gary mac

After the recent bbc 4 programmes, I've been on a bit of a prog fest. It's just for fun and the challenge, as the band that I'm with will never play this sort of material. So yesterday afternoon I was listening to Argus by Wishbone Ash and you know how it is, I had to pick up the bass and play along. Got my fingers tied in knots during the second half of Sometime world. Have managed to nail some of it, but it's busy and fast and I think I am going to struggle with it. Anyone familiar with it and able to offer some input? Martin Turners bass playing on the whole album is to mind very impressive. This album along with J P Jones, Chris Squire, John Entwistle and Andy Fraser are what made me pick up a bass all those years back, so it would be good to get this one nailed. All the best, Gary

You're right mate, about the former, but don't know about the latter He hardly ever gets a mention.

Good luck mate, hope it goes well.

attachment=17852:yamaha.jpg][attachment=17852:yamaha.jpg] I'm always impressed with Yamaha instruments. I've got a couple of their basses and an acoustic guitar. My BB is I think, an eighties model, with through neck and emg pickup. Haven't played it much over the last year or so, but rehearsed with it just before Christmas. It was a pleasure to play again and sounded great through my shuttle six and mark bass cabs.

Another beaut of a Wal. Nice.

Even after all these years my enthusiasm is greater than my ability and that's just the way I like it. ^_^

Strap locks, a wide padded strap. My youngest bought me a Ukele; just need to find how to tune it and then I can torment all of our visitors.

I recently upgraded a Squier jazz with Wizard pickups, it was a major improvement and money well spent (about £70.00 for the pair). Did the job myself. I managed to balls it up, first attempt, but after seeking advice on here got it sorted. Since carried out a few other moods. It's a great feeling of satisfaction to have completed it sucessfully and not spent out on additional labour costs. Also the best way to get to know the in and outs or the instrument. P.S. It's a good plan to apply screening to the cavities whilst you have it all stripped out. I didn't so will have to remove it all again to do it. Good luck. Gary.

A good set list and one I would enjoy as a player or as part of the audience. Nice. It's also reminded me that I keep meaning to put it to the band i'm in, to learn long train running. Just love that era of doobies music. Cheers, Gary.

Thanks. Cleared it up for me in the usual clear and and easily understood way that is such a joy on this forum. Much appreciated, Gary.

Could do with a bit of help in understanding sus chords. For example: E sus2. What would be the choice of notes other than the obvious root note. Thanks, Gary.

Hope you enjoy. I recently purchased the shuttle 6. Love the fact that its so tiny, although it did seem strange for the first couple of rehearsals, seeing such a small shiney thing sitting there atop the cabs. Not sure I've got the best out of it yet and still missing my sound that I had with the old trace rig, sold to fund the amp purchase, along with mark bass cabs.

I tested out the zoots and mark bass cabs at the Bass Merchant. Preferred the mark bass cabs by a long way, particularly when playing loud. I was impressed with the zoots at lower volume and they are brilliantly light. Mark bass cabs also have the advantage of looking so cool

these days, I would say it's at the height that the majority of players use. Looks dopey slung low on a 50 year old. And at the slappers height, doesn't look cool with my numerous chins resting on the top horn

Just downloading it now and will have a listen later. Thanks for that Craig. All the best Gary

There I was sitting about feeling a bit glum this morning, when I decided to have a search throught the dustier end of our CD cupboard. I dusted down Fragile by Yes and put it on. Within a few minutes I had to grab the bass and attempt to play along. I was ok with some of it, but some of it, omg, fingers in knots and my head all mushy Heart of the Sunrise and Long Distance Runaround in particular. So, like I said: inspired or depressed? I don't know. Back to Mustang Sally tonight

I've used Fender strings for years, not necessarily due to prefering them, but I had a friend in the trade who always gave me a few sets whenever we got together. Lost touch in recent years and have now used up all my supplies. I recently purchased a couple of sets of rotosounds and have to say I'm not hugely impressed. I feel that they sound a bit too twangy when first fitted. sound ok once settled in and played for a couple of rehearsals and then very quickly sound dull, especially after a gig. This may be down to my sweaty mits, although I always take care to regularly wipe down the strings. The fender strings didn't seem as harsh on the fingers and sounded zingier for longer. Sorry, not a very technical reply, but I'm sure someone else will be along with a more detailed explanation. Cheers, Gary.

I was recently in the same predicament as you. Loved my Trace rig, which consisted of 2 x 10" cab and 300 watt 1 x 15" combo. but every time I gigged with it I would spend the next few days in serious pain and with a hot water bottle strapped to my lower back. After a visit to the Bass Merchant to try out some light weight alternatives I ended up with a Genz Benz shuttle 6 and two Mark Bass cabs. No more back problems. Plenty of volume, but I have to say that I did prefer the sound of my Trace. Having said that though, I have only gigged the new rig twice to date, so maybe I just haven't quite got it right yet.

It's not worth replying to them, cos they only ever listen to themselves anyway

On a couple of occassions, usually on miserable wet, winter days I've approached my Wal bass with a pair of pliers. Fortunately I then come over all shakey and back off to think about it. Roll on summer, I can go fishing and leave the old wal in peace.

[attachment=16403:musical_...ents_052.jpg]Here's my recent purchase. Loving the lightweightiness of it all, but not convinced that I like the sound as much as my old Trace kit, that I had to sell to fund it.

thanks chaps, will check out the options suggested. All the best, Gary.

Hopefully someone can help with this. I'm mostly rehearsing and gigging with my jazz at the moment and although I have a number of stands none of them are quite right for the offset body shape. They hold it to a fashion, but it's far from perfect. Any recommendations please. Cheers, Gary.

I used my VMJ for saturdays nights gig and couldn't fault it. Actually the sound it produced suited the band situation better than my deluxe MIA precision, that I used on Friday night.