mentalextra

[quote name='Chris2112' timestamp='1354996464' post='1892864'] I have mentioned it on the occasion but I am sure some of them have forgotten it. It's always good to have a hobby outside of work, and sharing these with colleagues can be pretty cool. I have surprised on occasion by visiting a guitar shop with a colleague and having an impromptu ditty or two! [/quote] Yeah, I had a moment like that. When you pick up the guitar and play and their mouths are open

Basically as the title says. Do you keep it on the down low, or have you acquired superhero status. Also, do you cringe when someone fetches guitar hero into work for a laugh!

[quote name='TheGreek' timestamp='1354991853' post='1892785'] I gave in..been listening to Lettuce on YouTube..had to put my hand in my pocket and buy the tunes..here's a taster.. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=Y3ohZjCKzjg&feature=fvwp"]http://www.youtube.c...jg&feature=fvwp[/url] [/quote] It does sound a little like the sort of music that plays out a 70s cop show!

[quote name='alyctes' timestamp='1354751497' post='1890130'] I have a second-hand Yamaha RBX200F I like very much. It cost me about £100. [/quote] I got one off gumtree for £20 because the guy had "spun" a pot. Very underrated instruments, which makes them a bargain. I would be interested in a more upmarket Yamaha!

Sitting in the car earlier on and had the radio on playing Christmas records. Frank Sinatra's swing version of 'let it snow' got me thinking, could electric bass give that sort of feel. Those '40s swing tunes have a unique bass feel. Also, electric bass players are worrying about our strings, pickups, electronics and amplification; what does a stand up bassist worry about? I would like the opportunity to have a play on an upright, I dont know why I am suddenly being drawn to it as I was with fretless. Perhaps I'm on a journey

I know the wood filler you mean, I thought it was expensive actually, much like all DIY stuff these days . I found that it was much easier to use when warmed up a little. I did have to redo a bit after sanding due to small air bubbles having formed and showing themselves. Although I got mine down to 2000grit. But, I am quite happy with the noises my old Yam makes! But I am currently hunting down a squire jazz as a project as I want something that I can play around with the sound a little more. Have fun!

Japan Stranglers

Maybe its just me being cynical, but I think there is a "lot" of stuff on gumtree that looks 'dodgy' these days. Especially on the run up to Christmas!

Try the "post Japan" work of Micks, he got better and better. A tragic loss!

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1354556275' post='1887330'] Modding never adds more value to an instrument than the amount you've spent. Modding will [i]always[/i] devalue an instrument that relies on its age, originality, rarity or uniqueness for its value. Too many people get a bass then whip out the tool box. Leave them alone. Concentrate on playing them better not frigging around with the wiring. (/rant) [/quote] +1

[quote name='arthurhenry' timestamp='1354457221' post='1886111'] It's a TV programme. It's scripted, edited, acted and produced in the same way as Coronation street, On the buses, or the News at ten. I'm sure they do what they need to in order to stay on the right side of the law as far as people paying to vote is concerned, but it's just an entertainment show for idiots. Do people really think the whole thing was put together in order to discover talent? [/quote] No, people really 'do' think that its a real competiton! The same people think that "reality tv" is real!

[quote name='Doddy' timestamp='1354407495' post='1885741'] I think it's worth mentioning that I know people who have actually been invited to go on both X Factor and Britain's Got Talent and are pretty much guaranteed to do pretty well on them. [/quote] Spot on! They are not going to waste their time sifting through hundreds of no hopers. They know exactly who they are going to pick before the competition has even started. It is what used to be called a "fix". But millions seem to fall for this, shocking!

I was sitting in a Harvester with a lady friend and my daughter arguing about the Christmas songs that were being piped in. I asked by 14yr old daughter when they were going to play Justin Biebers new Christmas song! I said "I wonder if she will be sitting in a place like this when she's my age and still listening to mud, slade, Elton john, Roy Wood etc" I bet she will! My daughter thinks that "slade" are a bunch of weirdo's, but she knows the christmas song like everyone on the planet. Will we be listening to Justin Bieber or Rhianna, or Dr Dre in 35yrs time, I wonder? What is so special about "those" Christmas songs. I can promise anyone that is going shopping this weekend, they will hear any of the above but none from the last 30yrs, it cant be just copyright can it?

[size=5][sub]I think Mr Karn is a marmite player. Personally I like what he did and his bass lines. I like the way he wanted his bass to be an upfront instrument. He admitted never having any formal training and that would explain his unique style. And there is the problem. For those of us brought up on learning scales and following a more traditional path of accomplishment his lines are odd and quirky. Not difficult but fiddly and your fingers are doing things they are not used to, if that makes sense! [/sub] [sub][url="http://www.sonsofpioneers.net/#!gtp"]http://www.sonsofpio...neers.net/#!gtp[/url][/sub] [sub]This is a good site. The guys have made a pretty good stab at things. But, like all of Micks stuff you have to do all the extra little bits to make it sound right and come alive. [/sub][/size]

[quote name='Muzz' timestamp='1354363232' post='1885179'] My TV has Internet access via built-in wireless, will process input streams from at least six different connector types, will play movies, music and photos direct from MP3 in zillions of different formats and record programmes live or via schedule direct to an external hard drive. And it's about an inch and a half thick. The inability to take it down to Bert with the soldering iron and the meter to have it repaired is nothing to do with some sinister plot to build in obsolescence (not that these don't neccessarily exist) it's simply a consequence of the technology required to produce such a fantastic piece of kit. The vast increase in the reliability of the TV is demonstrated by the complete collapse in the rental industry a few decades ago. Time was when TVs cost and arm and a leg and broke down, so renting one which would be repaired or replaced when (rather than if) it went boing made sense. Kids, like adults, have always been mercurial about toys and pastimes. The difference today is the sheer amount of options available. When the extent of the toy box was a hoop and a stick, then persevering was the only way to go...and wouldn't that be fun? The 'see it buy it lose interest in it' attitude being critisied on BC of all places is pushing the boundaries of irony. [/quote] We get annoyed with kids because they are not as 'appreciative' of technology as we are, but technology will move on regardless of whether your kids like it or not. I am amazed at the graphic quality on some modern computer games, if I said that to a 14yr old boy he would think I was mad!

[quote name='daz' timestamp='1354135939' post='1882665'] Neither. The problem is with the millions of ungrateful brats we have spawned in our modern; [i]See it. Buy it. Lose interest in it. Throw it away. Repeat ad nauseum [/i]Modern culture and the idiots who pander to them because its easier than teaching them real values. [/quote] The manufacturers know exactly what they are doing! Computers, games consoles and phones are aimed at kids subliminily! That way the manufactuers do not have to take any responsibility! For example, there are very few games consoles that dont require internet access and credit cards to enable them! No, the manufacturers know exactly what they are doing! The throw away culture extends to lots of areas of life not just kids toys. Who has TV's repaired now! Its cheaper to replace. Same with washing machines, Hot water boilers! etc etc.... Dont treat the symptoms treat the causes!

After a long argument with my 14yr old daughter about the lack of Christmas songs from todays "talent" because they are too scared of ruining their reputation. Its the time of year for those old 'chestnuts' from Wizzard, Elton John, Wham etc for us to hum and whistle. But will we be humming the same tunes in another 30yrs or will one of these heavy weights of popular music attempt a Christmas song. Has anyone written a Christmas song. If not, why not!

Are there any "bass lead" bands any more? Are there any Lemmy's, Phil Lynott or dare I say Mark King's!

[quote name='JapanAxe' timestamp='1354181639' post='1883048'] A final thought - if you are in serious purchasing mode, it is usually best to avoid Saturdays. That is the day for penniless teen wannabees to practice their metal riffs and mangled RHCP licks on gear they can't even afford the case for. I once was that teen, but if you are planning a serious spend, go on a quieter day when you can enlist a staff member's help for your quest. [/quote] Sadly lots of music shops adopt this attitude. Forgetting that todays penniless teens wannabees are tomorrows basschat experts! I have never forgotten the bad treatment I received when I was younger from rude nasty shop assistants!

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1354193576' post='1883332'] Any shop with exclusively that attitude is not going to last very long, in any market sector. A good shop can be many things to many people. Yes, nobody is going to open a shop with the intention of losing money - but profit is surely only one factor in running a successful shop? Caring about your stock and your customers. Providing good service. These are the things that earn you a loyal customer base. It can still happen, and I can give examples - but sadly none of them are music shops... [/quote] The largest and most successful business try and make money as a priority! Why else would you want to run a shop! Although, from my experience lots of shops are being run just for the 'social event' especially when the manager is not around!

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1354185101' post='1883131'] Plus one. I love northerners, but the usual friendly atmosphere does not extend into their shop. [/quote] I dont want to turn this into a north and south thread but as a Londoner I have yet to experience this "friendly northern welcome". I keep on hearing about it but mostly from northerners. I have a good friend who lives in Bolton and I get the usual banter from him about living down south. But, his young lady works in London frequently and I have often pointed out that in a metropolitan city like this you are not judged by your accent or culture. I live in a road of maybe 100 houses and there are in excess of 30 different nationalites and religious faiths but we all bump along nicely. But, when I go to my mate in Bolton and open my mouth in his local corner shop its like a 'western' when the stranger walks in the saloon and the piano stops playing! My brother in law lived in Holmsforth for over 10yrs. He is a librarian and loves the countryside. He was literally hounded out of his home because of small minded idiots. But, back to music shops. I have posted on here about my experiences with music shops and unless you are in the clique, you dont get a great experience. Only 'shopkeepers' are convinced that they are offering a service but I really dont think they know what it is. Basically, why should I pay more for a guitar in a small shop just because the guy smiles at me when he takes my money! How much value can I put on service when 99% of the buying decision is price. Like many people on here I like to browse and see whats what in the market place and I have heard some awful advice offered to newbies or parents buying presents for aspiring musicians. Small shops need the support of the buying public but like I said, its all about the price. My local butcher has the same quality meat as Tesco, but why should I pay more for it there. You cant blame the big box shifters for all this either. I remember being a little tot and shopping with my old mum back in the '60s. She would tell me all the tricks the shop keepers would get up to. Displaying the nice apples and bagging up the manky ones from 'the back'. Weighing up meat covered in fat in the butchers! etc A shops first priority is to make money after all, and that is at the customers expense. The only alternative is to create an association and approach manufactures direct but who will do that! Or, hope that Jesus, in the second comming, opens a music shop specialising in bass guitars

[quote name='daz' timestamp='1354125374' post='1882446'] Not really. Its a STAR caster ie: a word that looks enough like [i]Strato [/i]caster that it might fool a few unwary buyers like mums n dads shopping for little johnny for an Xmas present. "Little Johnny insisted on it being a Fender stratocaster, and here is one much cheaper than the rest. Oh how pleased little johnny will be on Xmas morn, and how clever we are saving many hundreds of pounds" Imagine the the jolly scene. 6AM Xmas day:............ [u]Cast[/u]: Johnny (typical spoiled brat neophye guitard) Mum n Dad (Johnnys parental modules) [u]Scene 1:[/u] [u]Interior[/u]: Johnnys home, living room. Johnny excitedly tears open the guitar shaped box with FENDER printed on it, to reveal..... Johnny: "Its a f***in bass you senile dingbats, and its NOT a stratocaster, cant you f***in read!!!" Parentals: (confused) "but but but the man in the shop said...." Johnny: " I dont give a toss what the man in the shop said" (Smashes bass to matchsticks on the TV, irreparably destroying both) "take it back. I dont want it. Waaaaahh Waaah Waaaah" (much wailing and gnashing of teeth) "I told all my friends to come round this afternoon to see my new Fender guitar. I'll be a laughing stock. You planned all this, you hate me. You have six hours to buy me a real Fender Strat, one with SIX f***ing strings. ARGGGhhh!" (runs up stairs screaming and crying. Door slams then silence..) Parents stare at each other in confusement. Still unable to fathom what could possibly have gone wrong. This awful scene is repeated up and down the land, throughout Christmas morning. [u]Scene 2[/u]: Home of 'the man in the shop' We see the same man in the shop who sold Johnnys parents the offending item. He has obviously done very well for himself this season. Selling many people like Johnnys parents the very same[i] pretender fender[/i]. He sits amid an enourmous pile of money several feet high, and spread right across the carpet. He is naked apart from a gold chain about his scrawny neck, the chain has the letter 'F' on it, the same font as a Fender logo. "ha ha, those poor fools. I'm rich. Rich beyond the dreams of avarice. Richer than Croesus himself" raises glass of champoo to the sky, and announces.. "Thank you Fender, you've done it again" [/quote] So, is the problem that Tesco are trying to con people into buying Fender Starcasters or that Fender make them in the first place?