Steve Swallow seems to have a new bass...

[srayb]

I'm a little torn between the notion of individual instrument personalities and anomalies; and the idea of having to fight your instrument at times because you find yourself needing to play "at odds" with it.

I can see Steve's point and agree with him - up to a point. But I never really saw the value of having an instrument (or actively seeking out an instrument) that could be difficult to deal with. I was always of the school that thinks a really good bass is the one that gives you exactly what you ask it to do, every single time, and without any drama. And even though such a bass probably still doesn't exist, at least it's an ideal to strive toward.

Dunno. I think I want to think about it some more.

Apologies for thinking out loud.

I took it to mean that a bass that plays easily and consistently will inevitably make everyone that plays that model sound very similar (not the notes, but the timbre/tone of the notes). Whereas I think Steve was inferring that every different player should be able to find ways to speak with a unique voice on their instrument by finding their own way to work around or tame the imperfections.

 

[40Hz]

I think Steve was inferring that every different player should be able to find ways to speak with a unique voice on their instrument by finding their own way to work around or tame the imperfections.

Well…my main bass is a ‘74 Gibson Ripper that I’ve had since 1974. So I guess I have unknowingly gone down the same path as Steve on that point. That bass has its own voice and vibe and definitely had an influence on my sound and the way I play.