I have failed...

monquixote

Agree with much of the sentiments expressed here. 

I left my last band in December 2012 and my bass hasn't been out of the bag since. 

If I practice bass I always play with a drum machine or it's just not fun.

hywelg

For inspiration just get Mr Big playing on your iWhatever. Never mind inspiring you to pick up your bass it inspires me to go out and buy one. And I'm trying very hard to clear out some gear.

ICBM

Have you considered something that might seem a bit left-field, but could be much more interesting to play by itself?

A Fender (or Squier) Bass VI.

It's essentially a baritone guitar, but a full octave down so the lowest four strings are the same as a bass. You can play normal basslines on it (Jack Bruce did, in Cream), or deep twangy surfy/alt-country/Twin Peaks guitar-like chordal stuff. Or probably a lot more I haven't thought of yet.

The Squier one is under £300 *new* - and incredible for the money. I'm just setting up one for a friend at the moment, and possibly hoping he won't keep it very long .

wrinkleygit

or you could try this (here's a clip of my favourite bass player)

Colin Hodgkinson

TimmyO

Simon I know what you mean, I've been bassing recently too and it's a very different experience for the home player.

I've done most of my playing either plugged in to a tablet via Sonicport to play along, or just unplugged or in to an amp with a phone or tablet based app playing a drum groove. The attraction of bass for me IS the groove, so some drums are pretty much a given. There are some decent apps available cheaply that'll give you that rhythmic context to groove with, either with or without chords. For a few quid, maybe give it a try?

If you need the SUB Stingray looking after while you decide just say ;-) I think you have the sister model to my SUB Sterling

guitargeek62

Thanks all, good suggestions I'm sure but I think going to go through with selling it anyway. I'll pick up another bass one day when space is less of an issue - at least then I won't mind so much if it's getting dusty!

Those technical players above do absolutely nothing for me btw - the closest I'd get to listening to any of that would be Flea or JPJ, otherwise I just like simple lines to drive a song. This is the track that's put the biggest smile on my face so far;

@Timmyo - nice try! I'll trade it for monies though

TimmyO

In the meantime check out this guy's channel - top groove 

Sarge

Nowadays I play alone (everyone "grew up" pah..)  and bass playing took a back step, until I threw £70 at a NUX Loop-Core (Boss RC3 clone?), threw some good drum loops in it via usb, it comes with d-loops , but barely useable, and I'm happy as a pig in shit thumping along then overdubbing with 6 string,  worth a shot?

SnazzyGeezer

You could always use backing tracks,to work on "feel" and timing. one day you could be John Deacon and the next Jaco.

guitargeek62

I miss this bass.

guitarfishbay

Ah man I remember this bass.

I was in London at the time of it being listed, I was busy with family stuff otherwise if I had the time I wanted to come and check it out.

DrBob

guitargeek62 said:

I miss this bass.

Oh FFS ! ;-)

guitargeek62

Wisdom duly awarded.

 

I suspect the Helix may prompt me to "justify" another bass in the coming months; it'd be rude to have those lovely bass amp models going to waste.

fretmeister

guitargeek62 said:

Wisdom duly awarded.

 

I suspect the Helix may prompt me to "justify" another bass in the coming months; it'd be rude to have those lovely bass amp models going to waste.

I approve of this thinking.

slacker

I dont play bass between rehearsals. When I started (1980) I played every day. When I bought a fretless 1997 I played every day. When I got an NXT I played every day.

It's worth practicing technique and it's worth playing with people ( a lot-in 2004 I was in 4 bands and played 5 days a week). But playing bass on my own for 'fun'. Nope.