Friends Tell Me I Should Play a Precision Bass

[Chickenwheels]

Hi,

I’m a double bassist and Jazz is my bag. Here in Detroit there’s been some pop stuff happening and I’ve been doing a few recordings for the extra bread. Luckily a few of my Jazz buddies are in on it too, so it’s a good hang.

Anyway, one of my buddies is insisting I get a Fender bass. He’s even given me his black late-50s Precision as he wants to get a new Precision anyway.

Is anyone else here using one of these? To me it’s a bit unnecessary but I guess with how loud everything is on these pop gigs I may have to just get it happening. Maybe just do my own thing on it, see how it goes.

Any thoughts or advice would be great.


Cheers

James Jamerson

 

[TeeSee]

Wish I had a friend like yours

 

[chris_b]

That's what friends are for.

 

[40Hz]

Is anyone else here using one of these?

The Fender Precision Bass is the most widely used of all bass guitars. And has been since the day it was introduced back in the 50s.

Is a Fender bass your only choice? Nope. But it’s a good choice. It works for virtually every kind of music.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

Hi,

I’m a double bassist and Jazz is my bag. Here in Detroit there’s been some pop stuff happening and I’ve been doing a few recordings for the extra bread. Luckily a few of my Jazz buddies are in on it too, so it’s a good hang.

Anyway, one of my buddies is insisting I get a Fender bass. He’s even given me his black late-50s Precision as he wants to get a new Precision anyway.

Is anyone else here using one of these? To me it’s a bit unnecessary but I guess with how loud everything is on these pop gigs I may have to just get it happening. Maybe just do my own thing on it, see how it goes.

Any thoughts or advice would be great.


Cheers

James Jamerson

Given your avatar and sig for this post, I’m guessing this question is you having a bit of a laugh. Won’t lie - you had me for a second

 

[flojob]

Stick with the upright James. Us jazz guys have seen these kinds of trends before and unfortunately a few have been dumb enough to ruin their careers by chasing them. If you try to jump on every new thing you'll end up like that dumb Miles guy...hes a decent trumpet player, but trust me no one will remember his name in a few years. This whole electrified bass thing is a flash in the pan, and that jazz bass your friend wants you to play will only be used as firewood.

Tradjazz4eva!

-unknown

 

[thmsjordan]

Stick with the upright James. Us jazz guys have seen these kinds of trends before and unfortunately a few have been dumb enough to ruin their careers by chasing them. If you try to jump on every new thing you'll end up like that dumb Miles guy...hes a decent trumpet player, but trust me no one will remember his name in a few years. This whole electrified bass thing is a flash in the pan, and that jazz bass your friend wants you to play will only be used as firewood.

Tradjazz4eva!

-unknown

Cute!
But oddly, this is the exact rant I got from the great Mel Lewis when I played with him briefly in the early 80's. I was playing in the OSU big band and he, Dave Samuels, and Jerry Niewood came to play with the band and adjudicate our first jazz festival. I played largely upright for the program but the director wanted me on electric for a few tunes. Mr Lewis was appalled and I got pretty much what you wrote here from him regarding the demon electric. My initial thought was "Holy cow, someone needs to call Jaco and Marcus NOW". I did not share that kind of snark with such a great musician though. He had his opinion and I had mine. I am still waiting for his "electronics won't last in Jazz" sentiment to play out. Neither Mr Niewood, nor Mr Samuels shared Mel Lewis' opinion however.

Anyhow, I have a feeling things will work out for our friend James. Now if we could talk him into drinking less..........<sigh>

 

[JimmyM]

The more you can do, the better it is. I would recommend getting into the P and have some fun with it. I did the opposite with upright about 18 years ago and I’m glad I did because it’s a blast.

 

[_Tay_]

Don't do it Mr James Jameson! Stick to the upright. Chances are you will inspire more people with your tone using that.

If you end up getting a precision then whatever you do, do not put flats and a tort pickguard on it!

 

[Heiwa]

No Mr. Jamerson, you need a multiscale pointy bass thing, with the modern metal can sound

 

[MtManiac]

Hey man, I heard through the grapevine it’s what’s goin’ on. Ain’t no mountain high enough, just take it in your arms see how sweet it is, and for once in your life you might get that fever in the funk house.

 

[BismarckHerring]

Probably just a fad, but it might be worth a try. Here’s a few tips:

-strictly alternate your index and ring fingers when plucking

-don’t overplay, stick to the root notes

-change your strings regularly

-learn how to set the instrument up correctly

 

[31HZ]

Probably just a fad, but it might be worth a try. Here’s a few tips:

-strictly alternate your index and ring fingers when plucking

-don’t overplay, stick to the root notes

-change your strings regularly

-learn how to set the instrument up correctly

 

[lark_z]

Just be sure and loosen the truss rod to get that high action "The Hook" is used to.

And thanks for an early mooning chuckle.

 

[Spidey2112]

I'd watch taking advice from your 'friends', JJ.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Hey man, I heard through the grapevine it’s what’s goin’ on. Ain’t no mountain high enough, just take it in your arms see how sweet it is, and for once in your life you might get that fever in the funk house.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

James, are you still hanging out with Bob, Donald, and that pic carrying Carol?

 

[smoothbrain]

"Friends" don't tell friends what to play.

Band leaders, or musical directors, or whoever pays you, are on the other hand, horses of a different color...

 

[micguy]

This "pop" music won't last. Jazz is the music of the future. Best to avoid getting caught up in a short term fad that will damage your reputation as a real musician.

 

[themickster]

Hi,

I’m a double bassist and Jazz is my bag. Here in Detroit there’s been some pop stuff happening and I’ve been doing a few recordings for the extra bread. Luckily a few of my Jazz buddies are in on it too, so it’s a good hang.

Anyway, one of my buddies is insisting I get a Fender bass. He’s even given me his black late-50s Precision as he wants to get a new Precision anyway.

Is anyone else here using one of these? To me it’s a bit unnecessary but I guess with how loud everything is on these pop gigs I may have to just get it happening. Maybe just do my own thing on it, see how it goes.

Any thoughts or advice would be great.


Cheers

James Jamerson

If you're joking, how old are the strings? If you're straight up, go for it.