Get off my LAWN! "Grumpy Old Farts"

[beans-on-toast]

On the topic of digging in, I was referring to players who dig in to the extreme. I’ve seen bass players who break strings or have strings pop out of the nut or off the saddles.

Also, my comment was focused solely on electric bass.

My style of playing has a very light touch and I let the amp do the heavy lifting. When I need to play louder, I play harder without playing super hard.

I am self taught and when I was younger, younger than today, I found that technique worked for me. I also played a very wide range of genres so, unlike hard rock, being able to play with a light touch was important.

Hope I didn’t offend anyone by not explaining my thoughts clearly. Mea culpa.

I didn’t feel that anyone was offended. I’m gobsmacked that digging in of any type would be considered a faux pas. But I do have different amps for loud, louder, and really loud.

 

[Jeff Scott]

Note the Ampeg Baby Bass.

 

[GwenOnBass]

Digging in and overly enthusiastic are different for me because digging in doesn't mean hitting a pickup with a string

 

[LBS-bass]

On the topic of digging in, I was referring to players who dig in to the extreme. I’ve seen bass players who break strings or have strings pop out of the nut or off the saddles.

Also, my comment was focused solely on electric bass.

My style of playing has a very light touch and I let the amp do the heavy lifting. When I need to play louder, I play harder without playing super hard.

I am self taught and when I was younger, younger than today, I found that technique worked for me. I also played a very wide range of genres so, unlike hard rock, being able to play with a light touch was important.

Hope I didn’t offend anyone by not explaining my thoughts clearly. Mea culpa.

Nah, I wasn't offended. Just a little confused. I also had never heard anyone say that.

 

[Passinwind]

I didn’t feel that anyone was offended. I’m gobsmacked that digging in of any type would be considered a faux pas.

I guess you've never looked into the whole phenomenon of bass ramps then? One major bullet point is to make digging in excessively physically impossible.

 

[mikeoso]

Mr. @mikeoso depends on the gear and music. I play light but have a GK MB500 and two Eden EX110's and have no problem being heard. I bought a GK MB108 combo and it's surprisingly powerful for its small size.

Not being disagreeable. I see your point. I tried acoustic bass and liked it but couldn't find a band that needed an acoustic bass player. I too had to dig in BTW.

Understood, Will. I know an electrical bass can be played with a light touch. Was just mentioning that us Luddite savages have to use some muscle.

And 12bit, definitely not offended here. Only thing that offends me is when the frakking guitar takes the G walkup on Willin'.

Beans, why are you playing those little dreadnoughts?

 

[GwenOnBass]

Only thing that offends me is when the frakking guitar takes the G walkup on Willin'./QUOTE]

^ THIS

needs multiple likes

 

[beans-on-toast]

Beans, why are you playing those little dreadnoughts?

Someday, maybe I’ll be blessed with some traditional Mexican instruments.

 

[alaskaleftybass]

Someday, maybe I’ll be blessed with some traditional Mexican instruments.

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Boy you gotta have some callouses to play those things!

 

[beans-on-toast]

I guess you've never looked into the whole phenomenon of bass ramps then? One major bullet point is to make digging in excessively physically impossible.

But I like to dig in and often use a pick. When I want to pluck over the bridge pickup, my hand can rest lightly over the bridge. Over the neck, fingers can rest on the body on the G side. The thumb can go to town (why does that make me think of Zappa). A PBass has a tug bar there.

 

[the harp unstrung]

Hey!
Parents & Grandparents!

Invalid Link Removed

 

[beans-on-toast]

Boy you gotta have some callouses to play those things!

Gut or nylon strings help but the action is high. See time 2:15.

 

[mikeoso]

Someday, maybe I’ll be blessed with some traditional Mexican instruments.

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View attachment 3745278

Nonono...not them....talking about full-sized Martins.

 

[GwenOnBass]

Hey!
Parents & Grandparents!

Invalid Link Removed

Kids and grandkids be hatin' whoever thought that up.

 

[Passinwind]

But I like to dig in and often use a pick. When I want to pluck over the bridge pickup, my hand can rest lightly over the bridge. Over the neck, fingers can rest on the body on the G side. The thumb can go to town (why does that make me think of Zappa). A PBass has a tug bar there.


View attachment 3745284

Then a ramp is not going to work for you. But it does for thousands of players, and I'm a bit surprised you're not familiar with the rationale for using them. Personally, I tried them on two basses for a couple of years, found substantial technique gains for a while, hit a plateau, and eventually took them off both basses. Maybe I'll revisit tug bars and plectrum playing next, but I think getting a real (i.e. acoustic) upright is going to be a higher priority most likely. I finally seem to have come to grips with digging in sufficiently on those, which is much different than what works for me with fretless bass guitar.

 

[beans-on-toast]

Then a ramp is not going to work for you. But it does for thousands of players, and I'm a bit surprised you're not familiar with the rationale for using them. Personally, I tried them on two basses for a couple of years, found substantial technique gains for a while, hit a plateau, and eventually took them off both basses. Maybe I'll revisit tug bars and plectrum playing next, but I think getting a real (i.e. acoustic) upright is going to be a higher priority most likely. I finally seem to have come to grips with digging in sufficiently on those, which is much different than what works for me with fretless bass guitar.

Ramps that I’ve seen were only something on fancy basses with more strings than I know what to do with. Nice that you can take the training wheels off when ready.

 

[GwenOnBass]

Then a ramp is not going to work for you. But it does for thousands of players, and I'm a bit surprised you're not familiar with the rationale for using them. Personally, I tried them on two basses for a couple of years, found substantial technique gains for a while, hit a plateau, and eventually took them off both basses. Maybe I'll revisit tug bars and plectrum playing next, but I think getting a real (i.e. acoustic) upright is going to be a higher priority most likely. I finally seem to have come to grips with digging in sufficiently on those, which is much different than what works for me with fretless bass guitar.

Thus spake mwahhh

all groupies must bow down

 

[Passinwind]

Ramps that I’ve seen were only something on fancy basses with more strings than I know what to do with. Nice that you can take the training wheels off when ready.

All that playing as fast as a ramp allowed got me was pissed off guitar players. Hey, I guess putting them back on might be a good call...!

 

[beans-on-toast]

Nonono...not them....talking about full-sized Martins.
View attachment 3745324

What no ukulele on your wall? I’d like an HD12-28.

 

[mikeoso]

What no ukulele on your wall? I’d like an HD12-28.

No ukes here. All Jumbos, except the bottom center. That's a Grand Jumbo. Requires Coast Guard permission before shifting moorings.