Gear

Ableton Live 12

Ableton Live 12 is used on a laptop to run samples these are triggered 'live' via USB MIDI from the Arturia Keylab and Novation Launchkey 49. In a similar way as the Prodigy. 'Loops' are played from the pads.

Keyboard set up

Novation Launchkey 49 is used to play lead lines using samples and softsynths from Ableton and Reason 13.

Keyboard set up

The Arturia Keylab 49 is used to control the Ableton sampler/softsynths or Arturia soft synths and Fairlight sampler which supplies the samples. the sequencer is controlled from here too.

Keyboard set up

The Launchpad is used to trigger samples and loops from Ableton Live 12. The Launchpad is connected via USB to the laptop.

Apple Macbook Air

Apple Macbook Air - 15 inch M5 runs Ableton Live (loops ,sequencing and sample/synths), Reason 13 (outboard gear & synths) and Arturia software ( soft synths Jup-8, Mini, Prophet and Fairlight sampler).

Aturia V-Collection

Arturia Fairlight software sampler to suply the samples for keyboards, 'loops' are run directly from Ableton and keyboard pads

Siel Mono Synth

Siel Mono Synth is used as a lead synth and to create atmospheric textures and pads for the music. bought in the 1980s. It has a very distinctive sound and is used to create textures and pads and delayed rifs. It also has a custom sf control paint job and radio active stickers.

Zoom U-24 USB Audio Interface

Zoom U-24 USB Audio Interface, Two mic/line inputs, Analog Output - Main Out L/R, MIDI I/O, USB recording interface to get the sound out of the laptop

Studio 2

Studio 2 is used for practicing, writing and producing music. It is equipped with random audio gear and software.

Lynda's short-scale Bass

Sire Marcus Miller

Close up of machine head and headstock of Sire Marcus Miller

Due to arthritis I wanted to try a short-scale bass. After trying six short-scale basses I found the Sire Marcus Miller, (under £400), to be the best fit. Surprisingly, it was the cheapest option I tried. I find it easy to play and that's the main thing.

I use the DigiTech Whammy 5 pedal for different harmonies, especially to thicken up bass parts with a lower octave. The dive-bomb effect is my favourite, and it also has a useful chorus setting. The Electro-Harmonix POG2 creates polyphonic harmonies, with lower-octave and chorus effects similar to the Whammy. It is great for generating ethereal synth sounds. I use the Boss RC-10R Rhythm Loop Station to practise scales with a drum rhythm and over looped chords. My Markbass CMD 121H combo sounds great, with 300W RMS at 8 ohms, a 12-inch speaker, and a 1-inch compression driver with a horn. It is ideal for smaller venues, while the DI output makes it useful for larger venues and for recording.

Lynda's Sei Bass

Lynda's Sei Bass parts

My new bass will be a Sei Bass original 4 string Headless. Sei basses are made and designed by Martin Petersen at his workshop in the Bass Gallery, Camden. Also working with Martin is John Chapman.

Martin and John are both highly talented craftsmen producing basses made to the finest standards. Within the standard specification there are many options available to customise your bass from choice of woods, circuitry and pickups. A Sei bass is not only an outstanding instrument but also a piece of art.

Sei Bass prior to electrics being fitted

Lynda's Sei Bass prior to electrics being fitted

Here are the specs of my bass:

34 Scale - 7 piece neck - wenge and maple

24 fret macassar ebony fingerboard. - High figure facings – 5 piece body.

Ash body - Walnut veneer front and back - Gloss finish.

Red side LED's - John East pre amp. - Bartolini pickups.

Sei Bass back from finishers

Dusque sei bass front no hardware

Lynda's Sei Bass close up

Sei Bass close up

After my last chat with Martin we decided to go for a Schack Pre amp for more versatility as you can see the bass is back from the finishers and just needs the electrics and hardware to be fitted. When this is finished I think it's going to be everything I hope for and more.

Lynda's Sei Bass now it's varnished

Completed Sei Bass

Lynda's Sei Bass the front varnished close up

My bass is finished! I've just collected it and it has been worth the wait. The craftsmanship is top quality. Martin and John have done a first class job. I'm now just trying it out with my Markbass CMD 121H combo getting used to the possible EQ settings. So far it all sounds good with plenty of versatility.

Sei Bass close up of logo

Lynda's Sei Bass now it's varnished

Sei Bass full length

Lynda's Sei Bass close up of bridge

take a look at what they do @ www.seibass.com