My latest short scale bass: Hofner Violin Ignition Series Bass

A Hofner Violin Bass is one of the few mainstream basses I hadn't ever played in my 15-year bass playing career. I had messed around on a used Epiphone Viola bass at the Shoals Guitar Boutique in Muscle Shoals, Alabama (which is about an hour from my home) a couple of years ago. I'm all about short scale basses since I bought my Gibson SG bass in 2016. Earlier this year, I obtained one of Fender's new Mustang basses--Fender's only short scale bass--and after years of disappointment with Fender, I finally started loving their basses again.

Not only is the Hofner Violin Bass a short scale instrument, but it's also completely hollow-bodied--something I had also never owned before (other than the acoustic basses I've owned).

So, Musician's Friend was having a sale--need I say more? Long story short, I bought one at a killer price, bought a case to match (also on sale) and waited a few days for it to be delivered to my door. I also bought new D'Addario Nylon Tapewound strings to go with it because I read that the round wound strings that come on it are crap.

The bass sounded pretty good out of the box, but I was anxious to get the new strings on it. The strings arrived in a separate shipment, so I had to wait a day or two before I could put them on.

Here's the rub: Standard sized bass strings don't fit Hofner basses. No one says this in the bass description...and it wasn't until after the fact (when I was doing research) that I found out that these basses need special, smaller-sized strings. Bummer. Sure, I can use the tape wounds on my other short scale basses (I ordered short scale strings because the Hofner violin bass is a short scale bass), but it sucked that I had to reorder special strings after the fact.

Several days later, the new strings (LaBella flat wound strings for the "Beetle Bass") arrived and I finally got to hear my bass with quality (flat wound) strings on it. It sounds great, to say the least, and because of its lightweight body, it has become my go-to bass for quick practices in the living room (where I keep my little 10-pound Vox bass amp).

This is a cool little bass that sounds and plays great. You'd never know it was below the $400 range. Usually, you get what you pay for with musical instruments, but as I've found with this bass, there are exceptions to every rule.

See this bass's specs on Hofner Guitars website.

See pictures of my Hofner Violin bass here.

Trying new strings: D'Addario XL Nylon Tapewounds

After playing with flatwounds for over 7 years, I finally decided to try out some nylon tapewound strings after reading about them and hearing good things from a Guitar Center associate. Since D'Addario is my go-to for strings, I ordered their XL Nylon Tapewounds (medium gauge) to try out on my new Fender Special Edition Deluxe Precision bass.

Being a creature of habit, it takes a lot for me to try something new (especially when strings are close to $40/set), but I'm glad I did in this case. These strings were awesome from the get-go. New flatwound strings always seemed to take a few weeks to adjust to, but these tapewounds were comfortable from the start. They're lightweight enough to hear note definition while retaining a vintage "thumpy" sound --like that of an upright. My fingers can fly up and down the next with ease (I do a good bit of sliding), and there's zero resistance--yet, they're not so slick that I lose control. 

I can't say enough about these strings...mostly because they're perfect for the style of music that I usually play. I haven't tried them with a pick, though, because I play pizzicato 100% of the time. 

Oh, and they're black--which looks super cool.

Check out this video review of these strings.

New (super lightweight) Amp: Vox VX50 BA Amp

Back when I was hauling gear around three times a week, there were few affordable lightweight options. I loved the Genz Benz I had, but after I stopped playing so much, even that seemed heavy in addition to my other gear that I carried from place to place. The best I ended up finding was an Ampeg Micro-CL 100 watt amp around 2010. It weighed at least 30 pounds and was in two pieces...not exactly easy to carry for someone of my stature.

I considered a Fender Rumble a year or so ago, but then I found the Vox VX50 bass amp...weighing in at just under 10 pounds. Since I still had the Ampeg, I didn't want to drop too much money on essentially what would only be a practice amp. The Vox was only $229.00. After watching (and reading) many reviews, I added it to my cart and waited for Fed Ex to deliver.

Considering its speaker size, this little Vox really delivers. I can easily jam with an electric guitar and full drum set and still be heard at half volume. I haven't tried it in any other setting, but for my purposes, this amp is perfect. My amp is no longer the heaviest piece of gear I'm carrying around. And as a bonus...it has built-in compression and drive options.



Amp specs are below.

OVERVIEW

Smooth, rich bass tone that's easy to take wherever you play.

The VX50 BA offers 50W of smooth Vox bass tone for live or studio performances. The highly portable combo features a single with a 4-band EQ for thorough-yet-simple tone shaping, plus a built-in compressor to keep things tight and punchy. The cabinet construction is also optimized for low-end projection, so you're sure to sound great anytime.

The VOX VX50 BA is a compact, lightweight and cutting-edge bass amplifier with an impressive 50 watts of output power and rich, deep bass tone courtesy of the Nutube-equipped pre-amp. Beyond its impressive sound, the VX50 BA provides players with a 4-band EQ, as well as on-board compression and overdrive for dialing in tight, punchy tones. There's also a full assortment of input/output jacks for connecting your headphones, media player or PA system. Weighing in at only 9.9 lb., the VX50 BA is a fully-featured bass amp that's perfect for the bassist on the go.

The compact and lightweight VX50 BA features a VOX original 8 in. speaker, a unique bass reflex structure that ensures ample power and rich low-frequency reproduction, and warm vacuum tube sound courtesy of Nutube. There's also a 4-band EQ that allows detailed sound-shaping, a compressor effect that's indispensable for bass, and an overdrive effect that provides everything from subtle grit to high-gain overdrive.

Also provided are a full complement of input/output jacks, including an aux. in jack, headphone jack and a direct out jack for direct connection to your PA system. Aesthetically, the VX50 BA sports a red color scheme, a traditional VOX vertical logo, and a metal grille for a distinct and edgy look that's sure to stand out on stage.

FEATURES

·     Ample output, and a specially‐optimized bass‐reflex structure to reproduce rich low‐frequency sounds

·     Four‐stage EQ allows the bassist to precisely shape their sound

·     Compressor lets you enjoy a tight, punchy sound

SPECIFICATIONS

·       Power: 50W

·       Single channel

·       Single input

·       Speaker: 1x8 Vox

·       Controls: 4-band EQ, compressor, overdrive

·       Built-in compressor

·       Aux. input

·       Headphone output

·       Metal grille

·       Bass-reflex cabinet structure

·       Weight: 9.9 lb.

-->

New Gear: Fender Special Edition Deluxe PJ Bass in Sea Foam Pearl

I rarely see a bass in-store that I can't live without. Usually, I stumble across bass reviews in Bass Player magazine or find new gear on YouTube reviews. On my husband's birthday, however, we decided to pay a visit to our local Guitar Center...and that's when I saw it, the Fender Special Edition Deluxe PJ bass in sea foam pearl. I've always loved sea foam green on guitars and this one, in addition to the black block inlays, caught my eye instantly. I floated over to it before handing it to my husband (I always trust his judgment over my own) to try out. He nodded in approval and I replaced it on the wall. This particular bass was used and listed at $650...not bad considering the regular price was $899 new.

I went home and continued our birthday celebrations, but I couldn't get that bass off my mind. I didn't need another bass (I own five already), but I didn't have one like this...and it was a special edition (which had already stopped being made). So, I got online to do some research, watched video reviews, and checked prices. Musician's Friend had them listed for $799 brand new, so I snagged one. Two days later, it arrived and after a few minor adjustments, I was plucking away.

After a week of playing almost daily, I'm still enamored by this bass. Not only is it beautiful, it plays like a dream...even though I usually prefer playing short scale basses. The neck is fast and thinner than I remember my other Fender Jazz necks to be. Playing with both pickups engaged produces a full, smooth sound--the best of both worlds with the Precision and Jazz pickups.

Specs:

• Precision Bass body with Maple '70s Jazz Bass neck Alder body with urethane finish Urethane body finish Gloss urethane neck finish Synthetic bone nut Maple fingerboard 20 Frets Black block inlays 34 Scale Chrome hardware 3Ply parchment pickguard Fender high mass bass bridge Standard open gear tuning machines Passive Fender Precision split single-coil with passive Jazz Bass pickup in the bridge position Volume, Volume and Tone controls
• We've teamed up with Fender to bring you another great-sounding, unique one-off bass loaded with premium features
• The exclusive Deluxe PJ Bass has a Precision Bass body with the neck of a '70s Jazz Bass
• It features the appointments you've come to love about most Fender instruments like an alder body, urethane finish, maple fingerboard and a Fender high mass bass bridge
• Perhaps the most interesting feature aside from the mash-up of P Bass body and J Bass neck is the combination of Precision and Jazz Bass pickups

New gear reviews coming!

Over the past few months, I've acquired several new pieces of gear that I'm anxious to blog about. Without giving too much away, I'll say this much...Fender and Vox are involved!

Stay tuned!

Why do bassists look so bored? (Viewer discretion advised; strong language)

Practice Resource: 'Bass Hanon: 75 Exercises'

Bass Hanon: 75 Exercises to Build Endurance and Flexibility for Bass Guitar

Even though it seems like the boring part of being a bassist, working on endurance and flexibility only improves our playing skills. Bass Hanon is a cool resource to use for this purpose. Check out the video below from Cristian Bass to see an example of the book's content. 

Oteil Burbridge and the Gold Tone BB-400+ Banjo Bass

Classic Rock/Blues Jam Session in Priceville, AL

Jam sessions are one of the great things about being a musician. There's nothing like hanging out with friends on a weekend night and playing some of your favorite tunes. Normally, these sessions don't get captured in a video or audio, but one of our jam buddies, Jeff Middleton (guitar/drums) happens to be a Periscope app enthusiast.

Click here to view an instrumental jam session last fall that he recorded live of the three of us jamming to some of our favorite classic rock/blues tunes.

Brad Wallace--electric guitar (Ibanez 920QM; Marshall JVM410h amp, Marshall 1960A cab)
Jeff Middleton--drums (ddrums; Sabian cymbals)
Emily Wallace--bass (Gibson SG; Ampeg Micro-CL 100-watt)

Set list:

"Hair of the Dog" Nazareth
"Highway to Hell" AC/DC
"Going Down" Freddie King
"Sunshine of Your Love" Cream
"Seven Nation Army" White Stripes

Nathan East & Paul Gilbert: "One Chord Challenge" at ArtistWorks

New logo and branding!

A big thanks to Brad Wallace for the logo design for my website and blog. Check out his other (awesome) graphics at Brad Wallace Imaging.

Working on a new site...

My new site is still in progress, but I wanted to post a link for those who might want to check it out. I'm adding some of my recordings (with my husband and guitarist, Brad Wallace). Videos will also be featured here as well.

Need a Lightweight, Affordable Bass Amp? You’ve been Rumbled!!

Nathan East: TC Electronic Bass Combo Amp BG250 Family

Stagg Electric Upright Bass...arrived!

The Stagg electric upright bass I mentioned in a previous blog finally arrived after bring lost in UPS land for several days, arriving a week later than it was supposed to. Nothing like losing a 6 foot tall,  45 pound package! I'm just happy it was found at all. My fear was that some UPS worker found out what it was (especially when it's shipped in packaging with a picture of the item on it) and decided to have a jam session with it somewhere in Georgia (that's the last place it was scanned before disappearing). Everything was intact, however, when I opened the box, so all is well on that front.

On to the bass itself...

Stagg Electric Upright Bass

This electric upright looks and sounds good as all the reviews claim. The only issue I have with it has to do with the hip rest attachment. It places the bass too far away from my body to play comfortably. That being said, it's perfectly comfortable to play this bass without the attachment. It moves a bit when I'm playing arco (with a bow), but not enough to really complain about. I lowered the bridge action as far as it would go, and that really helped playability of the instrument for someone with small hands like myself. I wish the neck were a little less wide, but again, that's only because of the size of my hands.

The electronics are okay, and if any improvements could be made, that's the one I would suggest the most. I'm still trying to find the balance between the volume knob and the sub bass control knob in combination with my Ampeg Micro-CL amp. If the sub bass control is up in the least, the bass no longer sounds as much like an upright. The headphone jack option is cool for practicing in the living room when the rest of my family is watching TV, but I haven't tried the auxiliary jack yet. The pickup is powered by a 9-volt battery and is easily accessible, so I don't forsee any problems there.

My 11-year-old daughter messing around on the Stagg electric upright bass

My 11-year-old daughter is learning bass guitar and even she can play this electric upright with relative ease since the bottom peg adjusts to whatever height is needed.

Overall, I'm pleased with the Stagg Electric Upright Bass. I ordered mine through Big Apple Music in New Hartford, NY (via Reverb) and they offered a hardshell case option (along with the gig bag that usually comes with it), a German bow, and extra cables for $699. I couldn't find this deal anywhere else online, so if you want a few extras for a great price, check them out on Reverb or visit their shop online.

My 11-year-old daughter messing around on the Stagg electric upright bass

Stagg electric upright bass in hardshell case

Wearables for the Female Bassist

I've always had a hard time finding bass themed shirts for females, so I decided to design my own through Zazzle. Below are links to a few of my bass themed shirts for sale.

"All about that bass" with bass guitar graphic T-Shirt
by Nature_Doodles

Bassist with bass clef T-Shirt
by Nature_Doodles

"Drop it low" bass guitar headstock silhouette T-Shirt
by Nature_Doodles

Stagg Upright Electric Bass...on the way

My upright bass from 2007

Once upon a time (in 2007), I took double bass (aka upright bass, contrabass, bass fiddle) lessons in college, and as a result, I bought the cheapest, local upright bass I could find. The neck felt like a 2x4, but hey, it played okay and I didn't have much cash to spare at the time being a night/weekend college student and full-time mother of two small children in diapers. I'm not sure how it happened, but I somehow managed to fret away (haha) my private lessons talking about gear, learning very little on the actual instrument. By the end of the semester, we were jamming together to Led Zeppelin tunes--with me on electric bass instead of upright. I regret not learning more than I did, especially since I was invited to play upright in the local community band by the head of the music department. (Of course, he didn't know what he was asking since he hadn't heard me play upright). Soon after, I sold my upright bass (it never left my townhouse the whole time I had it) to a lady who wanted instrumental wall decor and continued to focus on the electric bass. I swore that one day, I'd return to the upright bass (when my kids were older) and learn to play it as well as the electric bass. My kids are now thirteen and eleven years old, so I figure the time has come. Yesterday, I ordered a Stagg EDB-3/4 electric upright (for portability) and I'm waiting (im)patiently for it to arrive. I've read good reviews about this bass and I'm excited to see what I can do with it when it arrives (hopefully by next week). Stay tuned!

Stagg EDB-3/4 electric double bass

 

Read the specs here.

Pedal Lineup (to date)

As a general rule, I don't play using pedals that often, but I still love having them around just in case I'm feeling like a change.

Here's my current lineup and video links where you can hear how they sound.

Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi (bass): As far as fuzz/distortion pedals go, this has been my go-to over the last few years when I want to add a little extra growl to my bass lines. Listen to it here.

Electro-Harmonix Bassballs: This is a funky little envelope filter pedal with optional distortion. I like to use it when I'm doing octave driven bass lines.  Listen to it here.

Aguilar TLC Compressor: For controlling my dynamics, this is the pedal I use (a gift from my husband).   Listen to it here.

Fender Mustang (PJ) Bass (2017)

Not sure what it is about being bedridden with a bad cold, but I tend to make large purchases when I'm in bed for long periods of time (once in a blue moon). This last month was no exception. A new issue of Bass Player magazine came in and flipping through its pages, I came across a review of the new Fender Mustang bass (with PJ pickup configuration). Since I bought my Gibson SG bass, I've been stuck on short-scale basses. I've had several Fender basses before and I have to admit that after playing them for a while, I always decided to sell them in favor of basses more comfortable to my smaller hands. Hence, the short scale bass. Until I read the review in BP magazine, I hadn't realized Fender made any short scale basses. After watching a few video reviews on the newer model of the Fender Mustang bass, I got on Reverb and ordered one. The following Saturday, it arrived, and after slapping some flat wound strings on it (I only play flat wounds these days), it was ready to go. As much as I love my Gibson, I have to say that this bass is a little more comfortable to play, neck-wise. It sounds great, especially with the toggle set in the middle to activate both jazz and p-bass pickups. It weighs a bit less than my Gibson too, so it has become my go-to if I'm just practicing at home.

Fender Mustang Bass PJ (2017) in Olympic white w/mint green pickguard

Fender Mustang Bass PJ (2017) in Olympic white w/mint green pickguard

Fender Mustang Bass PJ (2017) in Olympic white w/mint green pickguard

Read more about it from Fender.


Here's a little video of me messing around on it with Brad. (I'm running it through my Ampeg Micro-CL 100-watt amp).

Gold Tone Microbass (fretless) acoustic/electric

Years ago, I bought an Ibanez acoustic/electric bass and an Ibanez electric fretless bass. Neither one gave me quite the sound I was looking for in either an acoustic or a fretless bass guitar. Last year, I tried an ESP LTD fretless electric bass and it wasn't bad, but I just couldn't fall in love with it the way I wanted to love with a fretless bass. An upright bass was out (I'd had one of those before too) because of limited space issues and I'm not quite ready to try an upright stick bass yet (next on my list, though). Last spring, I bought a Gold Tone Irish tenor banjo (4-string) and loved it, so when I saw that Gold Tone made an acoustic/electric fretless micro bass (23" scale length), I was over the moon. The strings are Aquila high-tension polymer (looks and feels like rubber) which gives it an upright sound--another bonus feature of this little bass. And, best of all, it's perfect for travel. 

Read more about it here from Gold Tone. 

Here's a little video clip of me jammin' on it a few days after it arrived. (I'm playing through an Ampeg Micro-CL 100-watt amp).