dmccombe7

3hr rehearsal is the standard time slot over here. Typically £30-£35 for 3 hrs per band. I'm talking at the stage where a band is starting out to reach gigging quality which for me is a high standard. My thoughts are that if you can't commit to rehearsals then you won't be in the band and we have 2 ex-professionals who have toured extensively and in one case played stadium gigs including Wembley Arena. He is the band font of all knowledge because of his experience and strangely enough also the drummer so there's a contradiction If you want to be good and stand out from the average bands you need to put the work in. If the band is gigging the same or almost the same set every week then that's a different story and rehearsals would be very infrequent mainly for learning new songs. In your case Blue i believe you've been with the band a good few yrs. Did you rehearse when you started with your current main band ? Dave

Everyone attending, know the songs prior to arriving, no wasting time in between songs. In a 3 hr session i expect to run thru a 2hr set and then work on any issues or new song ideas, Have a list of the songs to run thru and start at the top and work thru the list otherwise its whatever song someone can remember is in the set and then songs get missed or forgotten about. As a band we agreed on a 10-15min break in the middle for a coffee and a band discussion. If a 6hr session it could be longer or more often breaks. I am the odd one out in our band as i personally see the rehearsal as work and want to get in, get the job done and make sure we cover all the set. I refer to this as "gigging the set" It can be difficult when others don't see the urgency in getting on with it but that's bands for you. One other thing if using the studio gear is to not spend a lot of time finding your sound as more than likely its not there without your own gear. Just make sure its approx and you play the correct notes when required. Dave

Yep a crackin band. Such energy and covering some great songs i'd forgotten about. Seen them several times now and if you like punk classics then this band is worth seeing. Dave

Excellent UK album is one of my favs especially In The Dead of Night title song. John Wetton at his very best IMHO.

TOTP 64 - 75. Recorded last night i think. Up to Steelers Wheel Stuck In The Middle. Some great songs from back then. Dave

Oohhh that was nice. Fantastic singer and Beck looks good for his age too.

Best get the main band sorted out first. Dave

That is nice. I'm liking it. Hints of acoustic John Martyn in there.

You guys have started a fashion movement i reckon.

A good bass player needs special trousers.

That's pretty good. Youtubed and good live too.

I've replied to some ads on JMB, Gumtree and Bandmix and usually i get a reply within few days but i've had no reply whatsoever on all of the above as well. You've jjust got to keep at it until something comes along.

Know what you mean

We al thought you were just a kool dude.

Like others have said i can play other spacing but i find i'm missing strings and don't play as accurately with my right hand finger style. I do get used to it reasonably quick but when going back to 18mm i have same issue so its easier keeping same 18mm spacing that i like. Dave

18mm for me. Bought my first 6 stringer few yrs back an ESP Ltd and it was 16mm and found it difficult to get used to. I now make sure my basses all have 18mm.

Aye we all know

I found the T bird basses in line with US Fenders for pricing. Always quite liked the Grabber bass too but the tone just doesn't do it for me. Had an Epi T Bird but just not for me. On saying that i would still like to have a Gibson T Bird just to say i've had one. I like the look of them. Dave

Some audiences just see the band as a jukebox or backng music for an event or night out. Its a difficult one and can dent your enthusiasm when playing if you get little or no response. Always plan to play after they are all sozzled. Job Done. Dave