Get off my LAWN! "Grumpy Old Farts"

[GwenOnBass]

I have a bunch of Ibby's and they get sent to Juneau to the local music store for a tune up and check on the fretwork, bridge, truss, etc. I use Hartke's and Ernie Balls. At times I've also used D'Addario's. All the basses show little fretware but I must mention that I play with a light touch and light strings. I let the amp do all the heavy lifting. Also using a light touch allows me to use my fingers to dig in for dynamics. You must have a light touch too. Some people seem to equate slamming on their bass strings is rock and roll-- me-- not so much.

You always had a light touch? I developed a heavy touch because I felt underpowered. Or hard to hear myself. Or both. Developing a light touch is something I'm working on. The La Bella Low Tension Flats still feel stiff to me - stiffer than tapes or rounds. But beginning to appreciate them as they break in.

 

[LBS-bass]

I have a bunch of Ibby's and they get sent to Juneau to the local music store for a tune up and check on the fretwork, bridge, truss, etc. I use Hartke's and Ernie Balls. At times I've also used D'Addario's. All the basses show little fretware but I must mention that I play with a light touch and light strings. I let the amp do all the heavy lifting. Also using a light touch allows me to use my fingers to dig in for dynamics. You must have a light touch too. Some people seem to equate slamming on their bass strings is rock and roll-- me-- not so much.

Yes, I do play with a light touch, low action, and I also use the Ernie Ball light gauges, because of the way I play I like the stretchier feel.

 

[GonePlaid]

Yes, I do play with a light touch, low action, and I also use the Ernie Ball light gauges, because of the way I play I like the stretchier feel.

Being totally self taught, I tend to put a lotta pressure on the strings/fretboard. Been doing it that way some 53 years. Unlikely to change now.

 

[2tonic]

Hot cross buns should not to be confused with the hotpants of the 60’s and then a reprise in the early 70’s.


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Why am I suddenly thinking sunshine and peachfuzz?

 

[beans-on-toast]

When was it banned? They played it frequently on the Washington, DC AOR stations. Maybe the ban didn't last too long?

So Bob said in the video, although San Diego didn’t play it out of respect for the families. Perhaps as you said, it was short lived.

Cleveland Elementary School shooting (San Diego) - Wikipedia

 

[LBS-bass]

Being totally self taught, I tend to put a lotta pressure on the strings/fretboard. Been doing it that way some 53 years. Unlikely to change now.

I have a disconnect between my left and right hands. The bass I did the most gigging with when I was in my 20's had a very high action, and I got used to beating the crap out of it with my right hand. Now my left hand likes the action low, but I still tend to get too heavy handed with the right. Makes for some interesting sounds sometimes

 

[alaskaleftybass]

Yes, I do play with a light touch, low action, and I also use the Ernie Ball light gauges, because of the way I play I like the stretchier feel.

Exactly! I forgot I just bought a bunch of EB Extra Slinky's on sale over the holidays. 40-95. I love the stretchier feel like you. I started on EB Extra Slinkys' but like all bass players I've messed around with different brands. All my basses are low action. Perfect for light touch.

 

[GonePlaid]

So Bob said in the video, although San Diego didn’t play it out of respect for the families. Perhaps as you said, it was short lived.

Cleveland Elementary School shooting (San Diego) - Wikipedia

I gots to admit, I'd prefer she stay where she is.

 

[beans-on-toast]

Both Jamerson and McCartney like a very high action. Both instruments are reported as unplayable by those who have tried them. You need very strong hands. Macca really digs in with his pick at times, his arm and shoulder shakes.

In the early days I played basses set up that way. With a low wattage amp, I really needed to dig in to get the most volume out of the instrument to keep up. But there is tone in your hands.

 

[GwenOnBass]

My low action and heavy touch sent me back to the minors for a season. Or three

In fact was exactly five minutes into practice when Odin told me my attention is needed elsewhere. He's outside now. We'll all get settled and I'm back into it.

Making crab cakes for tonight. Made lamb meatballs today to eat with spinach dal. There's warm naan to go with that. Unlikely to find lamb in parts of the world where goat or bush meat may be sold as lamb. What street food may look good, well, you take your chances ... my former (former, as in he was bio-exorcised a few years back) brother-in-law ate street food in Algeria and brought back something indescribably awful that took a long time to figure out. Third world disease doctor was required. Kind of thankful I don't recall exactly what he picked up.

 

[alaskaleftybass]

My grandson went to China and he said that the locals have extremely gross eating habits and everywhere he went was dirty. He'd be in a restaurant and the locals would spit on the floor and put out cigarettes with their shoes to floor. They also have very weird eating preferences. They eat things we'd never consider. But I do love Americanized Chinese food.....

 

[beans-on-toast]

Saturday Reprise

Big bands are fantastic to witness. They're loud, the horns are biting, the low end is clear. A California group has put together a revue, including radio spots. What you would have experienced at a live radio show in the 30's and 40's. The vocals are tight. The musicians are excellent and look like real people.

Step back in time, turn up the volume, and experience Wartime Radio Revue.










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[GwenOnBass]

Civilization is rather fragile -- see how those musicians get to read sheet music?

We need more trolleys.

 

[alaskaleftybass]

In Sitka, there are not of musicians of a pro caliber. So those of us GOF's that are left to entertain the masses (LOL) are allowed both stage stools and music stands. And people still get up and dance!

 

[beans-on-toast]

The staging is how they did it years ago. Besides, a lot of horn players need the security of the music infront of them. It's hard to go wihout it when you are used to having it.

One guy (at the beginning of Shorty George) has a really dirty sax. The horn looks like it was used as an ashtray.

 

[alaskaleftybass]

The staging is how they did it years ago. Besides, a lot of horn players need the security of the music infront of them. It's hard to go wihout it when you are used to having it.

One guy has a really dirty sax. The horn looks like it was used as an ashtray.

I think having premature Anheuser-Busch on the brain has driven me to stands and stools!

 

[GwenOnBass]

Everyone gets sheet music in marching band.

 

[beans-on-toast]

Everyone gets sheet music in marching band.

Those are their marching orders.

 

[alaskaleftybass]

Those are their marching orders.

 

[spiritbass]

Saturday Reprise

Big bands are fantastic to witness. They're loud, the horns are biting, the low end is clear. A California group has put together a revue, including radio spots. What you would have experienced at a live radio show in the 30's and 40's. The vocals are tight. The musicians are excellent and look like real people.

Got to see the Glenn Miller Orchestra last year at a theater designed for vocal performance. It. Was. Amazing. Best mix ever. The bassist was amazing, and a Missouri boy to boot.