thumperbob 2002

My band are so busy I have another bass player depping- he does about 3 gigs per month- I do the other 3. All function work- couple of residencies too. Time to cater for what the audience want? ( within what is reasonable- as in- songs all the band like and are funky )

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1337162810' post='1656329'] I've had tinnitus for a while now. In fact, I've probably had it far longer than I realise, because I didn't get it from music ... I got it from spending far too much time riding very loud motorbikes (Buells with Vance & Hines or Screaming Eagles pipes, KTMs fitted with Akropovic systems, etc.). It was only getting back into music that led to me realising how much damage I'd done. I now routinely wear ER15s when playing or ER25s at other people's gigs, and that's stopping the damage getting any (much?) worse, but as I understand it I have little chance of getting rid of it. On a side note, I have a full medical every year, including a proper hearing test. My hearing is near perfect, the only issue being a dip in the right ear's sensitivity at one frequency, which was apparently caused by being in the shooting team at school - in those days, ear defenders were for wimps. Allegedly. So tinnitus doesn't necessarily degrade your hearing, it can just irritate the hell out of you instead. [/quote] I too ride loud bikes but its not the pipe that does it- it is wind noise- I always wear earplugs on my bikes. I have had the odd occasion on a gig where afterwards I would have ringing in my ears. Never wear earplugs for a gig, but always try to get the band to play in a controlled manner ( eg For F*%ks sake turn it down!! )- luckily no loud geeetars in the band.

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1345014450' post='1772235'] Getting gigs is easy if your band is any good. I'd say the hardest thing is to get all the band members to pull in roughly the same direction. [/quote] This most definitely.

I thought getting rid of the bass solo in that one kept the audience interested and was the right thing to do. Entwistle used to change it all the time ( boredom I suppose ) Can you imagine a cover band doing that- to cater to their audience.

[quote name='Grant' timestamp='1344872761' post='1770439'] We've been there. But it takes more than you've mentioned. You have to be a certain type of individual to have the confidence to front a band. If it was just about technique and being able to hold a tune then I'm sure a lot more musicians would be doing it. I get your point though. Although i disagree with your idea that this is "another pointless thread". It's neither "pointless" or "another". It's mine. [/quote] Anyone can front a band- all it takes ( at the start ) is a person who is comfortable being out of their comfort zone. Very easy to get into. I used to front a band or two, whilst playing bass simply because the singer we had wouldnt do anything interesting, and also kept losing their voices on the day of a gig. Its just practice, like anything. Would never class myself as a real singer though. They are a different breed.

Yep- the most common problem with live bass sound. Best thing to do is have a pair of Subs- or one is better than none. However on a wedding gig, in a small venue this should not be a problem- have a discussion with your bandmates and agree to turn down a little. Then enhance the lower mids- 250 boosted and turn up a little. A bass amp of 300w should be able to deal with 100 punters- no problem. You will find that once you get a few bodies in- these people will effectively act as a buffer and will help the bass no end. If only a few punters- very difficult in a bad room. If your sound is at all scooped- you have had it. Boosting the mids on stage will sound a little strange at first but it is always better to be heard.

Send it back. Unless you are driving it too much.

In my opinion most amps can sound much like another, if you know what you are doing. The main thing for me is the features, reliability and weight. I have had them all - would I swap my ( very cheap ) pf500 or mark bass lm 2 fir my old ampeg v4' fender bass man, Marshall Vba 400. Probably not. At the moment we are in bass player heaven with so many great, affordable products on the market. Just try some that you like.

Not many people are tone deaf. Can he tell the difference between a barking dog or a twittering bird? If not it can be worked on. Tell him to try earplugs - bit like putting your fingers in your ears. In my experience ts really about monitoring. If not, just practice. It's true there is a massive difference between good and bad singers but I think anyone who wants to put a bit of time in can become ok.

Thanks Pal. Much appreciated