WalMan

New gig, but probably not to be repeated. Another faintly Deliverance gig, for which Max & Mike are going to work up Duelling Banjos for the future Played OK, probably better that last night by a smidge, but we had to put up with one particular twat acting up in front of his mates. He stood with his head virtually in one of the cabs, then loudly moaned we were making him deaf. He also seemed to be spoiling for a fight with one chappie who was a bit barking (or possibly just p155ed), but completely unaware of what was going on. I had to congratulate Steve at the end of the night for sticking to a verbal comment & not lumping le tosseur. Shame it was that one that #1 son & g/f came to. Ah well she gets to see what his sad old man gets up to at the weekend and probably thinks WHY!?

Not a bad night considering a short layoff & no r/h managed in the interim, though the night started with #1 guitarists revalved amp packing up, then the second amp #2 guitarist whizzed home and fetched took a dislike to #1 guit and stopped. Luckily #2 had picked up a third combo that he used whilst #1 used his Boogie. After that hiatus we got going 5-10 mins late so not too bad. My smug alert was brought crashing to an end when our sound guy pointed out I had: [list=1] [*]Plugged my vocal mic into the wrong socket on the stage box (I counted 1 from the top & it was numbering 1 from the bottom [*]failed to DI my bass at all [/list] - OOPS! Bumped into BumNote (played a fair few myself ) and had a quick chinwag in the abbreviated break necessitated by the late start. Always good to meet other BC'ers Realised Wednesday when I restrung the G&L that the old set (which I did wonder about when I put them on) were completely knackered. The new Elixirs are back to their wonderfully zingy self (along with Peds SVTGrit patch in the BOB) YUM me like! New gig tomorrow night (well tonight now) at The Royal Oak East Wittering. Not sure what to expect but have been told it is a good gig & crowd. We'll soon put a stop to that

[quote name='Willl' post='158429' date='Mar 16 2008, 03:25 PM']Couldn't find any discussion about insurance anywhere else... so thought it might be interesting to get a consensus view... What cover do you or your band have, both for public liability and cover for loss or damage to gear? Do you insure as a band or as an individual, and in any case, who is the best insurer to use? Do you rely on extensions to house insurance or are there good stand alone policies available? I appreciate Musicians Union is an option - is that the best one?[/quote] This has come up a few times before. Try [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=24975&hl=insurance"]Security, Have you got your gear logged and insured?[/url] and [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=28744&hl=insurance"]Music Insurance - has anyone claimed on it ?[/url] FWIW I use MU & Hencilla Canworth. Others will use home insurance specifics, but I believe you need to be careful with cover out of the house & in the car, particularly unattended

[quote name='silverfoxnik' post='325255' date='Nov 9 2008, 01:20 PM']Mike257 is the lucky recipient...[/quote] I can throw my ticket away then

[color="#4169E1"][size=6]G[/size][/color]ear [color="#4169E1"][size=6]A[/size][/color]cquisition [color="#4169E1"][size=6]S[/size][/color]yndrome characterised by one never being quite happy with what you have and an urge to find that elusive bass / amp / cab that defines your sound & makes you go aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah

This is a thing I have been messing with recently, but with the bass muted. Roughly two verses with a pick up "chorus" and an outro that I have removed the fade from so that you can loop the whole thing. It runs to just over 3 minutes. And because I haven't finished it completely it is called Thing3 [attachment=15599:Thing3_N..._or_Fade.mp3] The full (plus bass) version is on the Scatterometer MySpace below, but have your own go first

Depends on the level of gigs. For our rock covers / pub gigs an awful lot of venues book the whole of the next year around now so I have been doing a lot of ringing around for repeats and keeping new gigs I am trying to get into on the boil. I always try to get a rough idea of everyones holidays / other n/a dates to keep cancellations to a minimum but we are talking about over a year in advance so it can't be set in stone. Get an idea of when in the week members are available and how regularly they want to gig (in my lot it's preferably not school nights, so mainly Fridays & Saturdays, not too late finish - because the guitarist works weekends) Be prepared to ring some gigs over & over again, but try to agree the next time you will phone when you make first contact and they haven't listened to the CD yet - ie "When's best to ring you?" & "OK so I'll ring you next ###day, OK?" Get a hold of some tranquillisers for when you have got a load of gigs taking account of everyones n/a dates, you hand them out and the guitard remembers more n/a's and knocks out half of your hard work - try not to repay the favour & knock him out

My CMD121H has an XLR in on the front above the jack in. I use it to feed the BOD in. Not sure whether you can use both that and the jack though - sorry

[quote name='yorks5stringer' post='321027' date='Nov 3 2008, 03:57 PM']Roqsolid have made me 2 covers for Markbass cabs, if they haven't done one before you just fill in a template and they make it to measure, if it doesn't fit they'll redo until you are happy. Around £40 [url="http://stargate.terrassl.net/amplifiercoversonline.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=107_42&zenid=1jeuovhllckrtj4b89rj02khe1"]http://stargate.terrassl.net/amplifiercove...rtj4b89rj02khe1[/url] Oh and the yellow piping goes well with your cones.....[/quote] Same here for my CMD121H Got mine via Fleabay - no difference in price, and arrived well within the quoted delivery date - I expect they quote the worst for something they have to make and MB they hold in stock [url="http://stores.ebay.co.uk/ROQSOLID-POWERCOVERS_Amplifier-Covers_Markbass_W0QQcolZ2QQdirZ1QQfsubZ9285051QQftidZ2QQtZkm"]Roqsolid Ebay shop[/url] [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Markbass-Traveller-T102P-Amp-Cover_W0QQitemZ330248384551QQihZ014QQcategoryZ10171QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262"]Markbass Traveller T102P Amp Cover[/url] - BIN £31.96

[quote name='OldGit' post='320348' date='Nov 2 2008, 06:32 PM']worked well though I think a thumper may find its way into it at some point[/quote] Do you mean by that something like a [url="http://www.thebuttkicker.com/musicians/products/bkp_kit.htm"]buttkicker[/url]? Because I have the unit currently screwed to a lump of ply that never gets used if you are looking for one. Or have I just got the wrong end of the stick?

Needs some words or something, but will have to go to NZ for that [url="http://www.myspace.com/Scatterometer"]MySpace/Scatterometer[/url] - Thing 3 Drums courtesy of Submersible Drumcore & Alan White - him out of Yes etc

[quote name='Annoying Twit' post='292773' date='Sep 26 2008, 01:54 PM']First, what sort of quality control is applied to these loops? I've attached something here which I did in a few minutes while testing a protools installation. I include two copies, one without bass, and one with "bass". Though that's just a pedal point as I was busy doing other stuff and couldn't be bothered working out exactly which chords fit what I'd played. During this year I will be very frequently stuck in front of a computer with a keyboard and protools, and can come up with numbers of things like this. And if I spend more than five minutes on them, I can make them sound a bit more professional. I've also got to really get into Max/MSP this year. And I can certainly produce very "ambient" style stuff from there. Would any of this be of any use to anyone?[/quote] Why not go for it & put up bits and let the punters decide. The few I did a while back were only really a selection of loops similar to GarageBand loops that seemed to go together OK and give a slightly longer loop to "noodle" over. What you might think is too basic could be just the thing someone else is after. So long as you drop it in [i]roughly [/i]the right section and put in some description of what it is a small loop takes next to no time to d/l over broadband to check out & keep or discade

[quote name='Crazykiwi' post='314340' date='Oct 25 2008, 08:27 AM']I was born at Blackbrook Maternity hospital in Fareham. I grew up in Warsash too so know the Portsmouth-Soton area like the proverbial back of my hand. Some rough Gosportish parts in Fareham if you aren't too choosy because of the MOD's presence.[/quote] Don't I know it That said they are always good crowds willing to get into it, not cliquey sods who stand and sneer and wouldn't know how to have a good time if it bit them on the backside.

How was it? Bloody bizarre, that's how. New gig on a recommendation in Fareham. Should have checked it out, but hadn't as it's a long old trek for all of us. So #2 guitarist & I turn up and it is a right old spit & sawdust place and quite small. Van turns up with the PA and there was some discussion outside as to whether the rig could be cut, but no and sound guy didn't want to leave gear in the van. So the load in started. I was expecting a fit as it went in, but they took it in their stride (mind you I chickened out and stayed in the van getting stuff to the door & to keep an eye on it ) Left my rack & stand in the car so #2 guitarist could stack his Boogie combo on top of my MB combo to save space. Didn't think I would need the IEM (though they are nice to have and I am used to having them now so do miss them when not there) and the transmitter is in my rack so had to rely on what I could get from the PA (not as much as I had hoped it turned out but never mind). Next "problem" was that we played across the back wall of the pub in which, on my side of the "stage", was the door to the loos & smoking area. There was no way one side of the PA could be moved in to create a pathway to the door so Mike & I had not only to fit ourselves into space for one, but also spend all night dodging a pretty much constant stream of punters going for a fag, coming back from a fag, going to the loo & coming back from the loo. I could tell the returnees by the blast of cold air on my back when they came back in and then hovered waiting for me to get off the mike to get back through. Lead to more than one alien abduction moment where the distraction left one or other of us lost, and at one point for a 5 piece band I think there were upwards of 5 extra bodies milling amongst us heading in one direction or the other. Oh yes, then there was the senile black Labrador that wandered around all night, dragged one of Mike's bags onto the floor to either shag or use as a pillow (we weren't too sure which), then ambled into Max's corner to investigate, and then slowly walked back across the pedalboard while Max was using it. At least he didn't cock a leg on a cab, or drop a log, which looked on the cards at times Generally the night (otherwise) went OK, with the crowd up dancing & singing most of the second set. Encores were done & the landlady was pleased with the night and wants us back (heaven help us). Plenty of flyers went as well with promises to come to other gigs and I did see a few faces I have seen at other gigs in tonight. Most bizarre point of the night? How to choose, but probably the youngish (they all look young to me ) metal fan who was pissed when we arrived and got more so as the night progressed. I looked over during the second set and he had dozed off with his head resting on the shoulder of one of our regulars who was sat looking a tad bemused. We finished and while we were packing up he came too (just), stood up, staggered over to the fruit machine, flopped his dick out & took a piss against the machine, then collapsed back where he had been snoozing and went back to sleep. Rest of the pub, including the landlady didn't turn a hair and when we left he was still asleep in the corner and probably going to be left there for the night. We really do play the most salubrious places doncha know!!

This question comes up a lot and when I was checking something else on HMRC site this morning I noticed that their front page now has a link to [quote][url="http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageTravel_ShowContent&propertyType=document&resetCT=true&id=HMCE_CL_001454"][b]Shopping on the Internet?[/b][/url] Find out what the increase in Customs duty limit means for you.[/quote] You can find details re Import Duty & VAT [url="http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageTravel_ShowContent&propertyType=document&resetCT=true&id=HMCE_CL_001454"]HERE[/url]

[quote name='OldGit' post='310113' date='Oct 19 2008, 10:54 PM']The gig itself was good fun. Blowing a fuse on one bank of lights just before we took the stage reminded me of the "I nearly died" thread on here and its talk of us all using the wrong fuses .. ho hmmm ..[/quote] We were only reminiscing last night about mad things we used to do, which brought up the story of the "tenant over the pub". Used to take in the lights first, rig them and fire them up to blow the fuse so it could be found & replaced with a higher rating - yes I know utterly stupid, but this was years ago, we know a lot better now. So one night this is done & the gig goes ahead. Next day the venue has a problem with its electrics calls out the electricity board who, in their investigations, find that the chap renting the flat over the gig has bypassed his meter and is drawing from the venues supply. OOPS!!

[quote name='WalMan' post='309347' date='Oct 18 2008, 05:03 PM']More later[/quote] And we're back. Odd night. One of those one's when there is a small crowd at the front clearly enjoying themselves all night, plenty of others mouthing the words (to the songs that is, not "you're sh1t, kindly vacate the premises") smatterings of applause. like a light rain shower - and then we do the last couple of songs and all of the sudden they won't let us go and we do three or four encores only stopping when the landlord finally says no more. Still plenty of flyers went with promises of attending future gigs and we've been offered more there later this year and next. Bizarre conversation in the break with a couple of punters (fairly well in drink it has to be said) who were desperate to tell us something, though I never really worked out quite what or why. I had this vision of Harry & Pauls "Writer and landlady" sketch and it was all I could do to stop reeling off "[i]perhaps, no, doesn't ring a bell, 'fraid not, not that I recall, no, 'fraid not, not that I recall, doesn't ring a bell, no, 'fraid not[/i]" as the conversation progressed

[quote name='bassninja' post='309231' date='Oct 18 2008, 01:53 PM']Funny how songs I was bored of playing back then are now fun again...[/quote] Isn't that always the way!!! We have resurrected a few that we had played for ages and were favourites with the regulars because it was all getting sloppy. Guitard was getting to the breaks and completely losing it. Dragged them out again a couple of weeks back for the new dual guitar line up and it was funny to watch the regulars who kept asking for them when they were gone prick their ears up. Admiral Drake, Portsmouth tonight (I must get loaded & going PDQ as the sound guy just texted to say he is on his own for load in) and as a 4 piece as 2nd guitarist is n/a. Odd gig as we seem to only get a couple a year so here's hoping. More later

Watched Tuesday. Fell asleep last night, though it should be on Plus Series record. Friendly Fires - I expect you had to be there Tom Jones was very professional as you would expect The rest rather passed me by first time round - except for thinking "Lucky she remembered her good knickers"

Gosh prices have moved. I seem to recall I sold the last of my two Marathons a few years back in better than average nick and with a flightcase for around £300. With the hole in the headstock it probably was an early crossover version from the Hayman models. I got both of mine in the early 70's and they had the triangular badge on the head. They were my first proper basses and lasted me for years. I sometimes wish I had kept hold of them, but that's just nostalgia I expect. - my baby's post respray but pre conversion to 8 string In action - dear God what was I wearing!!! - post conversion to 8 string. These need to go in a "Where are they now?" thread, but I might want them back

And here it should hopefully be, or at least a link to it [url="http://www.tideway-la.co.uk/BOD/SVT_grit.l6t"]SVT Grit[/url]

8u99er - got the days wrong. Wifeys p155 up is 19/10 & 26/10 is family lunch for birthdays I can't get out of. All out of cunning plans at the mo Nik

[quote name='Cantdosleepy' post='306058' date='Oct 14 2008, 10:37 AM']Cheers Ped&Wal! Will have a play with this in the next few days! I'm a big fan of a slightly tweaked Huge360 amp model. That's with a Jazz going into a little mark II and an ultralite 1x15.[/quote] If you haven't just programmed it from the screenshot, or found the d/l on CustomTone I shall try to remember to upload the patch tonight

Hurrah I believe that is the day I have to take Mrs W to her friends house for a birthday lunch & will be kicking my heels round Brighton. Looks Like I shall have somewhere to go now

[quote name='chris_b' post='305373' date='Oct 13 2008, 12:06 PM']+1 all the way. Sounds like you are after the energy of a [i]hard[/i] played bass. Distortion is just a sound and won't give you the dynamics that you need in order to get that growl.[/quote] Don't worry I play it hard as well - MATRON!! There's a shower of Elixir dust to clean off at the end of each gig.