To Effect or Not to Effect? A Discussion for Bassists
Q: What’s your take on effects pedals? Do you use any? A: I have been exploring many different pedals and having fun with the sonic possibilities, though I rarely use them outside of my home. My most used pedal is my reverb pedal, because I like the what it offers when playing in small group settings (a piano trio, for...
Figure: A Look into the Music Making App for iOS
When it comes to music making apps for iOS, I’ve generally been quite disappointed. Most of what’s out there is convoluted and confusing, making for a poor and often awkward experience. Propellerhead Software is looking to change all that with the release of their newest app, Figure. Figure offers three different voices to work with: bass, drums and lead synth....
Choosing the Right Webcam in the Youtube Era
Q: I am looking at starting a Youtube channel, and I was wondering what you’d suggest for a webcam solution. I’m looking for one that has good audio. Alternatively, what is the best, cheap USB interface to buy? A: As many of you may know, I could stand to focus a little attention to my production values with my own...
Following the Singer: A Guide to Dealing with Rhythmically Challenged Vocalists
Q: What do you recommend when you’re tasked with accompanying a seriously rhythm-challenged vocalist? I was both music director and bassist for a recent musical review, with our band backing up a variety of vocalists. Two talented singers passed the audition with their carefully prepared selections, but with new show music, we discovered some serious rhythm challenges. Personnel changes were...
Master Tour: A Look into the App for Gig and Tour Management
If you’re a gigging musician, especially if you’re on tour, Master Tour by Eventric is an app you’ll want to check out. I was first introduced to this app by our tour manager’s wife, who hailed it is “100% indispensable”. The app is a companion to the company’s desktop app and web portal, which allows you to enter every possible...
From Groove to Changes to Soloing: Damian Erskine’s Practice Routine
Q: You answer a lot of questions to help bassists out. But I’d like to know, what are you personally working on to improve your playing? A: I am in a constant state of flux with my practice habits. Different things bug me about my playing depending on the gigs I have one week versus the next. Lately, it has...
A Guide to Making the Switch Fretless Bass
Q: I’ve just removed the frets from my first bass, and this is my first experience with a fretless bass. What advice do you have to start out? A: There are two areas of focus for making the switch. At a glance, these might seem to contradict each other, but one applies to practicing and one applies to performance. Fretless...
MicVault Studio: A Look at the iOS App for Recording Advice
If you don’t have access to world-class engineers to answer your questions about recording your bass in the studio, you definitely want to check out MicVault Studio. The app is a collection of the preferences of Michael Wagener, Shane Wilson and Russ Long – three prominent and successful recording engineers when it comes to microphone choices for a number of...
Amp Stands: How to Raise Your Amp without Losing the Bottom?
Q: I recently down-sized my amp from a classic SVT setup 8×10 with a head to a combo amp. Obviously much smaller. I want to raise it off the floor without losing the bottom end because I have used my Ampeg rig exclusively for 20+ years, and I am used to having that stage sound from the top speakers near...
Improving Your Playing: What’s Your Story?
Q: What are you personally working on to improve your playing? A: Okay, getting more personal than usual here <grin>… I am in a constant state of flux with my practice habits. Different things bug me about my playing depending on the gigs I have one week versus the next, causing me to switch gears and focus. Lately, I’ve been...
Amazing Slow Downer: A Look at the Transcription App for iOS
While I have reviewed a few different “slow downer”-type apps (including Robick and Capo), I recently gave Roni Music’s Amazing Slow Downer a try and have to say that I’m mightily impressed. I had used ASD years ago in college and found the original version of the software (shareware at that time) to be useful but, ultimately, unstable. For that...
The Bass Debate: Pick vs Fingers
Q: I prefer playing the bass using my fingers, but I see a lot of bassists these days using a pick. What’s your take on that? A: As with all things that come down to taste and music, I say: “follow your ears!” If you don’t like the sound of a pick, or it just doesn’t feel right, don’t bother...