Japhet

I'd go Tecamp if you can find one.

I've only used the Mk1 version Al. I like a clean amp and use pedals to create any drive so that I can get the same sound at any volume. The Beta was used as an 'always on' at the start of the signal chain to give a smattering of break up - think Motown. I really like it in that situation but not so much with flats. To my ears it sounded great with my Stingray but the Precision/flats combination did make it sound a bit too muddy. I'm currently experimenting and have a sound I like from an Ampeg Scrambler (always on) at the front end and a One Control Hookers Green further along to boost the drive tone when needed. No doubt the Beta will be back on the board at some point though. To be honest, I don't think I hear half the stuff other people seem to though.

Used to have a guitarist in the band who was a really good player, great bloke, got us gigs, put his money into PA and stuff but the downside was that he was always TOO EFFING LOUD!!!!!!!!!!!!! He'd always say 'It has to be that loud or I can't get my sound' and there was no compromise. Since he's left I don't think the band is better but the overall experience has improved immensely.

I find that the 'best' gigs are the rowdier ones where people have a few and want to dance, sing, jump about etc.. That means that I don't much like taking my best gear out and generally use my perfectly adequate other stuff. Then I find that I don't take the quality stuff to the other gigs because it feels like overkill when there's only a few punters who aren't listening.

If you buy new stuff you'll lose a lot more money when you trade up, if that's your intention. You might want to consider buying higher quality used gear to preserve a bit more second hand value.

Dragonfly is one of my all time favorite songs. So long Danny.

+1 for the Chowny. Cracking pedal.

My Mum was a very good piano player and one of her favorite songs was Mac The Knife - Bobby Darin. I was fascinated by the bass line in that song and still am to this day. Another one that pushed my buttons was Mercy Mercy Me - Marvin Gaye.

I don't suppose anybody gives a coitus.

He's never been one to under-estimate his own importance. 1971 is probably about the time that The Who started to run out of steam and others who had undoubtedly been influenced by them kicked them to the curb and disappeared into the distance.

Not all plain sailing though. I remember when he was jilted.

I've been using a TechSoundsystems (pre Tecamp) 2x12 for a few years now and can't envisage needing or wanting anything else. Primarily, the sound dispersion is great and I can hear what I'm playing. It's a 4Ohm cab and is capable of massive volume. I use a 500 watt amp at around 50% and it's not a quiet band. It's also very light and has a small(ish) footprint.

I'd find that a prohibitively slow method of moving my gear around.

For the money I'd have to say a 197? Rickenbacker 4001. You could drive a bus under the strings and everything still clanked and buzzed. Fret ends were like surgical instruments and it sounded dreadful. Probably around £2000 worth in todays money but played like £40 worth.

Pre Basschat I had 1 bass, 1 amp and a minimal selection of effects for years. Now I have 4 basses, 6 amps and God only knows how many effects pedals and sundry other stuff. I'm not looking for an elusive sound or tone or anything else - I just enjoy mucking about with stuff and usually losing money in the process. No harm done except to my bank balance but life's too short.

OK, I'll do it. Mandatory suggestion of Fender Rumble 500 combo.

That's exactly the conversation you should have with them.

Sabotage your PA and lend it to them.

As a very general rule of thumb I always reckon you need 10x the wattage of a guitar amp in your bass rig. A 30 watt guitar valve amp is a loud piece of kit and a 100 watt guitar amp is way too much for pub gigs unless you can get the sound you want with the volume rolled right back. I'd say a minimum 300 watt bass amp is your starting point but more power gives you more clean headroom. The Rumbles are made for the job.

Bought a pedal from Gary. Top bloke, but you already knew that didn't you?

1) All get there on time and do your bit to get set up. 2) Get a good sound mix with no feedback issues. 3) Play well with everybody on song. 4) Audience have a good time. 5) Bar staff have a good time. 6) Skip the songs in the set I don't like. 7) Pack away and load out with no problems. 8) Get paid as agreed. 9) Get asked back.

This is what immediately sprang to mind

I think the Holy Grail for most musicians is to be able to play what you hear in your head. If you have a fertile imagination so much the better. Joe Satriani can probably do that and Blackmore probably can't. Also to put it into context, I've always thought of Ritchie Blackmore as an obnoxious knob.