Bass Forum Competition: Solo Bass (Signup)

[EADGC]

This is the official signup thread for the new forum competition. I'll be taking your names in here, and I'll make a new thread for the entries.


On to the rules:

*Entries will not be considered unless you adhere to these!


- One track of bass only (NO OVERDUBS)
- No looping (this will be saved for another comp)

- Can be any length
- Can be any type of bass (electric, acoustic, fretless, upright, ERB etc)
- Can be in any tuning
- Effects other than looping are allowed
- Post-production is allowed*

*By post-production I mean only minor editing. That means that you can edit out silence, remove/add sections and bars etc but you must not do any editing that will compensate for bad playing. That means no fixing bad/missing notes, fretbuzz, etc.

*Mastering will be allowed, but nothing extreme. Try to keep it basic: compression, EQ, normalizing volume, fade-ins and outs.


Other than that, it's totally up to you. Use whatever basses, amps, recording gear/software, tunings, tones, and techniques that you want.


We'll be starting as soon as we have enough interest, and I'll let you know the deadline in the next thread. It will be at least two weeks, and I don't mind extending it if anyone needs more than that.


Entires (for reference):
EADGC
Akira
JBass
ReadyToFall
TheDarkHorse
BenJammin
Trevo
Killer Fridge
jollygiantchris
funkyhoney
sheephead
Rollo47
rh15951
oak tree
supernaut_1
Son of Magni
Duncster

[Akira]

I'll try.

[EADGC]

You're in bro

[lemoley]

can it be any style of playing?

[EADGC]

can it be any style of playing?


It's all in my first post

you need to follow these rules strictly: only one track, no looping

Other than that, you can basically do whatever you want. Hit your strings with drumsticks, use your cat's tail as a mute, I don't really care.

[lemoley]

what site do you guys use to upload songs onto (free prefrebly)?

[EADGC]

what site do you guys use to upload songs onto (free prefrebly)?

I'll most likely be putting mine on my Myspace

you can use that if you have one, or other streaming sites like Soundclick, Purevolume (also free)

or you use a site that will just host the file for download, such as megaupload.com, sendspace.com

Whatever works, basically.

[naut]

hate to be the cynic, but a couple of those rules such as no extensive post-production or overdubs aren't exactly possible to regulate. i could enter something that has both and i guarantee no one would detect it.

:amaze:

[JBass]

I'm in if there's room whens it due?

[lemoley]

hmmmm i might join, abit busy with uni and whatnot - that and the fact i suck

[rh15951]

Invite Jauqo III-X to try his luck ;)

This post is like a bat-sign I'm sure the guy must google himself like every 5 minutes.

[EADGC]

hate to be the cynic, but a couple of those rules such as no extensive post-production or overdubs aren't exactly possible to regulate. i could enter something that has both and i guarantee no one would detect it.

:amaze:


Some people might skilled enough to pull something like that off, you're right. However, I put in the rule for a few reasons:

1) being that people need to be aware that if they're caught, I won't be accepting their entry.

2) being that I want to discourage people from it.


I'd rather have strictly video entires which would make this kind of thing a bit easier to detect, but not everyone can do that and we need as many entries as we can get.


Anyway while someone could pull something like that, what would the point be? They'd just be ruining the competition, and for what? To win? The point isn't just to win, it's to encourage people to write in new styles and try new things with their music.

[EADGC]

I'm in if there's room whens it due?

There's no limit on entires


I'll be posting the deadline soon.


edit: What do you guys think is a fair deadline? I think I could pull mine off in 2 weeks but there's no point in having one so short that no one's going to have anything done.

[EADGC]

hmmmm i might join, abit busy with uni and whatnot - that and the fact i suck


Well just let me know in the next few days whether you're in or not.

[British Kid]

are Fender Bass VI's allowed?

[EADGC]

are Fender Bass VI's allowed?


Is that the octave down guitar?


Good question...

[Son of Magni]

...i could enter something that has both and i guarantee no one would detect it...
we need to talk about my entry :p


...I'd rather have strictly video entires which would make this kind of thing a bit easier to detect...

That would totally make no difference at all :amaze:

[British Kid]

Is that the octave down guitar?


Good question...
yup, thats the one.


does it classify as a 6-string bass? i know its an odd beast, but i might be interested in using for the comp if i can.

[EADGC]

we need to talk about my entry :p




That would totally make no difference at all :amaze:


Are you entering Som?


and you're right, it wouldn't if someone actually took the time to record two separate tracks, mix them until they sound like one, and then make a video mimicking every single note


but who the hell would go to such lengths just to win this competition? I'd say they need a life

[Sammy_L_D]

British Kid:

It counts, but all you're allowed to record is surf.

[naut]

Anyway while someone could pull something like that, what would the point be?

to easily improve the quality of the recording rather then re-track the whole thing?

i understand your point just fine, i'm just mentioning this...merely to be the cynic.:p

[ReadyToFall]

I'm in, but it won't be video because I don't have a cam.

[EADGC]

yup, thats the one.


does it classify as a 6-string bass? i know its an odd beast, but i might be interested in using for the comp if i can.


I'm not really sure if that's a bass or a guitar since it's bass tuning but guitar scale


Well to be fair there are 6 string basses, and some tuned EADGCF or EADGBE.. and there are shorter scale basses (although typically not that short)

Tell you what - I'll allow this one, but nothing higher (baritone guitars tund BEADGB for example)

[British Kid]

British Kid:

It counts, but all you're allowed to record is surf.
haha, all bass version of Misirlou anyone?

[Son of Magni]

Are you entering Som?


and you're right, it wouldn't if someone actually took the time to record two separate tracks, mix them until they sound like one, and then make a video mimicking every single note


but who the hell would go to such lengths just to win this competition? I'd say they need a life

I should probably get off my a$$ and do something once in a while... so maybe.

On the cheating thing, it would be very easy to record a video, then separate the audio track and make whatever edits, punch-in's, and overdubs you want, then stick it back onto the vid and post it. So no, I don't think it would stop anyone who wanted to cheat. But me, I'm way too lazy to bother...

[EADGC]

to easily improve the quality of the recording rather then re-track the whole thing?

i understand your point just fine, i'm just mentioning this...merely to be the cynic.:p


Sure I suppose someone could

but they'd just be defeating the purpose of the contest anyway.. so even if they do win, they still wouldn't get anything out of it.

Like say someone records 2 tracks and posts it. People have to post a critique in order to vote for them. Someone could post a critique like "the quality was great" or "the volume between both hands was very even"

Well no ****, the person edited the **** out of the recording to make it that way. People would just be telling them what they already know, and it wouldn't make their solo playing better at all.


On the other hand, take someone who works really hard to get their polyrhythms down. Say they did two handed tapping or harmonics with bass notes. They could enter fair and square, and while their entry might not sound as good, people would be posting crits like "your left hand is a little too loud", "you should try more high mids to make your harmonics stand out more"

Then even if they don't win, they will still be able to improve their playing with that advice

[TheDarkHorse]

Im in

still on time as well
hate to be the cynic, but a couple of those rules such as no extensive post-production or overdubs aren't exactly possible to regulate. i could enter something that has both and i guarantee no one would detect it.

:amaze:

im hoping we can be honorable. There's no prize to cheating on an internet music forum.

[EADGC]

I should probably get off my a$$ and do something once in a while... so maybe.

On the cheating thing, it would be very easy to record a video, then separate the audio track and make whatever edits, punch-in's, and overdubs you want, then stick it back onto the vid and post it. So no, I don't think it would stop anyone who wanted to cheat. But me, I'm way too lazy to bother...

You and naut are both right, but see my post to naut on the subject.

basically it's possible, but I don't think anyone here has the motivation to do that, especially over something as worthless as bragging rights on an internet forum.

[EADGC]

Im in

still on time as well


im hoping we can be honorable. There's no prize to cheating on an internet music forum.


Exactly.

[EADGC]

I'm in, but it won't be video because I don't have a cam.


that's fine

[Son of Magni]

You and naut are both right, but see my post to naut on the subject.

basically it's possible, but I don't think anyone here has the motivation to do that, especially over something as worthless as bragging rights on an internet forum.

Agreed, and your rules are just fine really. I'm just saying it'd be easy...

So it's any piece right, so it can be you own composition or a cover, like maybe the Gigue from suite 3 of the Bach cello suites? Or Wild Man Fisher's "Monkeys vs Donkeys"?

[EADGC]

Agreed, and your rules are just fine really. I'm just saying it'd be easy...

So it's any piece right, so it can be you own composition or a cover, like maybe the Gigue from suite 3 of the Bach cello suites? Or Wild Man Fisher's "Monkeys vs Donkeys"?


I thought all of these competitions were supposed to be original compositions

[Son of Magni]

I thought all of these competitions were supposed to be original compositions

Ok fine, I'll write my own Bach cello suite then!

[BenJammin]

Oh, what the hell. I'll giver.

[Trevo]

What happens if I sign-up but don't get around to creating something?

[BenJammin]

What happens if I sign-up but don't get around to creating something?

Then you're no different than 90% of the people who sign up for these things.

[Trevo]

Then you're no different than 90% of the people who sign up for these things.

Touché. I'll sign up if I can get something figured out.

[naut]

goddamn it...i knew this was gonna happen, i just wrote something and now i want to enter it. meh, if we have two weeks (or possibly more) to do this, i might as well give it a try.

don't put my name down though. basically i just wrote a whole song now, so i'm gonna be practicing it. if i can get comfortable with it during the allotted time then i'll enter. oh and if do, it'll most likely be a video.

[Killer Fridge]

Count me in

[aria]

im in

[EADGC]

goddamn it...i knew this was gonna happen

123

:thumb:


i just wrote something and now i want to enter it. meh, if we have two weeks (or possibly more) to do this, i might as well give it a try.

don't put my name down though. basically i just wrote a whole song now, so i'm gonna be practicing it. if i can get comfortable with it during the allotted time then i'll enter. oh and if do, it'll most likely be a video.

Alright. Well just let me know if you want to enter. If it's already written 2 weeks is plenty of time to practice and record it imo. It doesn't really have to be CD worthy.

[EADGC]

im in

Ben's in, contest is over boys

[EADGC]

Touché. I'll sign up if I can get something figured out.

I'll put you down for now so you'll have a spot reserved, but if you don't end up making an entry no big deal.

[EADGC]

Ok fine, I'll write my own Bach cello suite then!

I'll see if doing a cover is cool, like I said I'm still new to these

[jollygiantchris]

**** it sign me up =x my "composition" is basically going to be me soloing over 2-3 different ideas and maybe a key change or two though :d i have a decent idea of what I'm going to do already I just hope people here like the band Om...and by the way we can't use a drum looping program to make things more interesting? I don't see that in the rules but I don't really see why that wouldn't be allowed because its a lot more exciting to play with then a metronome and makes solo bass much more listenable.

i would like to point out if theres enough entries could you should separate into advanced and intermediate skill brackets because some of us are not as good as some of the rest of us =x

[aria]

like son of magni i was also thinkin of doing some bach cello stuff

[EADGC]

**** it sign me up =x my "composition" is basically going to be me soloing over 2-3 different ideas and maybe a key change or two though :d i have a decent idea of what I'm going to do already I just hope people here like the band Om...and by the way we can't use a drum looping program to make things more interesting? I don't see that in the rules but I don't really see why that wouldn't be allowed because its a lot more exciting to play with then a metronome and makes solo bass much more listenable.

i would like to point out if theres enough entries could you should separate into advanced and intermediate skill brackets because some of us are not as good as some of the rest of us =x


sorry bro no drum loops, just 1 track of bass

[EADGC]

like son of magni i was also thinkin of doing some bach cello stuff

You actually going to play some bass for us bro?

[Omega Red]

i have a sound enhancement pedal, it makes my playing sound like a whole band.

demo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSNLfa1VPwo

[aria]

no i was planning on playing guitar for it

i kind of minsunderstood the comp ok take me out then if u want

[EADGC]

no i was planning on playing guitar for it

i kind of minsunderstood the comp ok take me out then if u want


It's supposed to be just one track of bass, it can be elec., upright, etc

if you want to play bass then I can leave you in, but we cant accept guitar sorry

[EADGC]

i have a sound enhancement pedal, it makes my playing sound like a whole band.

demo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSNLfa1VPwo


sup Josh you gonna enter?

[Omega Red]

nah

[funkyhoney]

Count me in!!

[EADGC]

Well we've got at least 10 now which is a lot more interest than I expected anyway

so I suppose once we figure out the deadline I'll start up the entry thread


how do you guys feel about Jan 6 (two weeks today)

is that fair?

[funkyhoney]

I think so... but obviously (as you've said) we should account for people being away over christmas/new years.

[aria]

ok damn sorry bro u will have to take me out then can u hook one of these up for guitar forum

[EADGC]

Anyone else?


also I guess covers are fine if you must

but I'd count it against someone when voting as I'd definitely give someone more credit for writing it themselves. That's just me.

I'm definitely doing an original for my entry.

[EADGC]

ok damn sorry bro u will have to take me out then can u hook one of these up for guitar forum

Alright that's cool


umm I def. won't be entering one in the guitar forum but there's no reason you can't start up a classical one or whatever

you can copy my format and just change the rules a bit if you want.

you just might want to check with a mod first

[funkyhoney]

Anyone else?


also I guess covers are fine if you must

but I'd count it against someone when voting as I'd definitely give someone more credit for writing it themselves. That's just me.

I'm definitely doing an original for my entry.

Me to, but that's asking the question as to how much of this comp is based on composition and how much on playing ability :p

[EADGC]

Me to, but that's asking the question as to how much of this comp is based on composition and how much on playing ability :p


Although I am the one running this and I am entered in it.. I can safely say that if I were an outsider, I'd be evaluating the pieces on everything

composition, originality, skill, technique, recording quality, production (some might say those last two are unfair since some people don't have quality recording gear, but they still affect how I perceive the music so I think it's justified)


I encourage everyone else to do the same of course. It would be pretty pointless to judge just based on pyrotechnics. Any tasteful musician rarely plays to their full potential unless it's absolutely called for. I know I don't.

[sheephead]

I'm in - if there's still room that is.

[EADGC]

I'm in - if there's still room that is.

Plenty of room

from what I'm told most people don't get their entry done anyway


but anyway I'm closing off signups pretty soon just so we can get this show on the road, so anyone else who wants in speak now

[Rollo47]

Can I say that I'll maybe enter? I'm going to be really busy but I'll try and get something done. I actually mean it too, I think of one of the most prolific comp entrants on the board.

[rh15951]

Stick my name down but I can't guarantee an entry :-/

[oak tree]

I'll enter.

[naut]

recording quality, production (some might say those last two are unfair since some people don't have quality recording gear, but they still affect how I perceive the music so I think it's justified)

yeah i definitely agree. it bugs me 'cause like you said, some people act like it's unfair. but they don't realize that in itself takes some ability. a few people i've come across seem to think that if you have good software/equipment/whatever that it's just: plug-in = immediately great production. as if there's no effort, which isn't the case at all.

also, it's not like you can't achieve good recording quality with a cheap, primitive method. i used to do the standard 1/8" adapter straight to computer approach, and my quality was actually quite nice. i mean ****, there are some people on here who boggle my mind by how they manage to get such an awful recording quality. seems like you'd have to be trying.:amaze:

[Akira]

Crap. Sheephead's in. Owned.

:p

[EADGC]

Can I say that I'll maybe enter? I'm going to be really busy but I'll try and get something done. I actually mean it too, I think of one of the most prolific comp entrants on the board.


I'll put your name down to reserve a spot for you

if you don't submit an entry, no problem, I won't stone you. I don't expect everyone to submit one anyway

[EADGC]

yeah i definitely agree. it bugs me 'cause like you said, some people act like it's unfair. but they don't realize that in itself takes some ability. a few people i've come across seem to think that if you have good software/equipment/whatever that it's just: plug-in = immediately great production. as if there's no effort, which isn't the case at all.

also, it's not like you can't achieve good recording quality with a cheap, primitive method. i used to do the standard 1/8" adapter straight to computer approach, and my quality was actually quite nice. i mean ****, there are some people on here who boggle my mind by how they manage to get such an awful recording quality. seems like you'd have to be trying.:amaze:

123

You're right, it does take ability, and effort. Those are two main things that i look for in a work. The argument that they don't have the gear isn't fair at all imo, since it takes effort to work to afford it. Even if they are downloading their software from torrents, it still takes effort to learn how to use it properly.

And +1 on the second paragraph. Personally, I don't use amps or monitors at all when recording my demos. It's just my bass through effects and straight in, no interface or anything. I don't even have that great of software. But people don't mind the quality, and some have even said that it's pretty good considering what I'm working with. Why? Because I actually took the time to play around with the settings, learned how to use the program, and got advice from more experience users on how to improve my mastering skills.

[EADGC]

Ok so we've got 15 signed up now which is way more interest than I expected tbh.

So a mod can close this now and I'll make a new thread with the deadline and rules reposted in case anyone needs them. People can submit their entries in there until the deadline, then I'll collect the links and make the voting thread(s).

I'll also be checking through the thread again to make sure I havn't missed anyone.

[naut]

Why? Because I actually took the time to play around with the settings, learned how to use the program, and got advice from more experience users on how to improve my mastering skills.

exactly. it's a must to master any software and/or pieces of equipment one uses, regardless of its "quality." i've always said this, and i always will: i'd rather know a mediocre software like the back of my hand then just scratch the surface with a high quality one. - which is what most people tend to do, (those that have the privilege), thus leaving them with a recording that doesn't match the potential of their equipment.

EDIT: ok before this is closed, EADGC go ahead and put me down. i'll most likely be finishing my new song today, so that should remove some obligations that would otherwise inhibit me from practicing my new tune.

[rh15951]

Crap. Sheephead's in. Owned.

:p

oshi....

[naut]

yeah it's kind of discouraging.:( however it's nice 'cause i can't wait to hear what he puts up.

[rh15951]

Yeah. Can I please ask that you don't all laugh at my entry? :p

[naut]

or mine. >.>

this isn't really my "area." i'm more of a compositional writer so my piece isn't going to be up to par. that's why i'm relying heavily on style for originality points rather then the actual dimension of the song. i just can't do that with one piece of music...it's not where i've put my time in.

[EADGC]

Alright here's the final list (let me know if I forgot anyone):

EADGC
Akira
JBass
ReadyToFall
TheDarkHorse
BenJammin
Trevo
Killer Fridge
jollygiantchris
funkyhoney
sheephead
Rollo47
rh15951
oak tree
supernaut_1
Son of Magni(?)*


*(are you in or not?)

[Starts with S ends with E]

or mine. >.>

this isn't really my "area." i'm more of a compositional writer so my piece isn't going to be up to par. that's why i'm relying heavily on style for originality points rather then the actual dimension of the song. i just can't do that with one piece of music...it's not where i've put my time in.

I am so shitting on you on MSN for this. Too much fellacio, not enough SUCKAGE.

EDIT: PS, I'm actually looking forward to listening to this comp.
GOOD LUCK.

(ben will pwn.)

[Son of Magni]

...Son of Magni(?)*

*(are you in or not?)

It's been a long time since I tried composing, so sure what the frak, I'm in.

[BenJammin]

(ben will pwn.)

lolwut?

[muthafunkabass]

I was gonna join but up against Killer Fridge, Supernaut, SoM, and Rollo, I don't think so. Even friggin' Sheephead is there!

[Duncster]

I'm in

[BenJammin]

Lol. At least there is enough interest that if only 1/4 of the people actually submit pieces, we'll still have a decent turnout.

[EADGC]

It's been a long time since I tried composing, so sure what the frak, I'm in.

I don't mind if you want to do a cover

[EADGC]

I was gonna join but up against Killer Fridge, Supernaut, SoM, and Rollo, I don't think so. Even friggin' Sheephead is there!


it's not just about winning meng

read some of the earlier posts, we went over this

[EADGC]

I'm in


alright I'll put you in, but srsly guys no more


mods please close this

[jollygiantchris]

I was gonna join but up against Killer Fridge, Supernaut, SoM, and Rollo, I don't think so. Even friggin' Sheephead is there!
eh they are way better then me too im just going to do something completely and utterly different then everybody else...and my focus is more on songwriting then on fancy playing just throw something down great melodies and interesting progressions can be more interesting then mile a minute slapping/tapping

[Son of Magni]

I was gonna join but up against Killer Fridge, Supernaut, SoM, and Rollo, I don't think so. Even friggin' Sheephead is there!

Hey, I'm only in because I crave abuse from naut and sade :)

[muthafunkabass]

it's not just about winning meng

read some of the earlier posts, we went over this
I saw but if I just wanted to make a song then I would do that and have my own thread for it, but in a competition I'd want to compete.
eh they are way better then me too im just going to do something completely and utterly different then everybody else...and my focus is more on songwriting then on fancy playing just throw something down great melodies and interesting progressions can be more interesting then mile a minute slapping/tapping
Good luck!

Hey, I'm only in because I crave abuse from naut and sade :)
Well maybe we'll all realize that your a compositional genius and we just didn't know because you were drunk/high in that jam you posted.:p