dmccombe7

Always run with a little compression. I find it gives the bass a little edge while keeping the level just very slightly clipped if that is the right terminology. I use it on my Roland mfx and also have a pedal that has very simple controls that allw me to dial in the amount of compression i want with led's indicating amount of compression used. I literally have it only just on. I've experimented a lot with them and have always preferred just a touch suits me. I vary my style between finger plucking and using my nails to give an edge and also pick style using my thumb & nail. The compression helps keep level just right without fiddling with volume levels. Dave

Can see your dilemma. I have never played just for money. I like to be paid but its never really bothered me. I've taken on bands where set list was boring and couldn't take to it. There was no natural power or energy in the songs. It was more like routine playing just for the sake of it. Prefering rock or Prog bands i like that raw energy and that's where i get my fix. Knowing that the energy i put into a song pushes it that little bit more. There's nothing more satisfying than doing a classic rock song and it all just works so well the audience can't get enough of you. Then my alarm usually goes off and i need to get up for work LOL I won't play in another band just to get gigs. I'll only play in bands i actually like the songs and really want to put 110% into playing. Dave

My interpretation of a SS amp service is literally clean out any dust or dirt, clean the various potentiometers (pots) I usually do this myself. If i know the fuse has been installed over 5 yrs i will replace any fuses. That's only based on the fact that i know fuses wear out thru use and is more a precaution than anything else. I've never had an amp that was PAT tested to my knowledge. It may have been earth tested at factory when built but not since. As mentioned before a good tech might get schematics out and set up the various line voltages to spec but i would doubt that ever happens unless the owner has a problem with the amp. Valve amps i would chnage the tubes on the power amp if i detected any noise while playing but not generally replace on a time basis. I'm not an electronics expert by any means but having a background and basic understanding in electronics and Instrumentation (industrial instrumentation that is) i know enough to get by. I therefore only take an amp in for repairs and never a service. I might ask for a service to be done while a valve amp is in shop but that's rare anyways. Dave

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/0-9/10cc/im_not_in_love_solo_btab.htm Don't know how accurate it is tho. Dave

Turned it on as Marc Almond started. Bowie would be turning in his grave with that. Been a Bowie fan since early 70's and this isn't what Bowie would have wanted. He was always into getting away from the normal mainstream and creating something new. Why did anyone think BBC proms doing Bowie was a good idea. The documentary after it is excellent tho and a great insight into how Bowie worked. Dave

[quote name='chriswareham' timestamp='1469556560' post='3099366'] I don't understand the people saying an Ampeg fridge is hard to transport. Negotiating stairs with one yes, but on the flat theyre easy to wheel along and mine fits in a Ford Ka along with two amp heads, a flight cased pedal board and two bass guitars. [/quote] WOW !!! Is it a tardus Ford Ka. that's an impressive packing masterpiece. Any chance of a photo. ? Dave

I've tried Ampeg 8x10 in studios and found them a little dull sounding. I def wouldn't put up with the weight and size issue for one, If anything i'd go down the route of 4x10 cabs. Lighter and more manageable and for smaller gigs just take one cab. I looked into the Ampeg 4x10 cabs a few yrs ago and got some great insight from fellow BC'ers. The one i would lok at is the HLF cab. I've heard a few in bands with Ampeg SVT heads and they were pretty full sounding. I've moved into the Markbass rigs now. Played thru a MB 4x10 and 1x15 rig and it was stunning. I have found that a lt of the lightweight cabs don't seem to pack that punch and depth that an Ampeg 4x10 cab does. I remember talking with JTUK about it few yrs back and seems others have similar opinion. Can you maybe borrow some other bass rigs to try before buying. Friends or even your local bass shop might loan you second hand ones to try out at gigs. Dave

My Overwater Custom 6 Fretless at £3k probaly my most expensive bass. The one in my Avatar pic. Dave

When talking about LED lights are we talking about all LED lighting causing problems or just the moving scanner type. I have a full LED lighting rig that only gets occasional use but i make sure they are overhead and facing down on our band. I have lazer that points out to audience and projectors that face down towards flor from rear stands and 2 facing up from front of drums towards stage front ceiling. Only used via smoke machines to gain some effect. I've never heard anyone complain about the LED's. Used to have the good old PAR lighting and they would either blind or melt you by end of night. Extremely bright and extremely hot. Is it swings and roundabouts which you go for. I suffer from migraines and would hate to think my lights were triggering them to anyone. Dave

I admire him for what he does but its not a usable sound or style for most bands. Dave

Looks good to me. Easy to follow, god quality pics and quite an amazing set list i have to admit. Well done. Dave

Looks like a good shop. Some nice basses at pretty decent prices. They've also sold some really nice basses too. Dave

Nice looking and sounding bass. I've never had a Musicman bass. Tried one in early 80's and just couldn't take to the neck. Not sure whether or not i would buy this or just buy the Fender version tho. Dave

[quote name='lefrash' timestamp='1466309590' post='3074816'] I think I've seen crossfire about 40 times!! I was a girwoods regular for a long time! [/quote] Bombskare not my cup of tea I'm afraid altho i can appreciate they are good at what they do. Preferred The Caffreys to be honest. Girwoods was my local 7 nights a week in my early years and then down Heathery bar on Fri/Sat. Used to play with Tam in Gypsies Kiss many moons ago. Gem of a guy and fantastic front man. Crossfire were headlining the Rock the Valley festival last weekend i believe. Moved up to Biggar in 90's so kind of drifted away from it. Occasionally drop in to see what's changed. Not a lot really LOL Dave

Like many i've been a fan since Kajagogoo days. Altho into rock and prog i did actually quite like the songs but the bass was the stand out. Enjoyed his Hackett stuff and then Steve Wilson. I would class him very much another Tony Levin. Can't fault him and have had some conversations with him on Facebook and he seems to be a nice guy too. Dave

[quote name='lou24d53' timestamp='1465836210' post='3071433'] Crossfire? [/quote] That's the very band. Where abouts are you based. Dave

I haven't watched the show but following this thread and jumping in and out of the programme and fast forwarding to each band but so far i thought The Caffreys stole the show. Harmonies are incredible and a great song. And i have mates from Scotland on it who were shown a 4 sec clip but The Caffreys is a band i'd like to see live maybe up in Scotland at some point please if you're listening. Dave

I stopped early 90's and got back into it when i turned 50 in 2010. I've played with several bands whether it be tribute, cover or originals. There are a lot of bands out there loking for bassists, some simply for fun and some wanting to play regularly. I'm sure a lot of the material you were doing will be in the set list of existing bands loking for a bassist. Have a squint thru Bandmix, Join My Band and even Gumtree to see no end of bands looking ofr people with experience. Don't let the age thing put you off. Its surprising how many of us 50 and 60 something bassists are out there holding it all together. Give yourself a wee break and you'll soon find the desire to play comes flooding back. All the best whatever you decide. Dave

Thanks for posting. Great version and that voice just never ages. I never tire of listening to Jon Anderson's voice. Dave

These are probably my 5 top bassists at moment but they seem to change depending on my mood. These were probably the biggest influences on my style of playing. Jack Bruce (saw him live with his session band) Geddy Lee (seen him several times and he just amazes me how he can do it all at same time) Glenn Hughes (just love his aggresive style of funk / rock bass lines and so cool looking with Deep Purple) Tony Levin (his style of playing and use of Chapman stick bass is a sound on its own) Richard Sinclair (from his Camel days when he was singing and playing bas at same time. Excellent bass lines) Dave

[quote name='ColinB' timestamp='1464850344' post='3063060'] Sweet Fanny Adams was the first album I ever bought...... I still listen occasionally. Fantastic band. [/quote] Think this was my first proper band album too (after the usual TOTP's compilation albums) Also the Strung Up album is a fantastic remix of the old songs. New singer does a great job as a replacement for Brian. Dave

I'm a huge Bowie fan and that was excellent. Like someone said i was to busy listening to the music that the VID just seemed to work so well it flowed. All worked very well together and band sounded tight. Can't fault it and at zero cost to band there's no downside whatsoever. Well done to all Dave