dmccombe7

Post some pics of your Kramer basses. That would be nice to see them all. Dave

Think it was the XK series that had more of an issue with neck dive. Not heard anything on the DMZ 4001 series tho. Was just listening to Trevor Bolder live using his various Kramer basses around the Conquest album release. He had the DMZ 4000 and also another similar style but with 2 white humbucker style pick ups fitted. No idea what model that was unless a custom version he's asked for. Prefer the 4000 sound he had Dave

What was the diy mod you mentioned ? not heard of that issue Your response is also very positive and makes me want one even more now.

I use the Mesa Mpulse 600 into Mesa PH212 cab so i'm thinking its quite valve sounding but that's a handy thing to keep in mind. Any time i've heard and liked the tone was either thru Ampeg SVT or Hiwatt altho i can't remember what Trevor Bolder was using back then but i would guess it was a valve amp. Dave

From what i've read the range of basses after the DMZ range had neck dive issues and many owners put lead weights inside the control cover stuck to the back of it. A bit like the ones you get to balance alloy wheels. Maybe that's why it felt so heavy. The DMZ 4000 and 4001 range or earlier basses don't appear to have suffered from that problem. Did you buy the TE combo ??? Dave

I saw Neil Murray with the early whitesnake Marsden and Moody and then again many years later with 3M with Doogie White singing. He was such a huge influence on me back then. First heard him with Colloseum II.

Thanks for that. I've already seen the Vintage Kramer link you posted. I know the sound you are talking about on the Boomtown Rats and i remember him playing the Kramer. I prefer the DM pick up sound on them. At the time i saw Trevor Bolder using one it was with Uriah Heep on the Conquest album tour and i still really enjoy that sharp clear precision like tone but it had something that made it a bit sharper than a normal P bass. I've seen a few 450B versions for sale but very rarely a DMZ4001. Its god to know hear your thoughts on the neck as that would be my bigger worry because of the aluminium neck. So many famous bass players had one around the 80's that i always figured they must have been pretty good basses or they simply wouldn't have sold. Think i'm gonna keep my eyes open and if one pops up i might go for it instead of the P basses i've been looking at recently. Dave

Anyone ever had one or still does. Just curious to know what they are like. A few of my bass heroes back in 80's incl Neil Murray and Trevor Bolder used them for a bit. I remember liking the tone but how does the neck feel and what does it compare to ? Quite fancy one but they are very rare. Dave

Not an easy thing to do for most people including myself but if you want a band to be enjoyable and ultimately successful you need to at least try and accept it as you say without going in a huff.

I think it depends on who the other musicians are and how you instantly judge their characters. In recent years i've met up with any bands for a coffee and a chat before any audition or rehearsal. In fact the last few bands including my current band there were no auditions and it was a band meet up and then straight into rehearsals. Maybe on hindsight my earlier comments haven't been clear and that i probably make a judgement call on how i mention an issue at an audition or rehearsal. I don't come right out and say "you are far too loud and if you don't turn down them i'm outa here" that wouldn't go down well. I think from memory and its been a while since i had to do this but i.m sure i approached it more as a question ie do you think it was maybe a bit loud ? if we bring the volume down a bit we will get a more balanced and clear sound. As someone else said in the thread you will know by how the band responds to that suggestion whether or not it is going to work for you. Dave

We've had different experiences in bands by sounds of it Mike. I kind of agree on your first point that if the band is too loud or plays too fast then it may well be they aren't for me but unless i raise the issue there and then i'll never know. I'd rather say what i think and if the band don't want to turn down and take practical advice then i'd simply let them know its not for me. I wouldn't just walk without trying tho. My experience in bands is that most good bands i've worked with have been very open to comment and value my thoughts and experience whether that be at the audition or the first few rehearsals. Different when i was younger and bands were inexperienced.Volume was the way to go back then I just don't get why you would walk away without commenting. You could be walking away from an excellent band that just needed a little bit of guidance from someone possibly more experienced. Dave

1983 tour

Afraid not. From the word go i expect a professional and organised approach to auditions, rehearsals and subsequent gigs. If its an audition then the band should be looking more towards my competence or technique and not how loud i can play.. If a band hasn't grasped that by time i arrive or after the first song then its the wrong band to be in and time to move on. If you present a professional approach to an audition or rehearsal and get levels set according to drummers natural volume then that's a good starting point and its where i always start off.

Same kind of things i would mention when first playing with a band whether that be audition or 1st rehearsal. I simply won't play in a band that is far too loud at rehearsals or on stage. There's no need for it. Get a balance between quiet enough to talk over and just loud enough to let yourself get drawn into the groove or feel of the songs but it doesn't have to be deafening. If a song is too fast or faster than it should be its the first thing i'd say when finished the song. Depends how you say it though. I generally make a joke about it being a punk version or a casual comment like "wee bit fast but otherwise sounded ok" Is that not what all bands should be aiming for........an open and upfront approach to improving the band and the songs. Dave

yep i've heard him mentioned on BC a few times and its where i first heard him playing solo material. Dave

Don't think there was any need for this.

I had just googled the list of artists on Capricorn and some great bands

You really know your stuff sir, and on many topics too. I have to admit to being quite impressed. As always i appreciate any feedback on questions i ask, no matter how dumb they may sound i find its better to ask than sit silently in confusion. Thanks EBS Freak. Dave

Another thread running today is the Grand Funk Railroad. Are they not the same style and would you then regard this as a style of funk ? I did consider it to be Southern Rock but i always imagine that as Skynard or ZZ Top kind of thing. Allmans and GFR appear to be more melodic both musically and lyrically but that's maybe just my own experience of them. Throw in some other bands i class as same like Doobies, Tony Joe White altho i think he's more Southern Blues rock. I guess it doesn't really matter as long as they are good. Dave

Someone asked me what kind of music Gregg Allman band was. I seriously couldn't pigeon hole them so thought i would ask the experts. (that means you guys just in case you were sitting wondering who the experts were) My initial thoughts are somewhere between funk, blues and rock. ??? Dave

Used to play this couple yrs ago. Loved it. So easy but great fun.

I went for the Smooth Hound and i've used it at 2 rehearsals with absolutely no issues at all. Very pleased with it so far. I've also been using it at home almost every day for 1-2hrs and batteries have lasted about 2 weeks probably a total of about 15-16hrs and down to 2bars left. That's not too bad i reckon. Even our drummer mentioned the fact there were no drop outs. Dave

I forgot all about that era. When people mention McCartney i automatically think Beatles mode but his material from Wings era was simply phenomenal in my opinion. For me McCartney was at his peak with Wings. And that bass line is just so nice in that song and like someone says 1st time i've heard a Ric sounding that good.

Historically i've been accused of being the John Entwhistle of my bands. Play well but don't move about a lot. With my current band being a 70's Glam Rock covers band i'm finding i move about a lot more. Maybe its the outfits and platform boots that just give me a new personality Or maybe i'm just enjoying it more.Still need to work on the moves tho so i'm watching all the old Sweet vids .....again. Dave