JapanAxe

[quote name='dlloyd' timestamp='1454676199' post='2971932'] I usually find it quicker to transcribe the tune myself and learn it, rather than trying to learn it from written music or tab. [/quote] [quote name='bassman7755' timestamp='1454676698' post='2971941'] That ties in what I said about learning the tune vs physical movements as working it out yourself means your much more likely to have internalised the actual melody of the bassline. If I were teaching someone I would ban them from using tab or watching youtube vids to learn songs. [/quote] +1 to these comments. When I produce a sheet of notation, I have created visual information to go with the audio information in the recording - that's 2 routes to the brain for learning the [u]music[/u]. Tab is bio-mechanical information, not musical information.

[quote name='keefbaker' timestamp='1454418983' post='2969521'] Do jobs for life even exist any more? [/quote] [quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1454419134' post='2969526'] They do if you work in the public sector... [/quote] Emphatically NO. That was the case say 20 years ago, but not any more. Cuts, redundancies, short-term contracts.

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1454339178' post='2968697'] Programmability and tap tempo are two essential features on any time-based effect. I haven't bothered with any device that doesn't include them since 1990. [/quote] ... and I've never bothered!

[quote name='ped' timestamp='1454276855' post='2968232'] Sorry missed this. It'll work out about £700 I think. [/quote] That strikes me as a bit of a gamble. You'd probably be better off with one you could try before parting with any dosh.

Just spent a great day in the studio recording snippets of 11 songs, to be melded into a monster mega-mix. I'll post a link once the results are uploaded, but for now here's a pic of me laying down tracks with guitarist Ben (and keyboard player Simon):

Non-slip mat.

[quote name='tom1946' timestamp='1454186825' post='2967411'] wow, nearly 6 hours with no views and no replies, [/quote] I'm one of the many people who didn't reply, because (1) I only saw your post just now, and (2) I don't know. No, wait, I have replied. D'oh!

[quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1454181315' post='2967358'] Our setup for tonight's gig - bit bored while waiting to souncheck PA monitors are Turbosound, and subs/boxes on sticks are RCF. Usually sounds fine here. The soundguy is nice enough. It's all about a mutual respect - appreciating what the other needs to get done. I say that now, but will probably post calling him a twat in ten minutes [/quote] What's the venue? Looks like a school hall! (Nothing wrong with that mind, I've played a few.)

[quote name='bubinga5' timestamp='1454166472' post='2967148'] Surely you play what the music needs you to play. [/quote] This. I have owned a 5-er for over 2 years but only had 1 gig where the 5 was the clear choice.

[quote name='No. 8 Wire' timestamp='1454164684' post='2967124'] I took a look at some youtube vids of the Mexican fender factory. There is a massive difference there over the last 15 years. They've gone from using wooden jigs and had tools to mostly cnc and other automated processes. It looked on a par with the heart in the US factory. It must have made a massive difference in quality, I wonder exactly when that change occurred? I also remember what people said about the Japanese and Korean instruments when I was a kid. People recognise the quality of those instruments now. It only takes a few duff products or poor initial production to trash a reputation though. [/quote] About 5 years ago people often bought Gretsch Electromatics with the intention of modding them up to Pro Line specs. Current Electromatics are widely regarded as great guitars in their own right. New prices have crept up, but they are doubtless worth it. Oh for a crystal ball!

Well it was a guitar pedal, but my favourite pedal purchase was an Xotic SL Drive. I use it in SB mode, which mimics the sound of the Marshall Super Bass amp (as used by Mick Ronson). It's a fire-breathing stack in a tiny box As an added bonus, Guitar Guitar had it on 40% discount in limited edition silver panel livery and with a voltage doubler included FOC!

Like beauty, cool is in the eye of the beholder.

It wouldn't be the first time that a new manufacturing facility has upped its game over time. Mexican Fenders and the Gretsch Electromatic range spring to mind.

Get a MIDI controller keyboard (they are usually pretty light) and attach (with Araldite?) it to a piece of hardboard cut to a shape that (1) allows a strap to be fitted, and (2) is suitable for posing. Job done.

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1454081691' post='2966290'] Why the sudden surge of interest in how old everyone is? [/quote] So that the Basschat sponsors can identify those suitable for targeting with pension release scam letters. Possibly.

[quote name='Thor' timestamp='1453993687' post='2965114'] 'ere! I resemble that remark! [/quote] Clearly you don't reside in the teeming metropolis of Swindon. Nice smock btw.

Just got an email from Strings Direct and noticed [url="http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/accessories-c2/stands-and-hangers-c70/single-guitar-stands-c463/athletic-stands-athletic-a-frame-compact-guitar-stand-with-neck-support-git-6u-for-electric-or-acoustic-guitars-p10610?utm_source=NEW-Athletic-Stands&utm_medium=email&utm_term&utm_campaign=%5B2016-01-29%5D+%5B107%5D+%5BNEW%3A-Athletic-Stands%5D"]this[/url], which folds as small as an A-frame but supports the neck:

[quote name='neepheid' timestamp='1454064827' post='2965915'] I use one of these: [url="http://www.herculesstands.co.uk/p/mini-electric-guitar-stand?pp=24"]http://www.herculess...tar-stand?pp=24[/url] Someone will be along shortly to tell you what a bad idea that is and how often your bass will fall over. [/quote] That's a really bad idea. Your bass will fall over if you so much as stare hard at it.

[quote name='grayn' timestamp='1454068970' post='2966009'] It's a real looker. Dread to think how much it'll cost. [/quote] Don't worry, no UK dealers listed in the link!

But it's got a Fender strap an' everything!

I have a pre-relic'd guitar, and a naturally aged bass. I look after them - they travel in a case or gig bag, they sit on a stand on stage - but I am not precious about an extra scratch or bump if it happens.

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1453964711' post='2964655'] I get low output and distortion due to some dodgy patch cables from time to time. So ordered some new cables and one of these last night! [url="https://www.music-group.com/Categories/Behringer/Accessories/Cable-Testers/CT100/p/P0133"]https://www.music-gr...s/CT100/p/P0133[/url] [/quote] I have one of those, incredibly useful.

[quote name='thebassist' timestamp='1454001033' post='2965258'] Oh god, wish I'd never posted this now. [/quote] Pah! It's only just started...

[quote name='GrammeFriday' timestamp='1453930703' post='2964452'] Yes, I did. Saying "I'm not trolling" is no guarantee that you are not trolling. And this is still looking like a troll thread to me. [/quote] Nah, the Blue that we know here on Basschat is no troll.

[quote name='Woodinblack' timestamp='1453850775' post='2963540'] Disappointed - I thought it was some group of Wiltshire separatists when it said 'pro Wiltshire band'! [/quote] There are still villages in Wiltshire where the arrival of a motor car will draw a small crowd of smock-wearing straw-chewing yokels.