casapete

After Len’s admirable post above, I’m almost ashamed to say reasons for declining gigs have pretty much always been either directly or indirectly financial. When I first went pro, a seasoned musician gave me some good advice about deciding on what was the minimum fee to work for, and sticking to it. He said sometimes you’ll have to sit at home rather than gig, but it will be the best route in the long term. Have to say he was right too. Unfortunately a band I was in didn’t agree and would take a local gig whatever the fee, which of course then had the knock on effect of making it harder to charge a better price for our bread and butter work doing weddings and functions. I was outvoted in wanting to decline doing cheap gigs, and the band eventually folded (not just for that reason but it certainly contributed). Fortunately I had jumped ship before then. My current band have had to turn down some work purely for the difficulty in financing travel and stuff for 8 band members plus crew. We had 24 gigs in the USA offered but just couldn’t make the figures work out, along with a punishing travel schedule. Bloody annoying but am still hopeful it may happen someday.

I will somewhat inevitably heartily recommend the Fender Rumble V3 series combos. Tried most of the range and all sound great, and as others have mentioned if you get say the 100w model it could come in handy should you need it for band practice, small gigs etc. I have this model, 12” speaker, great tone controls, loud for it’s rating and weighs next to nothing. Perfect for home use and can be picked up new for around £260, s/h around £150.

And not a moment too soon......

Obviously great playing, but lock me in a room with that on a loop and I would want to kill someone within minutes....🤣

I find this a problem when even slightly changing something I’ve played a certain way for years. Old gimmer syndrome I guess....👨🏻‍🦳

Also fuel sold in litres but car manufacturers still give economy figures in MPG?

Blimey, that’s nearly 26 old style lbs! Don’t tell me, it didn’t have a thick strap either? 😆

Haven't tried one of those yet Paul, will have to find one. I was always disappointed with the EB Sterling, as the spec on paper seemed to be the answer to my problem. However, even with the smaller body than the Stingray, I've yet to find one that is 8lbs or less. ( If anyone has one then please let me know! )

Give it a go, you'd love it! 🤣

I think you're pretty much spot on. Most of my basses now (reluctantly) fall into the 'light' category, which rules out ever finding a Stingray I can use I think. I use Fender Precision Lytes for my main gig, which are around 7lbs and ideal for me. The weight thing does seem to polarise opinions on here, with mainly the younger members not too worried about using medium/heavy instruments. Back in the day I think we just accepted basses were going to be quite heavy, but as players have got older manufacturers have begun to realise weight is more of an issue.

Looks like a Fender neck on there too 😕, and some very un-Dano bridges (and he's taken a fair old chunk of wood off the lower horn !)

Not sure about the original Mart, but the TOTP appearance definitely had Dano content. (with apologies for J. Saville intro) You know, the one where the drummer jumps over the kit at the end.....

Great pics / write up / thread! Really enjoyed following the progress of the event, as well as your great contribution. Brilliant job sir, hope you'll be doing the same at the next one.

I use these, work very well although not on short cables (bit loose) or large diameter cables as mentioned above.

Absolutely. I generally like stuff that sounds 'live' and prioritises feel over perfection, which is mainly why the more recent SD stuff ain't for me. Realise I'm probably in a minority though, most musicians I know love SD.

Only the early SD stuff for me really (Reeling ITY etc) - when they started getting too clever and 11th chords everywhere then I got bored. Playing so good but oh so sterile IMHO. ( And please don't mention 'The Nightfly' or I'll really lose it....)

Yup, correct! Been my sole source of income for a long time now, so somehow I don't think the big time is beckoning me any time soon...😆

I always aspired to being a wealthy faceless musician - someone who could walk down the street / go on holiday / put the bins out without worrying any of the paparazzi. I've already had a lifetime of studying for this, so just need the dosh and I'll be happy..

Tamla Motown - got me introduced to how important bass was/is as well as great vocal performances and music that makes you want to dance. The Beatles - Blueprint for bands who write and play their own songs, along with choosing great covers early on in their career. The Stones - As above, but also led me into a lifelong appreciation of rhythm and blues and guitar based rock music. Made some of my favourite records ever.