Kirky

I love mine. Started with a 700RB115 combo, went lightweight with a MB Fusion, and picked up the Fusion 550 about 14 months ago. Great amp, much more authority than the MB. I can't imagine ever wanting to change it - occasionally I wonder what a valve power section might bring, but really this has everything I need. In Harrogate if ever you're over this way and want to try it. [url="https://flic.kr/p/HPGKBx"][/url]

Nice easy deal with Dan, prompt payment, excellent comms. Cheers, Martin

Horace Panter plays in a blues band when not playing with The Specials.

Probably "Christmas 1979" by Wild Billy Childish and the Musicians of the British Empire". Some of the lyrics... "[font=Whitney, sans-serif][size=5]My father walked in pissed through the door[/size][/font] [font=Whitney, sans-serif][size=5]And chucked the telly across the floor[/size][/font] [font=Whitney, sans-serif][size=5]Then he fell drunk to his bed[/size][/font] [font=Whitney, sans-serif][size=5]And these were the last words he ever said[/size][/font] [font=Whitney, sans-serif][size=5]Merry f***ing Christmas to you all![/size][/font] [font=Whitney, sans-serif][size=5]Merry f***ing Christmas to you all!"[/size][/font] [font=Whitney, sans-serif][size=5]The last line repeated ad infinitum.[/size][/font]

Playing Xmas eve at the Cross Keys in Knaresborough - nothing especially cool about that. The REALLY cool NYE gig is the mighty Dirtbombs playing the Magic Stick (I think) in Detroit - their first gig in a while. Best live band ever - wish I could be there.

Where?

Actually I imagine the R400 won't be a millions miles away from my GK Fusion 550 - 3 valve preamp and class G power. Next time you're in Harrogate Michael we should do a compare.

Flowers/Icehouse. ..Icehouse /Flowers.

America (one was born in Harrogate to an American serviceman stationed there).

I'll be playing guitar with this band, Andy on bass is a member here too. They play a range of good old pub tunes from T-Rex, The Specials, Bowie, The Killers, Slade, Pulp, Buzzcocks etc etc. I'll be rocking my Rickenbacker 360 and Ampmaker PP18 amp. Andy will be playing is Mex P through a GK MB200, DHA preamp (can't remember which model) and a couple of Fender cabs. Pop in and say hello if your out and about in York. We'll be on around 9pm. Cheers, Martin

Noteflight is good and free, but pencil and manuscript paper is quicker and easier.

[quote name='skej21' timestamp='1476002548' post='3150291'] Just got my second in the aforementioned combination [/quote] Same livery as my S212. Very classy looking kit.

Yes, the language/grammar comparison is spot on. To answer the OP's question - Yes. The study of theory is fascinating in itself, even if you just do it to a limited level, it will open your mind and probably help your playing. My own view is that its much easier to make sense of it all if you're a keyboard player or have access to a keyboard. And remember, at the end of the day it's all maths and physics and wholly natural. The circle of 5ths, the relationships between major and relative minor keys, cadences, even a simple investigation of these things will help you understand how music works.

And if you're handy with a soldering iron[url="http://www.ampmaker.com/store/WF-55-4w-tweed-style-amp.html"] Ampmaker's WF55 [/url]is a nice 5W valve amp for £155 (you'll need to buy a speaker too). Still too loud for home use though. But its a very satisfying feeling playing through a good quality amp you've made (well, assembled) yourself!

The thing is there are rules. If you don't know them, it doesn't mean they aren't there. I hear a lot of bass players playing a minor (or pentatonic/blues) run where a major one would be much more appropriate. I know theory well, but I never need to go anywhere near modes (at least for the music I play).

If you're happy using a soldering iron, Musikding have a good cheap option. http://www.musikding.de/A/B-Switch

My first transaction with Gary - just a simple one, I bought a pick guard, and it arrived insanely well packed and nice and swiftly too. Heartily recommended.

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1474922265' post='3141585'] 3. How many gigs did the band play last year. [/quote] This tells you a lot about what you need to know. I'd also ask about the writing/song selection process.

Yes, I've built their Zen drive which is great (I use if for guitar). Also built their Reverb which is also great, and (IIRC) their Red Llama. So far they've all been immaculate kits and very good value.

[quote name='DanEly' timestamp='1474495716' post='3138465'] Where do you guys find these kits online? [/quote] I like the kits at [url="http://www.musikding.de/guitar-effect-kits"]Musikding[/url].

[quote name='pmjos' timestamp='1473541448' post='3131151'] Who uses a Gibson today? [/quote] Mike Watt.

Fender PJ > Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 > TKS S212 cab. Usually no effects (occasionally a DHA valve drive, but increasingly I'm not bothering) .