casapete

A long time ago I had a blackface Bassman 135 with matching 2x15 cab, possibly early 80's era Fender. Although it sounded quite sweet at moderate volumes, using it at gig levels was another matter. Reached it's max headroom fairly early, after which it just didn't hack it, becoming rather grungey & distorted but not in a good way. Didn't keep it long, despite it looking great!

From my experience it’s quite the opposite Mick - never played a naff Ray. Sure, some have been better than others, but none were anything less than great well made / quality basses. Only reason I don’t play one now is that I can’t find one light enough. My dream bass used to be a Precision. However, my first one was a late 70’s horror - heavy and with no life whatsoever. Soon changed it to a JV Squier 57 and found it wonderful. Only sold it when my 63 came along, which I’ve had for around 35 years now and is the one I’ll never part with.

I get this - that's why I also like blues, country and soul music.

Just seen this - anyone have any experience of them - seems an okay deal for £18.99? https://www.studiospares.com/studiospares-speaker-isolation-riser_465310.htm

My main band start again on July 10th, although must admit I’m still wondering if that will be possible. The first gig is open air so if the theatre situation doesn’t improve by then it could be our only gig this summer. Fingers crossed. Just got a new monthly residency in a local pub with my acoustic duo, starting 29th June, again if it’s possible. Really pleased that the landlord has the confidence to book us, so hope we get a good crowd.

I think it’s correct, but happy to have someone put me right if not. Anyone help out there?

He did for live shows, but I believe on most of their studio stuff they used various session bass players. Not a big Doors fan myself, but my older brother was into them for a while so I got to hear quite a lot of their albums. Years later their influence on The Stranglers was apparent too.

Ooops, too much wine this aft, sorry.

If you're considering adding another guitar to the lineup, then make sure it works properly. Nothing more annoying than both guitarists blamming away playing the same chord inversions all the way through the song until the solo etc - two guitars are a thing of beauty IMHO, but only if they've been thought out properly. If in doubt, a keys player may be your best bet, and probably a quieter option too....😀

I prefer the earlier albums Al, such as On the Third Day and Eldorado.

Although I’d agree, historically it’s always been easier to get a thicker higher output pseudo humbucker sound from single coil Fender style instruments than the other way round. Coil tapping twin coil pickups goes some way to achieve this, but not convincingly IMHO. I think PRS get fairly close with some of their guitars maybe? A 335 with both pickups on and the volume controls set just right can also get quite Fender-ish, but the differences in construction ( bolt on / set neck and scale lengths etc) mean it will always be something of a compromise.

Slightly off topic Ricky, but as you’re from the York area - there’s a band from there called The Blueflies who you may have seen. Fantastic 3 piece, doing a mix of funk/rock originals and covers. The guitar player Miles is wonderful, and ‘gets it’ completely, knowing how much to play and when not to. Uses a variety of guitars, mainly Strat and PRS IIRC. Worth catching them if you get the chance.

Here in Hull we love Gimme Shelter, so watch out.......😆

Just browsing the coming week’s TV and seen that next Friday 4th June on BBC4 at 9pm there is the TV premiere of the 2019 film ‘Once Were Brothers : Robbie Robertson and The Band’. Will definitely be watching this. Following that at 10.35pm there is On Guitar - Lenny Kaye! ‘The quest for new guitar sounds’ apparently.

Maybe were from Castleford / Wakefield part of West Yorks IIRC, thank god. 😅

Strangely enough I quite like his voice, or maybe the tone of his voice. It’s the pitch thing that prevents me from being able to listen, especially live. Coldplay - can’t be doing with any of their stuff. Caught a bit of their ‘gig’ at Whitby Abbey on BBC last night, lasted about 5 mins. Just something about the songs and the format which leave me cold, maybe just not my demographic? Sterile soulless delivery with too many ‘whoa whoa’ type singalong bits. I don’t know anyone who owns up to enjoying them, yet someone must as they are so successful. Again, horses for courses etc. ( Chris Martin seems like a nice fella too. )

Don’t think the original BL had anyone from Hull, maybe later spin off versions? I believe the other 3 bands were reckoned to be Everything but the girl , Red Guitars and The Gargoyles. ( Of course could have also included Fine Young Cannibals and The Spiders from Mars.)

Formed in Kingston upon Hull! When Hull was City of Culture in 2017, there was an exhibition of TG's work, along with a performance and live Q&A featuring Cosey Fanni Tutti. A friend of mine was involved in the exhibition (which featured some early pornographic images amongst other exhibits) , and was hoping Prince Charles would drop by when visiting the city but it wasn't to be. Would have been an interesting meeting of minds. 😅

With their amplifier or effects board, all of which have far too many knobs to entertain them. ( They should be made to play bass for a song or two, so they understand you can't drop out one note, let alone a whole bloody verse....)

Sure I heard of a DS tribute called Dire Strats.

Just seen an advert wanting a guitarist for a North East based tribute band called NEvana.

Hank Wangford's band The Lost Cowboys has had lots of great players over the years who were given pseudonyms - these include Brad Breath, Jett Atkins, Manly Footwear, (the great pedal steel player BJ Cole) George Hamilton VI, and female vocalist Irma Cetas.

Pete Loaf Proxy Music Petty Theft

Think I remember a band (possibly from the Leeds area) called the Above Average Weight Band.

Although I love both bands, I’ve gone for The Eagles. All great vocalists, a solid legacy of albums and still going strong in their latest incarnation. Was a fan of Joe Walsh too before he joined them so that helps, same as with current member Vince Gill. Saw them at Stafford Bingley Hall in 1977 on the Hotel California tour, and the gig remains one of the best I’ve seen. CCR also had great songs, loved their more stripped down approach but like someone mentioned earlier I do find John Fogerty’s vocals a bit wearing after a while. Still a classic band though.