Telebass

Was perhaps a bit opaque there... I meant that the two One10s could handle a 500W amp if I need the extra oomph later. Unlikely, the Elf is pretty loud through just one! I have done two full band rehearsals with just that, one was fine, the other, louder band, yes, it began to struggle without the full output. But they're still a kind of Trace Elliot waste, I keep telling myself!

Once it all arrives, I will do a family pic!

Still only have the Elf for the moment, but that ought to be enough for what I envisage!

Decided I'm going to actively look for gigging work again, if anyone will have me at my advanced age. To that end, and because I just happen to have the wherewithal at the moment, I've ordered a Squier Sonic P-Bass in Cali Blue, two sets of Fender flats (the real Fender needs new strings!), a decent Speakon cable, and... a second Barefaced One10 with cover! So, have a small, light, versatile rig that won't endanger all the metalwork in my back. Still only using the Elf, but it will give me the option of a 500W amp should I need it. Also means I can put the entire rig in a Smart Car, with room to spare. Not that I have something that small... I know it's not quite Christmas yet, but it feels a bit like it. Yay!

Better yet, I have designs on a new bass...Bwahahahaha! While I will never, and don't want to, strut around in a full-on rock band again, I see no reason to let my bass rot any further. My recovery from the sugery in Jan/Feb has been very pleasing, although the surgery itself turned into a fairly life-threatening event. So, because I'm an inveterate tinkerer, I will likely buy a new Squier Sonic P, and set about making it my own! Exciting times!

Ok, time passes. Still many barriers to overcome, but with the aid of a 4-wheel walker, have managed a 1.5 mile circuit of Tavistock town centre and park. There is still pain, and unexpected instability to deal with, quite apart from needing personal care for some things. Still uncertain as to regaining the superpower of putting on my own shoes and socks!

Sounds like a plan! But maybe a bit early yet.

After a few wearing days, a definite uptick in mobility, very welcome. Not much, but every little helps. Final sutures out tomorrow, then I can have a proper stand-up shower. Luxury!

Home now. To clarify, bike means pootling about on old self-build road bikes/rigid mtbs. Nothing remotely hairy! Not even on roads, just cycle paths.

Discharge later today. Will doubtless be asking that section of BC that have experience of DVT/PE a lot of questions! Seems improved today, but there's no getting around it - anticoagulants for life is the new reality for me. The biggest thing to take away is that the goal giving me back a spine I can walk with = 100% successful. Job done. Three months off the bass/bike, minimum. But it's worth it.

That would be my hope, although I still doubt I will ever stand and play again. I'll find something.

Righty ho, time I kept all you lovely people up to date. First op was 20th Jan. This was anterior lumbar interbody fusion and basically bangs a titanium cage between L5 and S1 vertebrae, spine and pelvis partial fusion. Done from the front. Can be dangerous but went well. Next up, spine reshaping and fusion from S1 to T10. That's a long way. During this op, I managed to effectively bleed out, most being recycled and put back in. Nine hours straight, in one position, so I have a collection of pressure injuries too, although fairly trivial. Couple of days in ICU, then to normal ward. Progressing well, then oopsie, leg turned into a blimp. DVT at top of leg/groin area. Further investigations show there are also one in each lung. Much imbibing of anticoagulants! This is sometimes addressed with surgery also, but they've decided against that. I'm pleased, I look like a badly patched rag doll as it is. What counts though, is that my spine has been restored to something like a normal shape - I can stand upright again! Weak as a kitten, and will be for months. Will effectively have to learn to walk again also, as those muscles are very weak after 3 years not doing a lot. Home on Friday, loaded down with dressings, anticoagulants, and pain killers. Even this is a trial, as home is 125 miles from the hospital. The tunnel end is approaching!

Surgery cancelled. Quelle surprise... Rescheduled for 20th/30th Jan 23, bed -blocking in between to save having to travel home and back while trying to recover - 250 miles. I reckon I'll be lucky if it doesn't slip again. Bonus (!) is, once they start, they have to continue.

Sticks have always seemed...intimidating.

Dates! Eek. Friday 2nd December for the front one, rest for the weekend, Monday morning turn over and do the other side... 😮

Man, I miss that 51RI, it was a peach. But it were not the first, oh no. I'd previously has a 1969 ACTUAL Telebass. Should never have got rid of that, either. Sigh...

Oh indeed. But it's been a bit of a trek; this will be ops 6 and 7... In all probability, this will be the last attempt, no matter the result.

Encouraging, thanks.

An Update: Having had lots of chats to the various surgeons, they've decided that they can try and rectify the previous error. But hell, it's sure going to take some rectifying... Two big ops, not sure of order yet. 1) The more expected one. Remove all the currently-installed metalwork. differently shaped, longer fusion from L5 to T... This includes reshaping some vertebrae, all in the cause of restoring some sort of lumbar curve. 2) ALIF - Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion. This is to fuse L5 with S1, effectively fusing spine to pelvis. It's that 'anterior' bit that worries. Draw a line from level with navel to just above pubis, a little to one side, cut, shovel everything aside until you get right to the back! Then start hammering bits of titanium in to the lower spine. Ops to be done just two weeks apart, likely before Christmans, so all of a sudden, there;s no hanging about. Jeeeeez...

A DAW would be fine, but I've no interface nor the ability to afford one right now. If I ever get gigging again, then worth getting something more flexible than the Sessioncake.

Cake has arrived! Hmm, New Cake Day? Anyhoo, with a bit of getting to know you, it does the job just fine. Agreed about @neepheidpoint re external power, but I'm using IKEA rechargeables, which are rebadged Eneloops, and much cheaper.

I might just get one of these if things look up a bit.

I've little doubt that the BFOne10 will be just fine, it always the amps...The Elf has only been used half a dozen times in total!

And this reminds me, I haven't switched on my rig for over a year, better dust it off and make sure it's OK!

Sessioncake 02 (with mic input) found and ordered! As usual, the BC hive mind is the font of all knowledge! Doubtless, I'll no sooner get it rigged up, and a string will break... Can't wait!