You know those guys who add those high end sound systems to their cars. Those cars that kind of thump when they pull up beside you. Whomp, whomp, whomp … Sad.
I am thinking the guys who think this sounds cool need some help. I am here to help. The curmudgeon is just the right guy in this case ‘cuz the old curmudgeon has long been a fan of the bass line.
I was a tuba player in high school. This was not because I was a virtuoso – it was because I was willing and the band director thought I had a tin ear. If you play notes that are consistently flat and you play the tuba, no one can really tell.
Anyway, this may have been the beginning of my special interest in bass instruments and those who play them well, I am a fan of the bass line. This is a serious matter. No whomp, whomp, whomp for me.
First, to develop an appreciation for a good bass line, you need to listen to some tunes with some quality bass. The one note bass line simply sucks.
Here are a couple of suggestions:
- Ain’t no sunshine (Buddy Guy with Tracy Chapman – Bring ‘Em In)
- All along the watchtower (Dave Matthew – Live from Chicago)
I notice that these are both covers. However, far better bass than the originals.
A side note (another musical pun) – I also appreciate great lyrics. Dylan is a genius. What a word man.
All I got is a red guitar, three chords, and the truth.
I would love to be able to offer such profound thoughts.
Now, good tunes are not enough. You do need to invest in some quality equipment.
Here is my latest favorite bass line toy (Outcast from Soundcast).
This thing weighs nearly 40 points. A good bass line requires some weight – large magnet in the woofer. It is about the exact size of a cream can, but that description is a throw back to my Iowa farm boy roots and of little value to even those who still live in Iowa.
What I like about this toy is that if you like your bass line loud, this device seems to have no top end (or bottom end in this case). Imagine placing this in the middle of a parking lot and pushing the volume up button to your heart’s content. I have not found the limit. I am certain there is one, but I always back off for fear of having the neighbors call the authorities.
I am a fan of the theory that loud bass does less damage to your hearing than an amplified middle or high range. I suppose at my age I should be concerned that the shock wave offers some danger to my heart.
So be it – the heart is where you need to appreciate music.
Crank it up.