Help me dispel the myths...

[WookieeForLife]

Myths? No. Those are Truths.

Short scales (anything less than 35" scales) are amateur basses and only for students with small hands. String tension is higher with longer scale lengths, and good string tension is necessary for any professional.

Neck-thru is simply a better-construction method and a more sound design. Bolt-on necks should be reserved for short-scales (aka student instruments). There's no use in making amateur basses with better quality. When the bassist is good enough, he should upgrade to a pro instrument.

5-strings are the old 4-strings, and 6-string are the new 5-strings. What that means is that 4-strings are obsolete and 5-strings are the new standard for students and amateur-grade instruments. Pro bassists should not, under any circumstance play fewer than 6-string basses.

Active electronics are ALWAYS better than passive electronics. Firstly, active electronics can cop that "vintage, passive feel" that some of the older generations prefer (even though they are no longer acceptable in today's music). Active electronics are a must for pro instruments (again, passive should be left for the not-so-professionals) because all situations a pro bassist will encounter require on-the-fly EQ changes to suit the house mix and overall band sound.


This may seem a bit rash, but there is way too much diversity among bassists these days, and conflicting views lead to arguments that have no justification and are based on "preference." By mandating some of these changes, the system is better conformed, but leaves ample room for personality (wood types, paint jobs, scale lengths above 35", number of strings above 6, hardware type and color, onboard preamps, pickups...etc). However, it also sets clear lines for amateurs and pros so that the unworthy amateurs with little musical ability can stop saturating the market and let true artists fill the roles they deserve.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

 

[ksandvik]

One myth is that you will sound exactly like your bass player hero if you use the same bass, strings, pedals and amp/cabs.

 

[JimmyM]

He didn't put it to rest because of his great bass... it was *talent* that did it. There just is no comparison between a '66 J bass and a '76.

why? i've played quite a few pre-cbs basses that were dogs. granted, i'm not a fan of cbs fenders either, but you get a bass player who likes them and it totally cancels that out.

 

[BassmanAd]

Myths? No. Those are Truths.

Short scales (anything less than 35" scales) are amateur basses and only for students with small hands. String tension is higher with longer scale lengths, and good string tension is necessary for any professional.

Neck-thru is simply a better-construction method and a more sound design. Bolt-on necks should be reserved for short-scales (aka student instruments). There's no use in making amateur basses with better quality. When the bassist is good enough, he should upgrade to a pro instrument.

5-strings are the old 4-strings, and 6-string are the new 5-strings. What that means is that 4-strings are obsolete and 5-strings are the new standard for students and amateur-grade instruments. Pro bassists should not, under any circumstance play fewer than 6-string basses.

Active electronics are ALWAYS better than passive electronics. Firstly, active electronics can cop that "vintage, passive feel" that some of the older generations prefer (even though they are no longer acceptable in today's music). Active electronics are a must for pro instruments (again, passive should be left for the not-so-professionals) because all situations a pro bassist will encounter require on-the-fly EQ changes to suit the house mix and overall band sound.


This may seem a bit rash, but there is way too much diversity among bassists these days, and conflicting views lead to arguments that have no justification and are based on "preference." By mandating some of these changes, the system is better conformed, but leaves ample room for personality (wood types, paint jobs, scale lengths above 35", number of strings above 6, hardware type and color, onboard preamps, pickups...etc). However, it also sets clear lines for amateurs and pros so that the unworthy amateurs with little musical ability can stop saturating the market and let true artists fill the roles they deserve.

HA! Definite win here!

 

[89JazzMan]

Myths? No. Those are Truths.

Short scales (anything less than 35" scales) are amateur basses and only for students with small hands. String tension is higher with longer scale lengths, and good string tension is necessary for any professional.

Neck-thru is simply a better-construction method and a more sound design. Bolt-on necks should be reserved for short-scales (aka student instruments). There's no use in making amateur basses with better quality. When the bassist is good enough, he should upgrade to a pro instrument.

5-strings are the old 4-strings, and 6-string are the new 5-strings. What that means is that 4-strings are obsolete and 5-strings are the new standard for students and amateur-grade instruments. Pro bassists should not, under any circumstance play fewer than 6-string basses.

Active electronics are ALWAYS better than passive electronics. Firstly, active electronics can cop that "vintage, passive feel" that some of the older generations prefer (even though they are no longer acceptable in today's music). Active electronics are a must for pro instruments (again, passive should be left for the not-so-professionals) because all situations a pro bassist will encounter require on-the-fly EQ changes to suit the house mix and overall band sound.


This may seem a bit rash, but there is way too much diversity among bassists these days, and conflicting views lead to arguments that have no justification and are based on "preference." By mandating some of these changes, the system is better conformed, but leaves ample room for personality (wood types, paint jobs, scale lengths above 35", number of strings above 6, hardware type and color, onboard preamps, pickups...etc). However, it also sets clear lines for amateurs and pros so that the unworthy amateurs with little musical ability can stop saturating the market and let true artists fill the roles they deserve.

Ok so...

Tony Levin
Jaco Pastorius
Pino Palladino
Leland Sklar
Jerry Jemmott
Will Lee
Victor Wooten
Richard Bona
Willie Weeks
Da La
Nathan East
Chris Squire
Flea
James Jamerson

And Countless more bass players are/were amateurs because they play all that student instrument crap. That is awesome!!

I am so glad someone agrees with me now that I am a better bass player than all of these guys because I play a 5 String Warwick that is 35 Inches long!!!

Who do you play for again? How many records have you sold? Probably a lot!!! I am sure I hear you all the time since ya know you are better than Jaco.

 

[JimmyM]

oh stop! it was obvious the dude was joking around! people need to quit taking themselves so seriously.

 

[lomo]

the biggest myth is that any of this crap matters. What matters is HOW you play, not WHAT you play, it will always be so, and anyone who disagrees is an idiot.

Even as a chronic gear slut, I second that emotion.

 

[rayzak]

the biggest myth is that any of this crap matters. What matters is HOW you play, not WHAT you play, it will always be so, and anyone who disagrees is an idiot.

I'm living proof of this. I've got plenty of "WHAT", and not nearly enough "HOW" Whether I am an idiot, probably varies by person

 

[JimmyM]

lomo, being a gear slut is fine if you can afford it. we all have our own personal tone quests. but i just spent a week on a cruise ship playing a $325 bass into broken cabs and not one person complained about my sound except me.

 

[mongo2]

the biggest myth is that any of this crap matters. What matters is HOW you play, not WHAT you play, it will always be so, and anyone who disagrees is an idiot.

I've been to auditions and sessions where particular instruments were requested, so what you play can matter.

 

[~Ethan~]

I am re-learning that strings make a huge difference. As much as "your fingers", perhaps.

or at least close.

Me too.

I can't really comment on how wood affects tone from experience, but I would think if paired with active electronics, whatever "tone" your supposed to get out of that particular wood would virtually disapear.

I happen to like the diversity of bassists. If we were all the same what would be the point?

And incase the comment on 5 and 6 are better than 4 was an actuall statement, tell me why Victor Wooten doesn't play a 6 string. And on scale length, tell me why Mark King uses a short scale with super light strings?

just stating my opinions, while trying to stay as neutral as possible.

 

[mongo2]

Myths? No. Those are Truths.

Short scales (anything less than 35" scales) are amateur basses and only for students with small hands. String tension is higher with longer scale lengths, and good string tension is necessary for any professional.

Neck-thru is simply a better-construction method and a more sound design. Bolt-on necks should be reserved for short-scales (aka student instruments). There's no use in making amateur basses with better quality. When the bassist is good enough, he should upgrade to a pro instrument.

5-strings are the old 4-strings, and 6-string are the new 5-strings. What that means is that 4-strings are obsolete and 5-strings are the new standard for students and amateur-grade instruments. Pro bassists should not, under any circumstance play fewer than 6-string basses.

Active electronics are ALWAYS better than passive electronics. Firstly, active electronics can cop that "vintage, passive feel" that some of the older generations prefer (even though they are no longer acceptable in today's music). Active electronics are a must for pro instruments (again, passive should be left for the not-so-professionals) because all situations a pro bassist will encounter require on-the-fly EQ changes to suit the house mix and overall band sound.


This may seem a bit rash, but there is way too much diversity among bassists these days, and conflicting views lead to arguments that have no justification and are based on "preference." By mandating some of these changes, the system is better conformed, but leaves ample room for personality (wood types, paint jobs, scale lengths above 35", number of strings above 6, hardware type and color, onboard preamps, pickups...etc). However, it also sets clear lines for amateurs and pros so that the unworthy amateurs with little musical ability can stop saturating the market and let true artists fill the roles they deserve.

 

[JimmyM]

I've been to auditions and sessions where particular instruments were requested, so what you play can matter.

that is the ONLY time it will matter. and it's like i've told people who requested a fretless when i didn't have one...i don't have one but if you rent one for me i'll play the crap out of it.

 

[fivestringgecko]

I am so glad someone agrees with me now that I am a better bass player than all of these guys because I play a 5 String Warwick that is 35 Inches long!!!

Nah... A better bass player would know that Warwicks are 34" scale. lol

5sg.

P.S. Just kidding... if you're NOT joking, is that custom or something? I've always wanted a Warwick Dolphin 5-string 35" scale with the wide neck option...

 

[standupright]

Myths? No. Those are Truths.

Short scales (anything less than 35" scales) are amateur basses and only for students with small hands. String tension is higher with longer scale lengths, and good string tension is necessary for any professional.

Neck-thru is simply a better-construction method and a more sound design. Bolt-on necks should be reserved for short-scales (aka student instruments). There's no use in making amateur basses with better quality. When the bassist is good enough, he should upgrade to a pro instrument.

5-strings are the old 4-strings, and 6-string are the new 5-strings. What that means is that 4-strings are obsolete and 5-strings are the new standard for students and amateur-grade instruments. Pro bassists should not, under any circumstance play fewer than 6-string basses.

Active electronics are ALWAYS better than passive electronics. Firstly, active electronics can cop that "vintage, passive feel" that some of the older generations prefer (even though they are no longer acceptable in today's music). Active electronics are a must for pro instruments (again, passive should be left for the not-so-professionals) because all situations a pro bassist will encounter require on-the-fly EQ changes to suit the house mix and overall band sound.


This may seem a bit rash, but there is way too much diversity among bassists these days, and conflicting views lead to arguments that have no justification and are based on "preference." By mandating some of these changes, the system is better conformed, but leaves ample room for personality (wood types, paint jobs, scale lengths above 35", number of strings above 6, hardware type and color, onboard preamps, pickups...etc). However, it also sets clear lines for amateurs and pros so that the unworthy amateurs with little musical ability can stop saturating the market and let true artists fill the roles they deserve.

sometimes i can't tell if you're trolling or not.

 

[mongo2]

that is the ONLY time it will matter. and it's like i've told people who requested a fretless when i didn't have one...i don't have one but if you rent one for me i'll play the crap out of it.

Yup, been there, I used the studio bass.

 

[89JazzMan]

Nah... A better bass player would know that Warwicks are 34" scale. lol

5sg.

P.S. Just kidding... if you're NOT joking, is that custom or something? I've always wanted a Warwick Dolphin 5-string 35" scale with the wide neck option...

I have no idea how long my neck is. I just play the thing haha. I was just making a point. I will have to measure it.

I was just upset about the comments that were made unless they were a joke.

 

[DeanT]

Myths? No. Those are Truths.

Short scales (anything less than 35" scales) are amateur basses and only for students with small hands. String tension is higher with longer scale lengths, and good string tension is necessary for any professional.

Neck-thru is simply a better-construction method and a more sound design. Bolt-on necks should be reserved for short-scales (aka student instruments). There's no use in making amateur basses with better quality. When the bassist is good enough, he should upgrade to a pro instrument.

5-strings are the old 4-strings, and 6-string are the new 5-strings. What that means is that 4-strings are obsolete and 5-strings are the new standard for students and amateur-grade instruments. Pro bassists should not, under any circumstance play fewer than 6-string basses.

Active electronics are ALWAYS better than passive electronics. Firstly, active electronics can cop that "vintage, passive feel" that some of the older generations prefer (even though they are no longer acceptable in today's music). Active electronics are a must for pro instruments (again, passive should be left for the not-so-professionals) because all situations a pro bassist will encounter require on-the-fly EQ changes to suit the house mix and overall band sound.


This may seem a bit rash, but there is way too much diversity among bassists these days, and conflicting views lead to arguments that have no justification and are based on "preference." By mandating some of these changes, the system is better conformed, but leaves ample room for personality (wood types, paint jobs, scale lengths above 35", number of strings above 6, hardware type and color, onboard preamps, pickups...etc). However, it also sets clear lines for amateurs and pros so that the unworthy amateurs with little musical ability can stop saturating the market and let true artists fill the roles they deserve.

I hope you're joking. If not, you're seriously misinformed.

As to your crack about short scale basses, I guess Stanley Clarke and Paul McCartney were never professionals.

 

[Jehos]

I wish we could get past the myth that if it was good enough for Jaco it should be good enough for me. Invoking the "J" word doesn't magically end all arguments.

Music business myth--you have to care what everybody you ever audition for thinks about you and your gear. Some gigs just aren't a fit for some players, and there's nothing wrong with that.

 

[xUptheIronsx]

other bass myths:

- the bass player is big
- the bassist is introverted and quiet
- the bass player is the worst musician
- the bass player gets the least "Action" in the band
- the bass players gear/sound doesn't matter
- the bass player is always late
- bass is "easier " than guitar