The Band Coach UK

Happy Birthday Bandcoach!

2013-07-23T20:40:00.001+01:00

Bandcoach UK is now 1 year old! The acknowledgement is a little late, but personally I blame the rat race for bleeding my life dry.

The past year I look back with sadness and look forward with potential. I have is feeling during New Years celebration too. It annoys me at the missed opportunities fluttered away, yet I look forward and hope things do change.

At the time of writing I have no dedicated readers I know of and essentially use this space as a way to track my thoughts gathering ideas for forth coming writings.

As with many people, I had my dreams and goals to take BandCoach on a direction. Maybe this year I can bring my goals to fruition with video, podcasts or even ebooks.

If you do happen to come by BandCoach and like something you've read, leave a comment! BC is all about musician to musician support from me to you and you to me.

I look forward to the next 12 moths and I hope you do too.

Thanks for reading.

Band ladder - A career map

2013-03-23T10:00:00.000+00:00

The stepping stones in the music industry vary in skill and distance. Knowing where you are and where you been helps you to understand the path you wish to take and the goals you want to fulfill in your career. Consider this blog to be a simple road map of a musical career.

Even if you know where your journey started its always better to understand the bigger picture and plan your route accordingly to learn and adapt.

The ladder explained below is an example to the bigger picture of how musicians begin their journey and offers an insight into the possible avenues within the music industry.

Obviously it's not always that simple and for some of the headings mentioned I will no doubt do a blog further down the line and expand on them but for now we begin with the listener.

Listener

He starts listening to music whether that be what his parents listen to or that of the 'popular' top 40. After developing his own taste he decides to pick up an instrument and go out into the world to find musical success.

Bedroom practise

Having his genre of music in mind he foresees himself playing a packed out venue with his band mates, but first he has to practice – usually in his bedroom. At this point he can have an elder teach the basics, have lessons taught unto him whether that be in school or private or lastly just pick up the guitar and learn by his own ear if he is lucky enough to process the skills to do so.

Forming the first band

Sooner or later a couple of his friends who share the same musical interests and goals decide to play together. Their parents offer the space of the garage for them to make their noise. Alternatively if they are lucky enough their school would encourage them to group together and explore the fundamentals of how a group works, psychology, give and take, commitment and talent come together.

Rehearsal room

After a few years and incarnations of the band the young musician finally has his group to take on the world, but to take on the world you need to be good at what you do and need to rehearse some more. Spending a day or 2 a week rehearsing in the garage or professional rehearsal space just as long as all members are disciplined and growing together. Depending on the future goals 1-2 days a week is enough for now.

Alternative routes at this point would becoming a session musician ditching the band altogether.

Local support

After socializing he makes friends with other bands, sharing class rooms and watching them play at their own gigs. His band soon gets an offer to support their peers at a gig, accepting the support slot the band have their first performance to show what they're made of.

Recording a demo

The band, now familiar in local social circles. People are asking to hear their music more and more. A decision is made to produce their first demo in the studio just to settle the demand.

Gigging / Mini tour

Happy with the quality of their recording the band decides to go out on the road locally to gain more popularity with the demo production and tour the local venues.

Fan base

It's at this point many bands get stuck on, but not for our band in question. The tour goes well and the band gain more recognition and form a decent sized fan base.

From now on the last 3 steps are repeated changing only for the venue sizes.

Unfortunately (depending on how you see it) it is at this point record companies will take interest after all your hard work (... and steal it).

Sign a deal

Popularity depending – you have your fans and a decent sized music catalogue. A label makes contact and asks to represent you. The band accepts a deal being asked to re-record their album and go on tour to promote it.

Record and tour

Similarly to what the band was doing before they got signed, they will have to record an album with the label to the labels standards. To recoup the funds lost spent on recording the album the band will have to tour to make that money back again repeating the core steps before.

Only by repeating the core steps (in yellow) can you gain more fans, a larger music catalog, prestige, a Rock-God hall of fame and maybe even some money.

Venue sizes increase

Based on how successful your home made productions are and the more fans you gain. You start playing bigger venues to match the demand - Seen by tour 1, tour 2 and tour 3. Again with repetition you promote your most recent production.

Congratulations you have completed the journey of the music industry, from here on out you can retire or go back to the core steps mentioned previously because you still owe the label money. If you lack money you can always re-release something from your back catalogue for a little extra income.

Good luck!

Have you thought about Your Role In The Music Industry?

Or where it could eventually lead you? Your Role In The Music Industry Part 2

Researching Your Trade

2013-03-10T14:21:00.004+00:00

As mentioned in a previous post, I have not long finished uploading my website whichbass.co.uk.
I wanted to bring an example I used in the creation of that site into the realms of learning more as a musician.

I had to get my facts straight about the operating's of almost all the content of which bass as I didn't want to post fiction or inproper information about how strings worked for example. As I went through all the topics I learned so much more knowledge that I didn't know before, and I'm supposed to be sound engineer!

This element of research also harks back to when I built my computer a few years ago, I knew how to operate computers better than most but was a little in the dark about the building of them. I read countless articles, forum postings and watched YouTube videos on the topic of what parts to buy, the difference between them, the pro's and the con's the difference between chip sets and bridges and so forth. I was then able to look up the parts I knew would suit my budget or own specification in a computer.

Having all the parts ordered in front of me to build my computer I was so excited putting this new found knowledge to work. I built my PC with no issues safe to say, and it is still with me till this day.

What's the musical link you ask? Learn as much as you can about your instrument, and all components of it! Look at the woods used for your instrument or the way your pickups were configured, string type and build, effect pedal build, amplifiers and wattage.

Even if you know just enough to get by with your peers have a look at a topic in detail. I bet you guitarists out there didn't know that higher wattage doesn't necessarily mean you'll get a louder amplifier huh? No, exactly. It's astonishing what a little research does for your future understanding of music that will stay with you from now on.

Just to take the time to better your understanding opens up so many more possibilities in your playing style, influencing of other band members and musicians, makes you opinionated and even more professional.

Have you heard the news about which bass should you buy?

Your Role In the Music Industry Part 2

2013-03-10T12:00:00.000+00:00

A little while ago I wrote the blog "Your Role In The Music Industry" which as you can guess explores the avenues you can take and adhere to in the music industry (MI). As a follow on from that post I was reflecting on myself and the very idea of "what will I do next?" as presented by my introductory banner.

The question mark felt like it was literally hanging over my head and after my most recent project I decided to come back and write an update using the themes of that post and enlighten you how to proceed in a new direction

Admittedly in these early year(s) of BandCoach I have neglected my duties to provide interesting enough content to provide a tip building community that hit the ground running. Having the real world knock on my door asking for rent money every month and joining the rat race everyone will agree is a time consuming (more like wasted) experience.

However all is not lost as I have been dreaming and pushing my ambitions forward, the result being I have used my talents in my spare time (and work time at that!) to be productive and make a website which is now online called WhichBass.

WhichBass is a simple but detailed site explaining what to should look out for when buying a bass and what factors you should take into consideration to make a decision when purchasing. There are also lots of other pages giving guides on amplifiers, strings and effects as well as a basic first step lesson.

It has to be said I'm not trying to ram down your throats "buy a bass now" by any means, I do however want to show you what you can learn when you push yourself into uncharted waters and adding new talents or knowledge to your craft. This journey feels like I have added another string to my bass - as it were.
This is the overall timeline for WB.

1) In summer 2012 I was naïvely searching blogs/articles for escaping the rat race and found a book detailing an interesting method to do so by building websites and making living off of them

2) Obtained this book at Christmas 2012 and spent the next 3 weeks reading it thoroughly deciding this is what I wanted to purse and made a game plan

3) Did some pre-emptive research and took the plunge buying a domain name whichbass.co.uk as well as hosting for my new found site

4) Planned out a basic site design and content I would need, learning from examples of my niche already out there and what new buyers would need to know

5) Researched content and pieced it together with my site design finishing on the first weekend of March 2013

The process is self-explanatory at a glance; I had an idea, decided I would take a risk in my life and went with it. Most of us are (being me) are beings so bogged down in our ways and not happy with change we stand still, I decided this would be my time to branch out and take a chance for once and further myself.

During this project I have honed my website design skills, learned in rather great detail the workings of bass guitar types, woods, materials, strings, amplifier components. Even a new area such as affiliate marketing of which I had no clue about up until now. I hardly copied and pasted from other sources, I took the time to understand what I was trying to explain and write it as my own. In doing so I am far more opinionated with musical mind than I started with.

I spent about six weeks writing content for the site and it was harder than I thought it would be funny enough. Whilst advertising my skills as a Band Coach and sound engineer I thought I had a great insight to how the gear and systems work. Not that I was wrong by any means but I didn’t quite understand the full picture to offer any great value. I truly wish I had the knowledge I have now when I was in some previous venues.

The research I did for WB has pushed me into new realms of professionalism and understanding as I have a new found knowledge for my trade and musical creation that will be forever with me.

After reading this post I want you to take that project or idea you've been holding off of doing, put pen to paper and make some sort of timeline or to do list and get cracking! Do your research, find some motivation or the reasoning as to why you want to progress your project and hold onto that.

It might take a long time and won't happen overnight, you only have as much time in the day as anyone else and sacrifices will have to be made if you are serious. I stopped recording for Alfie Williams and stopped having long bouts of gaming, after spending the last few months in another rat race that takes away all my time, I truly value my free time to do what I want to do and appreciate my weekends to be productive.

WB is hopefully the first step in a long line of musical/web integration and I hope you'll join me in aiming high, grabbing those projects by the proverbial's and making a positive change for yourself once in a while!

Whilst WB has no direct link to the content provided on BC,it may help bassists who need more information or another point of view on the types of bass guitars out there or the differences between popular models such as the Precision and the Jazz.

Bandcoach is alive!

2013-01-21T14:01:00.004+00:00

Just a short post to let anybody who stumbles upon BandCoach that things are moving in the background, this site is not dead. Plans are being made to bring BC into full swing. Watch this space.

Review - Motorhead in the studio

2012-09-29T14:00:00.000+01:00

I fancied writing a very short review about the book Motorhead in the studio which I have been reading and finished recently. I've never focused on their music a great deal so was interested in hearing how their records have been made and shaped metal culture along the way.

The book depicts all the bands catalogue up to 2009 explaining how they went about preproduction, interviews with band members past and present, the engineers and producers mainly. Where they recorded and the choices for doing so.

As a sound engineer it was interesting to hear anecdotes about stories from the studio and reasoning's as to why this microphone was used over that one. Unfortunately once you've read one chapter you have pretty much read them all. You are soon to discover that Motorhead have a set method of just walking into a rehearsal space writing tunes while Lemmy write the lyrics. They have a bust up with the producer make amends and release the record. Rinse and repeat.

The book is good at explaining Motorhead's production method as repetitive as it is but as a sound engineer and musician I found I learned nothing new from one chapter to the next and felt the book didn't have a great reward at the end.

If you want to hear some stories about Motorhead in the studio having bust ups with producers and have them explaining their song writing process you'll like this book as it delivers that in spades.

If you were looking for specific insight into making classic records or what you may want to consider when recording a Metal band (Lemmy would suggest Rock'nRoll) look else where.

Musical Hybrids

2012-08-24T17:40:00.001+01:00

A musical hybrid is a wonderful trait to have as a musician and in my opinion it is the only way forward to evolve music, make it interesting and to stop some genres becoming old or stale.

All the best musicians over the years offer a trait within them that is from another genre somewhere or another. A hybrid musician consists of you playing a genre of music you aren't naturally accustomed to and combining it to your bands style.

The Doors are a great example of hybrid musicians as they have guitarist Robert Krieger who's style comes from Flamenco and uses finger picking within his progressions, combining John Densmore and Ray Manzarek who were both took inspiration from early Jazz which gave them a 'loungey' typed feel. Leading to Jim Morrision who wrote poetry and sometimes performs not too dissimilar from Blues, Soul or RnB. When these elements are combined and focused into performance they create something totally new. Not just Rock'N'Roll but the new category that evolved to be called today "Psychedelic Rock"


The Doors

Using myself as an example in the first band I joined Drink Fuelled Violence (DFV) they were a Punk/Punk-Rock band. I drew inspiration from Heavy Metal and American Punk Rock at that time.

Most bass players of Punk/Punk-Rock (a generalisation incoming...) will only follow the root note of the progression and fail to show any talent, focus or soul what so ever. Most likely because they were forced to pick up bass by their band mates in the first place.

My inspiration came from bassists like Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath)
Jason Newsted (Metallica) and Steve Harris (Iron Maiden).
These guys made complex and sophisticated bass lines and the let the bass do totally unconventional things that brought their bands to life - No longer would you hear bassists thumping their strings. The bass lines were smart, I picked up on their respective styles quite naturally and applied it to my own performance, no longer is the bass following a 3 chord progression of guitars and drums, the bass has brought something to the table now that is pleasurable to the ear. You can hear the groove between the bass and drums, In my case DFV had a thriving, grooving, solid back bone. Which did our performance and more importantly our style wonders.

In DFV we had the Punk/Punk-Rock drummer providing the back bone of our music with his love of 200bpm beats, that kept our music fast paced and lively.

The Rock lead vocal/guitarist who wrote the 'conventional' chord progression and vocal performance, his talents thanks to Rock were catchy and said progressions covered all genre bases to make it likeable for a wide audience

range.

The Heavy Metal Punk-Rock bassist (yours truly) who combined those elements mentioned above and kept the foundation of the groove tight and interesting with the grooving bassline.
All these styles had a moment where they shined proudly in the music, when you combine the sophistication or core traits from other genres the music evolves. Our little Punk-Rock band now had its own style and signature sound.

If you want your band to be original and to have a sound 'out of the box' you will want one or more of the members to have the following.

1) Their own hybrid style combination
2) A common sound/direction you all agree upon.
3) Then apply the knowledge of how to adapt their style to your genre that musically makes sense.
(E.g. you wouldnt want a Thrash solo in the middle of a Jazz groove, it doesn't make sense)

While its fine for your band to all have the same favourite type of music or influences, chances are your music won't grow because you're not exposing yourself to new sounds. The only true way to create your own style is to
experiment and grow not only as a band but as musicians too.

Below are some examples of hybrids, which are formed by my own opinion and not to be treated as fact. The red lines indicate where the hybrid styles would mix after they have taken their influences. While mixing the genres is obvious I.e. Rock + Punk = Punk-Rock , hybrids take the elements without defining themselves like Jimi Hendrix did.

Other examples of Hybrid musicians are

Pink - Rnb / Pop / Rock
Yngwie Malmsteen Classical / Metal
Apocalyptica - Classical / Metal
Zapp - Funk / Soul

While the last 2 mentions are bands, like The Doors all members in them have the hybrid elements.

Do you have your own hybrid mash-up of styles you bring to your band? If so what makes your sound different to the rest of your band or even the genre?

Have you seen what sort of rig a Heavy Metal - Punk Rock bass player would use? Make sure to read my Ideal Bass rig of 2012

Why intonation is important

2012-08-14T17:47:00.002+01:00

stunning bass-string shot from urbanscreen on Vimeo.

While this video is strangley beautiful and is a bit arty/majestic at the same time I think it highlights why intonation and saddle height is important with regards to bass and guitar.

As the strings vibrate you can see how easy it is for your frets to get in the way of the strings and the strings to distort their vibrations thus producing the wrong note. Especially if the saddles aren't high enough.

Fret buzzing is cringe worthy and albeit rather amateur so make sure you sort your intonation our today!

Now your strings are sorted have you thought about the Best Bass rig of 2012?

Your role in the Music Industry

2012-08-14T17:15:00.002+01:00

From a little young age you've probably had the dream of playing a sold out Wembley stadium with your band hearing the cheers of the fans and living the dream.

I wanted to discuss what steps you are taking to edge closer and closer to your dream. There are endless ways into the music industry and they don't have to strictly be as a musician.

As you can see, the band is actually a very small part of the picture, granted they are the most popular part of the ordeal but if you really wanted to be involved there is plenty to do and many opportunities to claw your way in.

As time goes on, more so recently while I've been in a career change I wondered how I can get back to a career that takes me closer to the ultimate goal and work in the music industry.

After you play in a band or two you get the idea whether you're making progress as a group, if your songs are well written, recorded or you have a large turn out at your gig you would be silly not to push and stride harder to succeed.

On the other hand if your songs are average, you're not growing as a band – bickering with each other and you play to empty rooms all the time it may be time to consider a different route through the industry or even another band.

When I realised that its highly unlikely I wont be a 'Rock Star' any time soon - because the elements don't add up or its not meant to be (hint hint). I still wanted to be part of that dream, even if I'm not in the spotlight, even if I could 'share' that limelight I just wanted to be part of it.

I then decided the next best thing to a musician, because of practical reasons would be a live sound engineer. Almost all the benefits of being a musician except you don't have to play a thing or lug about heavy instruments and gear. I am of a technical mind and love how all these little intricate parts works together.
This proved to be my calling as I had far more opportunities presented to me as well as doors opening up once I was an engineer. The best part being I was still part of the lime light and the excitement being part of the 'team' even though I was at the back of the venue.

Things have moved on and priorities changed, for the moment my progress in the music industry and I assume many others is held back because of financial restraints.

Work has since dried up with regards to live music as venues have shut down, promoters out of business, opportunities dire and friends moved on. With no time nor money to invest in a band and start from the bottom to work my way up to the ultimate dream - I have to think of ways that will keep me in the musical loop.

That brings me to today, I have my own solo music project Alfie Williams which suits me when I have the time as well as my BandCoach program which will be ready when the time is right and of course this blog where I can pass on my knowledge of live and studio sound as well as how to make the best of your band to give you the success I have not yet found.

Who knows what the next incarnation of my dream will be, I hope to one day climb back up the ladder whether that be in a band or as an engineer. Either way as long as you present an interest and keep things realistic you will be true to yourself and succeed.

How have your dreams changed and adapted along the way? Do you have plans to make a come back to "the ultimate dream"? What is your plan to get to places others cannot?

If you're stuck with your band have you thought of becoming a Musical Hybrid?

Steam sale and music piracy

2012-07-29T13:34:00.001+01:00

Summer is upon us and gamers all over the interwebs have been buzzing with the excitement of heavily discounted games for the PC.

If you aren’t familiar with the Steam sale, Steam a desktop client that allows the purchase and downloads of a large variety of gaming titles. They have a bi-yearly sale where games can be discounted by as much as 75%.

What’s this got to do with the music industry you say? Well music piracy is on rise as per usual and if the music and film industry can learn anything it that they can make an even the most hardcore of pirates legal customers.

I appreciate we have the ITunes store, but there isn’t much choice for alternative. Personally Apple doesn’t do it for me and I have no interest in their services or products. That and I don’t particularly care for their marked up prices. I think if you want to shift pirates to legal downloader’s give them the means to acquire a mass of cheap music or film in an easy method.

Most might be happy with 99p a download but personally that’s not good enough. I feel that is over priced, I will only pay full price if I support the artist or if I truly liked a product and had the intention to pay full price later on at a more convenient time. If you want to encourage people to purchase media you have to give it to them cheaper than that.

I bought 2 games from the Steam sale and it only came to a fiver; if this price was applied to CD's/digital downloads I would probably pay for it. Personally, Apple doesn’t cater to my tastes musically so I wouldn’t bother with its featured albums but that’s a different story.

All over Reddit gamers are rejoicing at the discounts and how much they've bought compared to pirating. These members are actually happy to pay as long as it is an easy viable option to gather and own media.

Another thing the ITunes store doesn’t give you the right to have. You don’t own your music you are pretty much licensing it from them. If you die and wanted to pass your digital music collection on, Apple wouldn’t allow it because you never did own your music.

While the wheels of change are slowly grinding, the music and movie industry better catch on to give the people cheaper, more readily available 'disposable' media. Learn to adapt and survive, because your old business models are no longer profitable.

If you have given up music because of the pirates have you thought about your role in the music industry?

Edit 1 14/8/12
After reading a recent update to the Steam UA (user agreement) it does not let you own the game they actually licence it to you similarly to what Apple and Itunes do. So when you shuffle this mortal coil you will legally not be allowed to pass those games on to your family as you would with your other property such as CD's DVD's etc. Still regardless, with that one flaw it is a much better system than failing models like the retail business of HMV which in recent days have lost £16 million pounds.

Top 5 things you need before recording

2012-07-21T12:47:00.000+01:00

When you have a chance to lay some tracks down in a studio its important to focus and remember to why you are there and to make the most of it.

When I record I have 5 things I make sure I have that help me focus, to perform to the best of my ability and to make the most of the daylight. I only have about 12 hours to record over the weekend, the following will get me set up plough through and Rock N Roll with no distractions (except maybe #4)

1) Big breakfast
What better way to start the day with a kick-arse breakfast. Personally a massive sandwich/roll with as much in it as possible. My personal favourite is Bacon, sausage or chicken, cheese, onion, tomato, gherkins, bit of garlic and of course mustard. Washing that down some cool lemonade.
This meal will set you up for a good few hours. While you may feel bloated now but it will give you an extra hour or 2 before you need to refuel at lunch.

2) Coffee
Following your meal you should have a nice medium to strong coffee cooling on the table. Caffeine being a stimulant and all round proven measure to increase focus, concentration stamina and ability.
Nothing like a boost to get the mind rolling, and to stop you slumping during your takes.
Below is a video from CPG Greys "Coffee: The Greatest Addiction Ever"
as of recently I am convinced. Have a couple of these over the day, by all means have a energy drink if you prefer but they don't have the same satisfaction as a coffee in my opinion.

3) Space
You are now prepared to do your thing, you get in the studio but find it hard to do your one take of a life time. You find you can't concentrate and looking around, the studio has a load of toot cluttering the surfaces. Like rubbish, dust and unused equipment for example. While this tip is a bit 'zen like' and 'hippy dippy' before I record I clear my surrounding surfaces so that nothing is in eye sight. The only things that are taking up room is my guitar amp, pedal board, paper notepad, interface and nothing else.
My cables are all woven and around and hidden behind furniture. Ok a pain in the arse if you want to change the set up but none the less this gives me peace of mind and no nagging feeling like "I must tidy up later" alternatively its what the Chinese call Qi or Chi to you and I, where energy, life force and inspiration can flow around you with no resistance ... Like I said, a little hippy dippy if you're into that. But it works.

4) Khazi, aka the office or throne room.
After all your coffee and food you will want to make sure the Khazi is a few steps away. obviously you cant help this all the time, it is where it is and not much you can do about that. But if by chance you're building a studio then for gods sake but the toilet next to the control room for a better time for all.

5) Time
lastly you need to set aside time, using my recent recording as experience. I completed it in two weeks and had another listen whilst mixing on the third weekend and realised I wasn't happy with the quality of the guitar. I didn't ignore it and say "that will do", it had to be re recorded. Point being always put aside extra time whether to try something new, record some more or experiment. You can never have enough time in a studio. Use every second expanding your knowledge, gathering inspiration and most importantly your sound. Ask questions and get involved.

Bonus tip # 6

6) Warm up
Nothing makes the process smoother than being well warmed up for your performance. Put a half hour TV show on and just hit those strings. Get the blood flowing to your hands, stretch, play, warm and yes moisturise those hands. I will provide some exercises in the future.

That's my list, what are the 5 things you need to get to it and record? Do let me know below. Who knows I could add a new step for myself.

Now you're ready to record have you seen why intonation is important?

Ideal Bass Rig of 2012

2012-07-08T16:10:00.002+01:00

If I had a unlimited budget to buy any gear I want, this is the set up I would choose right now. The gear listed below I believe can tackle any gig I would have to play. The amp and cab are designed to play anything and deliver the necessary tones for the genre, thats the main reason I love the SVT combo.


Bass GTR > SansAmp > TU-2 > MXR Octave > Tech 21 Chorus > Ampeg SVT 4

Head

SVT-4PRO

First hand experience using these recording on a session or two. Absolutely love the warmth of this head. Ridiculously punchy and has all the lows. All the best use them so cant go wrong with a SVT.

ATK 305 with SVT 4 and 8x10 Ampeg Cab

Cab

Heritage SVT-810E

Nothing compliments a SVT head better than a SVT cab! Again first hand experience using these and the sound couldn't be better. It handle anything you throw at it, whether that be Punk-rock, Metal or even Jazz! The ultimate bass tone.

To compliment the amp I have chosen 3 main effects I use when it comes to bass. I don't over do it but its nice to have any of these 3 effects at one time.

If you want to know more about bass cabs I must highly reccomend having a look at the go to guide for bass amplifier guide.

Effects

Sansamp PSA 1
While the SVT gives a beautiful growl, the PSA gives you that little bit more control over your OD/distortion settings. In my ideal set up this would be crucial.

BOSS TU 2
Standard tuning device that works best in dark stage conditions and built like a tank to boot.

MXR octave
Compared to the BOSS OC3 that I currently use, the MXR Octave has a little more range when it comes to tracking and sounds that little bit better. While a digital sounding octave can be a personal taste I don't like it all the time, hence the MXR choice!

Tech 21 Bass Boost Chorus
I can't think of anything better than that 80's sounding chorus. Big, fat and shimmering. Compared to the Digitech Multi Chorus the Tech 21 has ultimate control over those shimmering tones and I want it BAD.

OD, Octave and a chorus, what more could you want in a bass sound? This has it all!

There is a fantastic bass effects pedal guide that explains all you need to know about the differences between all those pretty pedals.

Strings

DR HI beams 45 - 120 (5 string) Or the 4 string pack DR DDM 45 – 10. If you wanted to know more about strings and why these hi-beams rock I've written a guide explaining which bass strings you should choose when creating your rig.

Basses

Lakland 4401 for the studio or live performance

Lakland 4401

Ibanez ATK 305 for live performance.


ATK 305

Of course if we are going to talk about ideal basses, well thats a different conversation altogether! Speaking of which, if you like the basses mentioned have a look at the different types of bass you can get to go with your rig.

Whats your ideal rig? Which parts of mine do you like or dislike? Leave comments below as I really want to know.

Now you have the best Bass rig of 2012 have you seen how I like to record with my Top 5 things you need before recording?