Turning Japanese Bass Cover
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- First off, my very good friend, Hayley Hersch, has started her own UA-cam channel and recently posted her first video. Please stop by, subscribe, and show her some love. Hayley is really a fantastic human being. Check it out - • Entre Nous Bass Cover
You really must be of a certain vintage to be familiar with this song - “Turning Japanese” by, New Wave/Pop/Punk band, The Vapors off of their album, "New Clear Days" which came out in 1980 and featured Steve Smith on bass. I remember he played a nice, white Rickenbacker in the video.
This video had popped up a few times on social media and got stuck in my head, so I had to learn it…damn all those 8th notes!
Mark’s cats are, for the most part, adjusting nicely. At 7, I think you could say that we’ve officially crossed over the line into “crazy cat people” territory. His older cat, Gabby, seemed to be truly heartbroken when she came, but she seems to be slowly cheering up a bit. The kitten, Paris, is doing just fine and getting into all sorts of trouble.
A couple of incredibly nice things have happened to me since my last post. I’ll just touch on them quickly here and write more about them in other posts.
First, I was contacted by a fellow by the name of Rob Stoodly who lives in Canada and, through a long series of events which included winning an essay contest on the topic of “What is the best Rush bass-line?”…wound up with two copies of Geddy’s “Big, Beautiful Book of Bass” along with two opportunities to have the books signed by him. So, what did Rob do? He had Geddy sign one of the books to “TJH3113” and then sent it to me! WOW! Very touching, to say the least. I will definitely write more about this one.
The other nice thing happened just yesterday. Lynn and I started our week’s vacation with a Broadway show, “The Book of Mormon”. Before the show started, I got a tap on the shoulder from someone in the row behind us and was asked, “Do you play bass?” Long story short, we got to meet a long time UA-cam subscriber, Cid Lopez and his lovely wife, Loretta, who were in NY celebrating their 20th Wedding Anniversary all the way from New Mexico. We got to chat a bit before the show, during intermission, as well as for a bit after the show. Cid really seemed to be a touch thrilled, but not as thrilled as I was, and alway am, when someone picks me out in public and offers a few kind words.
I’m playing the, as my friend Woody likes to call it, Rickenbacker Faux-Thousand…or the 4003 that’s been converted into a 4000. The pick-up is from an old Guild B-301. The pick-guard is from Tony at PickGuardian. And the thumb-rest (though I’m not using it much in this video), from Zero-Mod.
I'm also using the new, SansAmp YYZ pedal.
Ah, here’s an alternate, unlisted version that I did using the Spector Legend - • Turning Japanese
I didn't feel like practicing today. Then I saw this in my feed and watched it. Fantastic! Been jamming ever since.😁👍
You know, I've been collecting screen caps of some of my favorite comments and this one made it into the folder.
That's great to hear. Thanks a lot!
@@TJH3113 Lol. Cool. Thank you!
That was one of my favourite new wave songs, back in the day. So much energy! Great job on the cover.
I guess if I'd had a favorite new-wave song back in the day, this might have been it as well. Thanks a lot.
And once again i sat through this with a stupid grin on my face .... memories ... awesome as usual Troy.
I'm glad one of us was smiling.
Thanks so much Colin.
I find if you smile when playing endless 8ths they seem to fly by faster ha ha
Meant to say above that i'm glad Marks cats are all settling down etc, it's a good thing you're doing there mate.
what a SUPER fun bass line!!!!
It is, isn't it?
How I missed that cover , love that
I'm glad you found it.
That Rickenbacker sounds great, fun to watch you play it on this classic by The Vapors!
Interesting mod on it though
I keep coming back to this video because the Rickenguild sounds particularly great here for some reason. It’s such a good sound.
Glad you enjoyed it! I sold this bass, but not before taking the Guild p/u out!
Enjoyed this very much. Thanks for sharing with us.
I'm glad you liked it. Thanks Constantine.
Brilliant again. Love the Rickenbacker. Reminded me how much of a great song it was and still is. Never gave the bassline any thought cos we always follow the vocals but boy is it a winner or what! Thanks for posting.
Thanks a lot for watching and taking the time to comment. I really appreciate it.
First time i heard this song was on MTV. Turned out to be a staple. It seemed like every couple hours you would see it being played by Martha, Quinn or one of the other original VJ. After about a week of this me and friend was watching MTV burning a number and figure out they were talking about self gratification. What a clever way of putting it another way. And to think there was some dummies out there singing this out loud, funny times back then. Love to relive my youth again, I would still have a blast. Hey BTW thanks for the upload.
Same here...Martha, JJ...I can't remember the other VJ's.
I'm glad it brought you back a bit and thanks for watching and taking the time to leave such a great comment.
Love it...one of my favorite punk bands. Awesome cover Troy...that bass just growls
I'm glad you liked it! Thanks a lot.
Just saw this one again T. What a great bassline and great playing. Whenever I see crazy 8th notes like that from the 80’s it makes me wonder if a pick was used in the studio...
Thanks. Yeah, I'm fairly certain the bass player used a pick on this.
@@TJH3113 Confirmed. Steve Smith plays with a pick, always AFAIK. Did meet him once (and David Fenton) during a Lost 80s show.
That was great!
Thank you!
Awesome, Troy! I've always loved this song. A pick would make life easier, lol. Your face @ 3:12, "Man, I'm really ready for this f#@%g song to be over" 🤣
Thanks Jim.
Exactly what I was thinking at the time. My fingers were ready to shut down at any moment.
TJH3113 i don’t know how you keep that fingerstyle pace up on those plectrum-played parts.😳
kudos!
This is absolutely kick-ass bass playing. I was in high school when this was released and thought it was the weirdest, wildest, wonderfulest song of that year. Not sure time has been kind to it, but this bass line is amazing.
Thanks Ken!
Awesome job, Troy! I love this song! Takes me back to my university days. I'm gonna try this song on my Rick. Thanks!
Thank you very much.
Have fun!
Love it - an early '80s favorite!
Glad you liked it!
Clearly so much fun to play! Not a favourite tune of mine but your enjoyment is as infectious as ever Troy. Thanks very much!
Fun? I'm not so sure about that, but thanks a lot.
Been watching (and learning) from you for awhile...whenever I get stuck with some song on some intricate or subtle nuance, I always find it on your page..thanx again!!!
That’s great to hear! Thanks so much
Great cover,excellent bass playing 👍👍
Thanks a lot Andy!
Check out my bass covers,if you have time,Andy Jefford,many thanks
Just plain awesome
Thanks a lot.
FIRST Troy? WOW,I got EXHAUSTED just watching You flick on that Rick of Yours,the full 3:44 of this song!!! LOL. Second,OMG.........What an INCREDIBLE GIFT from this person,that the GEDDMEISTER Signed his Book for You!!! That's INCREDIBLE!!! I'd put that thing in a frame and hang it!!! Lol. Third........the very first time I ever heard this song,was OF COURSE.............in the 1984 movie "Sixteen-Candles"!!! That's one of my favorite "80's" movies as it had so many awesome pop/rock/new-wave songs in that!!!
Anyway,just wanted to say AWESOME Cover and Loved hearing about your stories!!! Till next time :)
Yeah, it was a bit tiring.
I'm still floored at this fellow's thoughtfulness and generosity. Actually, having that page framed is not a bad idea, thanks.
I know I've seen that movie, Molly Ringwald, right? but don't remember the song from there.
Thanks a lot and take care.
I love your playing, man!
Thanks Felipe!
Hey Troy: it's funny you played this because The Vapors was the very first time I ever saw a live concert. It was 1981 in California, I was 13 years old, and my sister took me to see them. I don't recall what prompted her to take me and how she got the tickets, but it was fun. I clearly remember them doing this song on stage.
Wow, that's an interesting show. Sounds cool. Hope you kept your eye on Sis.
awesome!!!!
Thanks!
Stunned you pulled this song out of the wasteland of older tunes to play....respect that for sure!..With the limited tunes you cover...I can't figure how you decide!!!...FUN!...
Sometimes I just hear a song at the right moment and decide to learn it.
You're consistently one of the best at what you do. Always entertaining to watch you do your thing.
That was very kind of you to say. Thank you.
Awesome!
Thanks!
fabulous playing; the quintessential 80’s song
Thanks. It is, isn't it?
Excellent! You are the best ! I love very much this song! Sorry for my english! I like very much to saw play this bass! 😉😉
Thank you!
No, you are the best!
I'm glad you liked the video and your English was perfect.
Very Cool! Great playing, & that Rickenbacker sounds great!!
Thank you!
you mention you disdain for 1/8 notes often but this is the first time i really ever saw you manhandle the bass in a way that actually illustrated your that disdain. this was an excellent exercise in emulating a bass line that is clearly played with a pick on the original (i even just watched a video to confirm). i was surprised at how you use the A string almost exclusively on the little interlude in the middle of the first verse at 0:47 . you clearly had no issues keeping up, its always been my favorite part of the song. great performance overall!
Yeah, I've just never really had the stamina for lengthy 8th note interludes and I was really pushing a bit on this one. Every quarter note was like an oasis in the desert.
I used the A string because I was hearing a lot of sliding going on. I played the second G note on the D string only because I thought it was too risky to jump up that far on the A.
@@TJH3113 'hearing slides' is far beyond the capacity of most people to pick out of a mix (at least on this song) and exactly why you are amongst the best at what you do. i knew must have had a good reason - ill admit, i was fishing!
I swear. I was looking for some new songs to add to my band playlist and "Turning Japanese" was one of them.
Seeing you on my screen again, playing a song I need to learn is like seeing an aul' friend I haven't seen in a while...
Haha... I'm glad I could be of service.
The vapors ❤
You song selections are just great 🤘!!
Thank you, I'm glad you're liking them.
Visited Hayley's Channel and subscribed! I so glad you have kept posting videos all these years! My fave yt channel, and it's not close for second! Be well sir!
Great to hear, and thanks! Hayley is super.
I'm pretty glad I've kept it up too...I'm coming up on ten years now and these wonderful comments are a big part of what keeps me going, so thanks.
Great Job Troy. love the 80's... Some of your covers brings back a great time and era of what I think is some of the best music along side of the 70's
cheers.
Thanks a lot. Yeah, I have a much greater appreciation for the music of the 80's now than I did then.
Some weeks ago I commented about some bands and albuns that I listen to without skipping any track. You sayed that you didn't know almost any of those, well... I can say the same about your channel. Most of the covers you play I don't know, and I'll say that... is very nice to hear new songs like this! With a little story on the description, played live by you and enjoying the 1000 faces in the back! Have a nice week!!!
(please ignore any grammar mistakes)
I remember that. I'm glad you find some of the unknown material I cover interesting...along with the other stuff (stories and masks).
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. (your grammar was perfectly fine)
Take care.
Troy, I’m dab smack in the vintage to recall this song. As a drummer, I always loved the driving bass line. As always your sound is great and you seemed to be enjoying it. Have a great vacation!
You too, huh?
It really is a catchy song, isn't it?
Enjoying it/flying by the seat of my pants...what's the difference?
Thanks...I'll try.
Brilliant!!!
Thanks a lot!
Another great cover, I love that song lol.. Thank you so much for the mention!!! 😊
Thanks Hayley! No problem, it was my pleasure.
I do remember that song. Fun times! You did an awesome cover on that. I'm happy to hear that the cats are adjusting. It takes time. Do you have a picture of them? As a crazy cat lady 😉 I would love to see them. Congratulations on winning the essay and getting the book. I will check out Hayley's UA-cam. Thanks again for the awesome cover! Looking forward to your next video.
Outstanding!
Thanks a lot!
Excellent as usual!
Insane playing, Troy.
Thank you Sue.
Very cool love it.. always liked that crazy song.. thank you..
It is a great song, isn't it? Thanks for watching.
Thanks for covering this👍
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
Nice, you’re really jamming on this one!
Jamming/struggling...who am I to quibble...Thanks!
I was 14 when this song came out. I had no clue what it was about! Hahaha! It sure sounds easier on the record than watching you play it. Great job once again.
I think the writer of the song has changed his story as to the meaning of the song, but an interesting story it was. Thanks a lot.
TJH3113
I know. This a song about losing a girlfriend and going crazy??? I guess one can’t argue with the song writer. If he says it’s this or that, then that’s what it is.
My step father has that same Rickenbacker Bass. He plays bass in one of our local bands. I just showed him your channel here a couple of days ago. I think he's watched all of your videos already lol!
Very cool! I thought my views had gone up recently!😂 Thanks!
im really enjoying using the yyz pedal in my own setup. great cover!
Aaron Sibley Is that Quirky Purple
Yes, I like it as well. Thanks.
YAY AWESOME. Thank you can't wait to put my fingers on this one.
Thanks. Try a pick.
Some covers by The Jam would be great as the Vapours were managed by bass legend Bruce Foxton!!
I did "Beat Surrender" a while back, but I'll try to check out some more of their stuff.
TJH3113 No worries I will check it out although it’s definitely not one of their best particularly as it was the last ever single from my boyhood heroes!!
Watched you then tried it on my 4001CS...the Ric makes the difference...TY
Very cool!
Hi Troy, I am of certain vintage 😎. "The Vapors" The pride of Guildford, Surrey, England. This song is a classic and you nailed it as always. Enjoy your vacation my good dude 🤙
Awesome! Me too!
Thanks so much.
Tomorrow is our first official day off of work, but I know I'll be sitting here this time next week wondering, "Where did the time go?"
@@TJH3113 I think we're about the same age. Oh you got that right. Time flies when you're off from work and eventually have to return. 😕
Yes !! 😄 i love it ❤
Thanks.
Great cover work as always! Your tone always gets me inspired!
Thank you very much.
Awesome!
@@TJH3113 You are very welcome my man! Great work!
I definitely remember Turning Japanese in 1980. Staple of the day.....
I really think so.
As do I. Signature song of that year, as I was chasing a girl with her father's Celica.
But I was innocent and didn't know what "Turning Japanese" meant.
Well......that was superb. The tone of that 4000 is insane. Is that a Geddy Lee box thing that I can see at the side?
Whatever you are going through, it is pure perfection. Going to learn it now. I can't match your amazing finger work so it's a plec job for me
Thank you. Yes, it is! It's a YYZ pedal by SansAmp. Go for it. If I could play with a pick, I would.
Well that sounds like fun to play!
Just picked up a Steinberger Spirit XZ-25, it would fit that song just fine!
Fun/Tiring...that's for you to decide.
I bet it will too! Have fun!
Your Ric sounds so beautiful to my ears.how do u make it sound so beautiful??
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. This bass actually has a pickup from a Guild bass in it.
I remember playing this song a lot on Guitar Hero 80's :)
Very cool!
After listening to this most excellent version of this song, I think I'm turning Japanese.
Very nice walk down memory lane.
You really think so?
Thanks a lot.
Ha:) great tune and great job keeping tempo on this one:)
It is, isn't it? Thanks, but I was barely keeping tempo.
Still CAN'T believe you covered this obscure, cool tune!....blown away!
Believe it! Thanks.
Great, now I really am thinking I’m turning Japanese again... (nice job)
You really think so? Thanks.
This is fantastic cover. I remember this from my youth as it was a big hit here in the UK. I wonder if you know what the song is about? (It’s not what you think 😉).incidentally, I was lucky enough to meet my bass hero, Geddy Lee, get a fist pump and a copy of GLBBBB signed by the man himself at a Q&A here in my hometown of Manchester. I’m still coming to terms with meeting my hero of 37 years. I’m also going to see The Book of Mormon this week!
Thank you. I remember hearing what it was supposedly about but I think the writer has flip-flopped on that explanation. I'm glad the signing was a great experience for you. We thought The Book of Mormon was good but we both liked The Prom much more. Book of Mormon is more like a stage production of South Park with some really over the top subjects...not bad, but a bit one dimensional.
Nice cover Troy this song has a really good chorus. How do you like the thinness of the neck on that 4000 bass a lot better than the 4003 isnt it..................................................Ken
I thought you didn't like drive/dirt pedals lol. Congrats on the Geddy book, and nice job on this bass line. I always wondered they think of this tune in Japan though...
I definitely do not like distortion on bass, but, for a very long time, all of my EQ has been coming from one SansAmp pedal or another. What I do it, turn up the "Drive" function just to the point where I can hear a hint of distortion and the I back it down a touch. This way, I take advantage of all the tone I can get, but without the fuzz. This pedal works a bit differently and seems to put a little hair on the bass regardless of where the "Drive" is set, but I do not find it overwhelming and, overall, I like where all the frequency centers are.
I'm sure the Japanese came out with a rebuttal song of their own.
Thanks a lot.
New Clear Days was a great album.
I'll have to check it out. This might be the only song by them that I know about.
@@TJH3113 It's the album that TJ was on. If you do listen to it, let me know what you think. Oh, and I used to have a Rick 2003. I couldn't play it for beans, but I sure loved it!
Awesome! Seems like a nice right hand work out, I like some of the little walking like line in the outro. Never picked that up before. Great job as always, your right (and left too) hand didnt miss a beat. Hows the Geddy Lee sans amp treating you? Been thinking about investing in one those myself. Hope you enjoy the bass book too! Reminds me I need to get that, very nice of that person to send you it! Hope you and your wife enjoy your vacation or that it was nice if its it's over.
Thanks.
For me, it was.
As for the "walking line", do you mean during the guitar solo?
I might not have "missed a beat" but I came dangerously close more than a few times.
I really like the pedal. I've got to try it on a few more basses but it seems to bridge the gap between the Version 2 Bass Driver and the Para-Driver, which are my primary EQ boxes.
You probably know how I feel about Geddy. I had the opportunity to go to one of the book signings that was being held fairly close to where I live, but there were strict guidelines as to what Geddy would sign (no personalizations, just an autograph), no questions...blah, blah blah. That, and I knew it would be a cattle call...and I really hate lines and crowds. I asked myself, "What could I possibly say to Geddy that he hasn't heard 10,000 times before?" I decided not to go as I didn't want my regard for him tainted by this experience. This is just the way my mind works...I can't really help it. Anyway, having my "name" signed by Geddy's hand in this book given to me by a stranger who found me through this page holds more meaning to me than the alternative. If that makes any sense.
Tomorrow is our first official day off and I'm sure I'll be sitting here next week (but 2 hours earlier) in near tears dreading my return to work.
Thanks a lot and take care.
If you're looking for another Punk/New Wave bass playing challenge, I recommend the UK Subs' Tomorrow's Girls track. It's a pop gem!
I'll try and check that out.
Slammin'
Thanks!
What are your knobs at on your jazz when playing Rush? Especially on the black one with the black pickguard sounds amazing 😃
Always both pickups selected and tone, full up.
@@TJH3113 awesome, thank you!
Congrats Rob, I know how hard you have to work and much it means to win a national essay contest, again, good job..................enjoy.............
I think you may have posted your comment on the wrong video.
A masterpiece! How did the fellow send the book to you? Do you have a mailing address? You are having a wonderful life Troy with a lot of good things coming yourway. Post pictures of the cats. We'd love to see them. Bless you and Lynn Troy. Marvine :-)
Thanks Marvine. He sent it through the Post Office...from Canada. Yes, I actually do have a mailing address, if you can believe that.
I'll try to post some pictures of the cats through the "Community" feature on UA-cam.
I have not at all forgotten about your sticker package.
@@TJH3113 I know Troy. I trust you 500% :-)
Any chance of you doing any Atlanta Rhythm Section? Paul Goddard was one of my favorite bass players, today (6/23) would've been his birthday. Something like Dog Days?
I actually have Spooky set off to the side. I'll get around to posting it at some point...Oh crap, his birthday would have been perfect.
Hi, could you talk a bit about your setup? What you're using to record, compressor, etc. I'm sorry for the stupid question, but what are your listening to through your headphones? I love your covers. They've inspired me to learn the bass.
What was your answer to the best Rush bass line?
Rob actually wrote the essay and his answer was "The Camera Eye". I'll ask him if I can share his essay in another upload because it was brilliant.
Got those fingers limbered up to go Japanese, great job
Awesome...thanks!
Hi Troy, have you heard The Hives version?
Hello Dan. No, I have not. I'll have to check it out.
Ohh yeah lml
Ohh thanks!
You’ve really nailed the tone of the original record, even though he used a pic I believe. Are these new(ish) steel roundwound strings? And what kind of distortion effect are you using?
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. Yes, he definitely used a pick. Yes, light, fresh roundwounds. No distortion, but my EQ was coming from a SansAmp Para-Driver.
Funny song!
Troy, any Guided by Voices in a future catalog? i .e. I am a Scientist or Tractor Rape Chain. Asking for me :-)
I second this, gbv rocks
Great cover, as always. What's the point of turning a 4003 in to a 4000 (I assume by removing the neck-side pickup)?
Thanks. It was just getting rid of something I never used.
The Donger approves! 😎
I am very glad to hear that.
本当に日本人に変化してると思うよ！
ほんとにそう思うの？
I have a 1974 4001. What string are on yours?
I use D'Addario EXL170BT's (Balanced Tension) on this bass because they are the closest I could find to stock Rickenbacker strings.
TJH3113 thank you for the replies.
Take care
So what did u do to this ric? Also is that just ric o sound or you do custom stuff to achieve that sound ? Thank you. Probably my favorite Ric !!! I think I'm getting one soon.any suggestions?
I removed the neck p/u and replaced the bridge p/u with a Guild p/u. No ric-o-sound. I'm playing through a SansAmp Bass Driver V2. My advice on Rickenbackers? Get something else...I'm not a very big fan of them.
Hi man, what class of pedal is that there you're playing thru - the blue pedal standing up. Does it contribute to the tone much? It's definitely makes the Rick sound like a ... Rick! :-)
It's a SansAmp YYZ pedal. It's pretty cool, but I actually prefer their Bass-Driver and Para-Driver pedals. Also, I had a Dimarzio-made Guild pick-up put in this bass.
@@TJH3113 Thanks very much for that info.
I've changed up my pedalboard to be Rick-some... Splitting the signal between high and low with a Boss LS-2 pedal. Lotta overdriven mids and highs, and a solid low end with some fuzz. Fun!
Thanks for using a Rick on this. Turned out to be inspirational.
Awesome playing Troy . That was a blast from the past The Vapors video for this came on Mtv when it was music 24 hours a day and I use to wait for this song and run to the hills , heading out to the highway man I miss those days life was simple then now it’s sjw and every conspiracy theory known to man! Also it was when music was real not cut and paste and copy sterile stuff I hear today.
Thank you very much. I hear you, I was there too.
heh, nice backdrop there
Thanks. Most of the masks are from DeathStudios.
First bassline I have heard you not nail.
You can't win them all.
He "nailed it" just fine.
You don't know what the hell you are talking about.
@@ognir66 check the timing, His fingers start to tire halfway through; deserves a rerun I say.
Oh shiet! is that song from Jackass hahah! Nice!
No its from the 80s lol
I remember this tune from high school years. Even in my young heavy metal guitar playing years, a good musician can appreciate what they missed. I didn't realize how intricate the bass line was in this song. I tend to think the original BP played with fingers as that was the way it was back then. Mid 80s seen more bass pickers. I never was a fan of that style. Its too thin sounding, even depending on where you pick or pluck.
Playing with a pick really helps the bass cut through a mix, but I was taught that “real bass players played with their fingers”, so that’s what I did. I often say, “If I could play with a pick, I would play with a pick.”
No cover and only one pickup on that Rick. God that’s different
Yeah...long story.
That Ricky sounds insane. Is that modded or all stock?
Never been a fan of Rickenbackers but you might have changed my mind...
Great playing btw👌🏻
Thanks. It's stock except for the bridge pick-up that has been replaced with an old Guild/Dimarzio...and the neck p/u has been removed.
Thanks again.
That Rickenbacker sounds great, fun to watch you play it on this classic by The Vapors!
Thanks a lot!
I feel it needs pick attack
If I could, I would.