Dad3353

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1504445525' post='3364882'] Hire a trailer? [/quote] Certainly 'do-able', I towed a trailer with my Renault Espace for a couple of years. Seven seated and the whole caboodle (drums, PA, backline...) in the trailer. The OP, however, was hoping to reduce ferry costs; I believe a trailer would scupper that, as there's be a supplement (could be wrong...).

The 'Sunlite' one does, for certain.

There's oodles of software out there, ranging from quite a few free or Open Source ones to very sophisticated systems with 3D emulation of moving heads. The harder part is choosing an adequate hardware interface. I've not looked into it, but there could be a Raspberry Pi solution; it would seem to be the ideal platform for such an interface. I'll have a look and see... Edit: Here's one, at least... [url="http://www.instructables.com/id/Raspberry-Pi-as-a-DMX-light-controller/"]Raspberry Pi DMX interface...[/url] ... and another ... [url="http://bitwizard.nl/shop/DMX-interface-for-Raspberry-pi-with-usb-(FT245RL)"]Another Dmx Interface ...[/url] ... and there's more. Hmm... I might have a go myself; our youngest has a Pi already. A winter's project, maybe...

Put the heavy cubes in first, and get 'em packed tight so that they can't shift about at all. Sometimes laying 'em flat, face down, is worthwhile. You'll want the weight in the middle of the van, not to one side, so balance 'em out. Anything 'crushable' (drums..? cymbals..?) goes at the very top. Mic and PA stands can often slide under the seats, or in the foot well. Once all is in, cover the lot with a thick blanket, or your drum rug. Nothing should be able to swill about; all must be wedged against something else. As said above, do a couple of trial runs; it often happens that, perfectly packed going out, it becomes an impossible Chinese puzzle after the gig. Things seem to expand..! For a 'normal' sized band, there should be plenty enough room. For a Genesis tour, it might be a tight squeeze.

[quote name='HazBeen' timestamp='1504430037' post='3364727']...and presidents can [b]imagine that they[/b] run a country by Tweet..... supposedly. [/quote] Fixed. ...

[quote name='bazztard' timestamp='1504410125' post='3364656']...one bus an hour... [/quote] One bus an hour..? Luxury..! Our nearest bus runs from the village five miles away. One service only, to the county town and back (50 Kms each way...), twice a day, at 08h10 and 13h02, during school term time. At all other times, it runs by appointment (..!), as long as one is subscribed beforehand. On the other hand, it's fairly inexpensive at 2€ (£1.70..?) for a single, or 50€ (£45..?) for a calendar month season ticket. I think I'll be keeping my car for a while yet.

One downside to using public transport, when it exists at all, must be the reliance on timetables and connections. I'd imagine (I've never done it for gigging...) that there's quite a lot of waiting around involved. As a drummer (with the PA...), it's been a no-no from the outset, but it can work for some, albeit in limited circumstances.

[quote name='redbandit599' timestamp='1504380899' post='3364546']... I understand I'll need software and some kind of interface... [/quote] Much more powerful than the needs expressed, but excellent stuff, and easy to use. The current version works with iPads, Android etc... [url="https://www.nicolaudie.com/en/suite2.htm#undefined"]Sunlite Suite DMX Controller ...[/url] I used previous version for several years, very successfully. May be too pricey for you, I dunno, but it's very good.

[quote name='TheGreek' timestamp='1504371336' post='3364469'] I have quite a lot of black foam packaging which would be ideal for string mutes - unlikely I'll ever use it - anybody want it? [/quote] Shame it's not blue; would have worked otherwise.

[quote name='casapete' timestamp='1504357843' post='3364364'] ....."long lasting specialized foam." Mmm....interesting. [/quote] Yes, of course; that special blue sponge that's made exclusively for bass muting, optimised for its musical qualities.

At home or when 'out', all are in hard cases or 'soft' cases (better protection than hard cases..!), except for the OLP Baritone (gig bag...) and the Verithin (she [i]has [/i]a hard case, but is suspended on the wall behind me, for convenience...). Guitars too, of course, and drums, naturally.

Are there 100 [i]different [/i]basses in the world..? Let's see now... 1 - 'P' type 2 - 'J' type 3 - 'M' type 4 - 'R' type 5 - 'S' type 6 - Hollow-bodied Nope.

Here we go then; I give you ... [url="https://soundcloud.com/dad3353/doom-di-doom-di-doom"]Doom Di Doom Di Doom ...[/url] Enjoy.

[quote name='Raymondo' timestamp='1504340346' post='3364168']... Sometimes the world is a nice place [/quote]

Doom..? Doom..? Doom..! Ah, yes..! Doom..! Thanks for the tip; I'll get onto that right away..! Where's my keyboard..? ([i]Doom... Now then, what have I in stock suitable for Doom..? Storm samples..? Nah, too evident. Screeching brakes..? Nah, not on a traction engine..! Doom... Hmm... Not as easy as I first thought. Doom... Doom... Doom... Doom... Doom... No, nothing coming so far[/i]... )

[quote name='RalphDWilson' timestamp='1504263147' post='3363732']...circumstances... [/quote] Here's hoping things change for the better, then, at least enough for a bit of 'decomposing'. Thank, in any case, for having listened through, vote or no vote.

[quote name='RalphDWilson' timestamp='1504261080' post='3363719'] If I'd voted on time, it wouldn't have changed the results. The consistently high standard makes me envious (in a nice way of course). Well done all. [/quote] Envious..? Come and join us, there's tons of room..!