I started playing bass as most people do- because back when I was in my very late teens, bassists were hard to find. It was the 80's and everybody was a guitar player. Nobody wanted to be in the background.
This was the situation I was in. I was a rhythm guitarist in a garage band that was trying to form (never did- ego maniac lead guitarist) and asked by the guitarist of this project if I'd take up bass. As he had recently introduced me to Rush, I said sure and the rest, as they say, is history.
Only problem with playing bass as one gets older is they are heavy and not made for petite people. After a osteoperosis diagnosis in my lower spine last year, I quit playing my Fender Jaguar bass. (8 lbs!) While I have a 3/4 Jackson bass, the set up on it is terrible, and needs work by a pro luthier. (tho otherwise it's a well made bass)
I read that u bass is getting popular in bluegrass bands- much cheaper and easier to handle than a stand up bass. So- once I found out that u bass is tuned in standard bass tuning, I purchased a Lanikai oak acoustic/electric bass uke.....which actually could pass for a 3/4 size bass guitar!
This was the situation I was in. I was a rhythm guitarist in a garage band that was trying to form (never did- ego maniac lead guitarist) and asked by the guitarist of this project if I'd take up bass. As he had recently introduced me to Rush, I said sure and the rest, as they say, is history.
Only problem with playing bass as one gets older is they are heavy and not made for petite people. After a osteoperosis diagnosis in my lower spine last year, I quit playing my Fender Jaguar bass. (8 lbs!) While I have a 3/4 Jackson bass, the set up on it is terrible, and needs work by a pro luthier. (tho otherwise it's a well made bass)
I read that u bass is getting popular in bluegrass bands- much cheaper and easier to handle than a stand up bass. So- once I found out that u bass is tuned in standard bass tuning, I purchased a Lanikai oak acoustic/electric bass uke.....which actually could pass for a 3/4 size bass guitar!
This is a stock bass to show you what my u bass looks like. It has Fishman electronics in it and it's very high quality. Bigger than I expected-as already mentioned, this is about the size of a 3.4 guitar. It came with a nicely cushioned gig bag, and I love the fact I don't have to plug in to be heard. The craftsmanship is superb on these. The action is low, fret edges are like butter, and the intonation is spot on. Tone is beautiful and it comes with D'Addario strings.
Next posts will focus more on playing back up on u bass as well as tips and tricks to use on one.
Next posts will focus more on playing back up on u bass as well as tips and tricks to use on one.