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Applied Techniques With Igor Saavedra: Tips for the Modern Bass Player – Part Two
Meet Igor Saavedra –
After many years of experience, mistakes, experiments, and conclusions, I think I have something to say…There’s no better master than experience itself. When you experience something, it’s more likely you’ll never forget it. So read on and try to remain prepared for everything that might come.
There are tons of tips I’m able to give you, so this series will be divided into 3 or 4 articles at least. Process each one of them for your own benefit.
11) A Battery can turn into an undesired MUTE feature.
Always include a battery tester and replacement batteries with your gear. It doesn’t have to be a huge tester, just a simple one. Consider changing your instrument batteries every 2 months no matter how much you use them, and never leave your active bass connected because the cable plug closes the circuit and discharges the battery. In relation to effect pedals, I’d recommend using a good power source. Digital effect pedals can easily consume an alkaline battery in 2 hours, which many times is less that the length of a gig, and can become a very expensive way to power up. If you insist on using batteries, always use alkaline batteries. Another option is rechargeable batteries, and make sure to use the most powerful rechargeable batteries.
12) Instrument cables must be changed every two years.
Depending on use and brand, instrument cables must be changed on average every two years. It’s pretty embarrassing to suffer from sound cuts and strange noises in your signal due to the condition of your cables. It’s also worth your time to learn how to fold them so not to damage them. Ask any good sound engineer or roadie and he’ll explain that to you in a couple of seconds.
13) Gig bags and their plastic accessories.
Never use a gig bag that has plastic accessories for the belts…here’s a quick story. I was in Santiago, with my gig bag on my back waiting for the subway to come, when suddenly the plastic where the hangers of my gig bag passed through collapsed and my bass felt down like a stone. My bass neck was on the subway’s track while the body was barely resting on the subway platform. I had about 5 seconds before the train arrived—close call. When I told my friends about this accident, I realized that I was not the only victim. The problem is that plastic is more likely to accumulate stress and suffer from material fatigue. All that bouncing movement when we walk starts to accumulate on every plastic accessory where the weight of the instrument rests. From that day on, I always used metal accessories on my gig bags and nothing has happened in more than 12 years. If the gig bag you are going to buy, or that you already own has plastic accessories…Change them!
14) Use gig bags that “compress” the bass.
Continuing with gig bags, always try to use the type where your instrument is a little bit compressed on both sides and doesn’t allow the instrument to move. Choosing the proper bag for your instrument is something that has to be taken seriously. If the instrument is not compressed, there’s less protection.
15) Wash your hands before grabbing the bass.
This is a simple but important tip. A serious instrumentalist always takes care of their sound in every detail. A dirty, greasy, or sticky string detracts from your sound and your performance. Washing your hands before grabbing the bass also adds to the life of your strings.
16) If all the strings are low or high in pitch for a period of time, don’t adjust with your tuners.
What happens here is that if all your strings are slightly higher, your neck will be convex a little bit. And on the other hand, if all the strings are slightly lower, your bass neck becomes concaved a little bit. This generally occurs when you travel a lot and there are altitude and humidity differences within the cities you are visiting. Make the proper adjustment with your Allen wrench on the truss rod, and then make the final adjustments with your bass tuners and you’ll be all set. That way you won’t be increasing the alteration of the setting and calibration of your neck.
17) More about Straps.
It’s important to talk about the optimum length of your instrument strap. Choose any strap length you want, but consider that if you choose a length that makes you play with your bass in a lower position live than the one you use for studying, it will detract from your performance…things will feel and play differently. I’ve presented this to my students for years.
18) Here are some tips on setting the volume and EQ for your amp.
a) After plugging in your instrument and turning your amp on, set the input gain level at approximately 50% with the master volume in zero.
b) While playing with the standard touch set the master volume to the desired volume.
c) While playing with the standard touch equalize to your desired taste.
d) While playing with the standard touch move the input gain till making the clipping led to blink slightly. From that point, while playing with the standard touch, lower the input gain a little bit till the clipping led stops blinking.
e) Finally, while playing with the standard touch, set the master volume to the desired level.
19) Choose the proper cable connector that goes into your bass.
If you have a bass that has the jack on the bottom (facing the floor), I suggest you choose a 90° or “L” connector. This connector will be much more user friendly in that position because it won’t be making contact when you sit down (which also happens to a slight degree when you are standing up). This happens because a regular straight ¼ inch connector is much longer than a 90° one. If your jack is on the front of the bass, the normal connector is the way to go.
20) Turn off your cell phone!
I know this last tip sounds a little funny, but trust me, it deserves your attention.
Many of the tips I suggest come from my own personal experiences. I remember 20 years ago when I was playing live on television with an artist, and placed my cell phone on top of my amp and forgot to turn it off. Somebody called me, and we could do nothing but continue to play. This was embarrassing, as well as seriously irritating to the director. Bottom line…Turn your phone off.
This is all for now my friends. I’ll see you on the next: “Tips for the Modern Bass Player”, Part Three.
Igor Saavedra.
Positive Grid launches Spark 2, the next evolution of their cutting-edge smart guitar practice amplifiers and Bluetooth® speakers.
Engineered for acoustic, electric guitar, and bass, Spark 2 delivers an immersive practice and playing experience. Enjoy detailed sound and an all-new upgraded speaker design powered by Positive Grid’s exclusive Sonic IQ Computational Audio technology. With an onboard creative looper, optional battery power, and intuitive AI features for tone exploration and practice, Spark 2 is the gateway to a musical experience that goes beyond expectations.
Proprietary Audio and Advanced Technology
Spark 2 represents a leap forward in amplifier design. It integrates a new DSP amp modeling engine with double the processing power, and at 50 Watts, it packs 25% more volume than the original. Positive Grid’s proprietary Sonic IQ Computational Audio delivers incredibly detailed and dynamic sound. New HD amp models, enhanced by multi-band dynamic range compression and virtual bass augmentation, redefine the sonic landscape.
Equipped with two premium FRFR speakers and reflex ports, Spark 2 offers wide stereo imaging and broader frequency response, ensuring refined bass and clear, immersive sound.
Built-In Creative Looper
Spark 2’s built-in Groove Looper features hundreds of hyper-realistic drum tracks. From basic loops to multi-layered soundscapes or the ultimate jam session, this intuitive tool inspires endless creativity. Onboard amp controls provide quick, on-the-go looping functionality.
AI-Powered Tone and Smart Jam
Spark AI revolutionizes tone exploration. Describe any desired tone in the Spark app – from practical to outlandish – and Spark AI will suggest tones to audition or download. The more it’s used, the smarter it gets, delivering the perfect sound.
Additional smart features make it easy to practice, learn new songs and improve playing skills. Smart Jam listens to the user’s playing style and generates accompanying bass and drum parts, while Auto Chords analyzes any song streamed and displays the guitar chords in real time, to make learning and practicing new songs easier than ever.
Enhanced Hardware Design and Portability
Spark 2 allows for storing up to eight customizable presets directly on the amp for quick access to favorite sounds. Perfect the tone with large, visible onboard controls for looper, EQ, gain, reverb, and more.
Designed for convenience, an optional rechargeable battery provides up to 12 hours of playtime for on-the-go sessions. The new double-thick strap and durable build ensure easy and secure transport. Spark 2 is also Bluetooth® ready, allowing for music streaming and jamming along with favorite tracks anytime, anywhere.
Multiple Outputs and Advanced Features
Spark 2 offers versatile connectivity with a headphone out for private practice, stereo line outs for external audio sources, and a USB-C port which enables it to function as an audio interface. WiFi-enabled, Spark 2 allows convenient over-the-air firmware updates, keeping the amp up to date with the latest features and improvements.
“I’ve used a ton of practice amps while touring the world for over 38 years and it was always just a technical, bland exercise,” says guitar virtuoso, singer-songwriter and producer Nuno Bettencourt. “Spark 2 is like taking Madison Square Garden wherever you go – epic and versatile.”
Color Options
Available in Pearl or Black finish with a dark weave grille and premium finish.
Special Event, Upgrade Pricing & Availability
Join the special live premiere event featuring Nuno Bettencourt and surprise guests on August 1, 2024, at 8:00 am PT/11:00 am ET. Visit positivegrid.com/pages/livestream for more details and to sign up for a reminder.
Regularly USD $299, Spark 2 will be available at special early bird pricing during the pre-order period. Registered Spark 40 owners can also receive exclusive upgrade pricing.
For more information and to sign up for pre-order alerts, visit positivegrid.com/products/spark-2.
A review of the Joyo Gloam – Sub Octave Fuzz Pedal for Bass
Disclaimer: This pedal was kindly provided by Joyo for the purpose of this review. However, this does not influence our opinions or the content of our reviews. We strive to provide honest, unbiased, and accurate assessments to ensure that our readers receive truthful and helpful information.
Introduction: The Joyo Gloam is a sub-octave fuzz pedal specifically designed for bass players, combining modern sub-octave effects with rich fuzz tones. With two independently controlled circuits, the Gloam aims to provide a versatile range of sounds, from deep, aggressive fuzz to Moog-like synth effects. This review will explore the Gloam’s specifications, controls, and overall performance, highlighting both its strengths and areas for improvement.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 130 * 110 * 50 mm
- Weight: 403g
- Working Voltage: DC 9V
- Controls: The Joyo Gloam features a comprehensive control set designed to provide bassists with a wide range of tonal options:
- Dry Tone: Adjusts the tone of the clean signal.
- Dry Volume: Controls the volume of the clean signal.
- Sub Octave Volume: Adjusts the volume of the sub octave signal.
- Gain: Controls the amount of gain in the fuzz circuit.
- Fuzz: Adjusts the intensity of the fuzz effect.
- Bass: Controls the bass frequencies in the fuzz circuit.
- Treble: Adjusts the treble frequencies in the fuzz circuit.
- Fuzz Mode Switch: Switches between two different fuzz modes.
- Dry Tone Frequency Switch: Selects between two different frequency points for the dry tone.
Performance: The Joyo Gloam excels in its dual-circuit design, offering both a sub octave and a fuzz channel that can be controlled individually. However, it’s important to note that the octaver cannot be used without the fuzz circuit activated; the only way to solo the octaver is by turning down the fuzz while both channels are engaged.
Fuzz Circuit: The fuzz circuit includes standard controls such as gain, volume, bass, and treble, along with a fuzz mode switch that toggles between two distinct fuzz modes. While one of the fuzz modes is highly usable and delivers a rich, aggressive tone, the other mode falls short and is less practical for most applications.
Octaver Circuit: The octaver circuit features controls for sub octave volume, clean volume, and clean tone, along with a dry tone frequency switch that provides two different frequency options. This allows for significant tonal versatility, enabling bassists to fine-tune their sound to match their preferences. Despite its limitation of being tied to the fuzz circuit, the octaver produces a deep, balanced sound that stands out.
Combined Effect: When used together, the fuzz and octaver circuits create a wide range of sounds, from classic, aggressive fuzz to synth-like tones reminiscent of a Moog synthesizer. This combination makes the Gloam a powerful tool for bassists seeking to experiment with their sound and achieve unique, textured tones.
Pros:
- Versatile Controls: Extensive control options for both fuzz and octaver circuits.
- Rich Tones: Delivers deep, aggressive fuzz and balanced octaver sounds.
- Sturdy Construction: Durable build quality ensures reliability.
- Wide Range of Sounds: Capable of producing everything from classic fuzz to synth-like effects.
Cons:
- Unusable Fuzz Mode: One of the fuzz modes is less practical.
- Dependent Octaver: Octaver cannot be used independently of the fuzz circuit.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the Joyo Gloam sub-octave fuzz pedal offers a versatile and powerful option for bassists looking to expand their tonal palette. Despite some flaws, the Gloam delivers impressive sounds and flexibility. Its combination of rich fuzz and deep octaver tones, coupled with a sturdy construction, makes it a valuable addition to any bassist’s pedalboard. For those seeking a modern bass distortion with the added depth of sub-octave effects, the Joyo Gloam is a compelling choice for a very compelling price.
Visit online at joyoaudio.com/product/281.html
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Behind the Strings – Jim’s Corner…
D’Addario & Co. proudly announces the launch of “Jim’s Corner,” a captivating new YouTube series telling the 400-year-old story of the D’Addario family creating the world’s largest music accessories company. This series features Jim D’Addario, Founder and Director of Innovation at D’Addario and Co., sharing his family’s remarkable journey from 17th century Italy to a 21st century global enterprise.
In the first four episodes now available, Jim D’Addario takes viewers back to the beginning, making strings from animal guts and knotting ukulele wire as a family around the television. Countless generations carried the passion forward until the 1970s when the company made it official and never looked back. Jim recounts the creation of strings that inspired legendary riffs, including one by The Who, the launch of Darco strings, the merger with Martin Guitars and the company’s humble beginnings with his wife, Janet and brother, John. Jim D’Addario’s firsthand accounts provide an intimate and personal perspective on the milestones and challenges that shaped D’Addario into the revered brand it is today.
Episode Highlights:
- Episode 1: The Early Days in Italy and the Move to America
- Episode 2: Inspiring Iconic Riffs and Legendary Partnerships
- Episode 3: Launching Darco Strings and Merging with Martin Guitars
- Episode 4: Building the D’Addario and Co. Legacy
Watch & Subscribe Now:
Join us in celebrating this incredible legacy by watching the first four episodes of “Jim’s Corner” on YouTube. New episodes will drop every month so please subscribe to our channel to ensure you don’t miss any future episodes and exclusive content from D’Addario & Co.: www.youtube.com/@daddarioandco
Gear News
Gear News: Aguilar Amplification Unveils Limited Edition NYC Gold Skyline Tone Hammer Preamp
Aguilar Amplification announces the release of the Limited Edition NYC Gold Skyline Tone Hammer Preamp pedal. Hand serialized 1-100, this exclusive edition celebrates Aguilar’s deep roots in New York City with a tribute to its iconic landmarks and vibrant spirit.
Born in the heart of NYC and raised on the road, the Tone Hammer Preamp DI has been an indispensable tool for bassists seeking inspiring tone and versatility. The new Limited Edition Gold NYC builds on this legacy with striking custom graphics encapsulating the essence of New York City. Featuring iconic landmarks from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building, this pedal is not just a tool, but a piece of art embodying the soul of the city. Each unit features a sharp platinum silkscreen over a stunning matte gold sparkle finish, that is as visually captivating as it is sonically powerful.
The Tone Hammer is an essential preamp/direct box for every bassist’s toolbox. The Tone Hammer features fully sweepable midrange frequencies in addition to bass and treble controls. With the Tone Hammer’s pristine D.I. players are set for either studio or stage. To give this tone shaping unit the ultimate flexibility we introduce our proprietary Adaptive Gain Shaping circuitry (AGS). AGS allows the player to kick in an additional gain structure and EQ with the “stomp” of a button. You can go from modern slap sounds to vintage or overdriven. 18-volt operation gives the Tone Hammer plenty of headroom to reproduce the most dynamic playing styles. Separate gain and master controls allow players to dial in just the right gain structure for any instrument.
Aguilar Amplification’s Jordan Cortese adds, “With only 100 hand-numbered units available, this third iteration of our NYC edition Tone Hammer is a collector’s dream. “It’s a homage to our city’s monumental influence on music and culture and celebrates the craftsmanship and the story of Aguilar”.
Street price: $299.99 For more information, please visit www.aguilaramp.com
Gear News: Future Impact V4 Guitar & Bass Synth Now Available in the U.S.
Interview With Barker Bass’s Inventor and Writer Lee Barker
Working-Class Zeros: Episode #4 – Boutique and Vintage Basses, Dress Code for Summer Gigs
Gear News: Ibanez & Graph Tech Launch Multi-Scale Bass with Cutting-Edge Tuning
Album: John Entwistle, Rarities Oxhumed – Volume Two
July 22 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Gear News: Positive Grid Launches Spark 2
Gear Review: Exploring the Joyo Gloam – Sub Octave Fuzz Pedal for Bass
Alberto Rigoni On Unexpected Lullabies
