion issue on studio players and techniques. There is a ton of great information, and very challenging stuff to read and play.
I could care less that the magazine isn't as "fat" as it used to be. I'm more interested in musical content than filler, and the last few issues have delivered, at least for me.
We are in terrible economic times. I want to see the magazine survive. I'm one of the guys here that was around and playing before the magazine existed, and looked to Guitar Player for the occasional bass column. The fact that we have BP, the Brit BG magazine, and others is a real blessing. I'm constantly referring back to old issues - the musical content never goes out of style or gets stale.
Concerning value, if I get just one great nugget of musical information per issue, that's great for me and provides me with "value." In these times (and all times, for that matter), the transcriptions and the lessons are well worth the price.
OK, I'm off my soapbox. Continue bashing!
I like this month's issue (Jamerson), and the companion issue on studio players and techniques. There is a ton of great information, and very challenging stuff to read and play.
I could care less that the magazine isn't as "fat" as it used to be. I'm more interested in musical content than filler, and the last few issues have delivered, at least for me.
We are in terrible economic times. I want to see the magazine survive. I'm one of the guys here that was around and playing before the magazine existed, and looked to Guitar Player for the occasional bass column. The fact that we have BP, the Brit BG magazine, and others is a real blessing. I'm constantly referring back to old issues - the musical content never goes out of style or gets stale.
Concerning value, if I get just one great nugget of musical information per issue, that's great for me and provides me with "value." In these times (and all times, for that matter), the transcriptions and the lessons are well worth the price.
OK, I'm off my soapbox. Continue bashing!
+1
I still get BP and have for close to 10 years, its gone down hill. Not as objective as they use to be. They seem to have become a paid sponsor as a lot of you have already said. Its sad and Ive considered ending my subscription.
Furthermore, when Bill Leigh was let go there was more proof to the tightening economy I enjoyed his articles very much, it was sad to see him go. I hope things can pick up for this publication I dont see myself paying for it much longer. I paid for a 3 year script 2 years ago, and will let it run out if thinks don't change.
I'm assuming the US version of the magazine is different to UK? If so does anyone actually read the UK version? One of my bass tutors (Franc O'Shea) has a couple of pages in there each month, wondering if anyone rates his stuff?
I bought December's issue today from Hastings, and man, the magazine is soooo thin! Any thinner than this and I wouldn't be able to see it from the side. It's only 66 pages. My latest Geddy issue was 96 pages, so it's almost a 30% reduction.
Is it the sign of the times, or a trend? I haven't bought it for some time, but I still think it's a very good mag.
I have not purchased or subscribed to Bass Player Magazine in approximately three years. I recently thought about subscribing again, and decided to look at the most recent issues at Guitar Center.
My thoughts were the same as yours. The magazine is presently very thin. Also, I did not find the content as informative as I did years ago.
I still enjoy reading my old copies, which date back to 1991 until I stop subscribing a few years ago.
Still a good Magazine IMO even though it is a given that most Magazines are going digital. Still like to sit down without the computer and read the Magazine - but they are constantly referring you to their WEB Site for addtional content.
I will support Bass Player in either format - when they came on the scene there was nothing good - and as they transition from print to digital I still want to support them as they are still supporting what we all love in a time when it is hard to keep any Magazine afloat. Some of the reduction in pages is also Ad related - but there is still enough content to chew on. If you can get through all their transcriptions and woodshedding tips in a week you would be lucky.
Something else to work on and some good stuff IMO. I have the Scott Lafaro issue, the session issue and I got the Tone and Technology via e-mail which was cool. Must have missed the issue with Jamerson I will have to go grab it tomorrow!
I will support Bass Player in either format - when they came on the scene there was nothing good - and as they transition from print to digital I still want to support them as they are still supporting what we all love in a time when it is hard to keep any Magazine afloat. Some of the reduction in pages is also Ad related - but there is still enough content to chew on. If you can get through all their transcriptions and woodshedding tips in a week you would be lucky.
Something else to work on and some good stuff IMO. I have the Scott Lafaro issue, the session issue and I got the Tone and Technology via e-mail which was cool. Must have missed the issue with Jamerson I will have to go grab it tomorrow!
The decision to shut down Guitar World's Bass Guitar Magazine hit the staff very suddenly. As in - no notice. One day you have a job, next day, see ya! It came as a result of the declining sales in the magazine trade in general, not so much as a response to our sales. Within our market, we were doing well, but there are just less bass players in the world than say.... guitar players. GW also closed Guitar One, and Acoustic Guitar mags at the same time, so we had company.
It has become increasingly expensive to produce magazines in paper format, and with the internet being a free source of high quality (*cough*) information (*cough*), it's hard to compete. Most online mags fold up after not too long because 1) it costs money too 2) attracting advertisers is still the key to your survival 3) without money, you can't get the best content 4) without good content, it will suck hard and no one will read.
I feel bad for Bass Player, as you may know, I wrote for them for around 14 years. I left to pursue the gig at GWBG, (and got canned two years later) though most likely I wouldn't have survived at BP since the whole reason I pursued GWBG was because BP was going to cut my pay and contributions due to budget concerns.
That's what happens, it's corporate crap that has nothing to do with the content of the product. It's only about "how cheaply can we produce SOMETHING to sell". The staff at BP is trying to work with the budget they get, but look what happens - the corporate dicks fired Bill Leigh. Why? He was too expensive to keep around.
The corporate model is the problem, when you make a product only with the shareholder's profit in mind, and not the end user's satisfaction - that's what happens.
That is one of the reasons I like Bass Gear, it's run by people, (well... bass players actually). They are concerned with quality and content primarily. Of course, they want to be profitable too, but they stand a better chance of it because they are not a top-heavy organization that is trying to support a bunch of fat cats living a lifestyle. And they are not trying to appease stockholders. They have a unique approach to reviewing and I'm happy to be writing for them.
It has become increasingly expensive to produce magazines in paper format, and with the internet being a free source of high quality (*cough*) information (*cough*), it's hard to compete. Most online mags fold up after not too long because 1) it costs money too 2) attracting advertisers is still the key to your survival 3) without money, you can't get the best content 4) without good content, it will suck hard and no one will read.
I feel bad for Bass Player, as you may know, I wrote for them for around 14 years. I left to pursue the gig at GWBG, (and got canned two years later) though most likely I wouldn't have survived at BP since the whole reason I pursued GWBG was because BP was going to cut my pay and contributions due to budget concerns.
That's what happens, it's corporate crap that has nothing to do with the content of the product. It's only about "how cheaply can we produce SOMETHING to sell". The staff at BP is trying to work with the budget they get, but look what happens - the corporate dicks fired Bill Leigh. Why? He was too expensive to keep around.
The corporate model is the problem, when you make a product only with the shareholder's profit in mind, and not the end user's satisfaction - that's what happens.
That is one of the reasons I like Bass Gear, it's run by people, (well... bass players actually). They are concerned with quality and content primarily. Of course, they want to be profitable too, but they stand a better chance of it because they are not a top-heavy organization that is trying to support a bunch of fat cats living a lifestyle. And they are not trying to appease stockholders. They have a unique approach to reviewing and I'm happy to be writing for them.
I agree with all of this, 100%.
And, the guys who write Bass Player deserve better than to be bailed out on. I believe they are simply doing the best they can with what resources they have. I plan to be as patient with them as I need to be.
