thumperbob 2002

Wow- how responsible- the only time i fill out a form at a venue is for the internal revenue service ( taxman ) signed Mickey Mouse

[quote name='Jamesemt' post='657129' date='Nov 17 2009, 03:55 PM']There's a few of us, I just can't remember names!! I'm in Ignition - only just started playing pubs and clubs so you probably haven't heard of us. What band are you in?[/quote] I`m in Soul patrol- we play at the Weir in Hessle and on the first Thursday of the month and fusion Bar in Beverley on the last Friday. We dont play much either- by choice. Polar Bear on Friday- first time there in about 20 years!! Come down if you fancy it and say Hi. www.soulpatrol.org.uk Bob

I think we all make snap judgements about people- its in our genes. When we auditioned a drummer for the band I`m in this young kid walked in with his trousers ( literally ) round his ankles- I had never seen this "fashion" before and he looked as though he was`nt bothered- did`nt really know the songs either. Anyhow we gave him the benefit of the doubt and he has fit in really well- for the first gig he had the set off pat- is a really hardworker and loves gigging. He was only standoffish because he is a bit shy. I say give people a chance- they will either step up or quit. Bob

[quote name='Pete Academy' post='657380' date='Nov 17 2009, 07:17 PM']I don't read music. However, I've always wondered how you can write a piece of music and inform the reader that it grooves. For instance, if you've been in a situation where you have to sight-read a piece of music and you never heard it before, as it's an original piece, how do you know where to make it groove? Is it just instinctive?[/quote] Now thats a question!! Andrew Gouche says you cant write this sort of thing down- no doubt there are some expert readers here- (I`m not one ) - that will disagree. Marcus Miller said he was paid so much because he could sight read a new piece of music and it sounded like he had played it for years. Then again what is Groove- does it exist? Can it be described on paper? probably- but by a better player ( reader ) than me. Bob

Sorry pal I`m playing a gig that night.Didnt know there was anyone else from Hull- what band are you in? Bob

I`ve been playing for 30yrs + and have dealt with all kinds of pond life in that time. I refuse to do it now though and do make my opinions felt in a fairly cold but honest way. Otherwise there will be trouble........................... Can be frustrating though- after a little time off I was asked to join a gospel choir- the choir were fantastic- would make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up- had tv engagements, radio work etc. The problem was the band-- The Guitarist couldnt play The Drummer couldnt play The Sax player played too much- but never the same thing twice. The Keys player had to be seen to be believed- I have never seen anyone that could play every single note on his intrument in EVERY song! I let it go thinking they were finding their feet- later found out that they had been together for two years- I left at that time, having done about 5 gigs in a couple of months. They had some babes in the choir though! Bob

[quote name='fatback' post='651383' date='Nov 11 2009, 10:08 AM']Less is more? And less can be melodic, lyrical, startling and ultra effective. Goes for all instruments, not just bass. fatback[/quote] definitely right- i love simple bass lines and try not to be too bored playing them- Jameson could do both massively complicated and very simple- sometimes in the same song so anything works as long as it fits the song bob

see below for my rigs Practicing tonite with the 1212L and LM11 Bob

[quote name='Geek99' post='650593' date='Nov 10 2009, 01:21 PM']Speaking as someone who has just had major hand surgery for rsi, I would say its not something you should ignore or selftreat. I'd get two opinions, if it were me.[/quote] +1 and I would lower the bass- your wrist needs to be straight- or as straight as you can manage- always seems strange when someone picks up their shoulder- a bit like quasimodo- so lowering the bass I`m sure will put less strain on the wrist. Worked for me - see the dos though Bob

Yeah great post by Bilbo Saw a function band at a ball I was at on Sat night. Really proficient bass player but I guess was really bored as was slapping on the most basic tracks- added nothing. However when he started to sight read on Walking on Sunshine I was a little confused to say the least. Bob

I use my amps flat with just a little EQ on my Warwick- I do agree actives can be too powerful so you need to know what you are doing- it takes years really. Played mainly passives for years and no doubt these will improve the tone of your fingers- using actives EQ to compensate does not work. Dont forget all basses are different and like Marcus Miller says- you have lots of options open to you with 4 strings and two pickups- I play a 5 Bob

30 mins a day of challenging stuff- whether a new technique or brushing up you r reading skills- try not to practice things that you can do easily- transcribe records you like but cant play

I have a 1212L and a 1515L- no issues at all initially but just recently there is a buzz coming from the tweeter on the 1212L- checked wiring- all OK- is intermittent and goes when I switch the tweeter off. Contacted Shaun at SHX where I purchsed it and he said they are looking at another which has the same problem- thinks its the tweeter switch or crossover. He said he would get back to me by the end of the week so we`ll see. Paid about £1200 for both cabs and they sound immense!! Shaun seems a very nice chap and I`m sure he`ll sort it. Will keep the forum posted on this. Other than that I`m delighted with the cabs- massive sound, lovely warm tone and I can carry both in one trip. Bob

1987- Manchester international II- supporting Zoot and the Roots- the best gig I have ever played/ attended. Proper sweat coming down the walls type gig. Packed does not describe it. It all went wrong later when filthy lucre rose its ugly head!! Bob

I`ve done loads of charity do`s in the past and believe me it is always best to go on first- the times I`ve been sat in the dressing room just kicking my heels for nothing are too numerous to mention so I think you did what was asked of you- other than the verbal confrontations that is. Its amazing how after a few gigs- and depending upon the money for your living you start to have a real disdain for the audience- well I did. Funny that. Now I love gigging now I dont depend upon it. Bob

really fancy a skjold david dyson signature- but the problem is I would sound like me and not him! i`l stick with my warwick and just try to do a good imitation of him- and fail. bob

I`m a bit short sighted and ( like John Lennon ) take off my glasses and hey presto the audience turns to a blur- job done!! Really helps in a little venue. Bob

Been playing bass for over 30 years- since was 15- always played at least four times per week- mostly in cover bands though was with a couple of signed bands- never really got anywhere. Had a period ( 4 years ) with one tribute band where we played almost every night- toured UK, Germany, did cruises- bahamas- Israel etc. Really not a great life once you have been doing it for years. Being in others pockets can be difficult- esp 7 in a van for hours at a time. Am really happy now playing 4-5 times per month. Have my own business so no real financial pressures. I have had some years without playing a note- really because for a period I played too much and got burnt out. Now really enjoying it again. Good luck to anyone trying to go pro- my advice is to practice- get yourself about a bit and stay nice. Stay off the booze too. Bob

[quote name='bubinga5' post='634091' date='Oct 23 2009, 01:15 AM']Blimey that was good....forget your Saadiq....he really is so talented this guy..[/quote] What a terrific keys player he is...............got all his albums.............there is a clip on youtube with Pino Palladino playing live- think its on the arsenio hall show- amazing laid back bass. Bob

Yeah Most "normal" venues it is 70% visual and the music comes a distant second. Just the way is is- but should not be. I always look pissed off- but in reality I am loving it- however I hide behind the brass section! Bob

Absolutely terrific- wish I could play like that but I`m too old school- or too old. Bob

yeah I would leave the amp flat and concentrate on the bass and fingers- by far the two most important factors- find out exactly what the individual pickups sound like- different plucking location- bridge- neck- you should really only touch the volume knob- though you may need to tweak slightly depending upon the room - but only small adjustments- takes months to really find out what a bass wil do / sounds like. Always viewed the amp as a tool used to simply amplify the bass signal. Do not try to boost either the bass or treble frequencies- concentrate on the mid range. Bob

[quote name='Monz' post='620452' date='Oct 8 2009, 12:21 PM']I have played through ultra-light medium weight and heavy cabs, in my experience the heavier quality made cabs * give the best sound and everything else seems to be a trade off for weight they all perform ok but when you get to LOUD levels the lightweights seem to loose the ability to punch the sound forward and in the case of the ultra lightweights seem to vibrate rather violently * I know there are heavyweight sh*te cabs too[/quote] My old Marshall 4 x 12 vbc cab sounded awesome and loud but the weight of the thing was a major disadvantage. My Schroeder 1212L and 1515L together are a lot less weight than the Marshall but about ten times the price- you pay for quality sound and portability! I too have played through some pretty crappy heavy cabs and much prefer new technology. bob

[quote name='Born 2B Mild' post='620338' date='Oct 8 2009, 10:39 AM']The 1515L sounds intriguing. Do let me know if you're gigging around the Leeds/Harrogate way...I'd love to try a bit of weightlifting![/quote] Will do though most of our gigs are fairly local- or private functions-such as the parsonage in Escrick. If you have lifted a 1212L - take away what the horn weighs- thats the 1515L. Bob