Success (?)

Last night the band I normally work for played a private holiday party in Lower Manhattan. We shared the bill with a singer who had a big disco hit in the '70s. The singer, who shall remain unnamed, and her band, played a "disco oldies" - type set capped by the big hit that originally catapulted her to fame. Then, to my surprise, the band played another tune they had already played in the set. Then, they played the big hit A SECOND TIME. I'm not saying the name of the tune but you know it.

Fine band. Good musicians. Not a criticism of the singer or her band in the least.

But just in case you thought having a gig backing a "name" was all gravy, the reality is having to keep playing that hit song and pretending you like it. I wouldn't want that job.

The Price of Fame

So the other day I heard from a couple of my guitar students that the guy from the now-defunct band Pantera had been shot and killed onstage playing a gig with his new band.

To me it's another example of the hidden price of fame: many, many people know you but you don't know them. Your chances of exposure to crazy people, some violently crazy who might hurt or kill you, rise exponentially the more famous you are.

Makes me glad I got over wanting to be famous a long, long time ago.

BEAD Tuning

Andrew,

first of all, nice site. I am an avid bass player of 3 yrs. I am a huge fan of B F# B E and BEAD tunings. I currently play an Ibanez gsr 205 five string. i'm very comfortable with five stringers, but i also love four stringers(i'm a fingerstyle player). My experience with playing a four string in these tunings is that the E string can be really floppy and somtimes muddy. don't get me wrong, i like for the top string to pop the fret board just a little to add to my b tuned tone. But is it true that a 34" scale four string can make the string too floppy and do harm to the neck (thinking of buying the new epiphone goth thunderbird, so i would play it as described above)? I've heard that a 35" scale four stringer is way better suited to deal with such low tunings (not muddy and adds the slight pop which I prefer Is this true? i've never had my hands on a 35" scale four stinger so i don't know. also, if i manage to actually find a 35" scale four string Ibanez, esp, schecter, or my much
wanted 34"scale t-bird, would it play normally (not as much mud)? Any help would be sincerely appreciated. Thanks for taking time to answer my e-mail.

From one low-end lover to another,
B V

Dear B,
I have never owned a 35" scale instrument but have heard that the slightly longer speaking length of the string helps when dealing with a low B.  But I think it's wise to consider other factors as well.  I own 5- and 6- string basses with low B strings on them and can share some things I always do to help them sound their best.
First, I use a B string which is tapered at the point where it hits the bridge saddle -- in other words, toward the ball end.  I find that having a smaller contact point where the string hits the bridge makes a much clearer B string tone and is also more likely to stay more in tune all the way up the neck.
Second, when changing strings, I always apply some pressure at the point where the string hits the bridge saddle, after tuning the string to pitch.  This way I get a small kink in the string at exactly the right angle over the contact point which gets a better, more focused tone.
Third, I find that I have to modify my touch a little for the B string.  In order to get it to sound consistent with E, A, D, and G, I have to touch it just a little more lightly.  You'll find out how much to adjust your B string technique for your particular bass and playing style.
As far as I know there is no danger of neck damage when tuning a 4-string to BEAD.  You may find that the increased tension requires that you adjust the truss rod so that there is not too much neck relief ("bow").  If you are not experienced with truss rod adjustment, leave it to a professional.
The fact that you don't find a lot of 35" basses is telling.  I suspect most players find that the extra inch translates into a more difficult playing experience for the fretting hand because you have to reach a tiny bit more for each note.  The relative ease of playing a 34" scale instrument, in most instances, outweighs the sound benefit gained by adding an inch.
You may also need to experience some different string brands and gauges to find what works best.  The gauge for a B string is typically .120 to .130.  A standard E string gauged .100 would be way too floppy and out of control when tuned down to B.  Again, look for strings with tapered ends.
Hope this helps,
Andrew Pfaff

http://www.andrewpfaff.com

Piano Class = Survival Skills

I teach a beginning piano class at the high school where I work. Last night my piano students gave a recital. While a couple of my students had some previous piano experience, and recital performance experience, most did not. They started playing piano in September.

It's those new students I'm the most proud of. Each one of them had to step outside their comfort zone and confront some fear. Happily, each and every student survived the experience.

That's the point. If I make you a better piano player that's just a bonus. But if you leave my class knowing you did something you weren't sure you could do, that's the lasting value.