casapete

Last night we played at Manchester Opera House, which is a magnificent Edwardian theatre right in the heart of the city centre. Had a nightmare journey up from Swindon - a major accident turned the M6 into a car park - so arrived very late after a five and a half hour journey. Fortunately our sound and lighting guys had got there on time, having travelled up the night before. Had a fairly quick sound check, despite having more PA than usual due to the size of the theatre (around 1,900 seater), and sounded fine. Lots of bass bins meant I was very happy! The gig went well - had over 1,400 people in so it felt quite full. Lots of audience singing and dancing which is always a good sign. People doing this in the upper balcony looked quite dangerous from the stage! Got another big theatre today at Sunderland Empire so looking forward to that one too. ( just noticed our PA guy Rik photobombed the 1st pic - looks like he’s praying!)

Absolutely unprofessional or even cool. Ask them if they’ve attended major gigs where this happened? Smacks of amateur hour big style for me - I’d get them to knock it on the head pronto. If they feel the current band is not where they’re at, then as you say get them to get their metal rocks off somewhere else.

All gone now, cheers.

Bit of a trek down to Swindon Wyvern Theatre today. Air con in the band bus a bit intermittent but we managed to get there without too much grumbling. Good gig to a full venue, hot on stage though even with two big fans on full. Up to Manchester tomorrow, so hope it’s a bit cooler.

I think so Mick, different times and all that? As for Mr BS, I concur! 😆

Our duo is playing at The Sun Inn, Beverley this coming Sunday. It's a new venue to us, although I've played there a few times with other bands. It's a great place, proper music pub so looking forward to it. Think we'd better be ready for an onslaught of Dad Rock requests.......😁

I saw them at Hull City Hall around that time, great gig. They had a great run of singles that were all stylistically different, yet retained their unique sound. I didn't like 'Dreadlock Holiday' which for me signified the end of their good stuff. Eric Stewart was a great player with a nice old LP Standard, as well as Lol and him using tasty LP Juniors.

Reading replies above, I’m quite surprised how many people have what I would consider a gigging set up as a practice one. I’m guessing these do probably double up as gig worthy ‘spare’ rigs? For playing at home I just use my cheap and cheerful studio monitors and desk, so don’t feel the need for a home set up - mind you, I’m beginning to think it may be a decent idea to spark off some more GAS…..😆

D'Addarios taken, Fender bronze set still available.

Replied, cheers.

2 x sets of D’Addario EXL 170 strings (40-100) - cut for Fender headstock, standard 34” scale - NOW GONE! I x set of Fender 8060 Phosphor Bronze acoustic bass guitar strings ( 45-100) - used on 2 a side headstock Washburn. GONE! All used but still got some life in them! Yours for the postage at cost. Cheers.

Played our favourite gig last night at ‘The Lookout’ in Scarborough with our acoustic duo, ‘Milestone’. Always a lovely audience who bombard us with requests - the photo was taken during the 2nd chorus of ‘Alright Now’ as an encore, when we both realised that the upper parts of the solo section would be near impossible to play on our acoustic instruments! My mate Gary of course managed his bit, (I didn’t even attempt it). Great fun gig.

Looks good, although from the description I initially thought it was a 30” scale uke!

We played 2 consecutive nights this weekend at The Apex theatre in Bury St Edmunds. Both nights sold out at this superb modern 500 seat venue in the centre of the town. Dreadful 3 hour journey home last night though, torrential rain all the way.

Another satisfied Hiscox user here. Taken mine to Spain and Morocco with no problems. Love their products, which are still made in the UK by a great company.

Originals seem to be sometimes available around the £3k region. There is currently a mint reissue on eBay for £1400, complete with 2 interchangeable pickups.

Here is my bunch. Gallien Krueger 1001RB - my main gig amp. Absolutely love it. Runs into a GK Neo410 cab. Gallien Krueger Backline 600 - backup amp, and sounds remarkably similar to the RB. Haven’t had to use it yet, but good to know it’s there. Gallien Krueger MB800 - used for gigs other than with my main band. Runs into an early Barefaced Compact. Gallien Krueger 800RB - only gets occasional use but one amp I’ll probably never sell. The amp that got me started down the GK route, and still my favourite. Fender Rumble 100 - brilliant combo which is used for small gigs, mainly in my acoustic duo. My best recent purchase, so useful.

If you do want to jump straight into the Gibson idea, there’s a 2003 Firebird V in sunburst currently listed on Facebook for £1600. Comes with the proper case, seller is in Gateshead. ( No connection to me.)

Didn’t the Thin Lizzy version have no bass on it, or have I dream that? 😆

I’ve always loved the aesthetic of Firebirds, and it was the first decent guitar I bought in the late 70’s. I loved hearing players like Johnny Winter, Clapton and Phil Manzanera get great sounds from them. I would seriously suggest you try one out for an extensive demo as they are a strange thing. I couldn’t get on with the way they sit on your strap/body when playing standing up. Mine always felt it was too far to the left most of the time i.e. my fretting hand was at full stretch way too often. I remember reaching for the top E tuner was a struggle unless you pulled the guitar more vertical. Rather neck heavy too, so need a good strap. If you’re not sure about jumping straight in for a Gibson, the recent Epiphone reissues are well regarded and a fraction of the price.

That’s great, nice to hear some good news! All the best in your ‘new’ place and with your job/band ventures.

I’d agree with the post above - should have maybe been a bassist sooner than I did. Started off as a kid with piano lessons as well as church choir, both of which taught me stuff I still rely on to this day. Both went out of the window when I got an electric guitar, which led to me being in my first few bands. Finally realised that bass was my thing when I was in my late 20’s, and couldn’t believe how stupid I’d been not going there sooner. Still, here I am over 35 years later and still loving it. 😊

I currently have GAS for another electro acoustic bass. Got fed up with my 34” scale Washburn - nowt wrong with it , just a bit too big on some of my acoustic duo gigs. Got myself an Ibanez 25” scale bass which I love, but now looking at something in between - maybe Guild, who do a 31” scale electro acoustic or something similar. Maybe it will pass……

I saw them soon after that and it was Pete Shelley fronting them. One of the best ‘punk’ bands around that time IMO.

Great desks, I have the 10FX. Cracking deal on yours, well done!