Len_derby

From my experience in the midlands, three factors have made a smaller band-size attractive. Frozen or reduced fees paid to performers. Increased car parking restrictions and congestion charges. The rise of the micro-pub and cafe bar, which usually have very little space for a band.

I’ve bought a few basses blind over the years. Almost every time it’s worked out fine. I’ve used the old gamblers adage - don’t bet more than you’re prepared lose. Meaning, I’ve bought blind for cheaper instruments but wouldn’t do it for anything expensive.

Congratulations on a successful op and becoming pain-free. I hope you can find the right situations to continue playing music. I still enjoy playing that mandolin I bought off you a few years ago. All the best.

All the best for whatever you do Dave. Please stick around on Basschat.

My advice would be to not invest too much time in learning a particular arrangement until you know how the rest of the band play it. Of course, you may know that already. Several times I’ve learned the bass line for a song only to have to change it because it doesn’t work with how the band play it. For example, drummer can’t or won’t play it as recorded or guitarist plays ‘different’ chords.

Two of the local pubs where my covers band play cancelled all their music events in January, one of which was ours. That said, my acoustic trio have played one cafe and a micro-pub this month. From my experience, it’s the bigger pub and full band sector that is struggling. As a slight aside, I took a first trip down to The Mini Monocle bar in Loughborough this week. It was their regular open-mic and very lively and busy on a late January Wednesday night. So, there is an appetite for live music and people are prepared to go and hear it.

Nice one, thanks. I’m using one Thomann’s own Beatbass bags. Does the job, but a bit cheap n’ cheerful. The one external pocket is a bit too small, also.

That’s one hell of a carpet. Probably got a preservation order.

Thanks Doug, that’s good to hear 👍

I like the look of these and hope to try one when I get the chance. But, merely on the looks, I’m wondering if it suffers from head-dive? I’ll be happy if I’m wrong.

That’s a pain. Is there any chance of reaming through the hole on the machine head to increase its diameter? A maker or repairer of jewellery may have a drill bit of the correct size.

Ideally, yes I’d take a backup but I don’t have room in the car anymore. Our singer, who also owns the PA and lights, has stopped driving because of a chronic eyesight problem. Because we live close I take the two of us plus gear in my Hyundai i10. It’s been been a good car but at 11 years old I’m hoping to upgrade it, size-wise, in the next year. I’m thinking of a Skoda Yeti, or similar. Because of only taking one bass, I take a passive one and check it over before a gig.

I feel your pain @Dom in Dorset. Situations like this make me grateful that, somehow, I managed to raise smart kids who’ll come and dig me out.

Tonight, but an early evening slot of 6.30 to 8.30, the first proper paid gig for my acoustic project called The Desperate Cowboys. A good Friday night after-work crowd singing along to our covers. Taylor Mini Bass through a Trace Elliott Elf and Barefaced one-10. Now that we know we have a working set of around 30 songs we’ll be striking out into the local micro-pubs and cafes in the new year. That’s where the action seems to be now.

A 4 string, short scale with a maple neck is on my list for next year. I’d like to try a used JMJ Mustang at some point, but not while owners are asking 70%+ of the price of a new one!

Sent you a PM.

I’ve just sold a gig bag to Tim. Everything just dandy and he even paid me before I’d parcelled it up! One of Basschat’s top guys to deal with.

Beat me to it. This is the best advice I can give. Especially as you’ve decided to learn an instrument that is mostly an accompanist. Doesn’t have to be a ‘band’ as such. Just other people playing and/or singing.

It’s lovely, thanks Pete. As you say, really well suited to that kind of gig. Nice to play, light and easily transportable. Ideally, given the option, I’d play it through my Trace Elliott Elf and BF One 10, but it’s fine straight through the PA. Since that fateful meeting in Goole my gigs have been 50% Taylor Mini Bass and 50% Mustang.

We were concerned that the buffet might be all gone before we got to it. 😂

Last night was a fun outing for my acoustic project, The Desperate Cowboys. We’ve managed to recruit a third member, Hugh The Welshman, on harmonica and it was his first live outing with us. Can you spot the clue that it was a birthday party?

Just sold a set of strings to Micheal. All good. Deal with him in confidence.