Practical Bass

Paul and Dave explore neck finish, and how easy it is to get rid of gloss for a faster, smoother feel. Show notes Types of finishes Glossy Often polyester for modern instruments Nitrocellulose lacquer in some, esp. older Satin or matte Tung oil or Linseed oil Bare wood?!? What kind …

Tax time is rough for everyone, especially musicians. Here’s how to plan now for less stress over taxes later. Show notes Disclaimer: We’re not tax professionals, we encourage you to consult one! Dave tells his story about taxes this year People who just don’t figure in their musical work Cash …

How did we manage to spend even more time recording together over the season break, and still like each other? VaMos band recorded here at the home studio It was serious enough Paul finally named the studio Dave — Describe the project and the goals Dave, what were you most …

Dave and Paul discuss the upcoming season starting in May 2018. Season Two of Practical Bass will begin Wednesday May 2, 2018. We have new and interesting episodes lined up, but we’re also excited to get your input on subjects you’d like to hear us tackle on the podcast. Contact …

Revisiting some of the highlights from earlier in Season One. This episode marks the end of Season One of Practical Bass. Dave and I have enjoyed every minute of bringing you the best tips and discussion about the business and practice of being a bassist. This episode collects some of …

Here are some tips on how to keep from dealing with cable spaghetti at gigs, and keep your sound rocking. Tell me a story about badly run cables! Dave Floor level stage area, a sloppily placed XLR cable, and a dancer who exited the dance floor…with my mic…and stand. Paul …

Different pickup choices are what make electric bass exciting. How do they affect your sound? Do you have a favorite pickup configuration? Dave I lean toward Precision but mostly prefer having the options of a P/J combo Paul How do pickups work, anyway? They’re transducers, meaning they change one kind …

Music is a business. Business thrives on the contract. Why are contracts so tricky at the local level? Have you ever had the issue of a contract sink a gig? Dave: Well, I’ve lost a gig because bar owner wouldn’t agree to the contract – too wordy Paul: Once, yes. …

Keep yourself, your bandmates, and your gear safe and sound at gigs. What’s an unsafe situation you’ve been in at a gig? Dave: There was a rough venue that allowed byob – shoes and shirts optional kind of place One couple REALLY didn’t like our music Paul: One night post-gig… …

Bass is tricky for on-stage sound. How do you avoid getting lost in the mix? Let’s define it… What does it feel like to be lost in the mix? Dave: It feels like waking up in the middle of the night to make a PB&J sandwich but you forget to …

Tuners come in many different types and form factors. How do you pick the right one? What kinds of tuners do you have? Dave: Mostly I use my TC Electronic Polychromatic tuner – 4 years Paul: I have an app for that. No really. A Boss TU-2? type tuner… the …

What do watts and ohms ratings of amps and speakers mean, and how can you match them properly? Thanks to Chris Cox, a listener who wrote in with some questions about this topic. What’s the ratings of your favorite, most-used amp? Dave: 350W into 8ohms or 500W into 4ohms Paul: …

What one bass amplifier could you not live without? Your hosts share their stories of amps past and present. How many amps does one bassist need? The minimalist and the bargain hunter have at it! What was your first amp? Dave: Peavy Minx 1×15 – got it used in ‘95 …

Dealing with money is part of being a pro. How do you approach pay? What did you get paid for your first gig? Dave: Wait…I can get paid for playing bass? $25 – Early 2000’s bluegrass w/10 players Paul: I think it was $40 and beer at my first college …

Understanding the truss rod and how to adjust it helps you master your instrument setup. How does it work? What is the truss rod and what does it do? Usually one (occasionally two) rods inside the instrument neck, anchored at one end with an adjustment on the other As you …

As the summer comes to an end, let’s talk about handling those outdoor gigs. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix). Show notes So indoor/outdoor, in general, do you have differences in your rig? Paul: Usually take a bigger rig Outdoors there are no walls for the lows to bounce off… need …

Dave and Paul continue their two-part conversation on emulating the singular influence of James Jamerson. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix). Show notes How do you handle covering Motown and the songs Jamerson played? Any special considerations? Check out the first part of this conversation! Dave: I have a tough time …

James Jamerson is probably the one bass player who has influenced more players than anyone else in the history of popular music. How did he affect the PB crew? Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; Jesse Spillane, Cardboard Engineering. Show notes Where did you first hear Tamla/Motown where Jamerson played such an integral …

Your cables are some of the most (ab)used and also important tools in your arsenal. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix). Show notes What can we say about cables? A cable is a cable, right? So why do we accumulate so many? In regards to the gig setup, here’s the quick …

The magical and essential DI box gets you from stage to board. How does it work? Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix). Show notes Have you used DIs from time to time? Dave Sure! I used to keep a D/I box when my rig didn’t have a D/I built in. Specifically …