colleya

Hi everyone,

I'm a complete noob where effects are concerned so I'm after some advice as to how to achieve a particular sound.

I play in a 4 piece 80s cover band, bass, 1 guitar, drums & vocals. This makes covering some 80s tracks a challenge as they're pretty synth heavy.

I'm after some way to get the soft attack and delay 'swell and sustain' type sound of a synth bed underneath the guitar. I'd imagine that I'd be playing simple chords. I've watched lots of synth pedal vids on YouTube but haven't been able to find anything that does the trick.

For reference, the keys part in this cover is the sort of thing I'm after, preferably without having to remortgage the house.

Thanks in advance,

Andy

Just done a super quick and easy deal on a bass with Vin. 

Everything you'd want from a purchase. Great comms, quick delivery and an all round smooth process. Cheers!

Bought Alan's PJB bighead. Arrived in what can only be described as immaculate condition. Highly recommended.

2 hours ago, chris_b said:

What does Jared Followill think when he sees Sex On Fire in the set, again!!!

Ker-ching?

4 hours ago, TimR said:

Could be worse, could be in an originals band where even the audience don't like the songs. 😁

*although to be fair it was after a big football match with a charity raffle draw at the end. But very demoralising when you think you have a big ready made crowd.  

We had that at Ewood Park (Blackburn Rovers). Big corporate five a side tournament on during the day. Bar was packed as we set up but the moment we started everyone buggered off home. By the time we played 'I think we're alone now' it was true!

4 hours ago, Al Krow said:

Great write up!

 

Totally sympathise about the mute button - I've gotta five(!) similar push switches on my DG amp, one which is hidden from view by the bass lead (usually the one I forget about) and an ohm switch on the back, so it can feel a bit like a pre-flight check list sometimes making sure they're all in the right setting, lol! 

 

On your fBook page it says you're a one gig a month band. Is that something you strictly keep to? 

Cheers! I'd never used the headphone setting so didn't know to check it. The button doesn't press very far and isn't recessed when it's engaged so I just didn't spot it. Feeling pretty foolish about it today.

We do stick pretty much to a gig a month. It was something we agreed to when forming the band. We've all got jobs, families etc and are lucky enough to be able to play as a hobby. This level of commitment balances well for us. It's good for me as gig booker too. We have 4/5 regular venues that we play 2-3 times plus a couple of new places each year.

Just now, jezzaboy said:

I never even knew there was a headphone button on the back! 

 

Good shout as no doubt I would have done the same myself 

Me neither.  It's well worth checking out as it doesn't depress fully when engaged.  There's only a couple of mm difference between on and off, it's pretty proud and easily pressed accidentally (as I found out to my cost).

As @Lozz196 says, I'm feeling pretty foolish now.

2 minutes ago, peteb said:

 

Has the landlord finally got rid of the contents of an old second hand music shop that he used to keep at the back of the stage?? 

 

I remember that!  There's been a significant tidy up.  Lots of kit still in situ but much better organised.  The proper junk has gone and the rest moved to the back of the stage.

We hide it all behind the pull up banners that the rest of the band lovingly call the 'Nuremburgs'.

9 minutes ago, steantval said:

Is this you guys?

 

 

Nope, we're significantly older and grumpier than them!

This is us:

https://www.facebook.com/JumpTheSharkBand/?v=wall

4 minutes ago, dmccombe7 said:

Was the drum riser provided too. Never seen that provided before at a venue. Looks like a tidy set up there.

 

Dave

It's a great setup.  A little tight on headroom but they put on 3 bands a week and the landlord has put a lot of thought into how it will work for the venue.  Built in PA is pretty punchy too.

12 minutes ago, la bam said:

 

I had that issue once on my evo2, the headphone button was pressed in.

Well, now I'm about 50/50 relieved that it was a single button fix and bloody annoyed at myself for not spotting it last night!

Thanks!

Finally made it back to the Polished Knob in Todmorden last night to play the thrice cancelled booking that should have originally taken place in April '20.  A mixed night overall:

The bad

It was pretty quiet. We normally play Saturdays and it looks like that's the busier night. There were about 30-40 people in having a good time but another 30 or so would have tipped it over the edge.  Plus I always find it more difficult to summon the energy after a full day at work.

We've only played together once since the end of August. It was pretty good considering but you could hear the 'joins' in some places. It wasn't as polished a performance as the Knob deserved.

Amp failure.  Plugged in, unmuted and....... nothing.  Did the usual idiot checks, swapped the cable and still nothing.  Turned our background music off and could just about make out a static-y, fuzz pedal type noise that didn't change volume when I played with the input/output dials.

Of course, I'd forgotten to pack my backup power amp pedal.  Fortunately the DI was still working fine, so I went through the FOH and turned the bass up in my in ears.  Checked everything today and it looks like the problem is with the speakon connectors on the amp (DI is fine, headphone out is fine, cab works with other sources (originally thought it was a cab issue).

**Edit** Turns out it was user error. There's a 'headphone' button on the back of the amp that is proud when disengaged and slightly less proud when engaged.  It'd got pressed in the amp bag and I didn't spot it (never used the feature).  If I'd posted about it on here at the time then I'd have had the answer in 10 mins (like just happened) but I was too busy swearing!

The good

The pub has its own PA & lights, so no lugging it around and a quicker setup and pack down.  Raised stage means that you don't spend the entire night worrying that you're going to get your mic knocked into your teeth by enthusiastic dancers.

Despite the kit issues and basically setting the bass levels by guesswork, feedback was that it sounded pretty good.

A little FB clip here:

https://fb.watch/8ottck_Xkx/

We decided that the first gig back at our regular venues would be a freebie. It's not much, but if these places shut then we've got nowhere to play.  The landlord last night gave us the cash and told us to donate it to a charity of our choice, so the Booth Centre in Manchester will be getting a few extra quid in their coffers.

Had an issue with my RM 500 evo 2 at last night's gig.

Plugged in, unmuted and....... nothing.  Did the usual idiot checks, swapped the cable and still nothing.  Turned our background music off and could just about make out a static-y, fuzz pedal type noise that didn't change volume when I played with the input/output dials.

Of course, I'd forgotten to pack my backup power amp pedal.  Fortunately the DI was still working fine, so I went through the FOH and turned the bass up in my in ears.

Checked everything today and it looks like the problem is with the speakon connectors on the amp (DI is fine, headphone out is fine, cab works with other sources (originally thought it was a cab issue).  Quick video of the problem here.

Amp was new in Spring '20 so an email went off to Ashdown customer services today, but I wanted to see if anyone else has had a similar issue and might know of a fix?

Our first gig in 18 months at the Railway Hotel, Royton on Sat 28th August. 

In a weird twist, I could have filled the date about 4 times over.  We've had loads of enquiries in the last month, are now fully booked for the year and have even taken some for 2022.  Normally I have to go hunting for gigs for the next year around October time, but it seems like they're finally starting to come to us.

Superbly well looked after, load in of about 15 feet from car park to stage, loads of power and a great crowd. Hotter than the sun too, I turned round towards the end of set 2 and it looked like our drummer had been swimming fully clothed.  I got to try out my Basschat lockdown acquisitions (Sandberg VM5 and TKS 212) live for the first time and was very happy with the sound.  I even remembered how to plug the PA in.

Several rough edges, not least of which were my backing vocals having not done a full 2 sets worth of singing for ages.  However we got loads of great feedback and a couple more bookings for next year.  I'd almost forgotten about that post gig buzz that stays with you until about Tuesday.

Just bought a pedal from Ade. Super easy, thanks!

TL:DR - It's great, can't wait to try it in a gig situation.

I bought this cab from @wayne58 of this parish a couple of weeks ago. Always loved the look of them and this one was dangerously close to home, so I took the plunge. Cameron was a pleasure to deal with and the cab is immaculate. Lovely bit of oxblood cloth too, it's a looker.

I've had the chance to try it out at a couple of rehearsals now. The Polished Knob (no, really) in Todmorden should have been its gig debut tonight but extended restrictions meant we were two days too early and the pub had to cancel. So it's rehearsal room only impressions with my rootmaster 500 head and Sandberg tm5. So far it gives me the sound I've had in my head for years. Fat without booming, clear without harsh treble. Deep without mud.  I got it because I wanted to move more air without turning up.  I was after more presence, if that's the right word, and it certainly does that. Happy boy.  

Bought Cam's TKS cab in a super easy deal. Great communication and the cab itself is in superb condition. A great guy to deal with.

Jo bought my Barefaced cab. Super easy sale and a great bloke. Thanks!

14 hours ago, mep said:

Nice one. I have had the same experience with the glue and now use gaffe tape. Great sounding cab though.

Cheers! It's not the prettiest from the back, but only the drummer sees that side!

On hold, pending.

For sale (no trades thanks).  My brilliant Barefaced Two 10 cab with cloth grille and Barefaced cover.

Small, light, and seriously loud.  Never been pushed (I doubt the good folk at the Dog & Doris would appreciate me getting anywhere near full beans through this cab!).   

I've used it with a variety of amps (currently an Ashdown Rootmaster 500), it sounds sweet with all of them and puts out stupid amounts of volume.  Barefaced reckon it can replace a 4x10 and you can see why. Can be used portrait or landscape  - I've found it excellent vertically on small stages for hearing myself even when standing right next to it - really good off-axis dispersion.

Weight 13kg.  
Dimensions 38cm 61cm 33cm
Broadband sensitivity 98dB
Power Handling 400W
Max Output ~125dB
Frequency Range 30Hz - 6kHz
Impedance 4 Ohms

This is the non-switchable early model and has suffered from the dreaded 'tolex peel' on the back which means that it isn't a looker from the back.  I have the Barefaced glue that is included with the sale.  I've tried to use it once and it didn't do much to be fair, so I've gone for the old faithful gaffa tape solution.  The price reflects the condition of the tolex. The handle is in tip-top condition! All feet present and correct.

Collection from Sale, South Manchester, M33. Or I can meet halfway within reasonable distance.  If you want it shipped then It's at your own risk and arrangement.  I don't have packaging so I'd really rather not.

Cheers!

On 28/05/2021 at 07:17, Maude said:

I can't remember who or what now, but wasn't there a band fronted by an Elvis impersonator that didn't play Elvis songs. 

Elvana? 

https://youtu.be/5oni9GQScpQ

Elephants, yeah!

https://youtu.be/qByjA5pZopQ

Great musicians but much prefer the original. This feels like they're trying to fill every single micro beat and pause that gave the song its original flow. Also, ducking the mf, if you're going to cover it, cover it!

Took me ages to get us a booking at a great pub in my old home town. That gig should've been tonight.

It would have been pre Xmas packed and my folks, uncles, aunts, cousins etc would all have been there too.

Balls.