solo4652

He's a nice guy, actually, and I get on well with him. Part of the problem may be that he's trying to keep the band's two sub-camps happy - there's the loud 'n' blokey rockers, and there's the groove-oriented soul funksters, which is where I am.

Quick update: Quietly and carefully, behind the scenes, I've put the main points from this message thread to the band leader, including Mike257's kind offer of advice. Not a word back yet. We're gigging 7th and 13th April. I'll watch what happens - see what changes, if any are made - and then take a view on the situation. You can lead a horse to water, but.....

That's very generous Mike. Thank you. I'll choose my moment with him and put your kind offer to him in as unthreatening way I can muster. See what he says. Steve PM'd you regarding your offer.

Well - it's a pretty consistent picture that's emerging from you guys. Thanks to everybody for your advice. I've sent most responses (carefully edited) to band leader, saying that since I don't know much about PA systems, I asked "some experienced musos" for their independent advice. We're gigging the next two weekends and band leader has said that we won't be changing the set up, but that we'll have a pow-wow after that.

Slightly edited response from band leader just now: "What we are doing is using the rear PA to be electronic drum amp, acoustic guitar amp ,electric guitar amp ,keyboard amp for (the guitar) synth ,keyboard amp for (singer's) keyboard plus some vocal bleed to keep us in place in a song .It`s being five amps .... effectively . The front PA is vocals and some keyboard and is linked to monitors which share the same feed and balance, as the desk does not have enough monitor sends to split any more . I don’t think the overall volume is that bad I just think you are standing with your ears about 9 inches from the top box which is dominating all you hear ."

Our band leader is English, recently returned from living in France for 15 years.

Thanks BB. I've just ordered the Alpines - should have them for this weekend's gig.

Yes, I think that's part of it. Band leader is very experienced - used to run a pro level function band in France for 10 years. That's experience I don't have, so I'm gathering information before having a serious moan.

The PA system is brand new. I don't know the brand or details but, knowing our band leader, it won't be rubbish. My rig is Hartke LH 500 through a 210 cabinet rated at 700 Watts, placed behind me. Last night I was approaching max volume on the head and bass. Ringing in ears this morning. I've emailed band leader this morning to ask why we need 4 speakers, including a 15" subwoofer at stage rear. I've asked if we can just use the front speakers from now on. We already have stage monitors. I've asked before and nothing's changed. Off to Decathlon now to buy some ear plugs designed for use by clay-pigeon shooters. Shouldn't be necessary, in my opinion.

I play in a pretty decent pub 'n' party band. Pop, soft-rock, soul, funk stuff. 5-piece line-up; lead guitar, lead singer + keys, electronic drums, rhythm guitarist/guitar synth, both guitarists on BV's, myself on bass. Band leader insists on using 4 PA speakers - two at stage rear on stands, two out front on stands. Fronts carry mostly vocals and keys. Rears (including huge subwoofer) carry drums, rhythm guitar + guitar synth. Myself and lead guitar don't go through PA - we use our own backline. I tried going through the PA recently, primarily to reduce the amount of stuff on stage, but I just seemed to constantly clash with the bass drum, resulting in mush. Inevitably, I usually end up standing right in front of one of the rear PA speakers, and I can't hear myself think. I've repeatedly asked for the volume to be turned down, but to no avail. I'm now having to use ear plugs which I don't really want to do. I don't profess to know a great deal about PA systems, so could somebody help me to understand why we need 4 speakers, please? The two speakers at the rear of the stage really ramp up the on-stage volume to (for me,) unacceptable levels. I've played in many pub covers bands, and this is the first one that uses 4 PA speakers. Steve

Back in December I posted a wanted ad for a 2U rack bag for my Hartke LH500. I think somebody contacted me saying that had one, but I can't find their message. Can you please PM me if it was you. Thanks, Steve

Well, I've had a pretty good look, but I haven't found anything yet. Have I missed something obvious?

Both...

My own cat doesn't seem too interested in it, but I take your point! Maybe I'll leave the shed door slightly ajar so no animals can get in.

Right then -full-on attack. Unscrewed the top plate and gently hoovered everything I dared. Wiped as much as I could with some pet odour-eliminator spray I had. Whole lot is in the shed with the door open to get some fresh air circulating round it. I'll put it all back together this afternoon and see (smell) what we've got. Let's hope it doesn't end up smelling like my hoover, or my shed. Rock and roll, eh!?

On a serious note just for a moment, how careful must I be if I hoover inside the thing? Don't want to damage anything. I'll use a soft brush and go gently. Anything else I should be aware of?

External hoovering only. If I open the amp up and start messing with it, I'll end up with a dog's dinner...

Ha! made me giggle, that!

I bought a used LH500 off Gumtree. It's 5 years old, but the original owner says he's hardly used it. It certainly looks mint. It sounds great - just as I was hoping, and all the knobs and switches work properly. But - it smells. Like a dog. The smell seems to be coming from the right-hand side front and rear vents, as opposed to the middle back vent. I've washed out the foam filter and hoovered everywhere I can, which isn't that much. What do we think, team? Is this simply dust which will dissipate with use, or is it a sign of something more sinister like a failing valve?

Kev, I'm in Stockport area - Marple, to be precise.

Just a thought. I bought the Harley Benton shorty as a "throw away" introduction to short scale. I replaced the pickups and wiring loom. Overall cost was under £100. It sounds unbelievably good for that money. It's my back up to my Mustang, but I choose to use the HBS for some Motown and reggae numbers because of its P-like tone. It was a very wise buy. Could be worth considering, Kev?

I went short scale 18 months ago because of neck and arm problems. I have 3 short scale (30") basses, and they have noticeably different playing characteristics. This is mainly because of the position of the neck relative to the body. See Photos. In photo 1, left to right, Lakland hollowbody short scale, Fender MIJ Mustang, Harley Benton Shorty. Notice the different bridge positions relative to the end of the body for each bass. The Lakland's neck projects quite a lot further to my left when I'm playing. It feels much more like a 34" scale bass as a result. The Mustang has a thin, skinny neck which brings my left hand closer in. The HBS brings my left hand even closer in, plus it has a small body, making it feel quite dinky relative to the other two. Howeber, it has the widest neck. See relative nut positions in side-on photos, and see how much "longer" the Lakland neck is. Kev - don't know where you're based, but you're welcome to pop round anytime to try these basses out for size.

https://www.gumtree.com/p/guitar-bass-amplifiers/olp-ernie-ball-musicman-stingray-teal-manchester/1275069418

Here you go. Really easy waist strap/gut support to take the weight off your neck and shoulder.