2004gdavi

Here's Dave on bass in this photo. The shorter of the group on the left.

Heres a link that helps fill in a bit of the background to the Bass Place in Birmingham. http://www.birminghamroundabout.co.uk/2009/the-redbeards-from-texas/

Thanks. There are a number of session musicians in the band who have a number a worthy credits in their own right. Whilst not quite in Paul's league, I've had some favourable comments about my own playing. The thing that really comes out of this is that as a bass player (and this probably goes for drummers too) you are unlikely to have access to a band with another bass player. The few occasions where it does arise provide a great learning experience. At the very least you can have a look at another bass. In this case a 66 jazz, mmmm nice.

http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/13630155.Stourbridge_blues_band_recreate_iconic_image_as_they_reunite_for_special_gigs/ All being well this should give a link to the latest press release about the gig.

Cheers guys. I think I was able to help Paul remember a couple of the lines as well. What I liked to see was the way he took the basic format of a line, created a groove and then developed it. It's this latter part that really gave the extra sparkle in the performance.

Was absolutely superb.

Yes it's Paul Turner.

[attachment=199450:Screenshot_2015-08-27-00-36-41_1.jpg][attachment=199450:Screenshot_2015-08-27-00-36-41_1.jpg] I've got a reunion gig coming up with a band I used to play with many moons ago. Rehearsals have just started and I've included a picture of the band in action. Unfortunately I'm not playing in this shot but waiting my turn to have a go. Watching the other guy at work was a truly inspiring experience. Seeing him in action close up gave me many new ideas about how to improve my own playing. Now looking forward to the gig itself. Cheers Paul if you get to read this. I hope you other bc'ers out there get the chance to watch quality players at such close quarters.

I've got a reunion gig coming up with a band I used to play with many moons ago. Rehearsals have just started and I've included a picture of the band in action. Unfortunately I'm not playing in this shot but waiting my turn to have a go. Watching the other guy at work was a truly inspiring experience. Seeing him in action close up gave me many new ideas about how to improve my own playing. Now looking forward to the gig itself. Cheers Paul if you get to read this. I hope you other bc'ers out there get the chance to watch quality players at such close quarters.

I m a fan of the Enfield s. I have an Avenger 5.string and would like a Canon if I had the cash. Personally no problems with the neck. I 've always resisted 5 strings but with this bass have been very comfortable. Tonal range is outstanding and pretty much anything you'd want at your fingertips.

Trumpets now sorted. Just need piano. Age range of band is from high school to retirement.

With rock music it's perhaps not so difficult. You are playing three chords to hundreds of people. But with jazz it's hundreds of chords to three people so following a pattern by ear isn't always that easy. Seriously though both reading and playing by ear are useful skills. It's just that some types of music favour one approach over another. It would take a brave person to turn up at an orchestral event and busk Mozart. The only way to completely expand your horizons is do both but if you can't do one it's not the end of the world as there is still plenty of playing to be done.

We are a big band made up of four trumpets, four trombones, five saxophones, four piece rhythm and vocals based in Blackheath (B69 area) who rehearse every Thursday night. We have a regular gig once a month and are available to book for concerts, dances or social events. Recently our regular pianist and two trumpets have left the band and we are looking for permanent replacements. We would also like to hear from players who would be prepared to dep for anyone who can't make a rehearsal or gig as part of our dep list. As a permanent member you'd need to be a good reader and be able to commit to regular rehearsals. You'll also need your own gear and transport. This is a great opportunity to get involved with a band that plays a broad spread of music from 1930's to the present. If you are interested and would like to know more then email me at [email protected]. Look forward to hearing from you.

Special place in Wal history as the JG range was named after him. I'm sure we'll see postings to mark John's passing on the related web sites shortly.

Thanks for the reply. I can give this a go. It's not the fretted version as I prefer fretless. However the fretted version is such a departure from normal convention I'd like to have a go as well.

Hi I have an NS omni bass 4 string, currently with standard tuning of G, D , A and E high to low. It's a 34 inch scale instrument and I understand it can be tuned in fifths in a similar way to a cello. I like the idea of this to get access to higher registers and to use a bow. However I'm uncertain on the strings to use or appropriate tuning. Any ideas?

Welcome to the forum. Enfield - nice basses.

A good point about the set up of the bass. A poorly set up bass can put you off what is a perfectly serviceable bass. This nearly happened to me as my son wanted a squire precision special. Tried one at the local music shop and I didn't know whether to play it or use it for archery practice as the strings were so high and neck needed adjusting. I was sceptical about buying this makes of bass at all but we ended up getting one online and after a little time setting it up it's turned out to be a very good buy. Some of the basses you've posted are of similar ilk and I'd look to second hand ones of these to start with. Living in Birmingham you can go to PMT to try a good range. It's also advice I endorse about getting a P or J bass as they have a wide appeal.

I can see the point about getting lessons and all the tutors I know believe them to be the right way forward. The only thing about this post is that there may be a budget issue. If that's the case I'd go for a bass first with less expensive teaching aids. If budget isn't a problem get the gear and pay for the lessons.