Coilte

[quote name='ahpook' timestamp='1472133823' post='3118781'] Good for you mate, sounds like you made the realise that you're serious about it and they know what'll happen if they don't deal with the volume issues. If things don't improve then you know every chance has been offered and you played with a straight bat, as gentlefolk should. [/quote] [quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1472134336' post='3118786'] I think you have done well there, at least they can't say "ohh what's up with him?!" if you do leave in future. Nice one and fingers crossed. [/quote] Thanks lads. I think they finally know that I am absolutely determined to follow through on leaving, if the situation arises.

[quote name='ahpook' timestamp='1472131692' post='3118762'] I wonder how Coilte got on ? It doesn't sound like it was going to be an easy chat to have... [/quote] Thanks for thinking of me. Well...we had a long, amicable, and constructive chat, where I put my point across VERY strongly (as in..."next time (if) it happens. ...no hesitation...no discussion...I'm out"). I think (hope!!) that this time, the message sank in. Perhaps I am being naive here, but I figured it was worth one more throw of the dice. Thanks to all who replied. I really appreciate the input.

Assuming you have sorted out any technical problems regarding the neck, then to answer your original question...two of the lowest tension strings out there are Thomastik flats (mentioned already above) and Thomastik jazz rounds. Both are expensive, but worth the money IMO. Whether or not they are to your taste is a different matter.

[quote name='Mattpt85' timestamp='1472042140' post='3117923'] This does sound like the overall volume is way too loud. I play in a noisy punk covers band with two guitarists churning out open/power chords (one on his bloody lead channel, but that's beside the point) and an 'enthusiastic' drummer. Had various amp/cab combinations but never had volume past halfway [/quote] Thanks for the feedback. It's obvious to me that we are too loud. My volume knob, tells me as much. I just needed some second independent opinions to make sure I was not over reacting. I just need to make a final attempt (trying to catch the wind perhaps !!!) to convince the others of this.

[quote name='ahpook' timestamp='1472039788' post='3117904'] When you bring it up, tell them that it's crunch time, "this is the last time" etc. It's fair to everyone then - if it's still to loud then you leave and they can't say they didn't get fair warning. If they heard you, that is Good luck ! [/quote] Thanks. Yep...that's the general plan. This evening's rehearsal will be the third time I have brought up the subject. If I do walk, they can't say it was a bolt out of the blue, or that they did not get sufficient warning.

[quote name='OddBass65' timestamp='1472035946' post='3117842'] My first suggestion would be get yourself to an ear specialist and have your ears checked out, then see what plugs etc they suggest. Obviously the guitar volume battle is one us bassists seem fated to lose, but perhaps look at where you are on stage - is one of them amps blasting right at you, or snare/cymbals too close or a PA speaker? From bitter experience many years ago, and with about 40% hearing in my right ear as proof, placement can make a big difference. Or taking a baseball bat to the offending guitarists...but that's almost always a last resort. [/quote] That last suggestion sounds good !!!!! I have been to a hearing specialist and it seems my hearing is below average for my age (62). Generally, as with a lot of pub gigs, space is at a minimum and we don't always have the luxury of having our amps placed in the ideal position.

[quote name='bonzodog' timestamp='1472033464' post='3117809'] That sounds way too loud for pubs. Are you sure the audience aren't being loud to compensate for the loud band. .[/quote] No. At the last venue when I was loading in, the volume from the punters was already pretty loud.

[quote name='Muzz' timestamp='1472033109' post='3117794'] I'd echo the advice about better ear protection, you can't really spend enough on that, given that very very very good (moulded) protection comes at the cost of a couple of pedals... It does sound very loud for pubs, tho - the starter volume is usually the drummist: is he a one-trick monster, or can he play with a little more, erm, sublety? If the former, is he miked and going through the PA? That can start a volume war escalation... I find smaller stages mean closer proximity to the drummist and the cymbals, which are the killer for my ears. I've mentioned this before, but I bring an angled amp stand (which I no longer use) which I selflessly offer to the guitard, and use it to make sure his combo/cab is pointing at his head. They're always happy, and never suspect my ulterior motive... [/quote] In fairness, I don't think the drummer is the problem, as he is a comparatively light hitter. As I mentioned above, I dished out a fair amount of money on custom plugs (15's filters) but they did not "do the trick". The problem is the [u]combined[/u] band volume.

[quote name='ashsagar' timestamp='1472032423' post='3117780'] What kind of earplugs are you using? If it's the molded ones are you using the strongest filter? I got mine from specsavers. About £130 and I have the med filters and they are great. best £130 I spent [/quote] A good point. I bought a pair of the molded plugs a few years ago when with another band. The filters are 15's and did not seem strong enough. Unfortunately, these filters are not interchangeable. Recently I have resorted to using wax ear plugs. What would be the strongest filters ? I may have to consider getting another set of plugs.

Just thought I'd seek some feedback and opinions from you lads, before making a definitive decision. I play in a covers band with two guitars and drums. We play small pub gigs. I have a GK MB500 head and GK MB2x12 cab (600 watts/8ohms). The head puts out 350watts @ 8 ohms. I would have thought that this was sufficient for these type of gigs. Invariably I have the volume at almost maximum and it seems to be jus about enough. The other issue (quite apart from the above) is that, even though wearing ear plugs, my ears still feel "a bit tender" the next day. Sometimes the crowd at a venue are loud before we even play a note. The band's volume on top of this, makes for an extra VERY loud gig indeed. I have broached the subject with the lads more than once. They take things on board, but it's soon forgotten about, until I broach it again. They say that we have to play loud to compensate for the loud punters. It seems that I am the only one who is affected in any major way by this extreme (at least it seems that way to me..) volume. The most recent gig, last week, was a "loud punters" one, and I suffered the next day. We have a rehearsal this evening, and I'm going to bring up the subject once again. Then I'll see how it goes. If there are no satisfactory results....then I'm out !! It's the last thing I want to do, but my hearing trumps any band any day.

[quote name='Twincam' timestamp='1471974779' post='3117408'] There's YouTube vids, [/quote] The set back with You Tube as far as a complete beginner is concerned is that there are very few lessons that work chronologically, i.e. start basic and build from there. Most You Tube lessons are "one offs" because nothing comes before or after. A beginner is inclined to pick a clip he likes and then later on, find that he can't go any further, because he has not done the ground work first. You Tube, while it has it's uses, does not give a complete beginner any guidance on where to start or how to progress. It is simply a lottery...jump in anywhere ( a lot of times a beginner will jump in way out of his/her depth) and hope for the best. Not a good way to start IMO. OP for great chronological lessons, go to the study guide here, and start at the beginning. http://www.studybass.com/study-guide/

I agree with ambient about getting a teacher and about never being too old to learn. A teacher will get you off to a good start. Otherwise it is hard for a beginner to know where to start. One thing I'd advise you not to neglect is good (as in [u]safe) [/u] technique. This will enable you to not only play to the best of your potential, but to do so with minimum chances of injury. Here is a link from "Talkbass" with lots of information for beginners. Best of luck with it. https://www.talkbass.com/threads/how-to-get-started.1098564/

As with the recent Jaco thread...some like Wooten, others don't. No big deal.

[quote name='SteveK' timestamp='1471520708' post='3113614'] If you have to pay anyway, why not rehearse without your guitarist? A lot can still be achieved with the absence of a group member. [/quote] Not necessarily so IMO. My idea of a rehearsal is so the [u]whole band[/u] can work on being tight etc, and work out any problems [u]as a unit[/u] It is when we fine tune all we have learned alone at home (or SHOULD have learned..) and see how it works in a band situation. I think it is futile for a bassist to go to a rehearsal if the drummer is not going to show. It is either a "band" or it's not.

[quote name='leroydiamond' timestamp='1471777403' post='3115737'] Will always remember sitting in my local with a couple of friends having a sunday morning beer when Louis and the band were passing through town. They dropped in for some refreshments and just for the hell of it, set up their gear and performed for an incredible 2 hours to an audience of maybe 20 people. Terrific guitarist. Truly one of the best. [/quote] Yes, he was a world class guitarist and played with some of the best jazz artists out there. Though he toured abroad, he was a bit of a "home bird" and preferred to stay in Ireland. This probably resulted in him not getting the world acclaim he deserved.

Another band that has not been mentioned yet is "Scullion" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9i0sNbaWNY

[quote name='TrevorR' timestamp='1471722214' post='3115379'] Some great Irish bands mentioned here but what about Lizzy? And how come no one has mentioned this fella yet? Rory Gallagher [/quote] I assumed we were talking about lesser known (but still amazing..) Irish bands. No doubt Gallagher and Lynott are up there with the best.

[quote name='leroydiamond' timestamp='1471714558' post='3115293'] Sorry to say Louis passed away today R.I.P. [/quote] I had no idea of this. I knew he was unwell. Very sad. Thanks for the heads up.

[quote name='SpondonBassed' timestamp='1471698929' post='3115169'] Granny's Intentions! Wow thanks Coilte. I used to hear a lot about them but never sat and listened. Born in '62 as I was, that's the sort of sound that was subconsciously absorbed by my very young brain. It resonates nicely now. I was lucky to live in a pub for a few years where my parents booked musicians to perform ballads in the bar every Sunday night. Not quite as Blue describes a bar gig but an education for me none the less. I remember a fair few of the showband names too like Big Tom, Philomena Begley, Tom McEvoy, Gina, Dale Haze and The Champions and lots more. In my early working life I'd go to the basement of the Harcourt Hotel in Dublin for some blues with Red Peters or similar. Great times. [/quote] I am a bit older than you (1954). I was a big Red Peters fan. I used to regularly go to see him in the "Meeting Place" on Dorset St. His band(s) were always changing musicians. Most were great. Red, unfortunately, is no longer with us. Another blues band from around that time (and still going strong AFAIK) is "The Business". Yet another rock band was "Alan Dee and the Watchtower". Some more links for ya..!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKopxMhIn-g [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDSw2Sga2ok"]https://www.youtube....h?v=YDSw2Sga2ok[/url] [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6J010a6LAI"]https://www.youtube....h?v=s6J010a6LAI[/url]

Another Irish musical treasure (though mainly only appreciated in jazz circles) is Louis Stewart. He has fronted many bands down the years. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7afinOWjnNg

[quote name='SpondonBassed' timestamp='1471611180' post='3114445'] If you have any of Ozone's recordings hang on to them 'till you get them valued. Vary rare, I believe BTW, you're putting up some rare stuff my friend. Urge sounds like a good band. Seen 'em live then? [/quote] Ozone just brought out (AFAIK) just one LP which (again AFAIK) has been released on CD. I have the original LP. Sentimental value, so I doubt if I'll be selling it. I have seen all these bands live at one time or another. Here is another that springs to mind. Not the eighties though...more like late 60's. [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrKECKDPu1A"]https://www.youtube....h?v=yrKECKDPu1A[/url]

https://rockroots.wordpress.com/2011/10/27/urge/

One more for the road....!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jDJJjkzlZY

[quote name='the boy' timestamp='1471562365' post='3114107'] This is taking me back. Keep em coming. [/quote] Here ya go...!!!! [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YVABGFmlLQ"]https://www.youtube....h?v=2YVABGFmlLQ[/url] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMhWll_mfGk

[quote name='SpondonBassed' timestamp='1471537112' post='3113818'] If that is Noel Kelehan late of RTE then I am sorry to say that he is in full time care but they say "[font=verdana][size=2]He can still play the piano, read music and change key at will.[/size][/font]" I can not say when that was put on the 'net however. [/quote] Yes, it is...unfortunately...[i]the late....[/i] Noel Kelehan. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noel_Kelehan