Kevsy71

Hi all, I'm seriously considering committing to my first DB, but before doing so want to make sure I'm within reach of lessons. Any recommendations for a tutor near Tonbridge in Kent, please - ideally within a 30 minute drive? Many thanks! Kev

Thanks in no small part to Tom's advice to ditch tabs and learn music notation, I've just started reading and transcribing too... At least for me starting out, the free "Sibelius First" is doing the trick, along with usage tutorial videos e.g. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrPvjCknrPM . The playback feature really helps learn the acccidentals. Very pleased to be finally learning notation. Seems the best thing about tabs - that they tell you where to put your fingers - is also the worst thing about tabs!

Mike bought a Jazz from me: absolute gent, fast friendly communication, rapid payment, and let me know it arrived safely Thanks Mike, a real pleasure doing business with you! Kev

Here's a clip from last night's pub gig: Bruce Thomas P -> Quilter Bass Block -> One10 + Line out to PA. One10 is nestled in a fireplace! Band is drums, keys, sax, rhythym guitar. Drums are a folding Traps set so quieter than a full set, and we were quiet enough that people could still talk at the bar, but loud enough that we had dancing! :) One10withPA.mp4

@JohnA Tech21 VT bass deluxe is an excellent Ampeg SVT/810 and B-15 simulator - plus you get DI out and an additional uncoloured output. Worth giving a go through your HK active 12".

I use a Barefaced One10 as a monitor and DI into the PA, which works pretty nicely. I've tried the One10 standalone in a couple of pubs and fell back to a trusty 1x15 each time. To be fair we're a noisy bunch (acoustic drums, sax, guitar, keys) - I could see the One10 working in small rooms and quieter bands. Stick it in the corner on the floor for best bass response.

Bass Centre Bruce Thomas Profile - shortly after selling mine to Mr @stewblack (for tax reasons) I missed it terribly, saved and got another. Excellent neck profile (hence the name) between a J and a P, smooth satin back that doesn't get stick, gorgeous darkwood board...and the passive pickup is thunderous! Best bargain, and in fact one of the best basses, I've owned. http://www.basscentre.com/british-bass-masters/bruce-thomas-profile.html

Tech21 VT bass or VT bass deluxe does an SVT emulation that may do the trick - not muddy at all with my P.

To be fair, until we've experienced *all* time it's hard to prove otherwise. Let's discuss over a gargleblaster or 3 at Milliways

I'm very pleased to add to this epic feedback list! Martin drove a fair distance to pick up an Alembic for part trade, we had a great natter with some superb anecdotes from the North West gig scene! An excellent transaction all round, and a top recommendation for Martin from me

All the best!

My lot the Expändables are on last (945pm) at The Bedford Arms, Tunbridge Wells at this gig in aid of of the Jay Harmer foundation. Expect rock, soul, pop, blues covers; but mainly worth it to see how 6 of us squeeze onto the tiny stage....Say hi if you're there!

Make sure you are all going off the same version - there's the '81 original and the re-recorded '86 version for the film. Worth listening to all of Talk Talk Talk (and their debut album) while you're at it, I love 'em

Yes, that approach works well in my experience :). Cab near the wall (and especially corner) will reinforce lows, which may or may not be ideal depending on room size/shape.

Very much agree - never, ever put on a 'I messed up face' when this happens. Almost guaranteed that the audience didn't notice. After gigs we used to apologise to each other for our mistakes, until we realised that the rest of the band hadn't noticed either!

Amen to that. Eddie Mercyx used to say of cycling GAS: "Don't upgrade, go up grades". I suppose the same phrase could apply to bass GAS!

Just double-check that none of the neighbours in earshot wrote any of the songs you're covering. Had a close call when my soul band played Auntie Maureen's garden party in Detroit a while back...