I generally really like her playing, and there are some nice ideas in this solo that I’m “borrowing” via the transcription, but there’s something about the sound of the bass on this recording which really doesn’t make it for me. An exaggerated “sponginess” that robs the fundamental of its “fundamentalness” and obscures the intonation of the notes, at least to my ears. Maybe it’s just the recording, or it could just be my ears, but I was hoping for better!
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Double Bass Katie Thiroux
- Thread starter Paul New
- Start date
I generally really like her playing, and there are some nice ideas in this solo that I’m “borrowing” via the transcription, but there’s something about the sound of the bass on this recording which really doesn’t make it for me. An exaggerated “sponginess” that robs the fundamental of its “fundamentalness” and obscures the intonation of the notes, at least to my ears. Maybe it’s just the recording, or it could just be my ears, but I was hoping for better!
I noticed the same thing. It doesn't sound like her normal recorded tone. Maybe it was the mic or the pickup or maybe it's not her bass.
I really enjoyed her playing, as always, though. I'm also going to lift some of these lines from this.
I really enjoyed her playing, as always, though. I'm also going to lift some of these lines from this.
I’m almost 100% positive that if this were a man the comments would be saying how they have a great old school feel. She has that, just because it’s not pushing the boundaries of music doesn’t mean it’s not good. How many of your playing is pushing the envelope? I’m going to say none of us. I imagine most of us would be pretty annoyed if we were told our playing is measured by playing aggressively or pushing the limits of the instrument. I’d say most of us wouldn’t take that particularly well. But here we are...
You know what is actually at the cutting edge? Female instrumentalists in jazz and female instrumentalists who are bandleaders in jazz. Both of those things are still fairly rare and that says it all. I’m sure most of us guys wouldn’t put up with even a teaspoon of the stuff female musicians will have to endure in their career. But they are rising above that and out doing it and you know what, that’s going to inspire a bunch of young females who are going to come up play some incredible music.
As the great philosopher Michael once said, ‘Listen without prejudice’.
You know what is actually at the cutting edge? Female instrumentalists in jazz and female instrumentalists who are bandleaders in jazz. Both of those things are still fairly rare and that says it all. I’m sure most of us guys wouldn’t put up with even a teaspoon of the stuff female musicians will have to endure in their career. But they are rising above that and out doing it and you know what, that’s going to inspire a bunch of young females who are going to come up play some incredible music.
As the great philosopher Michael once said, ‘Listen without prejudice’.
Yeah, definitely a lot of direct pickup sound in the mix, probably because of bleed from the drums and piano. Her real acoustic sound is much nicer. Also pretty sure that's Geoff Chalmers' bass.
Yes, that's Geoff's bass for sure. I'd know those shoulders anywhere!
Can’t blame her for that. Who wants to fly half walk around the world with a bass(I assume). Geoff’s bass sounds great to me!
She has an incredible sound and feel. Very weird that it is even questioned. She does a lot of great, short informative Facebook and Instagram posts. Her sound cuts right through whether computer speakers or the stereo. If any of the detractors on here were playing that well at 30, we'd all know their names.
I believe that "woofyness" is because of mic placement.
That mic is aimed at the F holes and is pretty far back. This seems to be a default position for a lot of engineers.
Anecdotal, but the best mic'ed sound I ever got on my bass was higher (actually aimed at the upper bout, just slightly above and to the left of where my right hand was), and closer (between a foot and a foot & 1/2 away).
That just happens on the road, John Lindberg is really known for an incredible acoustic sound has these two major performances with fairly nasty amp sound:
This one was borrowed bass with low action:
His bass at least!
I think our best route is make sure the sound we want is well documented so we can just get the work done when it is time.
In my case, this one was recorded with pure DI!! Something I would NEVER recommend or though I would do. However, I wanted to be in this small room with both drummers, so that was the way to make that work:
Lindberg's playing on both of those is some of my favourite recorded music! Great example of transcending the equipment...
Totally agree! Compare her sound on the "Scrapple" video with her sound here:
Now that's the way a bass should sound, IMO. And yes, I realize that in this video she's playing by herself!
I think there are a lot of ways the bass can sound. On one hand I prefer being totally unamplified, on the other I prefer to play with a great drummer! That over-amped sound can just be a lot more fleet with drums, especially on an unfamiliar bass. I like a bit of amp sound in my amp sound if that makes sense, when I play with a great drummer. I don't want to be lagging behind or holding them back just for a tone ideal.
There’s a little too much pickup in that last clip for my taste, but it doesn’t feel like a big deal. Maybe they didn’t mix in enough mic? It’s a really good amped sound.
Katie is interviewing some pretty amazing players for her new youtube channel.
Uh, I didn't realize there was so much advertising. The sample I listened to didn't.
Uh, I didn't realize there was so much advertising. The sample I listened to didn't.
It is a small bit upfront, and it pays for the time and effort it takes to make this great content. The last one with Jason Heath is great.
Two thumbs up for Katie’s podcast. The Hump. She is fantastic.. Check it out.
