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Viable option. Looks like wallpaper. She'll never know.

Got a call from a pro guitarist who'd taken a couple of gigs on but had no band. We both knew the same vocalist /sax player (also pro muso) and he'd been roped in so he just needed a rhythm section. He said he knew a pro drummer that was up for it. Set list to be decided. When we finally meet up to discuss a playlist, I'm handed a sheet with 14 numbers on it. I thought that would be the first set. Wrong. That was the total play list for what turned out to be nearly two hours playing and, on the second gig (tonight) we didn't get to the last number. The band went down a storm two nights running. Okay, the songs were stretched out some with funky intros and some fairly long sax solos but I got paid more than in my usual band, played only 13 songs and had a great time. I'm used to playing between 35 and 40 numbers usually. This is the future. It's up there with garlic bread.

That would be me! My Bass (and Guitars) have been (successfully) paying my Mortgage and been feeding my children for many years now. Oh and paying for my accountant ... who gives my money too the taxman.Hmm.. lol

Hi...the middle pot controls the blend on setting 1 (envelope filter) so turning it anti-clockwise allows you to dial in more of your clean signal. I have managed to find a usable bass sound with little low end loss this way...give it a go!

Hobbyist/Weekend Warrior for me. I do this purely for fun, and we - in general - only gig at weekends. All the money generated from the band goes back into the band, so no income at all. And similar to @Mykesbass am in my 50s, original material, with overseas tours/festivals/albums out etc having the best time of my life so far as a musician.

I used to think drummers were easily replaceable, and most of them are, but a really good drummer, like I have now, is priceless, that's why we pay him nothing, badoom tsch

I would suggest that: Pro Musician: Earns 100% of their income from musical eneavours Semi Pro: Earns a percentage of their income from musical endeavours, topped up by income from non-musical endeavours. For the sake of crossover with Hobbyist, probably more income than they spend on gear. Hobbyist/Weekend Warrior: Earns a little bit of money, but not enough to add to income after gear purchases. Bedroom Bassist: Not in a band, just plays at home. Although plenty of Pro Musicians as a result of being a bedroom musician now thanks to Youtube All in all, there's so many crossovers and exceptions. Si

Hilarious! That's made my day, and it's only 11 o'clock!

I think that was an ad-hominem attack aimed directly at me. Once I'd looked it up, having not heard the term, I was offended. But I am resolved not to engage in a battle of wits with the unarmed.

My son with his new customised bass.........Got it for his birthday and has another metallic green 5 string Squier Standard (jazz pups etc) waiting as a surprise. He's been playing around 6 weeks and is in a young band that could easily blow many experienced groups off the planet - they're as tight as a very tight thing...!! Enjoys loads of music, but loves the Chili Peppers - When they were good (with John Frusciante....) - so decided to play this piece...... It's a short clip, but he's on it...... It's a Squier Affinity with Fender Mex pickups, custom plate, new Fender nut and electronic tweeks........ Blows my mind when I think how many more years he's got as well.........

Was bedroom to pro to bedroom in 40 years.

I don't get nervous about audiences, playing with other musicians who are more accomplished than me or, the material I'm going to play. However, if I'm singing, and that one little thought enters my head "what's the first line" that's it. The panic sets in. The audience usually notice what's happened by the time we've done the intro four times😂

Why doesn't this poll have a category for 'Flakes & Fantasists'?

Probably the camera being shocked by the sudden appearance of sunlight. It's black really.

Very much an every-other weekend warrior. Son in the band also (youngest member) playing guitar and me at 57, playing anthems and indie floorfillers. Bloody love it and takes my mind off being a self-employed shop owner in this online world!!

I get slightly nervous, but it always settles after one or two songs however... Last night I was absolutely bricking it. We had Eric Bell, (guitarist and founder member of Thin Lizzy for younger members. ), joining us. I settled after the first song and by the time he decided to do Whiskey in the Jar, I was OK. And for the record, he was a pleasure to play with. Humble, friendly, funny, and what a guitar player! Frank.

Before I read this thread I would have said Semi-pro, simply because a lot of the gigs I do are of a high standard, sold out art centres, tours, professionally recorded albums on an Indie label etc that get good reviews in the National press. Financially though, like with a few of you, it goes back into the band and I make a tiny amount on just a handful of shows. Players in all but one of my acts are either pro or ex-pro. I don't see myself as a hobbyist or weekend warrior simply because it's such a huge part of my life and a massive commitment.

Not bothered about his hair. His face is looking more like his old "Karloff" guitar graphic!

That has changed radically since..!

Stick some roundwounds on and listen to that bass come alive. You won't believe what you've been missing. If you want the bass to stay in brand new condition, use flats. Maybe consider not even playing it at all.

How about something a little lighter? Like a three seat sofa😉

+1. If you're going smaller and don't want to lose output you need not only a lot more power but also a driver with sufficient displacement to make use of that power. The drivers that Barefaced uses have the highest displacement available with electric bass drivers. Other manufacturers might, but there's no way of knowing, as they don't reveal their driver displacement.

There are fewer now, but in the '60s and '70s, every French village had a dance night, especially during the long summer season. The standard timing was 21h00 till 02h00, with no break, in either the town 'salle de fêtes' or a marquee in the town square. Weddings could go on for longer; much longer (dusk till dawn and beyond on occasion...). I played these for many years, drumming (or, very occasionally, bass...), with a very varied repertoire (hence the name 'variety orchestra'. It built stamina.

I do this. The only tip I'd give is that everyone needs to be organized with their diaries and have clear communication. We have a shared Google spreadsheet, one row per gig. There are three regular bassists and we each have our own column to fill in our availability for each gig. The bandleader asks that we fill this in at least three months in advance. Then he goes through and fixes each gig. There is then another column in the spreadsheet which confirms which bassist is actually doing the gig.

Would be good to see it getting played once complete. If you build it, they will come.......to the gig, that is.

At some point in the mid 90s I was fed up with my Wal and tried to sell it. Luckily nobody bought it, so it stayed with me, sitting unused in the corner. Three years and a Musicman and Precision later I rediscovered the Wal and play it as my main bass ever since. So my advice is that if you think everything feels right with your Wal then go cheating, but keep it.

Should now allow multiple votes. Don't go abusing this newfound limitless power.

I dunno, I'd still be annoyed if someone put a ding in a Road Worn. The problem is in finding it...

Get the gig then put the band together. If you know good musicians then this is no problem.

Thank you for the kind words chaps, much appreciated.

13/14 songs in 2 hours? Musta been some great jams. I love playing songs that take you on a journey like that. Jam band or jazz based? Something like "Low spark of high-heeled boyos " ?

And here my terrific and the best ever made and played fretless I ever owned or tried : the Leduc MP 628 SF AA. Here with a Leduc Maurad 6 on the left.

Generation snowflake?? Of course it's a flipping condescending patronising label. That entire post is defensive. Try being a kid being brought up with the name Karl Altdorfer less than a generation after WW11, in a school where one in 16 had lost relatives/friends. The parents belted me never mind the flipping kids. Next time you derail a thread to your agenda, THINK TWICE. Anyway, I'm done

The comment about 'generation snowflake' is completely genuine, in my mind it is absolutely true. Unfortunately/fortunately for me my skin is fairly thick, most likely from various life experiences... Nothing that was said by me was intended as hurtful, spiteful or otherwise, however I do find it unnerving that such low key 'banter' can cause such a backlash of finger pointing and claims of bullying. I wonder how some would actually handled sustained and real bullying? And let me tell you unequivocally, this sir, is not that. I will bow out from further comment as I feel all that needs to be said is said. @Dov65 if I offended in anyway, then I apologise. But from where I stand nothing of the sort occurred. Good evening gents. Let's have a beer and shake hands!

Incorrect apostrophe in ‘nazi’s’, there.

New pic The awful pickups are gone!!

Really must try to finish this one - has it really been two years since I last did any work on it?!!!

Fitted the preamp to this today so it is now finished!! Hooray!! Ready for the SW Bass Bash.

Not in my opinion it won't - you're going to be pushing it to its limits

I'm still delighted with my Stage 800! Another gig at a bigger pub in Manchester to try it out again tonight.

Can't you post that festival clip off of YT? We're all used to amateur movies here. It wasn't great on quality but I enjoyed it anyway. It's a pity that I didn't keep the link. I hope you do get some of your set recorded for promos. If only for posterity, it's worth it.

Muchos Karma to this guy for doing this! its really usefull stuff. However i am a little miffed that MY patch cable of choice wasn't tested. Not as miffed as id be if it was tested...and performed badly though