Author Topic: Two-string alien bass (Read 485 times)

88persuader · « **Reply #15 on:** July 27, 2005, 03:07:31 AM »

I personally prefer 6 string basses because I play in a three piece band and fill in with a lot of chord work when the guitarist plays lead. So I like to play roots on the B and E strings way up on the neck so I can play less muddy chords and double stops using the G and c strings. ALSO bass isn't just root playing, it also can be lead playing. What about Stanley Clark's work with Return to forever? Jeff Berlin with the Bill Bruford band, Jaco? Thinking bass is just root playing brings the instrument back into the blues/rock based stone age. Heck even in todays blues and rock bass players are playing a more interesting role in creating music. .... Thank God! :-) ......... That's my 2 strings ... I mean two cents.

keith_h · « **Reply #16 on:** July 27, 2005, 04:50:22 AM »

I don't think it matters how many strings you have. I had all four intact on my bass at an audition a couple of weeks ago when the rythm guitarist said, You like to play more than one note don't you while I was warming up.
I replied. Yes. Fortunately nobody forced me into root cellar and the audition ended well.

Keith

88persuader · « **Reply #17 on:** July 27, 2005, 04:55:59 AM »

Well my guitarist always refers to me as a Lead bass player So apparently I don't spend much time in the root cellar. One of the advantages of such a small band is room to play. But truth be known I'd play the same with two strings as 6, except for maybe chord work which kind of requires a few extra strings.

David Houck · « **Reply #18 on:** July 27, 2005, 05:22:04 AM »

Although Tony Levin's site doesn't talk much about his instruments, his main bass is a peach colored Music Man Stingray 5 string. The three string bass appears to have perished in a fire.

811952 · « **Reply #19 on:** July 27, 2005, 09:08:14 AM »

I am blessed to be in a band with a keyboard player who is more than willing to give me as much sonic room as I can take. He laughs out loud when I play full chords at the low end of the neck and tells me it's great, whether on the Alembic or the 12-string. Of course, I get to play lots of notes and chords all over the neck. Nobody complains at all, because I only do it when it *needs* to be done. I would be lost with only 2 strings - even more so if they were tuned to the same note. Therefore I respect fully the people who can be musical and creative with such a limited palette. Mark Sandman really did some cool stuff that would be difficult to play with extra strings in the way, very reminiscent of blues guitar but played low on the bass. I find it inspirational.

I find that anymore I tell people before I even agree to play that I am genetically incapable of playing anything exactly like the recording. I will nail the style to the best of my abilities and keep things in the pocket as best I can, but I think when I play and that usually results in a creative turn here and there even when I'm trying my best to be mind-numbingly simple.

John

richbass939 · « **Reply #20 on:** July 28, 2005, 04:27:35 PM »

88persuader, you talked about blues and rock bassists getting to play more interesting stuff. If you ever get a chance to see or hear anything of Greg Rzab playing with Buddy Guy it is really something to behold. I would love to see the video again of them outdoors at The Woodlands, TX. It was fantastic to see how well his slapping and popping on Jaco's J-bass fit with Guy's blues.
Rich

palembic · « **Reply #21 on:** July 28, 2005, 11:45:40 PM »

Brother Rich,

as a bass player in a blues band (BLUE STUFF) I also tend to seek for alternatives for the straight root. I am in an exploring fase I mean ...not necessarily eager to change. I think David Bronze on the From the Cradle album proved that playing better blues bass is becoming better choosing the notes you don't play.
But ...nevertheless ...altough ...I am in an exploring fase.
So ...would you please be so kind to give some more info on that Woodlands/outdoor thing of Buddy Guy with Greg Rzab? Is it an american NTSC thing or also available in formats readable in this side of the pond?

Paul TOBO

David Houck · « **Reply #22 on:** July 29, 2005, 05:35:32 AM »

Paul, I ran a quick search and apparently the name of the video is The Woodlands Blues Festival - 1993 and it appears to be extremely rare. Apparently it was originally taped for television broadcast, and VHS and DVD copies have been circulating among traders. A review is here.

richbass939 · « **Reply #23 on:** July 29, 2005, 10:37:33 AM »

Bro Paul,
I wish I knew more about it. I was flipping throught the channels about five or so years ago and caught the concert already in progress. I think it may have been on public TV.
I had never heard of Rzab before. His playing is amazing. I think I read later that he owns Jaco's bass. I've heard many bassists playing fairly busy lines but never slapping and popping behind a blues artist. It fit so well. I would love to see it again. If I do I'll be sure and tape it. I didn't know it was so hard to find.
Rich