Practical Bass

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 …