| Author | Message | ||
| funkyjazzjunky
Advanced Member Username: funkyjazzjunky Post Number: 362 Registered: 5-2007 |
I now play 6 string basses. It is too difficult for me to try to switch back between 4 and 6 strings so I sold all of my 4 strings. To my four-string playing brothers; how do you cope without the Low-B? It seems intuitive to have a facility to go ‘deep’ on the instrument dedicated to the lower frequencies. (The High-C is a bonus) Why limit ourselves to 4 strings? | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 965 Registered: 3-2004 |
Personally I use 4-5-6-7-8-12 and soon (well hopefully soon) 10 string basses. I know that some feel that they have not yet explored the 4 to their satisfaction but I was always drawn to the lower end of the spectrum. In high school I played tuba, sousa and contrabass clarinet before picking up the bass. When I heard a five and then 6 string bass I had a 6 built in 86 and got it in 87. But I still ply my 83 Spoiler 4 and it never fails to bring me joy. | ||
| white_cloud
Senior Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 625 Registered: 11-2007 |
I played six string for a while ( a Tobias fretless ) but really never enjoyed it as much as four string. I guess it depends what type of music you are playing. I also played five string for a long time during the eighties, I enjoyed it and admitedly found the low B to be very useful. In the end I moved back to four string - why? I dont really know...it just works best for me and the styles of music I play. I was always more than able to express myself with a four string adequitely. The only limits are the limits that you set for yourself, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12 - if it feels right for you then its right! John. | ||
| kungfusheriff
Senior Member Username: kungfusheriff Post Number: 806 Registered: 8-2003 |
I've always found that the material you are playing will dictate which instrument you should use. | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 2147 Registered: 2-2006 |
I play 4,5,6 and 8 fretted mostly but fretless some. I prefer 4 when playing funk or any slap for that matter. For most other styles I like my 5 string basses. I don't use the notes lower than E that often, I use the 5 string basses for the easier hand position when playing say playing in the KEY of F. I currently don't have any 6's but I do like the high "C". OO OO | ||
| briant
Advanced Member Username: briant Post Number: 270 Registered: 12-2004 |
"I've always found that the material you are playing will dictate which instrument you should use." You have seen the light. :-) | ||
| byoung
Senior Member Username: byoung Post Number: 1187 Registered: 12-2004 |
And it dictates my 6-string Alembic.  | ||
| flaxattack
Senior Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 2185 Registered: 4-2004 |
great question i played 4 strings for 30 yrs and moved to a five about 7 yrs ago. i cannot for the life of me remember that my low b is not there when i did pick up a 4 string. either i think its a b or i finger the e string like its the b. i saw lesh switch back and forth and for me- i cant do it. its a shame cause i constantly f up on the classico | ||
| dnburgess
Senior Member Username: dnburgess Post Number: 591 Registered: 1-2003 |
I enjoy playing a 4 string, I like the narrower neck and lower weight. Also I still feel my bass is so much better than me - i.e. I don't play to its potential - that I don't feel constrained at all. And so much great music has been created or played on a 4 that it will take me more than one lifetime to explore. | ||
| dnburgess
Senior Member Username: dnburgess Post Number: 592 Registered: 1-2003 |
Steve Hunter, Australia's finest fusion player, switched back to a 4 after many years. He said that the low B always seemed to have a different character to the other strings and that bugged him. | ||
| eligilam
Intermediate Member Username: eligilam Post Number: 158 Registered: 2-2006 |
Here's what I love: playing all day or night on my 7-string, and then picking up one of my four-stringers and playing it...the sudden change makes me feel like Godzilla on the streets of Tokyo. Awesome, godlike feeling. | ||
| willgunn
Junior Username: willgunn Post Number: 30 Registered: 2-2007 |
Back in 1992, I was hired for a music project that required me to play in the sub-E range occasionally, so I acquired my first 5-string (a Carvin) out of necessity. But before long, I realized I was utilizing the "B" string to play the notes previously played on the "E" string for the most part (i.e. simply playing "5 frets up" the neck), and enjoying the meaty, consistent tone it provided (I'm an "old school/pocket" sort of player); and rarely, if ever, even touching the "G" string any more! Still - even after acquiring 2 Custom Alembic 5's - I hesitated taking the step I'd been REALLY fantasizing about: a 4-string tuned B-E-A-D. Well, a year ago, I finally did it: a highly customized "Essence" (with "Elan" electronics)...and I haven't looked back! Everything I need and want, and nothing I don't! | ||
| kilowatt
Member Username: kilowatt Post Number: 98 Registered: 12-2004 |
I started out on a 4 string, but decided to try out a 5 string after many years. I played the 5 string (a Q5 Modulus) at a benefit show for a friend who passed away the day after I got it. It was sort of a trial by fire. I really enjoyed the added flexibility and the low b fit in well with the type of music we play. Now when I pick up a 4 sting, I almost have to rethink what I am going to play. The 5 string has become my main bass (Thunder & Lightning) and I rarely play my 4's. Pete | ||
| ulf
Junior Username: ulf Post Number: 45 Registered: 5-2008 |
I'm already happy if I can play 4 strings... never need the Low-B.... I would be happy to be able to play like Jaco with 4 Stings...(or Stanley..or Tom...) | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1363 Registered: 6-2002 |
I much prefer to play a 4 string bass and most of the gigs I've been playing on bass in recent years have been set up by me so I tend to choose music that doesn't require more than four strings. But occasionally it happens that I need to go lower than E so then the 5 string comes out and i use that for the whole gig rather than take two basses. Jazzyvee | ||
| jet_powers
Senior Member Username: jet_powers Post Number: 433 Registered: 2-2003 |
I like playing my 5 string as it allows me to suck 25% more! -JP | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 2149 Registered: 2-2006 |
LOL, Thanks JP I needed a good laugh this morning. OO | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1623 Registered: 10-2003 |
I played a 5-string German upright bass for a couple of years in the local university's orchestra before having my Alembic built. Roger Spencer, then a studio guy in L.A. on upright and electric, tried talking me into a 5-string electric (citing JJ), but I couldn't conceive ever needing that much bottom with an electric (and of course Chris Squire and JE got by just fine with 4 strings). 5 years later, I succumbed (after spending some quality time with a Chapman Stick) and had a 5-string Jazz Bass built, and tuned all my 4-strings down a 4th for about a decade. In 2002 I picked up a bargain Conklin 7-string, which I dubbed "The Tendonitis Machine" for what it did to my wrists when I played it for more than a couple sets. I found that I only really used the bottom 5 strings and the additional treble strings just made me do more mental gymnastics and play some interesting unintentional harmonic variations. Now, interestingly enough, I most enjoy playing 4-strings and only miss that 5th string occasionally. For me, I suppose it's a cycle of challenges that dictate what I enjoy. As much as I enjoy playing 4-strings, I can see at some point migrating to something different for the sake of migrating to something different.. Anybody remember the concept of tuning the bass in major thirds? It's a thought... John | ||
| keurosix
Advanced Member Username: keurosix Post Number: 391 Registered: 10-2005 |
I really enjoy my 6 string Europa. I see it as an ERB with a 4 string in the middle surrounded by 1 lower & 1 higher string: a very balanced combination. 5'ers look & feel a little off-balanced. I would have a hard time going back to a 4 without a low-B, but would get by if it had a hipshot detuner. | ||
| peoplechipper
New Username: peoplechipper Post Number: 7 Registered: 2-2009 |
I'm an ignorant reforming guitar abuser(getting better, my guitars are feeling more and more alien...) and I get WAY lost on five strings...maybe one day, but that day is not soon...besides, I suck just fine with four...Tony. | ||
| beatlejuice
Junior Username: beatlejuice Post Number: 18 Registered: 3-2003 |
I only play 4-string basses. I have a 5-string G&L but never take it out playing. If I am playing in a band that does "dropped D" tunings, I just take a spare bass (usually a Steinberger XL or XM) and tune it as such. It always does the trick for me. Bill | ||
| peoplechipper
Junior Username: peoplechipper Post Number: 30 Registered: 2-2009 |
I was talking to an old high-school friend a few days ago, him and I are only a few who still play music at least live; he's WAY more talented than me, but whatever...he's started playing pedal steel and here's my twisted idea- an Alembic pedal steel BASS!!! gwann! I dare y'all!! It would be a scary beast,no? Tony. | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2236 Registered: 3-2004 |
How many strings? As many as you require for what you're trying to play. As many as you can handle playing. For me, four or five work fine. If I'm slapping, I prefer four. Otherwise, it doesn't matter. Six ends up with too wide a neck for me to play comfortably, so I won't try to go there. When fives became popular, I switched over and played five almost universally. It turned me into a lazy player. I generally played across the neck and lost a feel for position switching. I went back to fours about four years ago and I think I'm a better player for it. Reworking parts for fewer strings re-developed my feel for the vertical fretboard. This furthers my belief that we become better players by moving outside our comfort zones. It's good to play a variety of string counts and scale lengths even if you will only perform with one instrument when it counts. Tony, as far as getting lost on a fiver, you can. You can also avoid it pretty well. If I ever got lost, it was a result of a bad position shift. My laziness came from having two octaves under my hand in any position. There are an awful lot of songs that can be played entirely within that tonal space on the bass. No position shifts, no getting lost. -bob | ||
| glocke
Senior Member Username: glocke Post Number: 573 Registered: 9-2002 |
Four are enough for me. One of the main reasons being aesthetics believe it or not. There is something about "more than four" that just doesnt do it for me. Second reason is size, I have small hands, and just can't handle the wider fingerboard that 5, 6 string basses have. | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 742 Registered: 11-2004 |
Four is enough for me too, good enough for Jaco, James Jamerson,Bernard Edwards et al. All the great grooves were played on fours..nuff said | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2152 Registered: 10-2002 |
All the great grooves on the last 3 or 4 James Taylor albums have been played on a 5....nuff said ;-) Graeme | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 2199 Registered: 2-2006 |
I have pretty small hands too Greg and oddly enough 2 of my 3 five string Alembics are comfort taper necks. My Series 2 has a standard neck and I do prefer its narrow neck. OO | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 743 Registered: 11-2004 |
jacko..you are talking about 4 albums, there are far more 4 string grooves than 5 string. | ||
| wideload
Intermediate Member Username: wideload Post Number: 135 Registered: 6-2003 |
You don't think the monsters of days gone by would embrace multi-string instruments if it served their musical purpose? That's like saying "A horse was good enough for George Washington, so no car for me!". Larry | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7767 Registered: 5-2002 |
My bass has six tuners, and there are six slots in both the nut and tailpiece, and there are six saddles on the bridge, so I use six strings, since it would just look weird if I only put on four or five. | ||
| peoplechipper
Junior Username: peoplechipper Post Number: 31 Registered: 2-2009 |
Five and six necks feel too wide for me and I'm way too early in bass exploration to need extra strings...I'm kind of disappointed that someone didn't go for my bass pedal steel idea, or at least call me an evil abomination against music or something! tony. | ||
| peoplechipper
Junior Username: peoplechipper Post Number: 32 Registered: 2-2009 |
Oh, I should also note that I've had a number of broken bones in my hands, especially the left; long bone to the pinky broken several times(same on right hand) and ring finger long bone broken into six pieces on left...mountain biking/snowboarding injuries that affect reach(why I like 32" scale)...a youth in Deep Cove,B.C. whaddya do? | ||
| pas
Intermediate Member Username: pas Post Number: 170 Registered: 3-2003 |
4 | ||
| lmiwa
Intermediate Member Username: lmiwa Post Number: 159 Registered: 2-2008 |
4 x 4 strings 4 x 5 strings 2 x 6 strings The 5's are probably the easiest for me to play, the 4's the most fun, and the 6's the most challenging. Each has its own personality, its own sound, and its own purpose. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1631 Registered: 10-2003 |
"I was talking to an old high-school friend a few days ago, him and I are only a few who still play music at least live; he's WAY more talented than me, but whatever...he's started playing pedal steel and here's my twisted idea- an Alembic pedal steel BASS!!! gwann! I dare y'all!! It would be a scary beast,no? Tony." I have actually pursued having one built! Great minds think alike! The guy (a friend) I was working with on the idea basically never had time to fit it into his schedule to actually machine the parts, so it hasn't gone anywhere yet.. John | ||
| eligilam
Intermediate Member Username: eligilam Post Number: 163 Registered: 2-2006 |
I'm thinking about getting one of these....  | ||
| jet_powers
Senior Member Username: jet_powers Post Number: 437 Registered: 2-2003 |
A surfboard? I didn't know they had an ocean in Arkansas..... | ||
| peoplechipper
Junior Username: peoplechipper Post Number: 34 Registered: 2-2009 |
That thing looks like a skinned piano...John!!! you RULE!!! please make that thing happen, it could probably spawn a whole new genre of music...or kill everything within a hundred mile radius...not sure which...Tony. | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1382 Registered: 6-2002 |
How many truss rods does a bass like that have, I wonder....!!! Or does it have just an RSJ Jazzyvee | ||
| peoplechipper
Junior Username: peoplechipper Post Number: 37 Registered: 2-2009 |
OK, somebody has to ask this...is the multi-string thing just compensating?! like the guys with double-wheel pickups, whoever owns that 10-string blorp bass thing has serious erection issues! "look at my big neck! I am noodleman! worship my noodle!!!" | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7774 Registered: 5-2002 |
Tony. Here's my view. I completely disagree with your assessment. Different people play different types of music. And in playing different types of music, people tend to play different types of instruments. The instrument pictured above has less strings than a harp; and the way it sounds and plays is different than a harp. And it has more strings than your bass; and the way it sounds and plays is different than your bass. The music I play is significantly different than the music you play. What comes out of my heart, my soul, is different than what comes out of yours. My path in life has led me to this point in time and place; and what comes out of my heart, hands, instrument, speakers is the essence of my life experience expressed in this very moment. Because what you express in music wouldn't be expressed on the instrument pictured above, doesn't mean that what someone else's heart wishes to express wouldn't be. My guess is that in the hands of the right person, the instrument above could probably be used to make very beautiful and expressive music. Each person's chosen instrument is their tool for artistic expression. And each person's expression is unique to that person. Each artist endeavors to express through their craft that which is within their soul. And each artist, each person, each of our fellow human beings, brothers and sisters all, are worthy of our respect and compassion. We may not care for the music someone else makes, but that doesn't mean that we shouldn't respect them for trying to express themselves. In my view, no matter how the instrument in question came to be crafted or acquired, the builders and players of said instrument, whom you and I have never met and know little about, are not deserving of being treated in a public forum in a disrespectful manner. But that's my view, and I do know that others have different views, culminating from their own life experiences. And Tony, since you are still relatively new here, I'm guessing you probably haven't had a chance to read the Posting Guidelines. Most of the members here find them reasonable. I hope you will find them so as well. Thanks, David | ||
| gtrguy
Intermediate Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 182 Registered: 9-2004 |
What a huge bass. Better not play that outdoors or airplanes might try landing on it. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3622 Registered: 7-2004 |
Now everyone join hands and all sing "Kumbaya"! There, that feels better, doesn't it? Bill, tgo | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 999 Registered: 3-2004 |
Da more da merrier. I mean what do you say to a pianist? That Bach you're playing isn't fooling anyone you know! That left-right brain cooperation isn't impressing anyone. Besides your sustain pedal technique needs work. Try playing Teen Town! See! No I don't have the Van Cliburn medal. Does Downbeat know you? www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAqA2E5D0lI | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 2147 Registered: 6-2002 |
Nice take on the Liszt extravaganza by the irrepressible Victor Borge (and unidentified partner). | ||
| peoplechipper
Junior Username: peoplechipper Post Number: 41 Registered: 2-2009 |
David, I wasn't really trying to belittle anyone that can play a beast like that, that's a level of talent and commitment I am unlikely to attain in this lifetime...I was just havin' a little fun...those wide-necked things just look WRONG to me, but I guess that's what ya gotta do if ya want that many strings...Tony. | ||
| peoplechipper
Junior Username: peoplechipper Post Number: 43 Registered: 2-2009 |
Bob (bsee) I finally read your bit to me about getting lost on five properly; thanks for that. I guess my personal problem(among others!) is that I'm used to seeing an e-string when I look down, so my brain has to do quick gymnastics as to fret position, and try to do that while I sing(which is also new to me) the fact that I can sing,play bass and stand upright at the same time is already WAY more than I thought I was capable of... And further to my somewhat offending quip about big necks, I was somewhat serious; I've seen it in drummers with full kits that only use half at best (Peter Criss being the most famous example) but I have seen it many times...I never use my g string(I go commando..I know, too much information...) so I could get away with three...the BEAD bass someone else mentioned would likely be a perfect solution for many of us...I guess I'm just wondering how many lonely bass strings are out there...my G for one... By the way, what IS that skinned piano thing? is it more of a stick/touch bass or what? how do you play something that wide? I have played a stick before, but if this thing plays different from that, my wrists are already hurting! Tony. | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2156 Registered: 10-2002 |
Tony. We've discussed similar instruments in the past. here is a link to the discussion thread. you can also go onto www.jeanbaudin.com to see videos of it being played. graeme | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1385 Registered: 6-2002 |
Here is a monster player on multi-string bass. Mr Bill Dickens http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGc5fluonNc | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1588 Registered: 12-2002 |
Wow that was some Monster-assed bass playin!!!    | ||
| thebass
Advanced Member Username: thebass Post Number: 259 Registered: 3-2003 |
Some of Bill Dickens harps really look like bass guitars, strange ... I just like the Low B on fretless basses, but not on most fretted basses. After some training switching between 4 or 5 strings seems natural to me now. No need to sell my beloved 4's. I tried 6 as well but didn't use the high C for anything else then some very guitarresk chord parts. But those parts sounded better when I played them on an ordinary Strat. | ||
| eligilam
Intermediate Member Username: eligilam Post Number: 164 Registered: 2-2006 |
I got that nine-string bass picture from www.beebasses.com. They make some pretty cool stuff...I've got one of their Worker Bee 7's. www.extendedrangebassist.com is also a pretty decent resource for those interested in these surfboard/skinned piano/low-C#-string-having/love-them-or-hate-them/airstrip fretboard basses... Cheers! | ||
| qualloyd
Junior Username: qualloyd Post Number: 29 Registered: 9-2008 |
I prefer 8 strings...but I cheat!  Lloyd | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2239 Registered: 3-2004 |
Lloyd, I so envy you that eight string. I almost picked one up a year or two ago but it didn't work out. What a beauty! You know, I think Jean Beaudin is brilliant, but I was unimpressed by that Bill Dickens video. I know Bill's a great player, but all that high speed left hand slappy stuff just doesn't do it for me without any tonality coming through. -bob | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2157 Registered: 10-2002 |
I'm inclined to agree with you Bob. In fact, more and more on forums I'm seeing a backlash against the slapping speed merchants that are to be seen demonstrating their skills on youtube. The problem is, (from mine and other's point of view) the Bass is there to lay the foundation with the drums and back up the melody so as a solo 'clinic' instrument it's fairly handicapped. More and more when I go to Bass player gatherings my ears are bombarded with a tuneless barrage of slapped and hammered triplets that would play no part in any music ever written. This was considered such a problem after the first 2 UK bass days that the organisers arranged a 'house band' for the bass artistes that were performers. Sadly this doesn't stop all the virtuoso teenagers displaying their chops at full volume on the retailer's stands. That's not to say I don't appreciate the efforts of people like Jean Baudin but again, in my opinion, they aren't bass players. In fact, maybe the word bass should be taken out of the name of these extended range instruments. i also agree that Lloyds 8 sting is a thing of beauty. So much so that I'm seriously considering a 10 string exploiter body style in the next couple of years (special birthday present). Graeme (Message edited by jacko on March 26, 2009) (Message edited by jacko on March 26, 2009) | ||
| peoplechipper
Junior Username: peoplechipper Post Number: 50 Registered: 2-2009 |
Jacko, thanks for the link to earlier thread, and jean Baudin sure does use an extended bass well, at least in the examples I heard...the Bill Dickens stuff; He's obviously talented, but the video I think illustrates something I've pointed out to people in the past...the low E on bass is a 28' long wavelength, even at the speed of sound, ya gotta let that bloom...Bill Dickens is better in the places where he slows down...Tony | ||
| glocke
Senior Member Username: glocke Post Number: 575 Registered: 9-2002 |
"I'm inclined to agree with you Bob. In fact, more and more on forums I'm seeing a backlash against the slapping speed merchants that are to be seen demonstrating their skills on youtube" Some people I know, and this includes some guitar players I jam with, think thats what bass is all about. I get people asking me to slap my way all the through a song or solo section too many times, and often times get looked at as if I have two heads when I tell them thats not my thing (you should see the looks I get when I tell people Im not that big of a Stanley fan either). I'll slap a little bit here and to add emphasis to a certain part of a song, but the tonality you get from slapping just does not do it for me. I much prefer the sound of fingers or a pick. | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 746 Registered: 11-2004 |
Going back to multi strings,although not for me in the right hands they do sound amazing, Pat Metheny's multi neck acoustic sounds like a guitar orchestra and the first time I heard John McLaughlin play his Wechter 9 across 6 string in 1976 with Shakti, it blew me away. | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2240 Registered: 3-2004 |
Jean Beaudin uses his many-stringed instrument to accomplish things most people would play on a keyboard. I think that's a good theoretical idea for what many of the musicians are trying to do with extra strings and "non-standard" playing styles, to shift to roles normally covered by different instruments. Some of that speed slap is about taking over the role of percussion instruments. That's the way I was looking at what Bill Dickens was trying to do. I just couldn't get into the groove, and I don't think too many of us would be impressed if a drummer sat down behind a kit and laid down something that sounded like that. On the other hand, there are some great slap lines out there in the world that have texture and tonality. I certainly didn't intend to blanket slap as the problem, just carrying it to the excess. Flea's version of Higher Ground is great, and I could think of more if I took the time. Pushing the limits of an instrument is how players often earn immortality for genius. Eddie Van Halen, Jaco, and Stanley, to name a few, did things on their instruments that were unheard of before, or at least very rare, and brought them to the public. Speed and accuracy are part of it, but speed for the sake of speed, while impressive, tends not to be musical. -bob | ||
| peoplechipper
Member Username: peoplechipper Post Number: 63 Registered: 2-2009 |
It's funny; today at work in the pawnshop somebody was trying out one of our basses(new chinese Jay Turser)slappin' away in a corner acoustically...it took a while to realise someone was playing an instrument as opposed to rooting in the tool bin, then the realization that it hardly matters what you slap on, it'll sound about the same... he obviously knew how to slap, but it surely wasn't part of any song or anything you share with others; you know, something you do by yourself...please...(I'm trying to imply something here without being rude or invoke the wrath of david...heehee)it just seemed non-musical, like some extreme guitar wanking... There's a famous story about when Bill Bruford joined King Crimson, that Robert Fripp took away his cymbals to force him to think about where he fit into the tonal spectrum... Likely for many of us, the open canvas is terrifying; where to start...put a few limits on things and the juices flow...maybe some of the heavy technicians need to play in bands for awhile to tame their genius...Tony | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 751 Registered: 11-2004 |
As a long term KC fan I can just imagine Fripp doing that, apart from his musical genius and very unorthodox guitar playing he is a weird guy. His guitar tuning is not concert but came to him 'whilst in the sauna in New York' or thereabouts. If you get chance to read 'In the Court of The King Crimson' by Sid Smith it is very entertaining | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7801 Registered: 5-2002 |
A quick check at Amazon finds: "4 new from $98.99 6 used from $69.72" I don't think I'll be ordering a copy through Amazon. | ||
| peoplechipper
Member Username: peoplechipper Post Number: 65 Registered: 2-2009 |
Thanks Terry, I'll look that up... Wouldn't you love to have dinner and drinks with him though? After you both loosen up, the musical discussion would be off the scale, with likely both parties coming out ahead, despite his giant music brain...I'd have to talk gear, just so I wouldn't be relegated to the children's table...Tony | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2159 Registered: 10-2002 |
I'd rather have dinner and drinks with his wife. Toyah was one of my early fantasies. (along with Kate Bush, Debbi Harry, Suzi Quattro and so on). Graeme | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 754 Registered: 11-2004 |
jacko..oh you are showing your age there (as we all are!) Dave..seems expensive that, even converted to sterling. I think a dinner conversation with Fripp would be heavy going, there are some interviews on YouTube which are very deep. His ideas were and still are very advanced, his solo album with Eno 'No Pussyfooting' is still a great ambient classic. The band didn't become wealthy until much later in their career..Belew era and onwards, this is because his management were not paying them for the gigs they did, they only got a percentage of the ticket money. Fripp had to sell his Gibson Black Les Paul because he was almost broke. It was Tony Leven who put the management what THEY should be doing for the band ie paying them what they are really worth. | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 2151 Registered: 6-2002 |
Robert Fripp & The League of Crafty Guitarists was also a sight to be seen. The concert I saw, they walked onto the stage only after walking around the entire audience. We thought it was for calming the nerves of any novice members of the ensemble, but there may have been a completely different reasoning behind that. I found this clip on YouTube, must have been around the same time as that. Rather Terry Riley-ish, to be honest. | ||
| chrisalembic
Junior Username: chrisalembic Post Number: 13 Registered: 3-2009 |
how bout this for some six string playing??..i hope you have good speakers to hear the details of his bass playing.. its unbelievable http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZOCdrwGch4&feature=related hearing antony jackson play and his sound, makes me think that 6 string on a bass make total sense!! plus having 6 strings lets him allow to stay in one position longer, playing these lines on a 4 or 5 string... dunno bout that;-) | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7818 Registered: 5-2002 |
Cool video! And hey, there's Lou Marini! | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2246 Registered: 3-2004 |
That video was tight! You can't beat a Blue Lou sighting either. His sax had such a creamy tone. Jackson, though, was a star. I wish I could get a look at his signal path and settings. He had a great punchy tone with just a little growl and no noise at all. I will suppose it is impeccable technique rather than creative use of gates and compression that give him such a great sound, but who knows? | ||
| chrisalembic
Junior Username: chrisalembic Post Number: 14 Registered: 3-2009 |
If you guys like it, you might want to check out Michel Camilos CD "One more Once"... the track in the youtube video is from that CD.. if I remember correctly it also features Paquito DRivera,.. and a whole lotta Anthony Jackson madness:-) Anthony Jackson has a great sound in my opinion. Whenever I hear him play and hear his sound, I get the feeling that Basses were meant to have 6 strings, or lets say those 2 extra strings are absolutely justified, also in a band context... i love his sound.. its nothing like the mainstream six string sound you hear in yamaha trbs or ibanez basses... i dont like the sound of the c string on those either.. of course its a matter of taste,.. i always thought for example that John Patittucis sound became less pleasing for me when he changed from ken smith to yamahas... I dont know what Anthony Jackson secret is (well probably no secret, just a great technqiue and a great bass),.. I do know though that his Bass (Fodera Contrabass) has no preamp and is just plug in and play. While we are talking Anthony Jackson, I think some of his greatest playing can be heard on Michel Petruccianis CD Both Worlds. Definetely worth listening to:-) | ||
| keurosix
Advanced Member Username: keurosix Post Number: 396 Registered: 10-2005 |
That was very inspirational! AJ was fantastic, and so was the rest of the orchestra. Thanks for sharing! Kris |
