I guess the title says it all.
I got Perry Armor's Grand about 2 weeks ago, and I squeeze about an hour practice everyday since. What frustrates me, aside from the fact that all I can do now is a 'call and response' type licks, is that I can't get an even response from the bass side.
I know Tony Levin uses one, or 2. But when you were starting out, did you use one?

I am still a beginner having only played for about 14 months now, but I would be in the camp that believes it is best to not cover over your mistakes or weakness of technique for it is your awareness of the need for improvement that fosters and shapes the improvement itself.

So I'd definitely say more practice.

I typically play completely clean with no enhance except some occasional light reverb.

You might also just for completeness, check your set-up to make sure that your string volumes are reasonably balanced by using some controlled one finger test.

I hope this helps.

-Curtis

I second that. You probably hit the bass strings too hard: the touch has to be very light.
For playing with a band I always use a compressor, but for practicing it's not a good thing as it completely alters your dynamics. Give it time, but the key word is "light"

Hi,

On the Stick you have to make allowances not only for a different technique, but also for the 5ths tuning on the bass side. My experience has been that the higher bass strings tend to get "lost in the mix" when other instruments are involved, particularly in a live setting. For solo playing I try to avoid compression. I don't really think it does very nice things to the sound of my instrument or to the dynamics of a performance.
Some people, including Tony Levin, do use compression very successfully as an effect. As far as controlling dynamics goes, I believe that if you can hear the compressor, you're using too much.

(BTW, I remember reading about a session bass player who supposedly used to practice everything with a VU meter to make sure his playing was perfectly even).

Cheers,
Andy

The earlier comment about setup is critical. A good setup allows easy playing on the heavy strings and makes good dynamic control SOOOO much easier.

I personally have found eveness on the bass side the most challenging aspect of my playing. I'm only finding an appreciable difference in my playing after 6mos. of playing every day. I've tried 3 different compressors and none did what I wanted them to do-make me sound better. But they're cool for an effect. And I don't know what kind of frets you have but Rails vs. jumbo frets...like night and day. Since my new Stick has arrived (5days) that's all I've played. I'm almost afraid to pick up my Ironwood. (It's in the new case).

Marty

Thanks for the tip, Curtis! Tried it, and seems pretty even across.

I play 12 string bass, a Waterstone TP12, pretty much exclusively these past years, and I play pretty hard. Well, the instrument just begs to be played hard.. nature of the beast. Instinctively, I might be doin' the same to the Stick!

Marty, mine have rails. I'm assuming it's much easier to tap on compared to jumbos. Am I right?

Hi Francesco,

I think the key isn't necessarily a "light" touch, but a consistent one. if you reinforce your fingers with energy from your hands and arm, then it makes the differences in strength and mass between the individual fingers less noticeable, your touch can be string and controlled, and consistent.

Consistency is what leads to dynamic control.

Compressors are a great effect, especially when you use extreme attack settings.

I picked up 2 Marshall Compressor pedals a couple of weeks ago and I am very very happy - they really allow me to have a fluid even sound - yes sure the more I play the more feel I will get but you know I want to create the music in my head and that means not worrying too much about practice and technique - so I say go for it add some compression.

I've never used a compressor - am I missing a trick here?

I agree that practicing with minimal effects is generally a good idea, I often walk around the house with my wooden stick 'unplugged'. The graphite is too quiet. Generally I don't have a problem with my left hand, my leftie is the dominant hand on stick although I'm right handed.