| Author | Message | ||
| kimberly
New Username: kimberly Post Number: 1 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hello Everyone. Kimberly here paying my respects to all the members, and non-members for that matter, to an awesome discussion board and resource for those who 'dig' Alembic and to those who've made this possible (moderators et al). About me, as similar to many here (I've lurked for almost a year now), I played pro at a younger age, lusted after Alembics and was never able to afford one. At long last in February/March 2006 a '96 5 string Epic at Bass NW called my name. The first time was interesting as all I was able to do at the store was 'feel' the action and hear the tones as alas, I play left handed upside down and this was a lefty. A few weeks at the mothership for a new tailpiece, saddles and a nut to be strung 'upside down', he came home and I really played him for the first time. I wasn't disappointed. Matter of fact, it was literally a life changing experience as I decided to go pro again after a 17 year hiatus from being so terribly burned out from too many years of traveling and playing to tables and (way back when) ashtrays. For the last month I've been working as a bass soloist. Talk about interesting. One of the first things I became aware of when you're solo, it's ALL on your shoulders. Drop a note and not only the bottom drops out, EVERYTHING drops out. Fortunately, about 2/3 of my material is based around a Boss RC50 looper and a Roland GR20 synth. Start the rhythm guide, lay a bass line down, add a rhythm part, add some percussion, select a synth voice, take a solo. Sweet.  I'm currently hosting an open mike in Poulsbo, WA every Wednesday. http://www.tizleys.com/8455.html and update events at http://openmikes.org/listings/tizleyseuropub So far being a bass soloist is quite viable as indicated by reception and getting gigs. Time will tell the tale, but initial results are highly encouraging. And that's pretty much it for now, else I'll just keep yakking. Best to All. Kimberly PS. In anticipation, from reading previous topics. 1. The gender of my bass is male. Just a feel 'thingy', but unmistakeably male to me. 2. I had Mike Lull route out approximately an 1/8" of body wood to mount a GK3B midi PUP between the bridge and bass PUP. He did a good job and as he said when I asked, I shouldn't be able to 'hear' any difference. Seems to be the case as I can't hear any difference at all. PPS. To the moderators, any or all of my message can be edited for content, or location (i.e. forum) and I won't take it personally. ;) Bye for now. Really. ;)  | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 796 Registered: 11-2004 |
Kimberly, welcome to the club and congrats on the Epic. I have two and love them. They haven't inspired me to get back into full time gigging (no instrument could), but I'm having more fun playing than I ever have before. Again, welcome. Rich | ||
| the_8_string_king
Advanced Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 382 Registered: 9-2005 |
Welcome to the club, Kimberly. Don't seem to be many womenfolk around here. Can't see the top on your Epic... but from the headstock it looks like... Zebrawood or Bocate? Happy plucking! | ||
| the_8_string_king
Advanced Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 383 Registered: 9-2005 |
By the way, good, show, going solo and all! | ||
| dadabass2001
Senior Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 747 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hello Kimberly and welcome. Please post pics of your boy in the Showcase section (I've got two Epics and a Distillate). Since you've been around the forum for a while, I hope you feel comfortable with our style of ribbing, humour, and discussion. Mke And no one has even mentioned Bikes or Beer yet (oops!) | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 1244 Registered: 6-2002 |
And none of the Pauls has yet come forward to start banging on the table with beer bottles - where are they when you need them? Alembic and bears go well together - my Epic and Spoiler are hanging on our living room wall, above a couple of bears that my wife made. | ||
| lowlife
Advanced Member Username: lowlife Post Number: 254 Registered: 12-2003 |
I like the teddy bear; nice touch. Welcome to the club. Ellery (Lowlife) | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1084 Registered: 2-2006 |
Hi and welcome Kimberley. A solo bass artist, very cool indeed. Definitely post some pix of your new “bo”. Olie | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1021 Registered: 10-2002 |
Hi Kimberley and welcome from the other side of the pond. How about posting links to your music? graeme | ||
| kimberly
New Username: kimberly Post Number: 2 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hey Everybody. Thanks for the welcome which is most appreciated. Not that I'm surprised, as my lurking around has shown the users here have a level of maturity well beyond adolescent prattlings of most other websites. Thank you very much. To respond to your messages. Rich, thank you, you lucky guy with not one, but two Epic's. Sweet. My decision to go back pro was 'somewhat' simple, as early retirement allows me the opportunity to 'give it a shot'. That and this time around I'm selecting material that I enjoy and want to do, other than previously when it was whatever was on the charts. Much more fun now. 8 String King, thank you also for your welcome. The body top wood is wenge. I personally feel the machine head wood is kind of a mismatch with the wenge but whoever owned him originally must have ordered him like that. No matter to me though. He's a sweet player! :D dadabass, thanks. Ummm...good/bad time to mention my 1100 Honda Shadow? ;) adriaan. Funny how Alembics and bears have this symbiotic type relationship. Never met an Alembic I didn't like. Bears? well...circumstance. Mine has been with me for 27 years. Ellery (lowlife), thank you and thank you. ;) Olie, thank you very much. Being a soloist. Frankly, for me anyways, it's the way to go and I wonder why I didn't try it sooner. It's a responsibility for sure, but when I 'hit groove', well I have to admit I kinda enjoy playing with myself. ;) graeme (jacko), last but certainly not least, thank you very much and hello to your part of the world. As well, I became somewhat ambitious and posted a clip from my first solo performance January 6th. It's 'heavily inspired' (okay, okay, it's kind of a rip) by Phil Keaggy's Salvation Army Band with which I've taken a 'little bit' of 'poetic license' and 'artistic interpetation'. Yeah, that's it. Poetic license and artistic interpetation. Enjoy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxb1vHU8Bcw And with that I'm off to my open mike, or getting ready to go anyways. 8-11pm PST Bestest, Kimberly PS. Thank you again to all for your welcome. PPS. Pics for the showcase coming soon. | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1087 Registered: 2-2006 |
Very cool video Kimberly, nice chops. (Message edited by olieoliver on January 31, 2007) | ||
| bob
Senior Member Username: bob Post Number: 816 Registered: 11-2002 |
This would be so much easier if I could watch it upside down :-) but even when I try that I'm still confused... How about a few words on how/why you arrived at this particular orientation? "Enjoy". Yes, thank you, and welcome. -Bob | ||
| kimberly
New Username: kimberly Post Number: 3 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hello again Everybody. Thanks Olie. Bob, to answer your question on the how/why, you'll have to bear with me, as it's not a real short story and I'm not one to use a few words when many work just as well, so you might want to get comfortable. ;) When I was a young, foolish and impressionable kinda gal, I made the mistake of hanging out with the 'bad boys' that lived down the street one day (in spite of my parents warnings as like all kids, we knew better than the folks). Anyways, when playing with fireworks someone handed me one to throw. I froze and as fate would have it, I lost half of my thumb and half of my index and ring fingers on...yep, my left hand. If you look at my picture you'll see my thumb, though the fingers are 'concealed' so to speak. About six months later a friend chided me into playing a guitar and with circumstance being as it was, I only had one way to go about it. Yep, left handed. Time went by and after a couple of years of borrowing friends instruments I finally got my own no name bass for $20 which I made payments on incidently. Of course, I immediately changed the strings 'right side up'. Imagine my dismay when I then realized everything was 'upside down'. I should have gone ahead and learned the 'right way' but, being young, foolish and impressionable, I changed them back to upside down and here I am 37 years later rather 'set in my ways' at the tender age of 5x (never ask, never tell a woman's age). Truly with hindsight, I really should have changed them to left handed, as I do experience some difficulty with some chords and just forget about 'thumb popping', but all in all I'm quite pleased with how it's all worked out. After all, who woulda 'thunk it' that I played pro for 15 years and dare i say it, kicked some serious butt in my day playing with my index and little fingers. :D And that's my story and I'm sticking to it, so now we can go back to our regularly scheduled programming. Laters, Kimberly | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1023 Registered: 10-2002 |
Kimberley, There are a fair few lefties playing upside down including my own daughter so you're not alone. Jason D Smith, ex Hayseed dixie used to play a mean slapped solo and last november Alvin Mills came across to UK Bass Day from Germany to astound us with his reverse pyrotechnics. Graeme | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 682 Registered: 2-2005 |
Kimberley, Welcome. I second Graeme that there are more folks playing upside down than you might think. I have a friend who plays classical guitar lefty upside down. It makes for some interesting interpretations. Keith | ||
| bracheen
Senior Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 1126 Registered: 11-2003 |
Kimberly, Hello from another Epic owner. I enjoyed the video and the story. Early retirement is on my to do list. I thought is was intersting that on the same page as your video there was a Phil Keaggy link. Amazing guitar player. He had a childhood accident that cost his right middle finger and Phil can fingerpick with the best of them. His Master and the Musician album is one of my favorites. Oops, sorry, I just looked at your previous post and you'd already mentioned Phil. There is a guitar player around here somewhere who plays upside down. Since the Pauls seem to be slacking, I'll bang the table and ask for pictures. I'm sure everyone would very much like to see more of Mr. Epic (you didn't mention a name for him). Sam | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 89 Registered: 10-2006 |
Phil Keaggy, Jerry Garcia, Django Reinhardt; you're in some good company, truncated-digit-wise. And like them, you've adapted nicely - loved the video! The company here, while congenial, is, as mentioned above, rather short of XX types. One who plays bass and rides? Welcome! (BTW, my last bike was a VT1100. Wasn't my dream bike, but it was very nice) Peter | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1089 Registered: 2-2006 |
Interesting story. I assume then Kimberly that you are not a natural "south-paw"? (Peter, there are a few us "players and riders" here. And to keep this post in the threads context; my last ride was an adventure of "EPIC" proportions.)  | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 1249 Registered: 6-2002 |
Paul TBO did pop up recently after a prolonged absence, he's usually good for a lot of bottles banged on tables. And his Alembic has a lady's name too - Bonnie (as in Raitt). | ||
| bracheen
Senior Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 1127 Registered: 11-2003 |
Peter, At the risk of both sounding ignorant and being thread hijacker, what is a XX type? I'm guessing you're not talking about shirt sizes. Olie, nice save. | ||
| tom_z
Senior Member Username: tom_z Post Number: 494 Registered: 7-2004 |
Great story Kimberly, and welcome from the upper registers. Though not as rare in this deep end as female players, we guitar players are a fairly small but vocal minority. Love the video too. - I've been playing with a looper using a Fishman pu my Santa Cruz dreadnought and have had some nice results. Interestingly, it was watching Victor Wooten do a solo with his old Jam Man that got me interested in looping. By the way, did anyone mention we would love to see some pictures of your bass?? Peace Tom | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 1251 Registered: 6-2002 |
Sam, XX as in the chromosome pair - men have XY. (Some women have XY too, but that's another story.) | ||
| southpaw
Intermediate Member Username: southpaw Post Number: 137 Registered: 12-2004 |
Sorry Adriaan, the corporate world was beating me up the last day or two... Welcome Kimberly! Another lefty and you're not named Paul, cool! Excellent video, you are a very talented musician. (Message edited by southpaw on February 02, 2007) | ||
| kimberly
New Username: kimberly Post Number: 5 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hey Everybody. Me again. I just wanted to follow through and thank ya'll again for the welcome(s) and ummm...follow through. ;) For reference sake, nothing at all 'wrong' with being a lefty and 'upside down' player, though there are at least two exceptions/challenges to that for me. Some chords just don't lend themselves very well in the 'upside down position', say for example the 'demented/augmented'. Those kill me. The other is 'slapping/what I call thumb popping'. With the bass strings on the bottom (literally) even if I had the missing "truncated digit" (I like that terminology btw, thank you Peter), thumb, the actual mechanics of placement just don't work, at least for me. Check it out on your basses/guitars (left handed upside down position) and you'll see what I mean. Anyway, as Peter said, (thank you again Peter), I've adapted quite well and while I'll never 'rip em' out like all the slappers out there, I can still lay some pretty good groove, if I do say so myself. ;) jacko/grame--after I write the above I see you mention Jason being a slapper of apparently some renown. I guess I might have to look into this. Thanks for the 'heads up'. Olie, as bracheen said, "nice save", let me say 'great save'! I'm glad I wasn't drinking at the time I read it, as it might not have been pretty. For records sake, I was and am a 'natural lefty'. I 'wasted' a couple of years after my 'accident' learning how to write right handed, eat etc., but one day realized even with "truncated digits" I still had more control with my left then my right. The rest is as 'they' say, "history". Tom, you mention Victor Wooten. He's the 'dude' that inspired me to begin playing again and to get a looper. His techniques were/are nothing like I'd ever heard back in the days of the 70/80's. Sure Stanley and Jaco were around, but to me, electric bass playing evolved rather dramatically during the, sheesh...17 years I didn't play. And with amps and speakers, effects, technology also, wow... Lot of changes and some catching up to do, but it's all good. southpaw. Hiya 'Bro'. Us lefties gots to stick together, not that it sucks being a minority in this instance. Thanks for the nice compliments. Gots to run now. Picture(s) of my boy to come soon. Thanks again for the welcomes guys. Best Regards, Kimberly | ||
| inthelows
Advanced Member Username: inthelows Post Number: 348 Registered: 11-2006 |
Great vid Kimberly. Nice to see ya havin' fun. After all that's what its about. Love the loop. Reminds me of my echoplex days and tape loop sample heaven. Very cool stuff indeed. Welcome, enjoy and share away! NLP | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1121 Registered: 2-2006 |
Another lefty strung right, I thought you'd like this thread Kimberly. | ||
| kimberly
Junior Username: kimberly Post Number: 23 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hi Olie, Thank you. I've only recently become aware of Jeff and am absolutely amazed at his skills and talent. The guy's a real monster. ;) On an interesting note, with all my background/experience I've only played with right handed players, so I'm used to seeing the 'haps' as everyone else does. When I see a lefty, they're backwards and if they're upside down like me, I don't even have a little clue as to what they're doing. Such is the case with Jeff. His playing to me, looks like my playing to you. Crazy huh? :D Back to the interest/topic. Actually at this point, I really don't have any interest in pursuing a higher register (piccolo) other than the high C string I'm thinking about, or any of the alternate tunings as he and others do. In spite of my personal direction, as with yourself 'deep down' ;) inside I'm more of a traditionalist type bassist. It's only within the last maybe four or five months I've started delving into the path I'm currently on. Maybe sometime down the road this will change, but for now I'm quite pleased with how things are working out. I do appreciate the heads up and thought. Thank you again. Best Regards, Kimberly | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 799 Registered: 11-2004 |
LOOPER 101 QUESTIONS, HERE. Kimberly, I suppose this is not really a thread hijack since you are probably one of the main people I can think of who would have some input. Also looper use seems pretty key to what you are doing. I am asking here because I don't think I need to put another new thread on the Misc list. Besides, a lot of people seem to be following this thread. After watching your performances I am now interested in using a looper. (Thanks) I want to do my homework and get the right one the first go-round. I'm looking mainly at the Boss RC20 and the Digitech Jam-man although I'm open to others if they will do what I need. I guess they all will do a handful of layers and have quite a few drum tracks to pick from. I like to start with a drum beat and later on in the "jam" change up the feel a little. Will these units let you add a little bit to the one you start with or do you have to pick a new preset drum track and hope that it sounds like a subtle change? Can you start with one basic beat and add, for example, a snare lick or ride cymbal lick? What are any other questions that I don't know enough to ask? Anyone who uses a looper please jump in. Thanks, Rich | ||
| kimberly
Junior Username: kimberly Post Number: 25 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hi Rich and all who read this. I don't consider this a hijack and am most willing to offer all I can about loopers. Fact of the matter is I'm quite flattered, thank you. Standard disclaimer - Individual needs, results, etc. will vary. Works for me. ;) I looked at the Digitech and for a reason I can't quantify or even remember (a year ago this month), just didn't get the 'warm fuzzy' even though with the memory card the record time was far far superior. For a point of reference, I'd never used or owned a Digitech or Boss/Roland product before. Anyway, I can only speak about the Boss. I had the XL-20 before the RC-50 came out and returned it (30 day try it out trial period) *only because* I became aware pretty quickly it didn't have enough memory for my needs. I still didn't 'change brands' and go to the Digitech and again I couldn't quantify why other than just lack of the warm fuzzy. Thus the RC-50 which has met all my needs to date and which I'm happy with after about eight months now. The Boss comes with 99 'drum tracks' which sound just fine, though some do sound kinda 'tinny'. Overall the drum sounds sound good and work well. Modifying them is the weakness, as the individual tracks are *not* editable. Once you start you're committed to what's available. It is possible to change 'on the fly' but...here's a problem. The drum tracks are selected with a rotary knob and while I can work the rotary volume knobs in my stocking feet, it would be much more difficult to do with the drums, as it's a 'detent/click' selector. So for me, it's a 'hands on' operation/function. The drum tracks located right next to each other are of the same 'basic feel/groove/genre', which could make changing feel on the fly easy, but if you want to select a beat that is multi clicks away on the drum track selector (the shuffle comes to mind with about six or so choices), you *have to click through however many there are from your first drum track to the one you end up on* and that can be a problem. Matter of fact, while it can probably be done, I've never even considered it, as it just doesn't seem viable because you will have that 'burp' of different drum track sounds as you spin the knob. Maybe only a seconds worth, but it would be rather obvious. It does keep the same time/tempo, so you'd stay in time, but still...just not for me. One option you do have to 'modify' the beat, is to add sounds, "snare lick/ride cymbal", in advance and then with the RC-50, you can turn those phrases on and off via the foot operated switches (three phrase selections available, each capable of recording and playing multiple parts). The downside of this approach though is two fold. One, it's not live and two is if you want to add, say for example in a twelve bar blues a single crash at the fifth measure, you have to use the full twelve measures worth of time to keep it in sync which 'eats memory'. One more thing to be aware of is you can 'bury' your first loop when adding more parts on top if you're not careful. This was on both the XL-20 and the RC-50. The more parts you add, the more the first ones become buried. I compensate for this by playing harder on the first one and lighter on subsequent parts. Or you can use your volume control and make the first hotter and the following ones lighter. It's easier for me to compensate with my fingers and attack. The RC-50 with it's three phrase selections, each with individual volumes, kind of addresses this, as I can start on one phrase and then switch to another for additional parts which maintains the original volume of the first part. Another issue is what I call 'time warp'. It's shocking how time will fly when you start playing with a looper. One idea leads to another, which leads to another, which leads to... ;) In this instance, the above paragraph is moot, as it can be a good thing to have your loops become buried and newer ones evolve into something completely different then what you started out with. I kid you not, you can lose hours and I've even heard of people being lost for days. ;) I hope all this makes sense. Please feel free to ask for any clarification or any other questions you may come up with. I'm happy to help as best I can. Best Regards, Kimberly (taking a break to walk around and stretch) PS. I just remembered to mention this. It seems to me someone, and I think it was on this board, said they used to work for Digitech as a tech and even though they had an employee discount on products, they never bought a single item. I *think* I remember reading this. Search for Digitech? ;) | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 800 Registered: 11-2004 |
Kimberly, Thank you. Just to clarify one point you made. It sounds like you do not have the ability to independently adjust the volume of the different layers. Right? Here's another thing I forgot to ask. The different loopers I read about mention several minutes of memory. Let's say I lay down the drums, bass, and rhythm tracks for a 30 second loop of each. I assume this takes up only 1 1/2 minutes of time no matter how many times I repeat he loop, right? Thanks, for the info. The main reason I am considering Digitech is that I read that Victor Wooten uses one. Generally, I think, when top pros use something they must feel that it is the best. Personally, I know nothing about Digitech. In about a month I will be near some music stores (yes, I live in the boonies) where I can try some boxes. I'm hoping to have my homework done by then so I can make the best use of my time in the stores. Rich | ||
| kimberly
Junior Username: kimberly Post Number: 27 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hi Rich, You''re very welcome. You are right that you do not have the ability to independently adjust the volume of the individual/different layers in a single phrase. For example, using the RC-50's three phrases, you can only adjust the phrase volumes with each other, not the parts/layers on/in each phrase. With the XL-20 I had previously, you could only adjust the overall/'master' volume for all parts/layers together, as it only has a single phrase. You are also correct in saying three 30 second parts use 1 1/2 minutes of loop time no matter how many times you repeat it. Good plan to do your research in advance, to 'maximize' your time in store and as well, to not 'get caught up in the moment' and suffer buyers remorse after the fact. I hate it when that happens. Happy to help. Bestest, Kimberly | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 801 Registered: 11-2004 |
Kimberly, Thanks again. I'm not sure I understand. Tell me if this is correct. It sounds like several layers can make up a phrase. As you add layers to a phrase the relative volumes of the layers are set. (Can you delete a layer because it is too loud or soft and re-record it on the same phrase or do you have to start over and build the phrase from scratch?) You can set up several phrases. You can play one or all of the phrases at the same time. You can stomp on or off the different phrases to add to or take away from the overall sound. Does the RC20 have most of these features? I was kind of hoping that I could get a suitable looper in the $200 - $250 range. I think the RC50 is more like $500, right? When I'm around a guitar store I usually have the wife and kids with me. It doesn't take long before it's "can we go now"? I need to not waste a lot of time when I'm in that situation. Rather than buy before I know what I want I just pass on a purchase until I can thoroughly research it. That usually means waiting for a few months. Living in the boonies does have its pains in the butt. Rich | ||
| kimberly
Junior Username: kimberly Post Number: 29 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hi Rich, Okie dokie and here we go. Answers... Yep, each part is a layer. A phrase is made up of parts/layers. Layer volumes are set via instrument and looper input gain on a general level and finger 'attack' on a minor adjustment level. Phrase volume is set by looper output and amplifier settings. A layer can be deleted due to a mistake, or incorrect volume, or even just because you don't like it via the 'handy dandy' "Undo/Redo" function on both the RC-20 and RC-50. This feature is good for only the last layer you ummm...'lay down'. For example, if you make a five layer phrase and 'blow' layer five, you can redo layer five. If you lay down layer five and like layer five, but are then dissatisfied with layer four, or three, or two, or one for that matter, you're stuck with it. Then you would have to rebuild from scratch. To summarize, you can only redo the last layer you 'lay down' on both the RC-20 and RC-50. You can set up/lay down *only one phrase* at a time on the RC-20. You can have multiple phrases by saving them, but you can only 'call up' one phrase at a time (similar to songs on a CD, one song at a time). Blather... The above is a pretty good analogy by the way (CD songs) and how I approach my 'stuff'. I have a setting for rhythm and tempo saved to a song title. Then when I play, I select the song I want, fire it up and begin layering down with my bad self. ;) The RC-50 allows text input to title your phrases. The RC-20 only saves your phrases to a numbered bank. In other words, you have to remember what song number one is and what song number two is etc with the RC-20. The RC-50 is also different from the RC-20 because it has three phrase capability. In this instance you can play all three at once, or in combination like phrase one and phrase two, or phrase one and phrase three, or phrase two and phrase three, as you see fit and what meets your need/application for the tune. (Remembering of course, each phrase can have multiple parts/layers.) Sooo... The RC-20 has only one phrase at a time and is about half the price of the RC-50. The RC-50 has up to three phrases at a time and costs about $500. They both have the 'handy dandy' "Redo/Undo" feature. The RC-50 is stereo with almost double the record time of the RC-20. This time can also be extended by running it in mono instead of stereo, which doubles the record time (40 something minutes iirc). The RC-20 is mono. The RC-50 allows text input. The RC-20 doesn't support text input. I think this covers everything. If not, I'll be around and try to clean this up some more. I hope it's getting closer to what type of information you're looking for. As an aside, have you considered ordering from an online store being as how you live in the booinies? Delivery to your door and usually 30 days to try it out. A lot of online stores also have discounts on equipment that has been ordered and returned for various reasons such as, someone finds it doesn't meet their needs and they return it in like new condition. I mentioned earlier I initially had the RC-20XL. I returned it when I found it didn't meet my needs and upgraded to the RC-50 no questions. I got my synth as a return from someone who found it didn't meet their needs. I think it was about a 10% discount. Something to think about. Nuff for this one. Time to stretch again. Have you figured out I'm a yakker yet? ;) Bestest, Kimberly | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 802 Registered: 11-2004 |
Kimberly, The looper picture is starting to come into focus. That is a good idea about buying online with the return option. I'll check into it. I buy online some but I always know exactly what I want. The whole looper idea is brand new to me. Seeing your videos has made clear a whole new way to get back into performing more regularly. I play a bit with some really good musicians and do real gigs about as often as I want to. However most of the "clubs" in town do open mikes rather than jam sessions. So backing up people would be rather limited unless we worked it out ahead of time. In your videos I see something I could do solo. I suppose you would see this more as a compliment rather than a rip-off. LOL Yakker? I hadn't noticed. I see it more as the experienced sage than as Mahatma Ramble-on-anand. LOL Rich | ||
| kimberly
Junior Username: kimberly Post Number: 32 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hi Rich. I'm glad I've been able to 'enlighten' you. ;) And you're absolutely right, I take your interest/inspiration as a high compliment rather than a rip-off, for which I truly thank you. Helping others has always been one of the most gratifying things I've done and do with my life. It's the payback for me to see that 'light' in ones eyes when the pieces come together to form a picture. Yeah, I can dig it. Thanks. Peace, Kimberly PS. I *might* be making a road trip through CO in a couple/few weeks on my way to do some gigging down Louisiana way. Jam? | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 803 Registered: 11-2004 |
Kimberly, Jam? Absolutely. I have a few really good jam buddies around here. Let me know when you are coming through. Drop me an e-mail and we'll figure out a day that would work for both of us. Pretty full schedule here most of the time but not so full that we couldn't work up a jam session. March 2-4 is out though. I'll be out of state. Rich | ||
| kimberly
Junior Username: kimberly Post Number: 35 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hi Rich, Sorry for the delayed response, as I'm still trying to work the details. Departure is either late the 24th, or early the 25th. Route planning is based on weather conditions. So, generally speaking, what part of the state do you live in? I know a guitarist in Grand Junction that I'd like to see. Course if I take the southern route, CO is moot. I don't know, I just don't know... I'll keep you posted. ;) Kimberly | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 805 Registered: 11-2004 |
Kimberly, as you may know, it's impossible to plan around the weather more than a few days away especially in CO this time of year. I live in NW Colorado. I would like to see your gig if I can. We'll see what happens. Rich | ||
| kimberly
Junior Username: kimberly Post Number: 41 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hi Everybody. I'm just trying to do a little catch up, as life has been keeping me pretty busy of late. I also see this as an opportunity to take a break and have a little fun before reality strikes again. My road trip has been delayed by about three weeks. We've entertained the idea of downsizing for quite some time and thought this would be a good time to 'test the waters' and see what kind of response we would get with putting our house on the market. Before it even listed friends made us an offer we couldn't refuse and so we've until the end of the month to find a different place to live, not to mention preparing for the move. Needless to say, I've packed quite a few boxes during the last week. With the decision to rent there's no pressure to find a replacement house as of yet, so on the plus side when all is ready for the movers, I'm southward bound. Another positive is having some time every now and then to continue 'polishing' some of my material. Here's a link to my latest version of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow'. It's only a couple of days worth of 'messing around' and will undoubtedly continue to evolve, as I'm already combining different 'sections' from the first version with some of this one. It's already different from when I captured the video last night. Evolution. Sweet. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nY7KOreLnqo With another break or so, I'll see about a video of George Benson's Breezin'. It's translated surprisingly well to the bass with four loops and one synth voice. It's also gotten a lot of attention as I'm sure you can imagine. Something about a chick bass player playing 'jazz guitar' and a synth flute while wildly looping away with seemingly little care in the world. I love it. Rich - My route is still uncertain, not to mention any specific dates, though I think it highly unlikely I'll make through your part of the country based on what I've seen of current weather conditions. Of course a lot an happen in several weeks, so anything's possible. Maybe on the return trip, if not this time. Also due to the aforementioned weather conditions, I'm likely going to take the longer southern route which will take me past the general vicinity of the mother ship. I'll be in touch when I have more specifics. A tour would be very cool, not to mention the possibility of playing some other instruments. And putting some faces to voices over the phone and from typed communications. Priceless. Life is hectic but good. Best Regards, Kimberly | ||
| lowlife
Advanced Member Username: lowlife Post Number: 260 Registered: 12-2003 |
The harmonics and their overtones are very pleasing to listen to; I'm impressed. I've never been able to figure out how to play with harmonics; guess I'm just an old Funkasaurus (endangered, but not extinct) . Nice piece of work. Ellery (Lowlife) | ||
| kimberly
Junior Username: kimberly Post Number: 43 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hi Ellery, Thank you very much, I appreciate the compliment. It's interesting timing, as just last night I caught a segment of Jaco's "Modern Electric Bass" DVD and he was talking about harmonics. It all started for him when he noticed a guitarist using harmonics to tune. As we all know that then led to his development of one of his 'signature trade marks' with his ground breaking 'WTF is he doing' style. ;) Truly, if you tune with the 5th and 7th fret harmonics, you have some serious harmonic fundamentals quite literally right at your fingertips. ;) For example, when using the 5th fret harmonic on your E string and 7th fret harmonic on your A string to tune your E string. If you hit the 7th fret harmonic on the A string and then fret the 8th fret (a 'C' note) on the E string, you have a fretted C root with a major third harmonic. Add an open G string 5th fret harmonic (a 'G' note) and you then have a fretted C root with a major 3rd and 5th (actually it's a 2 octave higher G, a 24th?) harmonics. Anyway, in other words a basic C chord. I'm able to 'reach' this configuration of notes by first hitting my 5th fret open G string 'G' harmonic letting it 'sing and ring'. I then hit the 7th fret open A string harmonic, letting it also 'sing and ring', then hit my fretted C root on the E string 8th fret, or reverse order. Either way there you have it, a basic C chord with the C root, E note major third and G note fifth. Something else. I realize I've made the assumption you use 5th and 7th fret harmonics to tune. Not a good thing to do to assume. Let me digress. For example, on the 12th fret of any string (easy harmonics) ;). You play the harmonic by placing your finger literally directly over the fret. Don't fret it, just apply a bit of pressure as when you're muting. Strike the string and quickly remove your finger so as to not deaden the harmonic note. If you do it right, it will 'ring and sing'. If not, it'll just go 'thud'. I hope you don't think this presumptuous of me to 'give a lesson'. I'm a just a giver and like to help. If you try this and find it's not as difficult as you've maybe thought it was, from there just begin to 'experiment' and determine the note names of the harmonics you can find and play. Once you have the names, it's much easier to understand what's happening and be able to start building chords. (A hint is to use the 5th, 7th and 12 frets to start) ;) Gahhhh...I talk too much, gotta go! Lol! Regards, Kimberly | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 4833 Registered: 5-2002 |
Very nice!! | ||
| lowlife
Advanced Member Username: lowlife Post Number: 261 Registered: 12-2003 |
Thanks for the lesson, and I didn't find it presumptuous at all. But you are right in that I don't tune with the 5th and 7th fret harmonics. I use either an 'A' tuning fork and with the A-string in tune "press" on the 5th and 7th space to get the upper/lower octave of the next string to be tuned. Or the lazy way, of using one of 3 different digital tuners (LOL). I'm going the experiment with the harmonics this morning. Everything will be dependant upon the frustration level. Ellery (Lowlife) | ||
| kimberly
Junior Username: kimberly Post Number: 46 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hi Everybody. Thanks Dave, I'm glad you enjoyed. Ellery, you're most welcome for the 'lesson'. By now I would think you're happily making harmonics, or strugglin' and cursing the day I was born, or considering giving your basses away. Just for the record, I'd be happy to take them off your hands. ;) Truly I wish you the best, for if you persevere you can attain and will enjoy success. As Victor Wooten said on the Bass Day 98 DVD, "It's just a matter of coordination". Everyone laughed out loud. Easy for him to say eh? Seriously, just take your time and work it incrementally. Kind of like the question, "How do you eat an elephant?" Answer, "One bite at a time." On another 'note'. ;D I was up early and ran Breezin for the record. No harmonics, but still pretty durn cool if I do say so myself. For your viewing and listening enjoyment. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8tTZt8djKw Best Regards, Kimberly | ||
| kimberly
Junior Username: kimberly Post Number: 50 Registered: 1-2007 |
To those who are interested in looping. On Breezin' I'm doing something different from my other looping material. Basically I'm switching the 3rd and 4th loops on and off, to differentiate between the 'A' and 'B' sections of the tune. I'm able to do this on the Boss RC-50 due to it's having different phrases to record on to. Phrase one starts with the 'A' section 'guitar' rhythm followed by the bass line. Phrase two has the 'B' section 'guitar' rhythm doubled with the synth flute. When I start my 'guitar' solo section, I turn phrase two off to keep it 'cleaner' and just run the phrase one 'A' section parts. Then when coming out, I'll restart the phrase two 'B' section to fatten it up again. Same with the synth flute solo section. Though there are sections where I'm going 'full blast' with everything happening at once, at least initially I use the dynamics aspect of adding and subtracting the 'B' section to make the changes more obvious to the listener. I find it more interesting for myself as well. Just for informational purposes, to those who are interested in looping. Also, I don't work for Roland or Boss. I just use their gear. Regards, Kimberly PS. To those who note I don't do the 'kicks'. You're right, I don't. Maybe I'll get around to incorporating them, but for now I'm having too much fun. In the immortal words of some unknown soul from some unknown period, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." ;) PPS. There is another part I do, though as with this time and most times, I forget to do it. Maybe next time. It's that evolution thing again. | ||
| lowlife
Advanced Member Username: lowlife Post Number: 262 Registered: 12-2003 |
If I never try, I'll never know. Kimberly, thanks for the butt-kick. Okay, if the truth be known, the curses I muttered cannot be posted hear as this is a respectable forum, but now at least I know how to tune harmonically. The beat interval (if that's what it's called) is much easier to hear with the harmonics. Ha ha, the old dog learned a new trick. Now, I have to figure out how to apply this new trick to slapping. And now that my ears have become sensitive to these sounds, this may account for some of the ghost-notes that I hear when I'm listening to Bootsy Collins (as I'm doing right now); I'm hearing more than just a percussive non-note. Bootzilla rocks! Obviously, more to follow... Ellery (Lowlife) | ||
| kimberly
Member Username: kimberly Post Number: 52 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hey Ellery, You're most welcome. Anytime you need a butt-kick, feel free to 'give a holler'. ;) I'm glad to hear you've made some progress and frankly, this makes me smile. How cool it is to teach an "old dog" ;) a new trick. Sweet. For future reference, one of these days you might want to check out Steve Bailey. His harmonics 'style' is different, in as that he's fretting his harmonics compared to my 'open string' technique. Honestly, his technique is much more flexible, though much much more advanced. Could you apply it to something you do? Maybe, maybe not. Only you and the Shadow know for sure. ;) Best Regards, Kimberly PS. Truly, you've made my day. Thanks. | ||
| chuck
Member Username: chuck Post Number: 79 Registered: 3-2005 |
Loved the Geo. Benson number Kimberly.Your mastery of your instrument is exeptional, better than my spelling. Chuck | ||
| lowlife
Advanced Member Username: lowlife Post Number: 264 Registered: 12-2003 |
Hey Kimberly, Apparently your cat likes the groove also. He/she got into it's bed at the very beginning, turned around to face the camera (smart cat) and then proceeded to chill. If only human audiences were as polite (LOL). And the kitty's name is? Ellery (Lowlife) | ||
| kimberly
Member Username: kimberly Post Number: 54 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hey Everybody, Hi Chuck, I appreciate your compliment and am glad you enjoyed my material. It's nice to get the affirmation of 'doin' good'. Hi Ellery, Funny you should mention my cat, as he's a 'star' in not only my video, but also the newsletter I sent out yesterday. Here's the extract. Begin. "Hi Everybody. The link for the alluded to Breezin' cover by yours truly, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8tTZt8djKw After a restless night, I awoke in the early AM and knocked this out. Not too bad for the second take and no warmup. As well, let me draw your attention to a surprise visit from a very special guest 'Phred' seen making his entrance and making himself comfortable in the lower left of your screen. Phred's the one that curls up at my feet when I'm playing Rainbow. Though lacking in the olfactory arena, he obviously has a highly developed sense of very good taste. ;) Indisputably one of my greatest fans. What? Yes Phred, I'm going to give you the Pounce as promised and yes, it's double for doing such a fine job of looking so contented as I played. Sheesh, try to get decent help these days..." End extract. ;) Best Regards, Kimberly <--(funny girl) ;) | ||
| to_81_0190
Junior Username: to_81_0190 Post Number: 46 Registered: 5-2006 |
Hi Kimberly, I enjoyed Breezin' not only your play but also a cat behind you. Cute! Toshiaki | ||
| kimberly
Member Username: kimberly Post Number: 58 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hi Toshiaki, Thank you very much, I'm glad you enjoyed my playing and my cat Phred (pronounced Fred). He's really quite the character and truly a music lover. I remember listening to a YouTube video of Somewhere Over the Rainbow for inspiration and research purposes and him looking 'puzzled' as he looked at the speakers and then at me as if wondering how come 'my song' was playing and I wasn't. It's also interesting that before I started playing Rainbow, he seemed to be a pretty typical cat and rather indifferent to any music. Rainbow no doubt has 'struck a chord' with him. Soothing I'd say as he mellows out and makes himself comfortable, as you've noticed. ;) It's pretty neat to see the 'old expression' "Music hath charms that sooth the savage beast" in action. By the way, 'beast' is misquote according to a google search I just made on the quote, but it works for me. Anyway, it just goes to show you can learn something new everday. Brings to mind I'm working on 'Here, There and Everywhere' by the Beatles for my next song. I'm doing it in G to allow more harmonics to be used. I'll keep everyone posted, though it's getting pretty hectic with packing, finding a new place to live and getting ready for a three month road trip. Life is good though. Thank you again Toshiaki. Best Regards, Kimberly | ||
| kimberly
Member Username: kimberly Post Number: 60 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hi Everybody. In my 'copious amounts of spare time', I've uploaded another video to YouTube. This one is entitled 'SaW' with a cryptic alluding to it's roots, but not it's real title. Only Alembic club members (and the rest of the world that may read this public domain message) have the clue that the title of 'SaW' is the initials of the original song title. For your viewing and listening pleasure. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95a1BxXWkUE Departure time for my trip is now firmed up for the 19th, so I'm soon off for several months traveling 'round. My intent is to capture as much video as possible, for not only my personal 'historical record' but with any luck (more likely a lot of luck) I'll be able to 'score' ;) some decent promo material from it. If not, it'll still be fun to have as if for nothing else I can have fun doing the, 'Hey you want to see my vacation videos?' to whomever may come visiting. ;) If I don't post between now and departure, best wishes to all. Best Regards, Kimberly | ||
| dadabass2001
Senior Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 761 Registered: 6-2002 |
Have a safe and enjoyable road trip. (I think the walrus would approve) Mike | ||
| kimberly
Member Username: kimberly Post Number: 61 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hi Mike. Thank you very much. Kimberly <---who's not as cryptic as she thought she was. ;) | ||
| paulman
Advanced Member Username: paulman Post Number: 223 Registered: 2-2005 |
Wow, very nice Kimberly! I'm missing part of my right middle finger, and I use the stump with nail still growing out of it for alternate picking with my regular guitar pick. Dad is missing half his right thumb from a circular saw accident, but he still plays the banjo (he custom makes his own thumb picks). Love what you're doing, and I agree doing your own stuff is way more rewarding than playing covers. Welcome (belatedly) to the club darlin'. Oh and question, how do you like the Bass Synth pickup? I've been trying to convince my bass player to try it, but he's hesitant to 'cos of the tracking issue with the bass synth pickups of the past. (Message edited by paulman on March 16, 2007) | ||
| chuck
Member Username: chuck Post Number: 88 Registered: 3-2005 |
With you on the road whatever will become of poor little Phread ? Chuck. P.O.W. Fight crime,Shoot back. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 4875 Registered: 5-2002 |
The new tune is cool! | ||
| lowlife
Advanced Member Username: lowlife Post Number: 266 Registered: 12-2003 |
I like the tune; funky. Where's Phred? Ellery (Lowlife) | ||
| kimberly
Member Username: kimberly Post Number: 62 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hi Everybody. I 'got lucky' and found an RV park in Holbrook AZ, on day five and a half of my road trip to Louisiana. A lost day with electrical problems and a very well spent half day at Alembic, here I am 1800 miles and counting away from home. Paul - Thank you for the welcome and as with I, it sounds like both you and your father have adapted quite well to our "truncated digits" 'condition'. Sweet To answer your question about the midi PU. I've only the last 7-8 months of experience to draw upon and it's only with the Roland GK3B PU. I've 'heard' it's better than the previous ones, but have no details to 'wax poetic'. I've also heard that the way to go is with the saddle piezo types. This makes sense as it would seem to be more 'real time' with response. Regardless, the general consensus is that each new generation midi/PU is better than the previous one. To me and anyone else that decides to go this route, there is a learning curve based upon modifying individual technique. Fingering both fretting and plucking require attention to make the notes 'sing'. Latency is a larger issue to me than tracking. The bottom line is, it can be done if one is willing to make the commitment of time and practice to learn their instrument, as truly that's what adding a synth is, a new instrument. I found out early on not only did I have to modify my technique, I had to 'learn' how to 'play' sax and trumpet, piano and organ, horn section, percussion etc. If you 'play bass', it just doesn't sound right. If he does go this route be forewarned it's tough initially but it does get better. It just takes time. If it's purely for effects and sounds, I've 'heard' the Roland V-Bass, which has the midi PU system, is much more user friendly for tracking. A completely different 'critter'. ;) Hope this helps and best of luck. Nice to meet you. Chuck - Phred sends his regards. ;) He's quite happy exploring his new domain i.e. house we're moving into and as typical of a cat, can't be bothered with something as mundane as a three month road trip. Go figure. ;) Dave - Thank you very much. I guess you probably recognized it? I was reading your Gigs thread about Montfort Park and not only 'SaW' it mentioned, but heard it when I followed a link. Ellery - Thank you very much. How's the harmonics coming? ;) Phred's just fine (see above to Chuck) and who knows, maybe next time he'll a come a travelin'. Nuff for now. Apologies for typos and any scattered thoughts, but the road's a callin' and I heading off to points east. Best Regards, Kimberly | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 2231 Registered: 7-2004 |
Kimberly: Good luck and enjoy the road. Car trips are always my favorite mode of transportation over distance. It was a blast walking into Alembic the other day and finding you camped out in the showroom. It's always fun to meet in person after first meeting on the site. Bill, tgo | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1202 Registered: 2-2006 |
Be safe and have fun on the road Kimberly. We do a road trip about 3 times a year but its usually on a M/C. I love the road. Bill, that just ain't fair man, you livin' so close to Alembic that you can just pop in at will. | ||
| kimberly
Member Username: kimberly Post Number: 63 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hi Bill, And a pleasure it was to meet you also. It's amazing to me how one can come 'to know' someone via the internet and upon meeting in person feel such an 'automatic camaraderie' for lack of better words at the moment. Maybe next time through, when I won't be so 'schedule driven', we can plan a get together and do some jamming. In reference to traveling by car. It's rather interesting with perspective in looking back over the years. Back 'in the day' I'd throw my gear in a car, then as time went by a truck, then a van. Here I am 25-30 years later in a 38ft diesel pusher motorhome enjoying most of the comforts of home and certainly all the basics. Progress in a positive direction no doubt, though it has it's challenges. So far I've been dead on the road once and had to troubleshoot and 'fab' a repair to an electrical problem to get going again. Just this morning I 'refabbed' my repair so now I don't have to hop out of the rig and open the hood to 'jump' a relay and then run back inside to turn the key to start it. Shutting it down was the reverse, turning the key off and then running outside, opening the hood and then 'unjump' the relay. Now I can turn the relay off and on from the comfort of being inside. In rereading I call this progress. Lol! Anyway, I'm sure it was humorous to the observer to see me running around like I was. ;) And being as how this Wifi is so darned slow, I'm hijacking this message and amending my previous. I 'got lucky' and found an RV park with WiFi, thus my ability to post remotely so to speak. Olie - Nice to see you. Maybe we can get together sometime as I won't be too very far away. Hmmm...maybe time for another Dallas area Alembic gathering? Hmmm...Maybe on my way back another California Alembic get together... Hmmmm... ;) And with that, as 'they' say in the southwest, "adious". Best Regards, Kimberly | ||
| bracheen
Senior Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 1181 Registered: 11-2003 |
They might say that in southwest France. Maybe you're thinking of adios? Have a safe trip and shout if you wander into Florida. Sam | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1204 Registered: 2-2006 |
Not sure what it means in France but in espanol. ad·i·os [ àddee ṓss, dee ṓss ] interjection Definition:goodbye: used to say goodbye ( informal ) [Mid-19th century. < Spanish, "(I commend you) to God"] Either way have fun, not too much fun though, Kimberly. | ||
| kimberly
Member Username: kimberly Post Number: 65 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hi Guys, Sheesh...ummm...I think I need new glasses. ;) Thanks. Kimberly | ||
| bracheen
Senior Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 1182 Registered: 11-2003 |
You and me both. I was thinking "adieu". oops | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1216 Registered: 2-2006 |
Hi Kimberly, if you do get close to the Dallas area pleas let me know. Another DFW gathering would be cool. | ||
| kimberly
Member Username: kimberly Post Number: 70 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hi Olie, I'd love to get together with the Dallas guys. So far though the only gig I see coming up that's 'out of town' is in April and going to be in central Louisiana. Of course the ways things change here I could be anywhere a week from now. How about trying to put one together and I'll work my schedule around it? I'll be in this part of the country until the end of June (at this point in time). Enough time to work it? I'll keep an eye out to see what develops. Bestest, Kimberly | ||
| marmel
New Username: marmel Post Number: 2 Registered: 5-2007 |
so sorry kim!! I didn't realize I was stepping on your string. please forgive me! | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 5043 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hi Mark; I've moved your introductory post to a thread of it's own in this Introductions section of the board. | ||
| kimberly
Member Username: kimberly Post Number: 81 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hi Mark. Not a problem at all. Welcome aboard. Dave - Thanks. Kimberly | ||
| zach
Junior Username: zach Post Number: 21 Registered: 4-2007 |
Hi Kim I must say scrolling down this topic it has the highest smiley density I have every seen, its fantastic. Oh yeah, and great bass playing! Zach | ||
| kimberly
Member Username: kimberly Post Number: 85 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hi Zach. Thank you. Kimberly - ;) |
