can somebody explain what this is and how it works

[austinrick]

Sounds like a sure-fire way to get charged with committing lewd acts in public.

That may be why they all disappeared!

 

[RocketMensch]

It's literally better than nothing at all though, and that is the point, you're splitting hairs here just to take a dump on the thing. There is no danger of this thing taking over or replacing a real bass in any situation you in which you could play a real one. If you already know the scales etc., you don't need to hear them to simply run through workouts and work on speed/hand strength or simply stay loose. By your logic it is a dumb idea to practice self defense on a heavy bag beacuse it won't hit back or cry out in pain. It feels like you guys are going out of your way to hate on this thing and in my opinion it reeks of insecurity.

Those are good points. I agree you could use this to some extent for hand strength, staying loose and speed. But you could accomplish the same thing with a piece of plywood with lines drawn on it or by grabbing an object near you. Or there are a number of videos online that demonstrate finger exercises that don't require the use of anything. So it may not be "literally better than nothing at all". Definitely not cheaper.

All that other stuff though: The need to practice self defense soully for the desire of needing someone to cry out in pain, trembling in my boots for the fear that I'll have to play one of these at a gig instead of an actual bass.

I don't think that describes me or anybody else in this thread and if you have to resort to that kind of "reasoning" to build an argument, you should take a good look in the mirror before pointing your "insecure" finger at anybody else.

 

[bholder]

Seems no less useful than this.

Well, those are great for developing your eagle claw kung fu, maybe, but for playing? Meh. Didn't help me none, other than to get me some strange stares from folks at the office!

 

[scourgeofgod]

Those are good points. I agree you could use this to some extent for hand strength, staying loose and speed. But you could accomplish the same thing with a piece of plywood with lines drawn on it or by grabbing an object near you. Or there are a number of videos online that demonstrate finger exercises that don't require the use of anything. So it may not be "literally better than nothing at all". Definitely not cheaper.

All that other stuff though: The need to practice self defense soully for the desire of needing someone to cry out in pain, trembling in my boots for the fear that I'll have to play one of these at a gig instead of an actual bass.

I don't think that describes me or anybody else in this thread and if you have to resort to that kind of "reasoning" to build an argument, you should take a good look in the mirror before pointing your "insecure" finger at anybody else.

Wow, just when I thought we were on similar pages you go twisting my words again. I won't waste time pointing out the contradictions in your post, you and most everybody else in this thread has made up their mind one way or the other. I only ever attempted to clarify what the thing's purpose is, but as people are still classifying it as an instrument rather than a tool I see it's a fruitless pursuit.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

Good lord calm down man, the manufacturer says to use an actual instrument whenever possible, it's not meant to replace a real instrument in any situation one could be played, I already said the thing has extremely limited use, but a use none the less. It's essentially an alternative to nothing at all.

When I see things like this (and also those finger strengtheners too) it really annoys me. There is no possible way this could help anyone become a better musician. It's a complete waste of money. Nothing at all would be better than using this P.O.S.

 

[scourgeofgod]

When I see things like this (and also those finger strengtheners too) it really annoys me. There is no possible way this could help anyone become a better musician. It's a complete waste of money. Nothing at all would be better than using this P.O.S.

So say you're going to be sitting somewhere and waiting for an hour, doesn't matter where, doesn't matter what for, you can't bring a bass of any size, you're telling me that literally just sitting doing nothing will be more productive for your technique than running through some exercises on this thing?

 

[Nev375]

So say you're going to be sitting somewhere and waiting for an hour, doesn't matter where, doesn't matter what for, you can't bring a bass of any size, you're telling me that literally just sitting doing nothing will be more productive for your technique than running through some exercises on this thing?

You can close your eyes and visualize your practice and your finger movements and it will be ten times more effective than fumbling around with this. Your abilities are in your head. Not your fingers.

 

[jd56hawk]

I think that it has it's place - practicing on a long bus or plane ride, etc. But how do you know you are playing the right notes if you can't hear it??

Pull that thing out on a plane and start fooling around with it?
I wouldn't try it on a bet!

 

[Smooth_bass88]

So say you're going to be sitting somewhere and waiting for an hour, doesn't matter where, doesn't matter what for, you can't bring a bass of any size, you're telling me that literally just sitting doing nothing will be more productive for your technique than running through some exercises on this thing?

Yes, exactly. Just put on your iPod or what have you and listen to something. Maybe your favorite artist, an undiscovered classic or songs for an upcoming gig (I do this all the time).

I saw the video of this thing and it doesn't even play notes of the correct pitch. It's not a bass, and it's not music. It's a complete waste of time and money and I feel I'd be doing people a dis-service if I didn't tell people not to buy it.

All the greats got great by simply studying and practicing. They never had these so-called "tools". What do piano players do when there isn't a piano around? What do tuba players do? What do sax players do? They simply wait until they can play an ACTUAL instrument.

 

[BlueTalon]

I have on that I keep in the car to fiddle with while driving. Hey, it's better than texting. I can get a little right hand rhythmic practice to songs on the radio.

I just finger the bass lines right on the steering wheel.

 

[scourgeofgod]

You can close your eyes and visualize your practice and your finger movements and it will be ten times more effective than fumbling around with this. Your abilities are in your head. Not your fingers.

I don't want one. I don't disagree necessarily with your point of making your own either, would definitely be cheaper and possibly more effective. Can't really agree with your final point though, if that were entirely true everyone would be beastly musicians the first time they pick up an instrument.

 

[BlueTalon]

Seems no less useful than this.

Given the choice, I'll take the gripmaster. It is definitely more useful.

 

[scourgeofgod]

Yes, exactly. Just put on your iPod or what have you and listen to something. Maybe your favorite artist, an undiscovered classic or songs for an upcoming gig (I do this all the time).

I saw the video of this thing and it doesn't even play notes of the correct pitch. It's not a bass, and it's not music. It's a complete waste of time and money and I feel I'd be doing people a dis-service if I didn't tell people not to buy it.

All the greats got great by simply studying and practicing. They never had these so-called "tools". What do piano players do when there isn't a piano around? What do tuba players do? What do sax players do? They simply wait until they can play an ACTUAL instrument.

I'm not an advocate for these things, but still respectfully disagree that doing nothing is better than passing the time with exercises on the thing. If you know the exercises correct tuning is not needed, only correct tension. It isn't an instrument, it's a tool.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

I'm not an advocate for these things, but still respectfully disagree that doing nothing is better than passing the time with exercises on the thing. If you know the exercises correct tuning is not needed, only correct tension. It isn't an instrument, it's a tool.

OK, cool. I would offer then, what exactly would you become better at if you use this thing? It's not an instrument, you just said that. If it's a tool, what is it's function?

 

[BlueTalon]

I don't think it is better than nothing. Given the choice of dinking around with one of those or having nothing in my hands, I would choose nothing. I can always tap out bass lines on my thighs or belly or desktop or something -- and then when I leave, I don't have to drag that thing around with me.

And if I am flying, I do NOT want to have to manage one of those in my carryon bag.

 

[Nev375]

Can't really agree with your final point though, if that were entirely true everyone would be beastly musicians the first time they pick up an instrument.

I never said you can imagine yourself into musicianship or that you don't need to practice with a real instrument.

Just that practice with no instrument is better than practice with a fake instrument that does not handle, balance, vibrate or feel anything at all like a real one.

 

[wintremute]

A musical instrument that doesn't make any sound. Brilliant.

Everyone who listens to me playing will be buying me one for Christmas. I'm going to have to upgrade my account here to sell the extra ones in the classified section.

 

[scourgeofgod]

OK, cool. I would offer then, what exactly would you become better at if you use this thing? It's not an instrument, you just said that. If it's a tool, what is it's function?

Really? Can't you just read what I've already said to you and others in this thread? You can work on a various aspects of your technique in situations where playing a real bass is not an option. Is it ideal? Absolutely not. Does it have any benefit over playing a real instrument. Absolutely not. Can you get away with messing with it in situations you couldn't get away with using an actual instrument? Absolutely.

 

[scourgeofgod]

I never said you can imagine yourself into musicianship or that you don't need to practice with a real instrument.

Just that practice with no instrument is better than practice with a fake instrument that does not handle, balance, vibrate or feel anything at all like a real one.

How does one effectively practice with no instrument?

 

[Smooth_bass88]

Really? Can't you just read what I've already said to you and others in this thread? You can work on a various aspects of your technique in situations where playing a real bass is not an option. Is it ideal? Absolutely not. Does it have any benefit over playing a real instrument. Absolutely not. Can you get away with messing with it in situations you couldn't get away with using an actual instrument? Absolutely.

I'm totally agreeing with you here... you are saying it's absolutely not ideal, and that it has absolutely no benefit over playing a real instrument. For these reasons, I'm saying it's a waste of time and money, and it's nothing more than a novelty (and a poor one at that).