Hello from PA! - New member and new-ish bassist

[MustangMan78]

I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm a lifelong musician, and while I've dabbled in bass for some time, I only recently decided to learn how to actually "play" it. Being a drummer/percussionist most of my life and a guitarist since my senior year of high school, I would occasionally pick up the bass to do a tune with one of my bands or sit in at a blues jam or open mic night, but was limited to root notes and played like a drummer that plays guitar...lol. I'm now learning to play more melodically (ala James Jamerson, Geddy Lee, Jaco, and others), as well as working on my right hand technique.

Being a gear snob comes from being a guitarist, and I feel like I've amassed a pretty decent bass rig over the years on a limited budget.

60s RI Fender CIJ Mustang Bass > Korg DT-10 Tuner > MXR Bass D.I.+ > Fender Rumble 100 V3

My plans are to eventually add a compressor, EBS bass filter, and an Acme Motown D.I.

I'm currently modding the Mustang Bass to look more vintage with a thumb rest and Fender "F" neck plate. I'm also thinking of trying flatwounds on it.

Anyways, that's me. I'm looking to learn a lot here!

 

[MynameisMe]

Welcome!

 

[Malcolm1935]

Put on flats with foam rubber and never looked back.

 

[MustangMan78]

I’m thinking of trying air conditioner foam to see if I like the sound. I also have seen several devices that can be popped on and off easily and might go that route if I like it. I switch between the Jamerson thump and Geddy/Squire grind right now just by rolling the tone off (which has a ton of sweep and is super responsive on this bass).

I picked up a set of nylon tapewounds after the bassist in my fusion band used them years ago. I always liked the thump he got. He also had a fretless JB, though. I’m not sure how they’ll hold up to frets and only having one bass, I don’t want to lock myself into just one sound. Hence, I haven’t tried them yet.