P-T-P

I thought it was hideous when I saw it early last year but it has grown on me. Don't think he'd have a problem playing the Buzzard, he never had an issue playing Lakland DJ basses on the 2005 tour (or indeed the JO and BG prior to that). He also had a Stryker in the studio when they were recording the last album. My guess is Warwick said "can we build you something" and he told them he wanted a cross between the two. As to the critics of his playing... he's an easy target 'cause some of their biggest hits have featured basslines that were eighth note pumping but he's done plenty of nice bass work if you care to dig a little deeper. It may not be spectacular, mind-blowing bass playing but it does show he's more than a one-trick pony... Mysterious Ways Two Hearts Beat as One Stand Up Comedy I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight Wire Last Night on Earth Lemon New Years Day He plays in a band where the guitarist rarely plays traditional chords or arpeggios and the drummer has a fairly busy, often military style and the singer's often off on one. Someone has to keep it together and he does that really well. The comments from other band members about his playing is a long standing story dating back to when they were kids trying to get the band going. Clayton knew all the muso terms and looked like he knew what he was talking about, had a bass, had an amp so it took them forever to figure out the reason they sounded so crap was the fact that he actually couldn't play a note and had no clue. He (or maybe Bono) described his early playing style as "bluff." I think fair enough if you don't like what he or the band does, find it boring, uninspiring, contrived or whatever, but don't say he can't play, 'cause he can. In fact, much of what he does is actually a really good example of the key roles of a bass player - outline the chord progressions, lock in with the drummer to create a groove, support/compliment the melody. Give me the four notes of With or Without You over a heck of a lot of the bass playing that gets lauded on this site any day of the week.

Bought a vocal effects unit about this time last year, turned out not to be what we wanted so needed to return under Distance Selling Regs 7 day return provision. No problem on that front from their T&C's but couldn't get through to speak to anyone on phone or get a reply via e-mail so to ensure returned within 7 days posted to the only address on the web site (at the time) which, it turns out, was the shop address. Despite including letter detailing reasons for return. item disappeared into the ether at shop and took a week or so to be located and approval of refund agreed. Took several further phone calls and a couple of months before refund was actually processed, despite promises each time. Not that there was any dispute over refund, just never seemed to get done. Would still use again but for me and other band members, they wouldn't be automatic first choice unless great price or availability was in their favour.