Author Topic: Quite Possibly the Best Picture Ever Taken of Me Playing (Read 215 times)

ajdover · « **on:** October 04, 2005, 07:12:43 PM »

Folks,

This past weekend, I had the pleasure to do some recording with my brother, a talented musician and artist who lives in LA. He's decided to sell off most of his home studio, but before doing so wanted to do a CD of his stuff using myself and a childhood friend (and incredible drummer) as the rhythm section on the project. We have a history together as we grew up in the same neighborhood, played in bands together, etc. Anyway, he asked us out, we went, and his wife (my sister in law) took a bunch of photos of us (Elizabeth is an incredibly talented photographer - that's my shameless plug for the post!). This one is quite possibly the best picture anyone has ever taken of me playing. It epitomizes and captures, for me, the joy that is playing bass.

In this photo, I'm sharing a laugh with Gary, our drummer. In point of fact, I'm sharing a love of music, particularly when I'm making it with these two individuals (Gary, and my brother, Jay). True, I'm not holding an Alembic (Jay does country style stuff, and the Alembic was probably too hi-fi for it [and yes, I know there are some who will roast me for that remark!]), but it's still a great pic.

Anyway, I thought I'd share it here. It is even more rare given the fact I'm showing teeth (I have horribly crooked teeth, and rarely smile all the way as a result). Even after all these years, playing bass with a close friend and my brother still brings a smile to my somewhat aged face.

Alan

(Message edited by ajdover on October 04, 2005)

j_gary · « **Reply #1 on:** October 04, 2005, 09:00:53 PM »

OK Alan, admit the truth, you are hoping the chicks catch those legs, you are shameful. Cool bass, looks like an oldy but goody. The bass Al, the bass!

bracheen · « **Reply #2 on:** October 05, 2005, 03:18:28 AM »

Great picture Alan, great bass also. I'm reserving comment about the legs.
It's always good to see someone enjoying what they do. I'll bet that was a lot of fun considering what you've said about the musical vacuum you live in at the moment.

811952 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 05, 2005, 08:32:00 AM »

Cool. I totally second Sam's post. Good times..

keith_h · « **Reply #4 on:** October 05, 2005, 09:36:46 AM »

Hey, I've played that bass. So when do we get to hear the results?

Keith

rami · « **Reply #5 on:** October 05, 2005, 04:16:03 PM »

That's a cool Jazz Bass. I own a couple of '72's that look just like that. Mine are bone stock with original hardware (including chrome covers and thumbrest). How's yours?

Rami

P.S. Nice pic, by the way.

ajdover · « **Reply #6 on:** October 05, 2005, 04:25:41 PM »

If any woman was attracted to my hairy legs, I'd start wondering ...

Rami: Mine is modified a bit. When I bought it, it came with the original pickups, but one of them needed a total rewind. The other was OK, but it wasn't installed. It had some other pickups in it which I got rid of. Right now, it has two Seymour Duncan hot stacks in it.

The tuning pegs had to be replaced as one of them was very loose, and rattled. I still have the originals.

Fender bridges from this period are horrible, IMHO. I've never liked them. My previous '70's Jazz had a Badass II put on it, and this one is no different. Great improvement if you ask me. Again, I have the original bridge.

The pickup covers didn't come with it. The thumbrest did, but I lost it along the way. Don't like those either, so it's no great loss.

The pots and knobs are original as far as I can tell.

I did have it refretted last year - it was buzzing all over the place and I really didn't have a choice.

Lots of folks don't like the 70's Fenders as they feel the quality isn't that great (and they'd be right). However, I just love mine - nice neck, great tone and sustain, and a nice ash body. And it fits me like a glove.

Alan

rami · « **Reply #7 on:** October 05, 2005, 09:25:43 PM »

I'm with you on that Alan. I LOVE the 70's Jazz Bass. They make up the vast majority of my collection. with the exception of my '68 Sunburst and my '81 Gold Jazz Basses, they're all from the 70's. I particularly like the Maple with the pearloid blocks. The black blocks are more rare - I believe they were only produced from '71 to '73. I like their feel and sound as well. The 70's Ash Jazz Basses were also known for their weight, which I believe contribute to their great tone, resonance and sustain. Unfortunately however, I have yet to find two identical ones that sound the same. But I love them anyway - they have character.

Rami