NationStates Jolt Archive

It's come to my attention that there's quite a few musicians on this board. If you're a musician, what do you play, how long have you played it, and what kind of music do you play on it? Go!

i am a musician.* i play (mostly) the guitar. i play a really grungy rock sound. i love weird tunings, and i love feedback jams. all in all, i suck.



*title of musician is debatable. very. especially around some of the people here.

I play guitar and have done since I was 16, so it's been 4 years. I play... a weird mix of rock stuff I guess. Live, Led Zep, SOAD, White Stripes etc.

I'd like to acquire a good acoustic and get into folk music a bit more too.

Are you going to the folk festival in Port Fairy next weekend? I am.

I'm a musician. I play mainly cello, bass, e-bass, and I sing, but I am mildly proficient in (read sucks at) more than a dozen other instruments. I am currently studying music full-time, hoping to be a teacher, but if a performance carreer presensts itself I may investigate.

Are you going to the folk festival in Port Fairy next weekend? I am.
I didn't even know about that. :p Besides, I'm broke and I wouldn't have company anyway.

Well, almost every instrument i play is to supplement my voice. I play the 12-string acoust/elect mostly, but 6 for the harder, and piano/synth as well. I also am working on the mandolin and spent a few years on the clarinet, though i can't really use that until i get something repaired on it.
Depending on how much i complicate things, i play my stuff as well as Jeff Buckley, Depeche Mode, Queensryche, Dream Theater, Dead Can Dance, Pink Floyd, Sarah McLachlan (my fiance' sings also), A Perfect Circle, Evanescence, Alice In Chains, Weird Al (met him & signed him) Yankovic, and various other artists whose songs i've inculcated and essentially since stopped listening to.
Not in a vacuum, but certainly not living in a place where i can play as often as i probably should.

I didn't even know about that. :p Besides, I'm broke and I wouldn't have company anyway.

It's a fun weekend. My girlfriend's brothers live there, so it's a good excuse to visit them (plus listen to some music, have a few beers and a billy or two).

Guitarist, electric

Playing 4 years

Harmonising grunge/metal rock sound at the moment, but it changes

i am a musician.* i play (mostly) the guitar. i play a really grungy rock sound. i love weird tunings, and i love feedback jams. all in all, i suck.



*title of musician is debatable. very. especially around some of the people here.

That most certainly does not suck, and I do the same. Ever tuned your guitar C-F-A#-D#-G-C? :D

I play the guitar, and have been for about three, almost four years now. I'm working on getting a singing voice. I play both electric and acoustic. I switch between a grunge/punk/blues/metal sound, or any mix thereof..

I'd mention what my rig is, but i'd just bore everyone. :p

C-F-A#-D#-G-C

holy crap. im going to tomorrow. im glad i have lots of strings.

That most certainly does not suck, and I do the same. Ever tuned your guitar C-F-A#-D#-G-C? :D

I play the guitar, and have been for about three, almost four years now. I'm working on getting a singing voice. I play both electric and acoustic. I switch between a grunge/punk/blues/metal sound, or any mix thereof..

I'd mention what my rig is, but i'd just bore everyone. :p

Have you had any gigs?

I play the super-almighty BBb STRAIGHT-CONTRABASS CLARINET (extended to low low low Eb)

I love that thing.

I play the super-almighty BBb STRAIGHT-CONTRABASS CLARINET (extended to low low low Eb)

I love that thing.

i have loved the contra-bassy sounds forever. i have always wanted one of those chellos like that.

come to think of it, what is the lowest pitched insturment available?

Originally Posted by Kanabia
C-F-A#-D#-G-C
My piece of shit guitar sounds like a dying animal when I tune that low, so the lowest I've been is a d tuning. :(

i have loved the contra-bassy sounds forever. i have always wanted one of those chellos like that.

come to think of it, what is the lowest pitched insturment available?

it's either the the sub-contrabass bassoon, or the bass saxophone.

Bb Clarinet. Sax.

holy crap. im going to tomorrow. im glad i have lots of strings.

If you have a floating bridge on your guitar, it'll be alright, because it adjusts the string tension. You'll need a chromatic tuner though, it's next to impossible to do by ear.

Do you use effects pedals? I recommend getting your hands on an Electro Harmonix Big Muff- combine that with C tuning and it's insane.

Have you had any gigs?

Nah. I'm looking to start a band, but for the moment I play by myself :)

My piece of shit guitar sounds like a dying animal when I tune that low, so the lowest I've been is a d tuning. :(

Effects pedals! They can make the most shitty guitar sound good. Trust me...pay $100 for a second-hand one of some description (You can find Boss or Ibanez pedals for around that price) and you won't be disappointed. They compensate for crappy amps, too. :D

Effects pedals! They can make the most shitty guitar sound good. Trust me...pay $100 for a second-hand one of some description (You can find Boss or Ibanez pedals for around that price) and you won't be disappointed. They compensate for crappy amps, too.

You send me $100 and I'll buy one. ;)

I so need a job!

You send me $100 and I'll buy one. ;)

I so need a job!

Heh, If only I had one I didn't need lying around i'd send that. :)

What setup are you using right now?

I'm using an Ashton fake-Strat and some shitty little Ashton amp. :p The $200 guitar startup combo.

I wish I was in Sydney, living like 2km from my musician uncle... Oh the shameles borrowing!

I'm using an Ashton fake-Strat and some shitty little Ashton amp. :p The $200 guitar startup combo.

I wish I was in Sydney, living like 2km from my musician uncle... Oh the shameles borrowing!

Ah, I wish I had a musician uncle :p

I play a left handed Cort X2...unfortunately left-handed, because lefty guitars cost so much more. It's not bad, though.

But I play it through a $1500 Laney valve amp. (Which I managed to haggle down to $1000.) :D

Heh, If only I had one I didn't need lying around i'd send that. :)

What setup are you using right now?

That's the sweetest trophy you've got. :) It beats my netball one hands down. :D

That's the sweetest trophy you've got. :) It beats my netball one hands down. :D

*bows* :D

I'm learning acoustic bass soon... Just thought you'd like to know...

I play a left handed Cort X2...unfortunately left-handed, because lefty guitars cost so much more. It's not bad, though.

But I play it through a $1500 Laney valve amp. (Which I managed to haggle down to $1000.)
:cool:
*goes off to annoy neighbours by playing "The Girl I Love" by Zep. :p
What's with lefties? I know waaaay too many. Must be some political thing. :p

Do you use effects pedals? I recommend getting your hands on an Electro Harmonix Big Muff- combine that with C tuning and it's insane.

i've wanted to get one of those, it was actually on my list. i mostly use a boss ds1 and my extra-cool "vamp (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=guitar/search/detail/base_pid/480674/) "

Keyboards: about 10 years (could be more, I don't remember). I play them in a pop cover band (Stage Fever) in which kids (10-15) can sing the songs they want and we play those.
Washboard: a year and a half. In a funpunk band (Bagger United) in which I used to play trampoline.
Bass: 4 or 5 years. In a rock/metal coverband (2nd Gear) with a few songs of ourselves. On bass I've played everything between Metal and Jazz
Vocals: 3 years. Just backing vocals in Bagger United.

Keyboards: about 10 years (could be more, I don't remember). I play them in a pop cover band (Stage Fever) in which kids (10-15) can sing the songs they want and we play those.
Washboard: a year and a half. In a funpunk band (Bagger United) in which I used to play trampoline.
Bass: 4 or 5 years. In a rock/metal coverband (2nd Gear) with a few songs of ourselves. On bass I've played everything between Metal and Jazz
Vocals: 3 years. Just backing vocals in Bagger United.

trampolines are an amazing instrument. i especially like the "boingy" sound of them. i am thinking of getting an electric one.

...or did i just misunderstand you?

I'm a vocalist who is proficient at flute,( thus a small living with a Jethro Tull tribute band). I also play Guitars, including bass, and keyboards...currently working in my home studio(outside the Tull project) with some friends on a few Dream Theater tunes, as well as originals.

*bows* :D

I take it you're the one with the pom-poms & the picture on the left comes standard with the trophy? :p

trampolines are an amazing instrument. i especially like the "boingy" sound of them. i am thinking of getting an electric one.

...or did i just misunderstand you?
No you didn't.


But it was just for visual entertainment.
http://www.baggerunited.nl/band/foto/albums/2/THG_cdpres_2003_06.jpg

No you didn't.


But it was just for visual entertainment.
http://www.baggerunited.nl/band/foto/albums/2/THG_cdpres_2003_06.jpg

holy crap. thats beyond awesome.

i've wanted to get one of those, it was actually on my list. i mostly use a boss ds1 and my extra-cool "vamp (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=guitar/search/detail/base_pid/480674/) "

The Boss DS-1 is a decent all-round pedal...it's really versatile. If you want the really grungy sound though, I really can't recommend the Big-muff enough. The Boss is generally a little too tinny for that. Forget a vintage BM though, unless you're filthy rich. The US reissue is good, but I use a Russian made one. They're a lot cheaper and they're not a lot different in sound. Some people actually prefer the Russian ones. I picked mine up for $150 Australian, which was well worth it.

That other one looks interesting though. I'm after wah, delay and chorus pedals, as well as a fuzz-face. :p Damn it. I was warned, once you get into effects pedals, you don't go back. At least they disguise my shoddy guitar skills somewhat :D

:cool:
*goes off to annoy neighbours by playing "The Girl I Love" by Zep. :p
What's with lefties? I know waaaay too many. Must be some political thing. :p

:D

Ironically, my surname actually means "left" too. Go figure, i'm cursed to be left in whatever I do. :p

I take it you're the one with the pom-poms & the picture on the left comes standard with the trophy? :p

noes!!! my true identity is discovered!! :p

The Boss DS-1 is a decent all-round pedal...it's really versatile. If you want the really grungy sound though, I really can't recommend the Big-muff enough. The Boss is generally a little too tinny for that.

eh.. i've been dying to try one out, i hate buying things before i try them, but you've convinced me.

heh, it might actually make my crappy squire guitars sound decent. (although, squires arent half as bad as they're made out to be.)

I sing, play keyboard and piano (not at any kind of impressive level), been doing it for as long as I can remember.

Want to get some serious lessons in piano. Hell I've got an acoustic guitar in my bedroom which I just cannot play.

eh.. i've been dying to try one out, i hate buying things before i try them, but you've convinced me.

heh, it might actually make my crappy squire guitars sound decent. (although, squires arent half as bad as they're made out to be.)

A squire is still better than what I own :D (though not by much, but it's still perfectly decent) I guarantee you won't be disappointed with the BM. Let me know how you get on with finding one. :)

A squire is still better than what I own :D (though not by much, but it's still perfectly decent) I guarantee you won't be disappointed with the BM. Let me know how you get on with finding one. :)

heh, i didnt actually have high expectations for those squires, but i was pretty amazed at what i got.

i'll let you know when i get the bm. (curse my sick mind) thanks for talking me into it. (non-sarcasticly) either way, i've gotta get at least a few hours of sleep in before work, so im off.

Guitar, Bass, Mandolin, Dobro, Keyboards, for 38 yrs. Various bands from rock to bluegrass. Now record in home studio with daughter who sings and plays guitar. 13 guitars, basses, dobro's, mandolin's I have collected thru the years. :cool:

Play flute / piccolo reasonably well (have Gd 8), but my 1st instrument and real love is the piano. I have recently bought a new 7' grand but I don't get anywhere near enough time to practice. I play classical music and I'm currently working on the Brahms Rhapsody in G minor and some Sibelius piano music which was completely new to me until a couple of weeks ago. Happy days :D

i have loved the contra-bassy sounds forever. i have always wanted one of those chellos like that.

come to think of it, what is the lowest pitched insturment available?
ummmmm, :confused: things with strings because you can downtune them. But you can't get very far below A0 and still sound good. There is a reason the piano quits where it does. ( I have downtuned my five string bass to Ab0 :D )(It sounded like crap)

I should know this stuff. Sorry.

( I have downtuned my five string bass to Ab0 :D )(It sounded like crap)
More like

*rattle rattle clang rattle*
"Was that an Ab?"
"I don't know"

holy crap. im going to tomorrow. im glad i have lots of strings.
You really want to have a heavier gauge string to do that, so that they are under more tension.

More like

*rattle rattle clang rattle*
"Was that an Ab?"
"I don't know"
Something like that..... I can get the A0 out on a good amp, but past that it hits the fretboard... *goes and looks for a heavier gauge B-string* (I don't think one exists)

Something like that..... I can get the A0 out on a good amp, but past that it hits the fretboard... *goes and looks for a heavier gauge B-string* (I don't think one exists)
You'd be surprised. They won't have it in stock, but I think you can probably order them...

....I think

come to think of it, what is the lowest pitched insturment available?

Traditionally it would have been the piano IIRC, going down to A0, but I suspect some pipe organs might have gone lower than this this. However in today's elctrical/electronic world, given pitch-shifters and the like or synths, it is more a question of how low a tone your speakers can produce...

Edited because it turned out I didn't remember correctly.

Yup: it seems that pipe organs went down to the C below A0.

You'd be surprised. They won't have it in stock, but I think you can probably order them...

....I think
I ordered a special low B so I could play fast and hard, but still get a beefy, rich tone, whith a little bit of growl. The things a monster. I had to have the shop install it for me, cause my string cutters couldn't get through it. I wish I remebered what brand it was, but I told them the sound I wanted and they got me the string....

Traditionally it would have been the tuba IIRC, going down to G0,
assuming you can find a tuba player who can actually hit the pedal G. Most are quite sastified with the Bb.
If you find me one, I want him/her for my concerto I'm writing (it will never be performed, it is a complete joke. It is for DoubleBass, Tuba, ContraBassoon, and Cowbell.)

assuming you can find a tuba player who can actually hit the pedal G. Most are quite sastified with the Bb.
If you find me one, I want him/her for my concerto I'm writing (it will never be performed, it is a complete joke. It is for DoubleBass, Tuba, ContraBassoon, and Cowbell.)

My mistake: see the edited form of my previous post.

My mistake: see the edited form of my previous post.
Check. I was taking your word for it, not being a brass person.

Random bassy fact....

If you put a rolled up piece of paper in the top of a Bassoon it extends there range downward 1 step.

Check. I was taking your word for it, not being a brass person.

Random bassy fact....

If you put a rolled up piece of paper in the top of a Bassoon it extends there range downward 1 step.

I assume that you're putting it in so as to increase the length of the bassoon, rather than to plug it, yes?

I assume that you're putting it in so as to increase the length of the bassoon, rather than to plug it, yes?
I'd assume, I don't know exactly why it works, just that it does. The bassoon players had to do it in a concert I was in recently. I asked what was with the paper, they showed me.

You really want to have a heavier gauge string to do that, so that they are under more tension.

No. Not if you only intend on keeping it there for a while. I find that on my guitar, at least, 2 steps down is perfectly playable with standard gauge strings (Actually, my high E string is thicker- but it's not really necessary). The only problem is that if you leave it for too long the looser strings can cause some wear. But experimentation should be fine.

I play the trumpet. I play pretty much anything put in front of me. Some of my favorite composers are Gustav Holst and Percy Grainger. For jazz I really really like Chuck Mangione.

Am I the first pianist here? Cool.

It's come to my attention that there's quite a few musicians on this board. If you're a musician, what do you play, how long have you played it, and what kind of music do you play on it? Go!

bassoon-3 years(but i'm best at it)
flute-4 years
euphonium-2 years
percussion-7 years(but really bad, heheh)
accordian-2 years(really bad)
violin- 1 year, but pretty good for only one year, i'd think.
i've played other instruments, just not stuck with them.

i play classical music on all of them exept accordian, i play polka on the accordian, and on euphonium a little bit.

Am I the first pianist here? Cool.

I'd like to learn piano. but it's not the easiest instrument to get a hold of, and practice regularly.

I'd like to learn piano. but it's not the easiest instrument to get a hold of, and practice regularly.
Yeah i know, i'm pretty lucky to have a one, albeit a shit one

bass and keyboards, a couple years on each

Traditionally it would have been the piano IIRC, going down to A0, but I suspect some pipe organs might have gone lower than this this. However in today's elctrical/electronic world, given pitch-shifters and the like or synths, it is more a question of how low a tone your speakers can produce...

Edited because it turned out I didn't remember correctly.

Yup: it seems that pipe organs went down to the C below A0.

Man, I'd say pipe organ wins. I think contra-bass bassoon wins after that. Granted, the pipe organ can create a wavelength of about 1 city block. Those pipes are friggin' huge!