thebigyin

Who cares if you get noticed....i was always told take the Bass away and everyone will notice....to me it's all about supporting your fellow band mates if you want to stand out play another instrument or front the band...i have fronted many local cover bands and it can be a lonely daunting job trying to gee up a crowd that are unresponsive...i enjoyed playing bass and having non of that pressure

My first musical journey was as the Frontman for an Heavy Metal Band lol we gigged on and off for about 6 years i was a very late starter with the Bass about 40ish and I bought a second hand Encore Precision Bass in candy apple red and i stripped all the paint and filler off down to the bare wood and to my suprise it was a 3 piece body but not plywood so i was quite relieved and my first amp was a Carksbro viper 90w combo and I joined a Rock n Roll covers Band after just 6 months then about a year later i joined a pop/rock covers band plus a few others playing blues, folk and a bit of rock always covers but not done much lately because of work commitments but hopefully one day get back playing again

[quote name='mikel' timestamp='1509103705' post='3396627'] The band was in place before the new singer arrived, so the direction was also in place. Could the guy not play the original set list? If not how did he pass the audition? I presume you all have an input into the material so your vote should carry as much weight as anyone else's. If the rest of the band are adamant they want to change direction to the new material, and you are 100% against it, then you have a choice, suck it up or walk. Simple. [/quote] Personally i think the new man should be playing your original set i have over many years joined established bands as either Vocalist or Bassist and wouldn't dream of changing set lists....have an imput eventually but not walk in and expect to change things just my opinion

[quote name='gs_triumph' timestamp='1509104453' post='3396645'] Never played a gig... Not a proper one anyway. Getting closer to it now tho! Same band of school mates that for 20 years has formed and dispersed then reformed and dispersed and... Now finally has the mindset to get some gigs! Watch this space! (All the gear...!!!) [/quote] Good to hear go for it

Not Guilty lol....having played my first proper paid gig in '81 did a few sort of public things prior to that in the late 70's but like I say first proper gig in 81 that band split up in 86....played in another Band that was a bit of a waste of time just a few gigs and members coming and going till about 89/90....then i was on continental shift work and i packed up gigging wasn't worth it with only 1 weekend off in 3....late 90's got the bug again and was working days played regularly in different bands upto end of 2014 but working permanent nights during the week i can't commit to rehearsals during week so haven't played for nearly 3 years now....lost all my confidence and at 56 i don't see any come back and don't have a lot of interest nowadays...Our local gig scene is getting pretty bad these days.

Trujillo's the whole package in my eyes fantastic Bass player and genuinely nice guy....Unfortunately not seen him with Metallica but did see them with both Burton and Newsted in there times....will have to get my tired old wary arse into gear and check them out as he's the best of the 3 in my opinion

Thanks for all your replies fellas i have just purchased a Blackstar Fly Bass amp allows me to connect to a cd player, phone and headphones ect for silent practice cheers Bob

So many great Basslines in the world of Disco

I'll be the first to admit it i can't play Slap Bass to save my life but i have never really been that bothered.

[quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1508414500' post='3392014'] Can't beat the little Roland Bass Cubes. Still got my 10 year old one even though I hardly use it. Can't bring myself to move it on - it sounds brilliant. Or - if you only want headphones and you have a Smart Phone, then something like the Line 6 Sonic Port and the free version of Amplitube. It will access music in your library and let you plan along. [/quote] Thankyou

[quote name='kevvo66' timestamp='1508178935' post='3390315'] Well it's a sad day, but I need to admit it, I ain't feeling the love in fact it's boring me to tears, how hell do I get back on track before i do something stupid like go back to guitar help before it too late! [/quote] Kevo i felt same way to be honest and foolishly traded all my gear in for an Electronic Drum kit initially i thought great new challenge new start but i sat behind my kit one day and thought i miss my Bass So today i have bought back my old Japanese Fender Jazz and also bought a cheapo Vintage Icon Fretless Jazz so hopefully happy days again Just got to try sell or trade my Electronic Drums now...best of luck hope you get sorted....i took a drastic move to make me realise cheers Bob

Hi Folks, Appreciate any help and advice on a decent practice amp for home use in which i can plug in headphones and cd player for silent practice and also play along to songs....at 56 my hearing is pretty much knackered and I find it difficult hearing Bass lines without headphones these days thanks in advance cheers Bob

Firstly i would like to thank everyone who has given me advice and support i am gobsmacked lol I have always been a bit of a poet and lyricist and over the years have written many poems, songs and ditties i find writing very good for me....anything from dark to comical...i play my Acoustic guitar quite a bit and find joy from that..and obviously my Bass But once again thankyou so much for your replies and advice i will keep pluggin away....cheers Bob

[quote name='dmccombe7' timestamp='1498729739' post='3326582'] Do you have any mates that play in a band and maybe go along to some of their rehearsals and just take the reigns on a song for a bit and see if that helps relax you a bit and hopefully ease yourself back into it. I didn't play in bands for approx 20 yrs altho it was down to work. Been back into it since turning 50. Until this band i was usually quite nervous so never give up on "da bass" sir. All else fails you could consider councilling or therapy whatever you prefer to call it. I underwent stress councilling thru work good few yrs ago and its surprising how well it works by just talking to a complete stranger. Pretty sure your GP could help there. Wishing you success rather than best wishes cause i know you'll beat this and get back out there gigging. If you stay anywhere near the Scottish Borders i'd be happy to let you come along to our rehearsals for a wee blast. Its all very relaxed with no pressure and just a great bunch of guys all aged same as you and older. Dave [/quote] Thanks Dave that's really kind of you i have quite a few friends in bands but unfortunately with me working nights during the week they rehearse midweek so a bit stumped thanks for your reply

[quote name='ahpook' timestamp='1498726061' post='3326541'] If the confidence issues are stopping you doing what you want to do then maybe it's time to ask for some help with them ? I've struggled with depression stemming largely from self-esteem and confidence issues and I know how much it can eat away at your enjoyment of playing music. Did you get some help with your depression from a GP ? It might be time to pop back and tell them that you need a bit more help as that bloody black dog's sitting on your bass whenever you want to play it. But think - you get asked to play in bands, so people obviously think you're good enough to rely on - "Yep The Big Yin, he can cover the bass, no worries", so why not try to go with it if you can ? They want you there, after all. Good luck, if there's anything I can do then please PM me Stay frosty [/quote] Yeah i eventually went for help Frosty and was on Citilapram for about 4 years but i managed to wean myself off them on the Doctors advice....they help keeping you chilled but aren't a cure plus they made me feel tired and lethargic and I don't fancy going back there...i still try keeping myself occupied musically at home with my Acoustic guitar and writing lyrics ect but thanks for your reply Cheers Bob

[quote name='T-Bay' timestamp='1498716885' post='3326471'] Do you know anyone you could just hook with and play with in a no pressure environment? Maybe a few practice/ rehearsal/ jam/ call them what suits best sessions will bring the confidence back. Being a relative beginner Who started gigging after two months I have been amazed that punters will miss mistakes. They are very obvious to us but as long as you start together, nail any breaks and stop together they seem happy as long as they know the songs. We are always our own worst critics. Good luck. [/quote] Thanks i have just put an ad on join my band to try and get a Blues covers Band together....no rush just hopefully team up with some guys who have a passion for the Blues...i am 55 now and don't really fancy playing the regular pub covers no more...i have always wanted to play Bass in a Blues Band so fingers crossed i'm not even bothered if it hardly ever gigs but it would be nice thanks for your reply

[quote name='ambient' timestamp='1498667037' post='3326240'] Confidence with your abilities or in general? I had problems with both during uni. I have Aspergers which was the cause. If music is what you enjoy doing, you don't necessarily have to play in a band. Maybe explore writing and recording your own stuff? Alternately advertise and start your own, doesn't need to be a full band to start with, just jam with a guitarist and take it from there. [/quote] Initially i started out in the late 70's as a Vocalist but packed up in the mid 80's because of work commitments and marriage/kids ect....then in 99 i decided to learn Guitar but moved onto Bass was playing in a local Rock n Roll covers Band within 6 months of picking Bass up....played in a Pop/Rock covers Band and Folky Blues Acoustic band and thoroughly enjoyed all....but working permanent nights i found it difficult to commit to anything and suddenly working nights on my own i think the demons set in...hence the depression kicked in and i just lost all my confidence became unreliable...it's a real battle to be honest i just think i'm useless....but saying that i cope and getting slightly better....but unfortunately most jam nights are during the week and i'm in bed at stupid o'clock to do my cleaning job....thanks for your replies

Thanks again some good ideas...actually picked my Bass up for an hour or so this afternoon and just plodded around on some blues and bits cheers Bob

[quote name='Steve Browning' timestamp='1498633291' post='3325938'] I am not familiar with Sin City (more's the pity) but where are you? Could you take yourself to a blues jam or something and ease yourself back into it? They are wonderfully supportive places and you usually play 2 or 3 numbers before the band is changed around again. I'm kind of the opposite in that I only feel like I know what I'm doing when I am playing bass. In every other situation I feel like a fish out of water. [/quote] Grimsby thanks for the reply

Many thanks for the replies guyz....trying to stay positive....Unfortunately I work as a part time cleaner on nights during the week so not able to attend any jam sessions which would probably help me out this rut....my wife keeps telling me not to sell my gear so holding onto it at the moment...thanks again i appreciate your feedback

Having not played in a band for quite some time now i was unfortunately diagnosed with depression about 6 years ago and quit my last Band because of the illness ect....to be honest i never bothered playing either my Bass or Guitar and now suffer with terrible confidence issues where I have become terribly unreliable musically....never bothered me work wise in my job as i have to work But i get offers or reply to band offers and get the highs of the thought of been in a band again but next day i will make up some excuse and pull out it's an awful situation and I often wonder whether i should just sell up altogether....anyone suffer the same plight or any advice...i am 55 now and was always pretty positive but just a musical shambles these days cheers Bob

Knebworth 79.....Led Zeppelin i was very disappointed to be honest....the highlight was Chaz n Dave who opened the event they were great

After years of playing Acoustic Guitar and Bass my finger tips get well hardened especially playing heavy gauge Acoustic strings and the skin often splits but it doesn't bother me....what pisses me off more is breaking finger nails at work because I play mainly fingerstyle guitar

[quote name='jacko' timestamp='1497523426' post='3318822'] This. And Gutter Cat Vs the Jets. First 2 basslines I ever learned. Wore out the original Lp and had to buy a new copy (without panties) after a while. [/quote] Remember the fold up School Desk and the paper panties and the graffiti on the desk top just not the same nowadays....the killer album with the calendar but my favourite and still one of them today is love it to death great memories