Big Fat Albert Sound Sample:

[nashman]

That was excellent. Thanks for posting! Excellent bass (and drummer also).

 

[Holdsg]

what's really great, is we get the insights from a studio stud that also has a great command of the english language, and can paint pictures with words. fantastic.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

So, tell us: what kind-of reaction do you get from recording engineers when you walk into a studio without a standard P or J? Is there any resistance to the Big Al or Bongo?

 

[sloshep]

Wow, cool post. Its interesting to hear you talk about goes on in a studio and what you run your bass trough. Love the tone you are getting out of the Big Al.

 

[T-bone]

im just tryin to put back what the rats stole from us.... emotion. and everyone knows all the emotion in a tune, everything that makes you feel good when you hear it, is in fact.... THE BASSLINE!!!!!

Now that's what I'm hearing when I listen to these recordings. Thank you for that, Craig. I hear plenty of people with incredible chops, but where's the emotion? Damn you nailed that.

I do wonder though, what's a "hot plate?"

tbone

 

[oli@bass]

I'm floored. In all sorts of aspects... downloaded and ipotted.

 

[bovinehost]

Now that's what I'm hearing when I listen to these recordings. Thank you for that, Craig. I hear plenty of people with incredible chops, but where's the emotion? Damn you nailed that.

This.

It's like being a gunslinger in the old west, at least the over-romanticized TV version of it. Always someone faster. A new kid, waiting to take you down. And that's not what music is about.

That's what I really love about Craig's playing. You can tell he's thinking, "How do I make the song better?" Not, "How do I impress the three bassists who will notice how many notes I can play in a single measure?"

 

[cyoungnashville]

its all i got man. i just dont have those speedy chops. in fact, i never set out to be a bass player, i just was one. i never got into gourmet bass jacos or any of that stuff. i respect all that ability, it just doesnt move me like a SONG moves me. many many days in the studio, i find that i care more about the song than the actual writer, or artist, or producer does. that gets me into trouble quite often.

 

[zuma]

That's the beauty of the Nashville number system, the key can change on the fly and getting through a chart is not that difficult. Once I figured it out, it made all the sense in the world and made getting through changes in both a live and studio setting a breeze.

So, is the Nashville number system like solfege and "moveable do?" Instead of Do Re Mi...you just use I II III, or I IV V...etc. That would definitely make sense to me if you were going to be moving around key signatures. I used to play in a Mexican "conjunto" where they would do this. They would tell me what Do was for the tune and then say "Do, La, Re, Sol" or whatever the chords where. They wouldn't even call out Maj or Min, you would just catch that by ear (or maybe they didn't think the bass player needed to know! ).

 

[LawDaddy]

<snip>

i would plug into a thighmaster if i thought it sounded cool, and inspired me.

<snip>

I hereby nominate this for Quote Of The Year, 2010.

That is all.

 

[Movielife]

I wish I could play a Big Al before ordering, just so I know Im 100%. My next bass for my 30th is going to be an EBMM, but I need to find the right one.

This sample is fantastic. I wish we had more recordings of the Big Al around, (already seen the Bass Whisperer review lots of times )

 

[Aussie Mark]

I wish I could play a Big Al before ordering, just so I know Im 100%. My next bass for my 30th is going to be an EBMM, but I need to find the right one.

This sample is fantastic. I wish we had more recordings of the Big Al around, (already seen the Bass Whisperer review lots of times )

This is not even on the same planet as Craig's recording, but here's another Big Al recording sample that gives you an idea of how a Big Al sounds in the hands of a weekend hack player. Rough mix of two bed tracks from a recording session a couple of weeks ago. Big Al SSS wearing flats, neck and middle pickups, active mode. Recorded direct via an Avalon tube preamp.

ReverbNation Player

 

[cellkirk74]

I really like to read Craigs's posts. They are pretty inspiring for a weekend and late evening player like me. Thanks a lot for that!

This setup is really cool, but what does this old sunn sound like? I never heard one in person...

 

[MattOfSweden]

Wonderful thread, thanks for sharing Craig!
"P-bass Killer" indeed.

 

[stu42]

I just found this thread and I gotta bump this one up. This is probably one of the best threads I've ever read on any music instrument forum.

Craig...many thanks for posting this and sharing all of your insights!! Listening to your playing and reading your words is inspiring, humbling and entertaining all at the same time.

Cheers!

 

[eno_hn]

I adore this sound. It's really ''catchy'' . The bass licks and the sound especially. Thank you for sharing this wonderful experience with us. !

 

[mtrejo]

love it what else is in the chain? Is that active or passive? Paper or plastic? silicone or saline?

Now that's funny.
I gotta say, I've become a huge fan of Craig's playing. I learned about him here and since have been blown away by his bass melodies and tone. Plus he's super humble too.

 

[muggsy]

This is a cool thread. Not sure how I missed it the first time. I've been listening to The Luxury of Time by David Mead, which has great songs and some truly kick-ass bass grooves courtesy of Mr. Young. Really outstanding CD, and the bass just kills.

 

[nurnay]

I'd never heard of the Nashville Number System. Ya learn something new every day...

I can see where it would be really helpful as a recording musician. I may work on it just for the ease of changing keys, which one of my bands likes to do.

 

[LawDaddy]

I'd never heard of the Nashville Number System. Ya learn something new every day...

I can see where it would be really helpful as a recording musician. I may work on it just for the ease of changing keys, which one of my bands likes to do.

It's how I communicate with my band; I can flash numbers with my fingers on the fly.