Practical Bass

The end of Season 2 is a great time to look back and see what resonated the most. What? Can it be the end of the season already? Yes, low end brothers and sisters, another six months has come and gone, and after another twenty-some episodes it’s time for us …

Part 2 of our interview with NOLA/Bay Area bassist Ted Gould III aka Blyss — Guru level dos and don’ts to get and keep the gig! Ted’s an educator, a vlogger, an Instagram lesson machine, a sideman extraordinaire. You’ve seen him in ads for Aguilar and MONO, among others. He’s …

Part 1 of our interview with NOLA/Bay Area bassist Ted Gould III — Half origin story, half real talk about getting and keeping the gig. Ted’s an educator, a vlogger, an Instagram lesson machine, a sideman extraordinaire. You’ve seen him in ads for Aguilar and MONO, among others. He’s produced …

Check out our profile of the incredible Geddy Lee from Rush, and his influence on generations of rock bassists. So in season 1 we picked a player who had influenced many, and dove into what we think makes them great. This request about Geddy Lee came via viewer mail — …

Practice is essential to developing as a bassist. Here are some tips on how to use your time wisely to improve faster. In the spirit of being honest with how I manage time, I quickly came to these questions: How often do I actually practice daily/weekly? What is practicing to …

Everyone knows a compressor’s your friend. But how about hearing one in action? (IMPORTANT: Listen with quality headphones or speakers!) Show notes You may have already heard our previous episode from Season 1 on getting to know your compressor. In that episode we talked about the various uses for all …

A digital audio interface is practically a necessity. How do you choose the right one? Show notes What kind do you have? Dave: Tascam US-1800 Paul: First was an Echo Layla24… now a Focusrite Scarlett 18i8, and a PreSonus Studio 192 + DP88 Oh, and don’t forget that Line6 POD Studio …

How do you put your finger on what groove is? Many try to explain it. Here’s our chance to make it clear. Show notes Dave: I recently had a conversation with a musician about his frustration with playing with bassists that have all the theory training but lack feel/groove. Specifically, …

How to choose the right cables for your rig, and take care of them so they live longer. Do you have a preferred brand of cable for different uses? Dave: Mogami — especially like the entry that usually has the gold tips, not sure of the exact type Probably Silver? …

A good practice space isn’t just equipped well — here’s how to cheaply make it sound better too. Show notes What does sounding good mean? (And have you checked out the first episode on this topic?) Sometimes you can describe things by what they’re not Lots of echoes — try …

Learn more about how a preamp and power amplifier boost your sound in different ways. Show notes Have you ever used separates for preamp and power amplifier? If so, what was the setup? Dave No Paul Yes, episode is over

Music is emotional and so is straight talk with your band. Learn how to have those discussions the right way! Show notes Thanks to our listener Adam Wright for this excellent topic suggestion! LISTENER MAIL! “I think I would enjoy an episode on emotions and etiquette while playing in a …

Here’s how to get fancy recording demos — and also tips for good sound regardless of your approach. Show notes Multitrack This is the big time… the only that separates you from the experts is how expensive your gear is and how much experience you have doing good recordings Typical …

There are many ways to record demos for your band. These tips get you started at the simple and cheap end of the spectrum. This is a topic that can grow with you… Three scenarios: Single mic in the room (one and done) Several mics through a PA/mixer into computer …

Got a long list of things to do? Try knocking goals out by blocking time and sprinting ahead. Show notes What’s the purpose of blocking time? Focus You have a specific goal you need to get to Songs you need to learn for a gig Writing exercises Managing your business/admin …

Which approach is better, a multi-effects unit or separate pedals? Turns out, it depends mostly on you. Show notes Which are you using? Dave In an effects pedal state of mind Name some of the items on your board… Aguilar compressor – and don’t forget about our previous episode about compression! …

What does it take to go from beater to boutique? Here are some questions to ask and costs to count. Show notes Dave, tell us about your new project! What set you off on GAS Why this model What did you want to fix Things to look at How’s the …

In Part 2 of our interview, master bassist Igor Saavedra talks about the importance of hard work and gratitude. Check out Igor’s official website, and share some of Igor’s amazing videos here: Live in Buenos Aires with the “Super Trio” “Funkenato” from the album Organic Bass 1 Demonstration of Phil …

The show welcomes world-renowned bass artist Igor Saavedra to talk about his start as a musician. Check out Igor’s official website, and share some of Igor’s amazing videos here: Live in Buenos Aires with the “Super Trio” “Funkenato” from the album Organic Bass 1 Demonstration of Phil Jones Double Four amp …

A good practice space helps you have focus and inspiration. Here are some tips for setting yours up. Show notes How to make your practice space effective Comfortable place to sit for a couple hours A good drum throne works great (Roc N Soc) Or an appropriately padded musician stool …

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 …

Can you cut your gig load-in down to one trip? Absolutely, listen and learn! Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix). Show notes Certainly gear for gigs will greatly depend on venue size and type, but for this weeks topic we will mostly talk about traveling light for those smaller gigs.   …

Myths abound about caring for your bass fretboard. Let’s cut to the facts. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix). Image courtesy Dávid Kótai (CC-BY-SA). Show notes First, thanks to our listener Darrell Denlinger for suggesting this topic: “I am amazed at the amount of disagreement on this subject: Use lemon oil Never …

Spending more and spending smarter: the same thing, or not? Let’s talk cost vs. value. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix). Show notes When is it a good idea to spend an extra $1000 on a bass? What about $3000? What does it buy you?   Dave, tell me about the …

The sound guy can be your best friend at the gig. Help them help you, and the whole band. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix). Special shout out to our listener Paul Towsley for suggesting this topic, based on our Episode 015: 10 Stage Mistakes to Avoid! Have you subscribed already? Show notes …

What to look for in a sub player, and how to slay the gig when you’re filling in for someone. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix). Have you subscribed already? Show notes What to look for in a sub player Experience Compatible with band Able to take shorthand notes (not that kind) …

Strings lend a lot to the sound of your instrument. Learn some basics about how to pick the right one for you. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix). Show notes What kind of strings do you use? What brand and gauge? Dave Generally, nickel round-wounds. But I am a fan of …

When you’re on a gig, how do you make a good impression? Start by refraining from these on-stage boo-boos. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix). Show notes Dave: Mostly this episode is a collection of ideas on what not to do on stage. What’s the worst habit you ever broke about …

Why are some bassists drawn to 4 vs. 5 strings (or more)? What’s right for the gig? Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix). Image: Jade Palmer. Dave: Have always only played 4 Well, once I had a 5 string Mexican Jazz (scored at a gig) I only gave it 2 months and …

Polishing to be a super sub, developing songwriting, taking a specific style gig: broadening your genres pays. Show notes What genres do you play now and what areas have you spent time learning? Dave: Currently playing in two projects – Classic Rock/Beatles and Indie Rock Indie Rock project incorporates funk, salsa, …

A compressor smoothes out your bass sound, or squashes it flat. Learn how to get the sound you want. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix). Image: David Pacey. Show notes What is a compressor? Squashes signal that gets past a certain level Considered a must-have effect for bass, vocals, some …

What are your strengths and weaknesses beyond bass? Know your skills and bring your best self to the gig. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) Show notes What’s your role at the gig and in the band? While this is a very broad question, it can help to …