RANT - String Demo Videos - I WANT FINGERSTYLES

Good to know I'm not the only one who feels this way.

 

The majority of demos of all musical products seem to be more about showing off than actually showcasing the product.

 

AMEN....

 

Or make just slap video/demos for those that care and then I can pass those by for something more useful. Even some pick style or tapping mixed in to demo versatility, but slap demos for slappers...

But I guess they need to have the 'views' counted, whether they are liked or watched thru or not. 'View' tallies must be another factor of the 'showoff' syndrome.

 

didn't you get the notice? if you slap well enough, non-bass players will worship you. ....it's how bass players get girls.

 

I was going to say Amen, I think I found my crowd

 

This is exactly why all of our soundclips (that I've made myself) have a RANGE of styles, as we have a range of players.

And RE: demos more about showing off the player over the product, that is a huge thing. I've gotten a lot of great gear from manufacturers mainly by making some demos that don't do anything more than showcase the pedal for what it can - and can't - do. It's definitely a fine line, because you obviously don't want a demo (of anything!) with a poor quality audio or player on it, but at the same time, you need to have it showcased as a "this is what the _________ can do in these situations."

 

Does that mean if they don't use finger style, that particular product isn't good for that

 

You can take whatever you want from an omission. Personally, I try to cover as many styles as possible to give the viewer/listener the most information. I've slapped on flats, just so the listener - who may be new to flatwounds - can say "Oh, they doesn't sound as great for that. I may try something else that fits my needs better" over "Wow! Listen to that guy play!"

 

The slap might get them but its the tickle that keeps them!!

 

Not just string demos. Bass demos, amp demos, pedal demos, pickup demos. Slapping the night away and losing my interest.

 

I was desperate for an amp demo before trading a bass quite a drive from my house for said amp. There was only one, and the only fingerplaying to be found on it was brief 2 second scales before the next slap-a-thon

 

Ya know what would also be nice? I'd like to take it a step even more simple than finger style. How about single whole note out of each string? I don't know about anyone else, but when I change strings to something I've never tried before, I pluck and open E, A, D and G. It's the most straight forward tone example you can get out of a bass string.

 

Agreed.

 

Agreed two fold! And I'll add, I don't like it when the string demo is part of a mix. I don't care how it sounds in a mix someone else made. I can compensate for a lot of things with my hand location, pickup blend, on board tone controls, foot pedals, preamp and cab selection. I don't need to hear it in a mix! Just give me a few open strings, a walking bass line and maybe some harmonics. Save the slapping for a 2 year old brat at Walmart.

 

Maybe we need an international minimum standard for bass string testing? It would be nice to be able to truly compare the tones of strings made by different manufacturers. There would need to be a standard test rig (e.g. bass, amp, DI, recording device, settings, etc. etc.) and the primary tests might include open E-A-D-G and scales from x to x. Once minimum standards are covered, feel free to slap yourself silly. I mean, they use international standards to independently verify almost all consumer goods, so why not bass strings as well?

Just an idea.

 

Yeah! Where's Consumer Reports for bass gear. Heck I can read their mag or website and find the best toaster for $20. Why not strings, amps, cabs...