Ibanez SRT805DX

I bought the Ibanez SRT805DX back a few months ago, and although it's an incredible sounding bass, the neck was a little too chunky for me. The EMG pickups are growly, and the neck through construction allows for excellent sustain. The color of the SRT805 is more of a reddish color than the brownish color shown in the pictures, but I liked it better that way.

I decided to order a 4 string version of this bass (SRT800DX) in the amber finish, and it is awesome. The neck is a tad thicker than my SR500, but hey, what can you do? It sounds incredible, just like the SRT805DX, and I can't get over the EMG pickups. I'm lovin' it.

Both basses were playable right out of the box, but I put flatwounds on both of mine, and it made a huge difference. It went from good to awesome. Flatwounds really make the EMG's growl...or that's my opinion.

Both basses can be purchased from American Musical Supply and are both over $300 cheaper than buying this bass anywhere else, including Musician's Friend and Guitar Center. Plus, AMS has a payment plan that charges 0% interest. So, if you're interested in buying this bass, you definitely want to get it from AMS...or have another store match their price.

Poppin' and Slappin': Is It Necessary?

Scanning through youtube videos, I found that almost every decent girl bassist is poppin' and slappin'. And don't get me wrong, there's a time and a place for that style of playing, but it seems like many bassists do it all the time.

I don't know if these players just prefer that style of playing, or if they have other motivations. Perhaps they think it makes them sound like an awesome bassist. Personally, I think it's overdone. I don't pop and slap, not because I can't or don't like the style. I don't pop and slap because every other player is doing it to death, especially female bassists on youtube.

I feel that the most important thing with playing bass is versatility. To be able to play a large array of styles is better than only being able to pop and slap...even if it does sound cool.

Just a thought.

BassBrites string cleaner

Keep your strings sounding bright and new for much longer!

The specialized formula in BassBrites extends string life by deoxidizing corrosion, not just by removing dirt and oil like other string cleaners.

Bass Frontiers Magazine

Bass Frontiers Magazine Online

This magazine is a great resource for bassists of every level. Check out interviews, instruction, and videos online.

'Jim Hyatt founded Bass Frontiers Magazine back in 1994 with a small, simple newsletter. Little did he know that these humble beginnings would lead to the second largest printed publication for bassists. Jim quickly grew the publication to well over 5,000 subscribers worldwide. In 2008, Dave and Jonathan Fowler, along with Gene Fox, purchased Bass Frontiers Magazine from Jim and decided to go digital. This move prompted an innovation that would take Bass Frontiers to an entirely different level. Although the business model has changed since Jim founded the magazine back in 1994, the vision has stayed the same. Bass Frontiers has stayed true to its motto, “By Bass Players, For Bass Players.”'

Beginner Bass Guitar Guide for the Female Bassist

Read article here.

Fender Road Worn 60's Jazz Bass

Ok, so I've been playing my new Fender jazz for over a month now and I have to say that I'm in love. After having the neck and action seriously adjusted at Corner Music in Nashville, and after putting flatwounds on it, I was ready to rock. As much as I love my Ibanez SDGR, I honestly have to say that I haven't picked it up once since I got the new bass back.

This bass is so smooth and distinctive. I honestly don't think that Fender makes a better bass. The American Standards can't even compare to this baby, in my opinion.

Check this video out to get a proper idea of how this bass sounds.

Online bass courses that won't empty your wallet

The International Institute of Bassists offers various online courses on bass technique and theory. Each course is 12 weeks long, and only costs $24.95. I've taken the Jazz lines for Bass course, and believe me, you learn a lot. The materials for the course can be printed out and downloaded. They include printed material and mp3's. It's definitely worth the small amount that you pay for these courses. And while I'd love to take Berkley's online bass certificate program, $3000 per course is pretty steep for a mother of two like me.

Institute of International Bassists

Fender Road Worn 60's Jazz Bass

I just got this bass in yesterday, but due to the ridiculously high action, I'm having to take it to Nashville to get it set up before I can give a serious review. However, just plugging it into my Genz Benz 6.0, it sounds incredible. The pickups are full and have the nice vintage quality that I was looking for. More to come!

Fender Road Worn 60s Jazz Bass Specifications

• Body: Alder
• Finish: Lacquer
• Neck: Maple, C Shape, (Nitrocellulose Lacquer Finish)
• Fingerboard: Rosewood, 7.25 inch (184 mm) Radius
• Frets: 20, Vintage
• Scale Length: 34 inch (864 mm)
• Nut Width: 1.50 inch (38mm)
• Hardware: Nickel/Chrome
• Tuning Keys: Vintage Style Reverse Tuning Machines
• Bridge: American Vintage Jazz Bass
• Pickguard: 4 Ply Brown Shell
• Pickups:
• Rhythm: Standard Vintage Alnico Magnet Jazz Bass Single Coil Pickup
• Lead: Standard Vintage Alnico Magnet Jazz Bass Single Coil Pickup
• Controls: Volume 1 (Neck Pickup), Volume 2 (Bridge Pickup), Tone
• Strings:
• Fender Super Bass 7250ML (Medium Light)
• Nickel Plated Steel
• Gauges: .045,.065,.080,.100
• Unique Features:
• Distressed body, neck, and hardware creating an aged and worn appearance
• True Vintage Styling
• Synthetic Bone Nut
• Case: Deluxe Gig Bag

James Jamerson: Motown's Bassman

James Jamerson (January 29, 1936 – August 2, 1983)  was the Babe Ruth of Bassists. He took bass playing to a whole new level, and was one of the first bassists to play electric bass in its infancy. Famous for his one finger plucking style he dubbed 'the hook,' Jamerson will continue to be an inspiration to bassists everywhere.

Read more about the bassist of Motown's 'Funk Brothers.'

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