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How Often Do You Practice Unplugged?
- Thread starter Jaco Taco
- Start date
I play unplugged a fair deal. There's a lot in my practice routine that doesn't require any amplification. And when I am plugged in, it's almost always through headphones. Same goes with piano/keys.
I do it all the time, especially in the early morning so I don't disturb my wife or my neighbors. And sometimes I'm just too lazy to plug in and turn on.
only used my amp for MAYBE a total of 3 hours, since I got it, last year.
before that, no amp at all
3 years, no amp. I play unplugged a little bit.
before that, no amp at all
3 years, no amp. I play unplugged a little bit.
I almost never use the bass without an amp.
If it's late I just play quietly, or with headphones.
Unplugged it's just not that inspiring...
If it's late I just play quietly, or with headphones.
Unplugged it's just not that inspiring...
It's about 50/50 for me right now, but that's mainly because I'm only just starting over (new bass, new amp), and I'm still working out some sounds I like.
Once that's sorted I'm pretty sure a lot more of my practice will be unplugged.
Once that's sorted I'm pretty sure a lot more of my practice will be unplugged.
I play unplugged quite a bit....amplification in practice is optional in the right environment...
- Oct 18, 2012
- 6,683
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- Endorsing Artist: Fender, Spector, Ampeg, Curt Mangan, Nordstrand Pickups, Korg , Conquest Sound
I'm about 50/50. The main reason I plug in is to play along with backing tracks or other songs, or to muck about with pedals and such - even then I'm going through a mixer and headphones nowadays. I just don't feel the need to play through my amp all of the time anymore.
I do it to get out of the closet, my practice room is really just a closet sized space. Once the kiddies are around its impossible to hear myself so I head back to my cubbyhole.
Bassist4Eris
Frat-Pack Sympathizer
When I was a beginner, I practiced unplugged a lot, and I wish I hadn't. It masked technique problems and stunted my growth in terms of learning to dial in a tone. Mind you, I'm talking about a being a beginner, not a guy with 30 years experience.
Nowadays, I have about 20 years of experience, and I play unplugged all the time. I just don't recommend it for beginners.
Nowadays, I have about 20 years of experience, and I play unplugged all the time. I just don't recommend it for beginners.
philvanv
Gerbil Turds, Kitsap County Turd Core
- Jul 2, 2012
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- and at the bottom it says thank you, and now you can shag off
I've been playing bass for 30 years now, and often when I practice, I don't even bother to plug the bass in, I'm just playing unplugged.
Is this weird? Does anybody else do this a lot or am I just stupid?
+1, Yep - I do every morning before everyone wakes up. But, later I plug in too.
Never. 99% I've headphones and the old Café Walter. I rarely use an amp and cab. I'll get to the gig early and set EQ.
I do it a lot. I like to chill in my basement and just play, me and the instrument. It's very peaceful to quietly play outside on my porch at night too, it doesn't get much better than that.
SirMjac28
Patiently Waiting For The Next British Invasion
What I like to do to get a fuller unplugged sound is to rest the headstock of my bass on a big closet or large piece of furniture, so it acts as the body of an acoustic instrument. It's not very comfortable, though, because you have to play standing up and you can't move around, but it's a nice way of amplifying the sound.
