Bass Guitar Schematics and Wiring
Question:
> [i] > Set of two EMG’s. I would like to have a tone switch and volume > switch as i dont really need that many bits to fiddle withD[/B]
apart from the batt circuit you can simplify with a pan and stacked vol/tone…25k if they are available… best separate systems are two vols and two tones..you get full pup output then without shareing the tone circuit. if you wont be panning and use both pups always on full then a shared vol and tone is all thats required..this would mainly be for a jazz sound..ie wide spaced sound. on the subject of batt…it is good to have an on off sw as you dont need to unplug then to save batt.. — [FONT=times new roman] _ – * m r c r o w * – _ [/FONT] posted via the bass forum at http://ebassist.com
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> Set of two EMG’s. I would like to have a tone switch and volume switch as i > dont really need that many bits to fiddle with
Then don’t fiddle at all. On the two pickup bass I built, I didn’t put any tone controls at all on it. I would have left the volume controls off as well – were it not necessary to turn down between songs onstage. — kerry —
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Great resource, Larry. Thanks for the pointer. Cheers Frank
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> http://www.guitarelectronics.com > That should do the trick then 
> I haven’t been in the site recently but recall there were quite a few > Larry Shaw > www.union-revival.com
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> http://www.guitarelectronics.com > That should do the trick then > I haven’t been in the site recently but recall there were quite a few > Larry Shaw > www.union-revival.com
Thanks Larry, will have a look on there D
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http://www.mrgearhead.net/faq/diagrams.php http://www.stewmac.com/freeinfo/I-0032.html http://www.stewmac.com/freeinfo/I-0139.html
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most of the diagrammes i have are very technical and i find hard for me to follow sometimes…too many variables ‘here’ (http://tinyurl.com/2leml) you dont need the jap pack…i dont use it. best wiring i saw recently on a P was direct to the jack via a on off switch…no tone… in fact you could do away with the switch when i play my vol is full no tone and all my adjustments are done on the preamp..the amp is set to full vol as well. simple is best…and no messing with the tone so wire hot to jack and ground to jack ..dont forget to connect the bridge earth to jack… if that is what you mean — [FONT=times new roman] _ – * m r c r o w * – _ [/FONT] posted via the bass forum at http://ebassist.com
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D. What pickups have you got first of all, and what features do you want to have? I’ve got a fairly nifty schematic for 2 pickups, 2 volume controls, 1 tone and series/parallel wiring that I can send you but if you need something else, just tell and I’ll show… cb
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> D. > What pickups have you got first of all, and what features do you want > to have? > I’ve got a fairly nifty schematic for 2 pickups, 2 volume controls, 1 > tone and series/parallel wiring that I can send you but if you need > something else, just tell and I’ll show… > cb
Set of two EMG’s. I would like to have a tone switch and volume switch as i dont really need that many bits to fiddle with D
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> D. > What pickups have you got first of all, and what features do you want > to have? > I’ve got a fairly nifty schematic for 2 pickups, 2 volume controls, 1 > tone and series/parallel wiring that I can send you but if you need > something else, just tell and I’ll show… > cb > Set of two EMG’s. I would like to have a tone switch and volume switch as i > dont really need that many bits to fiddle with
http://www.emgpickups.com/downloads/wiringdiagrams/PJ_models.pdf This should cover it. More wiring for EMG’s here: http://www.emgpickups.com/support.asp cb
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Hello people, I was wondering if anyone had seen any construction and wiring schematics for a bass guitar. Im trying to make one but my attempts at finding how to wire it have been unsuccessful. They all seem to want to have a battery preamp… i just want it to be wired so all it needs is a lead. Anyway if anyone can help me on this i would very appreciative Thanks in advance D
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http://www.guitarelectronics.com That should do the trick then I haven’t been in the site recently but recall there were quite a few Larry Shaw www.union-revival.com
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Pre woohoo MTD (Was: Online US dealers)
Question:
> The girl upstairs from me must have gotten an MTD last > night. Let us know if that happens. I’ll be buying two or > three if it does. > Man, that should be a huge woo-hoo.
He he I think that it’s pretty safe to assume that a Spalt Burl like that will keep me more than satisfied, thank you Maybe I won’t even need my Thumb anymore > Enjoy the anticipation. I hope works out for you. > The one that was posted last week from from Bass Northwest > was beautiful.
Yes indeed, I had my eyes on that and have been back and forth quite a lot, but spec wise I think the Ash/Spalt Maple Wenge neck/fingerboard will suit me better. Fingers crossed Regards Anna — AOL / ICQ / iChat: annabassand (AIM) http://home1.stofanet.dk/bassbabe/
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> Maybe I won’t even need my > Thumb anymore
Lol! :-) — O> /() ^^
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>
Getting out of a playing rut
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>Does anyone have any suggestions for how to get out of a playing rut?
hmm, we used to have a link master around here……. http://nemec.com/mb/AGBInfluences.pdf http://nemec.com/mb/AGBInfluences.txt might get you inspired again >Or what to do when you plug into your rig (which normally sounds good) and for >some reason, no matter what you try, it just sounds like crap on that >particular night?
weeks later you’ll love the sound again (my experience) maarten
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> Does anyone have any suggestions for how to get out of a playing rut?
This is a very subjective issue, of course. In my personal experience, learning some new licks always improved my playing. Learning new melodic ideas inspires me to come up with ideas of my own. Back in the ’80s I used to be a wannabe metalhead, but never got very far with the "fast scales" thing. Then I got more into the blues, and my playing speed and accuracy improved, both on guitar and on bass. This was because I was playing more melodic ideas that were meaningful to me in a way the "metal shredder scales" never were. Lately I have been listening to some Motown on the radio, so I see myself borrowing some R&B bass licks in the near term. Again, YMMV, this is just my $0.02. Good luck! — BA
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Stop playing, and maybe even listening, to music for a while. I find if I can do this (I usually try to have a vacation away from music of one or two weeks every year) I come back fired up and ready to burn. Joe S.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Does anyone have any suggestions for how to get out of a playing rut? > Or what to do when you plug into your rig (which normally sounds good) and for > some reason, no matter what you try, it just sounds like crap on that > particular night?
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Switch to a different bass, or start learning fretless.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Does anyone have any suggestions for how to get out of a playing rut? > Or what to do when you plug into your rig (which normally sounds good) and for > some reason, no matter what you try, it just sounds like crap on that > particular night?
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> Switch to a different bass, or start learning fretless.
Sometimes yuo can get a fresh approach just changing your EQ settings around and then playing lines that seem to work with that new tone. Every now and then I spin through all the patches on my Bass POD. Playing over radically different sounds makes me play in different ways, often to suprisingly beneficial results. — Jay O’Connor http://www.r4h.org/r4hmusic
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> > Does anyone have any suggestions for how to get out of a playing rut?
http://myweb.cableone.net/markhassett/get_back.html -=Weasel=-
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I got out of a rut once by changing where I wear the bass. :-) Instead of letting it hang low I started wearing it higher on my chest. After I got used to it I started playing better. I think it is more ergonomically correct. Joe. — Joe’s Website: http://revolution.3-cities.com/~jsanch/
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Does anyone have any suggestions for how to get out of a playing rut? > Or what to do when you plug into your rig (which normally sounds good) and for > some reason, no matter what you try, it just sounds like crap on that > particular night?
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When I get into a rut I usually gig with a different bass for a while (I have a few at home to choose from). Usually, switching between fretless and fretted is enough to keep me going. Another idea: learn some songs in a style you don’t normally play. If you’re in a rock band, break out a reggae cd and learn the songs on it. It will give you new things to think about and expand your style. My band’s site: www.strongerthandirt.com
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I played in a one group for 6 years and got stuck and the group broke up and had to form another and also went with different types of music so it forced me to change , so now I play in a country band one night a rock band on another and still jam with jazz played at a coffee house .also I am in 2 Gospel groups so I stay busy and not in a rut. Later Rock P.S I do play a 6 stringer in one of these bands 8-(
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Get into a different playing situation – different people than you normally play with, or a different type of music that you are not familiar with. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone. I was in a huge rut until I hooked up with some new guys that really made me feel that my old licks were not working… — David DeVos – www.kf8ql.homestead.com
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Does anyone have any suggestions for how to get out of a playing rut? > Or what to do when you plug into your rig (which normally sounds good) and for > some reason, no matter what you try, it just sounds like crap on that > particular night?
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When I get in a rut where my tone doesn’t get me excited anymore I just take a break for a bit. Be it a few hours or a few days. It usually happens when I’m really busy and I have other things on my mind. Usually at some point in the day I will *want* to play again. Then there are times when I really just don’t like the tone coming out of my rig, and if I tweak the knobs a bit I can come up with a new sound that I like better. I like it when my taste in tone changes. Tone is kind of like dating, where your keep deciding what you like and what you don’t. Jordan
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Does anyone have any suggestions for how to get out of a playing rut? > Or what to do when you plug into your rig (which normally sounds good) and for > some reason, no matter what you try, it just sounds like crap on that > particular night?
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>Does anyone have any suggestions for how to get out of a playing rut? >Or what to do when you plug into your rig (which normally sounds good) and for >some reason, no matter what you try, it just sounds like crap on that >particular night?
Along with everybody else’s great advice so far, I’d also suggest you pick up another instrument and just plink around on it if all else fails. A cheap Casio keyboard from a garage sale for 20 bucks, a crappy old acoustic guitar, or a beat up old mandolin from a flea market. Something totally off the wall. You can’t even begin to imagine the doors it will open up for your bass playing by experimenting with the different tunings and "strange" intervals of other instruments. If I’d have never picked up a little guitar or keyboards for instance, I’d not be able to take gigs where I am suddenly finding myself with complete strangers in front of a hundred drunks. That’s another benefit…. being able to look and see what key the keyboardist/pianoist or guitarist is playing in by just watching their hands. Anyway… just rambling again as usual. HTH –
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Does anyone have any suggestions for how to get out of a playing rut? Or what to do when you plug into your rig (which normally sounds good) and for some reason, no matter what you try, it just sounds like crap on that particular night?
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> Does anyone have any suggestions for how to get out of a playing rut?
Look for inspiration. Search groups.google.com for the many times someone’s asked "what’s a cool bass song?" Then purchase <cough>download</cough> that song, and dig it. I also like to find acoustic versions of songs I like, and write my own bass part to it. > Or what to do when you plug into your rig (which normally sounds good) and for > some reason, no matter what you try, it just sounds like crap on that > particular night?
At a gig? Just suck it up. For as much time as we all spend trying to find our perfect tone, it’s unlikely anybody but us give a rolling donut. Not at a gig? Stop searching for your sound, and search for a completely different one. At my last practice, I was hating the amp I use, so I rolled off the bridge pickup altogether, boosted my bass and treble, and got this spanky, burpy treble tone. Didn’t fit the song, or anything else I usually do, but it was fun to play with for a while.
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Witch bass?
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Yeah, witch basses are great, some of the best basses I’ve played.
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I had one shaped like a broomstick a long time ago but I can’t remember the model number…….:) Robert
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Got a guitar center or other big store in your area? I’ve played some squires that play pretty good. (I own a’64 J and a ‘76 P bass.I played every bass in every store in about 200 miles from the Detroit area and most of the Fenders played like crap back then.I found two really good ones.) Check out the Yamahas,Ibenezs,Arias and what ever else they have.(I’ve tried the Dan Electros, look cool but don’t stay in tune to well,at least the ones I’ve tried.) Bob
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Hello I’m a newbie and I’m looking for a bass guitar under $200 bucks? What does everybody recommend I want a hardkore punk sound. Thanx this goup kix!
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> Hello I’m a newbie and I’m looking for a bass guitar under $200 bucks? > What does everybody recommend I want a hardkore punk sound. Thanx this > goup kix!
i kind of like this goup too…a little sticky, but somehow i keep coming back pd — check out: http://www.pstone.com http://peterduncan.net
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> Hello I’m a newbie and I’m looking for a bass guitar under $200 bucks? > What does everybody recommend I want a hardkore punk sound. Thanx this > goup kix!
A used Fender Mexican Jazz or P-bass comes to mind.
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I heard (from several sources) that the Mexican Fenders are crap! The only time I ever hear anything good about them is when someone’s trying to sell me one. What’s the "real story" on these basses??? Do they compare to the U.S. made? And what’s up with the Japanese models??? I’ve heard they’re very good. Nick – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello I’m a newbie and I’m looking for a bass guitar under $200 bucks? > What does everybody recommend I want a hardkore punk sound. Thanx this > goup kix! > A used Fender Mexican Jazz or P-bass comes to mind.
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Q: Why change ALL 6 output tubes?
Question:
Hello, If I have an old SoundCity 120 and one of the output EL34 tubes is sparking and blowing fuses, can I change just one or two tubes? Why would I be required to replace all 6 power tubes? Someone who sells tubes said I must change them all.
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> Hello, > If I have an old SoundCity 120 and one of the output EL34 tubes is sparking > and blowing fuses, can I change just one or two tubes? > Why would I be required to replace all 6 power tubes? > Someone who sells tubes said I must change them all.
Lord Valve Speaketh: That was probably me. The reason to change all the tubes at the same time is that if you only replace one, chances are heavily in favor of the bias range required by the new tube being *very* different than what the existing ones need. This can cause the new tube to burn up in a few minutes, or, if the bias is adjusted to keep that tube within specs, the remaining tubes will be running way too cold, with the ugly-sounding crossover-notch distortion that comes from this condition. At the very least, you will wind up with a DC imbalance in the output stage which causes objectionable amounts of 120 Hz hum. The tubes in that thing are probably nearly used up anyway, since they are beginning to fail. It’s easier on the amp to replace them all and re-bias than it is to let them fail one at a time, possibly risking the OPT or other components. Every time you replace a tube, the bias needs to be checked/adjusted; unless you know how to do it yourself, you’re going to have to shell out your hard-earned bread SIX TIMES if you let the tubes fail one at a time. Better to get it over with all at once. It’ll *sound* way better, too… and that’s the name of the game, ain’t it? Lord Valve VISIT MY WEBSITE: http://www.freeyellow.com/members2/lord-valve/ Good tube FAQ for newbies. Click the e-mail link and join my SPAM LIST; just put "SPAM ME" in the header and I’ll sign you up. (If you only want a set of e-mail catalogs, put "CATS ONLY" in the header.) I specialize in top quality HAND-SELECTED NOS and current-production vacuum tubes for guitar and bass amps. Good prices, fast service. TONS of gear and parts in stock…let’s DEAL! NBS Electronics, 230 South Broadway, Denver, CO 80209-1510 Phone orders/tech support after 1:00 PM Denver time at 303-778-1156 NOW ACCEPTING VISA AND MASTERCARD CHAT WITH LORD VALVE: Log onto any DALnet server and join channel #CONELRAD. Look for me there most any night after 11:00 PM Denver (Mountain) time. Guitar-amp questions and what-have-you are welcome. "The researches of many commentators have already thrown much darkness on this subject, and it is probable that, if they continue, we shall soon know nothing at all about it" -Mark Twain
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yes, you should change all of the tubes. basically what it comes down to is that tubes have a life, and although they vary slightly with there life spans, if they are the same brand and have been used in the same amp for about the same lentgh of time, and one of them goes out, you can be almost certain that it wont be long before the others go out as well. shad: "some mysteries are beyond the mysteries of explanation"
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: Hello, : If I have an old SoundCity 120 and one of the output EL34 tubes is sparking : and blowing fuses, can I change just one or two tubes? : Why would I be required to replace all 6 power tubes? : Someone who sells tubes said I must change them all. Ron, You don’t have to change all the tubes… If you were able to find a similar used tube, you could pop it in and it probably wouldn’t hurt anything. Especially if your style of playing is mostly in the dirt/distortion mode. It would drive most tech types crazy to read that you did just drop in a spare tube. It wouldn’t match the others, but hey… they may not have been matched when they were put in. Some amplifier designs have moderate compensation for dissimilar tubes. What you might trade off for the bad tube replacement is tone (might be better or worse than what you have now) and the unknown lifespan of the tubes in the amp. Some carefree operators wouldn’t even care to check the bias… heck if you were going to trash the old tubes anyway, what have you got to lose. Plug and play… If you want to replace all the tubes, they’re getting cheap again… Look around then net. cheers
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If I have an old SoundCity 120 and one of the output EL34 tubes is sparking and blowing fuses, can I change just one or two tubes? Why would I be required to replace all 6 power tubes?>> Your not required to, but if the new tube is not matched to the others you run the risk of burning it up right away.
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>: and blowing fuses, can I change just one or two tubes? >: Why would I be required to replace all 6 power tubes? >Some carefree operators wouldn’t even care to check the bias… heck if >you were going to trash the old tubes anyway, what have you got to lose.
You could loose an output transformer, screen resistors, burn up board traces, arc tube sockets, etc.. etc.. Tubes used beyond their useful life are one of the main reasons tube amps blow up REAL GOOD. Unless the other tubes are known to be in good shape and haven’t been physically abused from the road, change them all. ..Joe L
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> Hello, > If I have an old SoundCity 120 and one of the output EL34 tubes is sparking > and blowing fuses, can I change just one or two tubes? > Why would I be required to replace all 6 power tubes? > Someone who sells tubes said I must change them all.
Nothing like running your car on one new tire and three worn ones. Not a good thing. Slam on the brakes, and where are you going???? Well, the same it true for those tubes. Unbalanced, the tubes will cause hum, and unbalanced operation that will either yield distortion or hotter operation for the new or lesser worn tubes. Thus, more problems that will lead to short term failure of either the tubes, or the amp due to the stresses this imbalance places on its components. Pay the prices for the six, or pay for the repairs later on. Every Bargain has Its PRICE!!!! This is Not the Place to get Cheap!!!!! You were given good advice!!!!!! Regards, Rich Koerner, Time Electronics. http://www.timeelect.com
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fender American Jazz bass guitar
Question:
I found there are many model for Fender Jazz. Does hot roded also has a Jazz bass for 5 strings? Is it American made? Also, there is a Fender Am classic Jazz bass. How much is it for a new one? Does Fender Custom shop make Jazz? I appreciate if anyone could kindly tell me their difference with standard and deluxe. monk
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Fenders standard basses have passive pickups and electronics, while the deluxe have active pickups and electronics. Fender makes an American Dlx. Jazz Bass V 5-string.
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RANCID AND BAD RELIGION
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Does anyone know what kind of Bass guitar rancid and/or bad religion uses? if you have any idea please let me know. thanks
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the guy of rancid uses an Ibanez expressionist (or something like that), according to the Ibanez adds… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Does anyone know what kind of Bass guitar rancid and/or bad religion uses? >if you have any idea please let me know. thanks
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Matt Freeman from Rancid uses an Ibanez bass. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Does anyone know what kind of Bass guitar rancid and/or bad religion uses? >if you have any idea please let me know. thanks
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Strengthening the fingers for beginners
Question:
Personally, I just did the chromatic scales in the first position. It wasn’t fun or anything of course, but it worked until I could do fancier stuff. I’ve found there’s no quick way to get the finger strength up; you have to just keep on struggling. One thing I had in my favor is that I was in a punk band when I started bass. So the theory and changes were obviously very easy (I only played the roots), but I had to move my fingers fairly fast and it was very good exercise. Good Luck. Just remember that it takes time, and a watched pot never boils. _Sean
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> >Hi all. >I’ve just begun teaching myself bass guitar, and I’m finding that the >hardest thing to get around is how weak my third and fourth fingers are. > A big problem for me is getting the note to sound clearly when I fret it >with the fourth finger. I would think this is because the finger is not > strong enough. So would anyone (especially bass players) know of any >exercises or devices for strengthening the fingers?
Practice, practice, practice. And when you’re done with that, practice some more. I think that’s really the only way. Some people will recommend squeezing a ball or something like that when you’re not with your instrument. That may help. What I would suggest though is that you do some sort of stretching excersizes and massage your hands before playing. This will greatly reduce the chances of causing damage from straining the muscles. Practice is the only real way you’ll make progress though. I started playing on an upright with high action when I was only 9 years old. Playing upright got my fingers strong pretty quick. Eventually the problem with the muscles in your hands becomes not the squeezing motion but the straitening. The muscles associated with the squeezing motion become well developed and the opposite muscles don’t. I’ve heard suggestions of using rubberbands to excersize those muscles. Warm up before you run. Stretch before you lift. It’s all common sense. Brian
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Your fingers will get stronger but developing endurance will actually be more important so you don’t get tired playing. The harder you pluck your strings, the more pressure it required from your fingers on the frets. I suggest setting your action as low as possible and amp gain high so you don’t have to pluck your strings so hard. When I first started playing two years ago I developed a slight blister on my index finger because I tended to press too hard. This never happened on the other fingers. It is important to press down close to the fret without actually touching it. It is surprising how little finger pressure it takes if you have a light touch on plucking the strings. John – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi all. > I’ve just begun teaching myself bass guitar, and I’m finding that the > hardest thing to get around is how weak my third and fourth fingers are. > A big problem for me is getting the note to sound clearly when I fret it > with the fourth finger. I would think this is because the finger is not > strong enough. So would anyone (especially bass players) know of any > exercises or devices for strengthening the fingers? > Michael Manring has a very interesting warm-up exercise involving > playing all the combinations of the four fingers across four frets — > 1234, 1243, 1324, 1342, etc. Maybe it would be more helpful if my > fingers were limber enough, but for now thie exercise is a little > too complicated for me. Another thing I try doing is fretting the four > frets and holding them down until all four are held down. Also, I’ve > heard somewhere about a small spring gadget that you put in your palm. > There are four spring-like buttons you press which simulate fingering on > a guitar. (I think it’s mainly used by guitar players to help them > practice fast licks.) Anyway, does anyone know about this device, and > does anyone have any other suggestions for strengthening the fingers for > a beginning bassist? > Thanks in advance, > D.
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Playing (or exercising) do not always increase hand strength. Haven’t you heard of repetitive motion syndrome? I can’t open jars with my left hand anymore. mps
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<<but by and large, hand strength is a far overrated aspect of guitar playing. I have what most would consider pretty signifigant hand and wrist strength, and I struggle just like everyone else, probably more so. ;-)>> So your tellin me i cant tell people that playing guitar is the reason one arms so much bigger than the other? Marduk.
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MAn, how long can it go on ? Warm up exercises ? Strengthening exercises ? And this is for a beginner ? This thread must come up about once a month. They got other things to worry about like learning the names of the notes and strings and copping licks off the records. Quit wasting your time — Steve Pittard | http://catalina.bimcore.emory.edu/www (HOME PAGE) BIMCORE Support | 404 727 0038
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> Playing (or exercising) do not always increase hand strength. Haven’t > you heard of repetitive motion syndrome? I can’t open jars with my > left hand anymore. > mps
My whole point (and Stephane’s too) is that you don’t necesarily need to increase hand strength–you need to apply the strength you have better. — Greg
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> > Playing (or exercising) do not always increase hand strength. Haven’t > you heard of repetitive motion syndrome? I can’t open jars with my > left hand anymore. > mps
That’s not true. Playing does increase strength. The important thing to do is to do warm-ups with your hand and wrist before playing. Don’t just pick up the guitar and burn…you’ll do damage that way. A guitarist is an athlete, and just like any other athlete you have to take care of yourself. Try lightly squeezing a tennis ball (I use a raquetball) for a few minutes, then slowly go over some scales or something until you’re good and warmed up. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > Playing (or exercising) do not always increase hand strength. Haven’t > > you heard of repetitive motion syndrome? I can’t open jars with my > > left hand anymore. > > mps >That’s not true. Playing does increase strength. The important thing to do >is to do warm-ups with your hand and wrist before playing. Don’t just pick >up the guitar and burn…you’ll do damage that way. A guitarist is an >athlete, and just like any other athlete you have to take care of yourself. >Try lightly squeezing a tennis ball (I use a raquetball) for a few minutes, >then slowly go over some scales or something until you’re good and warmed >up.
Well, maybe. BTW, I don’t play guitar and I certainly don’t "burn." I tend to doubt that you can play any stringed instrument without some degree of damage. My PT definitely advises against the tennis ball as just the sort of thing that can aggravate RMS symptoms. A raquetball would be better, but is still too stiff and not big enough. mps
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hi all. >I’ve just begun teaching myself bass guitar, and I’m finding that the >hardest thing to get around is how weak my third and fourth fingers are. > A big problem for me is getting the note to sound clearly when I fret it >with the fourth finger. I would think this is because the finger is not > strong enough. So would anyone (especially bass players) know of any >exercises or devices for strengthening the fingers? > Well… I’m begining too and my fingers got stronger only by playing… I > never done special exercises… > Rui Pedro Covelo I.S.T. (LEEC) > Portugal
There is some Strength grip wich alloy you to do exercises wherever. fred.
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > Playing (or exercising) do not always increase hand strength. Haven’t > > you heard of repetitive motion syndrome? I can’t open jars with my > > left hand anymore. > > mps > That’s not true. Playing does increase strength. The important thing to do > is to do warm-ups with your hand and wrist before playing. Don’t just pick > up the guitar and burn…you’ll do damage that way. A guitarist is an > athlete, and just like any other athlete you have to take care of yourself. > Try lightly squeezing a tennis ball (I use a raquetball) for a few minutes, > then slowly go over some scales or something until you’re good and warmed > up.
The problem of lack of strength in 3rd and 4th fingers is classical on bass players, since bass is much rougher than guitar to beginners. Squeezing tennis balls, or the like, before playing is a good practice, mostly when you don’t do it very hard (long). It helps to warm up your hand. For getting a good fret with 3rd and 4th fingers, I think the classical exercises are the best. That is chromatic scales and the like. Still now, I always do some of these exercises to warm up. Typical exercise goes like this: (each fret corresponds to a finger (1 to 1, 2 to 2, and so on) On the first 4 frets: Play sequence of fingers 1,2,3,4 on the same string, changing string each time you play the sequence. Now the sequence 1,2. Afterwards, sequence 1,3. Then 1,4. 2,3. 2,4. 3,4. When you have mastered all this and you get bored, you can go on with changing string at each note, and so on, which will help also to warm and train the most important hand for a bassist (the right one) and the one which we tend to forget about so easily. Another way of improving your 4th finger fretting is to improve the angle you can cover with your 1-4 fingers. That is, how many frets can you cover. If you do fine covering 5 frets, you’ll have almost no problem when playing on 4 frets. To improve this, you can try to play major scales in open position (Pastorius- like), that is: (for C Major) Starting with finger 1, on string 3, fret 3, you go: String 3: frets 3, 5, 7 with fingers 1, 2, 4 String 2: frets 3, 5, 7 with fingers 1, 2, 4 String 1: frets 4, 5, 7 with fingers 1, 2, 4 Then you go backwards. Better if you start practicing on fret 15 (string 3) or the like, where it’s easier to do and you progressively go down the neck downto frets 3,2 and 1. Hope this helps, Ivan
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<snip> > When I started playing guitar I often found myself with great pain (I > started on accoustic). But that wasn’t due to lack of strenght, that > was due to me applying uneven pressure when fretting a chord. As a > result, I ended up putting a lot of pressure to attempt to get all > notes fretted. But in reality, once you get used to it, you don’t need > a lot of pressure to fret a chord.
I totally agree with this. I think it’s far, far more useful to learn how to apply your strength correctly than to try and build more strength. I don’t think the "tipping a chair with your pinky" is a bad thing to do, but that time could be spent so much more productively actually playing the guitar. Like a lot of activities, once you learn the proper form you actually use less strength. The best way to learn the proper form is to play the guitar lots. — Greg
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>Hi all. >I’ve just begun teaching myself bass guitar, and I’m finding that the >hardest thing to get around is how weak my third and fourth fingers are. > A big problem for me is getting the note to sound clearly when I fret it >with the fourth finger. I would think this is because the finger is not > strong enough. So would anyone (especially bass players) know of any >exercises or devices for strengthening the fingers?
Well… I’m begining too and my fingers got stronger only by playing… I never done special exercises… Rui Pedro Covelo I.S.T. (LEEC) Portugal
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> Well… I’m begining too and my fingers got stronger only by playing… I > never done special exercises…
I think what’s misleading about those various gadget to "strenghten" your fingers is that it overlooks the important aspect of properly USING the strenght you already have. When I started playing guitar I often found myself with great pain (I started on accoustic). But that wasn’t due to lack of strenght, that was due to me applying uneven pressure when fretting a chord. As a result, I ended up putting a lot of pressure to attempt to get all notes fretted. But in reality, once you get used to it, you don’t need a lot of pressure to fret a chord. I find it a bit similar with string bending. You don’t necessarily need a lot of strength. But you need to execute the bend properly. I never used those strenghtening gadgets, and I doubt that my hand is much stronger than it was when I started. It’s just that I’ve learned, with a lot of practice, to fret properly. — , – NORTEL – Tel: (613)763-9778 Bell-Northern Research / Recherches Bell-Northern
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Well… I’m begining too and my fingers got stronger only by playing… I > never done special exercises… >I think what’s misleading about those various gadget to "strenghten" >your fingers is that it overlooks the important aspect of properly >USING the strenght you already have. >When I started playing guitar I often found myself with great pain (I >started on accoustic). But that wasn’t due to lack of strenght, that >was due to me applying uneven pressure when fretting a chord. As a >result, I ended up putting a lot of pressure to attempt to get all >notes fretted. But in reality, once you get used to it, you don’t need >a lot of pressure to fret a chord. >I find it a bit similar with string bending. You don’t necessarily >need a lot of strength. But you need to execute the bend properly. >I never used those strenghtening gadgets, and I doubt that my hand is >much stronger than it was when I started. It’s just that I’ve learned, >with a lot of practice, to fret properly. >– > , >- NORTEL – Tel: (613)763-9778 >Bell-Northern Research / Recherches Bell-Northern
The hand strength required to perform the standard movements is actually only slightly higher in requirements than the average individual. The trained musician excells in technique, and flexibility of the hand and wrist, as well as the ability to relax while exerting effort. Of course extraordinary hand and wrist strength can aid one’s playing, as well as giving some injury prevention, but by and large, hand strength is a far overrated aspect of guitar playing. I have what most would consider pretty signifigant hand and wrist strength, and I struggle just like everyone else, probably more so. ;-) Jon Agiato 1st class NFPT USA Olympic Weightlifting coach Synergistic Training Systems http://home.earthlink.net/~syntrasys/synergis.htm http://home.earthlink.net/~syntrasys/ ICQ #9224971
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> Hi all. > I’ve just begun teaching myself bass guitar, and I’m finding that the > hardest thing to get around is how weak my third and fourth fingers are. > A big problem for me is getting the note to sound clearly when I fret it > with the fourth finger. I would think this is because the finger is not > strong enough. So would anyone (especially bass players) know of any > exercises or devices for strengthening the fingers?
I gotta tell this story again. My first guitar teacher used to do pinkie-pullups using a string tied to his pinky finger and the other end tied to the back of chair. He’d sit facing the back of the chair, pull it onto its back two legs with this pinky/string combination and let it down again. Very, very funny. But he did have a huge bulge on his pinky and man could he shred. I was particularly impressed with his pinky finger bends and hammer-on/hammer-offs. It really did seems to make a difference. You might also take up rock climbing. I’ve climbed so hard that I could barely hold a fork at the end of the day. Really good for fingers and forearms! I think the best advice, though, is the one another poster made. Just play. As Ted Nugent said "Play until you have a welt on your chest or if it makes you really feel good, until you see the blood from your fingers. Then you’ll know you getting somewhere". — Gary Affonso
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi all. > I’ve just begun teaching myself bass guitar, and I’m finding that the > hardest thing to get around is how weak my third and fourth fingers > are. > A big problem for me is getting the note to sound clearly when I fret > it > with the fourth finger. I would think this is because the finger is > not > strong enough. So would anyone (especially bass players) know of any > exercises or devices for strengthening the fingers? > Michael Manring has a very interesting warm-up exercise involving > playing all the combinations of the four fingers across four frets > — > 1234, 1243, 1324, 1342, etc. Maybe it would be more helpful if my > fingers were limber enough, but for now thie exercise is a little > too complicated for me. Another thing I try doing is fretting the > four > frets and holding them down until all four are held down. Also, I’ve > heard somewhere about a small spring gadget that you put in your palm. > There are four spring-like buttons you press which simulate fingering > on > a guitar. (I think it’s mainly used by guitar players to help them > practice fast licks.) Anyway, does anyone know about this device, > and > does anyone have any other suggestions for strengthening the fingers > for > a beginning bassist?
The Manring excercise mentioned above is fine, even if your fingers aren’t limber. Limberness will come with time. You can either play it in the higher registers and work your way down the neck as your flexibility increases, or you may shift your hand slightly (do not move your fretting hand thumb) in order to reach the frets in the lower register. Make sure your fretting fingers are curved over the neck. If they’re flat, you’ll stress your joints and possibly fatigue the muscles in your hand. The pinky is usually the finger that gets laid flat and causes the most problems. I’m not big on excercises that involve gadgets. Most of them aren’t harmful and may even help somewhat. However, there’s a huge difference between squeezing a gadget and doing a fingering excercise on your bass. 8^) Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thanks in advance, > D.
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just play man..just play..it’ll come…screw the tennis ball stuff and the new fangled this and that "when your not playing" gadgets…nothing will work the hand like playing!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Hi all. >I’ve just begun teaching myself bass guitar, and I’m finding that the >hardest thing to get around is how weak my third and fourth fingers are. > A big problem for me is getting the note to sound clearly when I fret it >with the fourth finger. I would think this is because the finger is not > strong enough. So would anyone (especially bass players) know of any >exercises or devices for strengthening the fingers? >Michael Manring has a very interesting warm-up exercise involving >playing all the combinations of the four fingers across four frets — >1234, 1243, 1324, 1342, etc. Maybe it would be more helpful if my >fingers were limber enough, but for now thie exercise is a little >too complicated for me. Another thing I try doing is fretting the four >frets and holding them down until all four are held down. Also, I’ve >heard somewhere about a small spring gadget that you put in your palm. >There are four spring-like buttons you press which simulate fingering on >a guitar. (I think it’s mainly used by guitar players to help them >practice fast licks.) Anyway, does anyone know about this device, and >does anyone have any other suggestions for strengthening the fingers for >a beginning bassist? >Thanks in advance, >D.
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Anyway, does anyone know about this device, and > does anyone have any other suggestions for strengthening the fingers for > a beginning bassist?
Jaco used to carry a tennis ball in his bass case. When he wasn’t playing he’d squeeze it and dig his fingers into it. Mike
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anatomy 101…fingers don’t have muscles! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >You could use the tennis ball thing. Another way that’s a little less >difficult if you’re a beginner, is an IsoFlex stress thing. It looks >like a little bag and you can get it here and there. But anything like >that. It’s filled with tiny particles of sand and it feels like a jelly. >It’s good to build up your fore-arm muscle which is a necessity with an >upright bass. That’s what i use mine for. >It’s also good for building up finger muscles. It’s better for the >forearm muscle htough >mike > Anyway, does anyone know about this device, and > > does anyone have any other suggestions for strengthening the fingers for > > a beginning bassist? > Jaco used to carry a tennis ball in his bass case. When he wasn’t playing > he’d squeeze it and dig his fingers into it. > Mike
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> > does anyone have any other suggestions for strengthening the fingers for > a beginning bassist? > Jaco used to carry a tennis ball in his bass case. When he wasn’t playing > he’d squeeze it and dig his fingers into it.
He’d also throw fire extinguishers around at airports. N
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> Hi, I’ve heard that those gadgets can be Dangerous for your fingers.
Yes, those stupid finger workout spring gagets are not a good thing. They can give you carpal tunnel or tendonitous (sp?). The best workout for your fingers to get them strong and coordinated is to practice. It will come with time. -Brian – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I’ve just begun teaching myself bass guitar, and I’m finding that the >hardest thing to get around is how weak my third and fourth fingers are. > A big problem for me is getting the note to sound clearly when I fret it >with the fourth finger. I would think this is because the finger is not > strong enough. So would anyone (especially bass players) know of any >exercises or devices for strengthening the fingers? >Michael Manring has a very interesting warm-up exercise involving >playing all the combinations of the four fingers across four frets — >1234, 1243, 1324, 1342, etc. Maybe it would be more helpful if my >fingers were limber enough, but for now thie exercise is a little >too complicated for me. Another thing I try doing is fretting the four >frets and holding them down until all four are held down. Also, I’ve >heard somewhere about a small spring gadget that you put in your palm. >There are four spring-like buttons you press which simulate fingering on >a guitar. (I think it’s mainly used by guitar players to help them >practice fast licks.) Anyway, does anyone know about this device, and >does anyone have any other suggestions for strengthening the fingers for >a beginning bassist? >Thanks in advance, >D.
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You could use the tennis ball thing. Another way that’s a little less difficult if you’re a beginner, is an IsoFlex stress thing. It looks like a little bag and you can get it here and there. But anything like that. It’s filled with tiny particles of sand and it feels like a jelly. It’s good to build up your fore-arm muscle which is a necessity with an upright bass. That’s what i use mine for. It’s also good for building up finger muscles. It’s better for the forearm muscle htough mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Anyway, does anyone know about this device, and > does anyone have any other suggestions for strengthening the fingers for > a beginning bassist? > Jaco used to carry a tennis ball in his bass case. When he wasn’t playing > he’d squeeze it and dig his fingers into it. > Mike
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Hi all. I’ve just begun teaching myself bass guitar, and I’m finding that the hardest thing to get around is how weak my third and fourth fingers are. A big problem for me is getting the note to sound clearly when I fret it with the fourth finger. I would think this is because the finger is not strong enough. So would anyone (especially bass players) know of any exercises or devices for strengthening the fingers? Michael Manring has a very interesting warm-up exercise involving playing all the combinations of the four fingers across four frets — 1234, 1243, 1324, 1342, etc. Maybe it would be more helpful if my fingers were limber enough, but for now thie exercise is a little too complicated for me. Another thing I try doing is fretting the four frets and holding them down until all four are held down. Also, I’ve heard somewhere about a small spring gadget that you put in your palm. There are four spring-like buttons you press which simulate fingering on a guitar. (I think it’s mainly used by guitar players to help them practice fast licks.) Anyway, does anyone know about this device, and does anyone have any other suggestions for strengthening the fingers for a beginning bassist? Thanks in advance, D.
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Hi, I’ve heard that those gadgets can be Dangerous for your fingers. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hi all. >I’ve just begun teaching myself bass guitar, and I’m finding that the >hardest thing to get around is how weak my third and fourth fingers are. > A big problem for me is getting the note to sound clearly when I fret it >with the fourth finger. I would think this is because the finger is not > strong enough. So would anyone (especially bass players) know of any >exercises or devices for strengthening the fingers? >Michael Manring has a very interesting warm-up exercise involving >playing all the combinations of the four fingers across four frets — >1234, 1243, 1324, 1342, etc. Maybe it would be more helpful if my >fingers were limber enough, but for now thie exercise is a little >too complicated for me. Another thing I try doing is fretting the four >frets and holding them down until all four are held down. Also, I’ve >heard somewhere about a small spring gadget that you put in your palm. >There are four spring-like buttons you press which simulate fingering on >a guitar. (I think it’s mainly used by guitar players to help them >practice fast licks.) Anyway, does anyone know about this device, and >does anyone have any other suggestions for strengthening the fingers for >a beginning bassist? >Thanks in advance, >D.