Len_derby

Ah, so you've played the Hairy Dog in Derby! But, to be fair, it's sadly the case in lots of venues. I put it down mainly to 'fashion'

Yes indeed. I shall be taking the beauty along.

Thanks for posting that. I first came across him playing for Man in the mid-seventies. Lovely, fluid basslines under-pinning the long guitar workouts of Micky Jones.

That was the point I was making. There are some excellent bands, some that even make money, that for a variety of reasons don't gig a lot. if you're in one and want to gig more than they do/can joining another band is a solution. Sometimes it's hard to make it work, but I think doing it has made me a better musician.

The bands I play with never seem to gig as much as I want them to either. My solution has been to be in more than one band. If you’re upfront and honest at the outset and prepared to compromise here and there it does work (for me anyway).

Sad news. Ray Charles' version of his Rainy Night in Georgia is one of my all-time favourite recorded songs. We won't even get a radio tribute from Paul Jones either 😥

If you'd taken any photos you'd be posting them I reckon. But, what about having a go at drawing the kind of thing you saw and posting it here? Worth a punt. The only likely one I can think of us Kif Wood Guitars, based in Penzance. He makes some idiosyncratic basses, but maybe not what you'd call contoured. Here's mine.

You answered your own question really. Have a laugh about it and move on. In terms of being able to control what goes up on-line the stable door is off its hinges and the horse is already in a tin of dog meat.

Interesting what you say about Sunday afternoons. The paid, Sunday afternoon pub gig has definitely been growing in my area in the last couple of years.

I've been in a similar position a couple of times; start-up originals bands, reluctant to take that first step. My solution was to go to a local open mic (that accepts full bands and if possible has back line and drum bits) and pop the cherry. I worked my local contact with the organiser of one to get 30 mins. I did this with a band I've since left who have recorded two CDs and play medium sized festivals. They still talk gratefully to me about 'that time you made us play at the open mic when we didn't feel ready' However, if people really haven't got the stomach to play in public......well you know the answer really.

I've tried a few but the one I keep going back to is my Markbass LM3. These things are quite subjective though, so try a few if you can. Where are you based? Us Basscatters are quite a friendly bunch (generally 😉)

A headstock tuner that muted your instrument when you switch it on. The guitarist in one of the bands I play in uses one and between every song it's twang twang hell.

Some interesting insights here. My thoughts are that any bass player who is concerned about being unappreciated, misunderstood or overlooked has possibly chosen the wrong instrument 😊

I shall be following this build with great interest. In an early celebration I've updated my profile picture with the 'original' Swift Lite at a recent outing.

I have two, and I carry them, one in a small sports hold-all and one in a old-school camera bag. I took the dimensions plus a tape measure to a variety of charity shops and bought the bags. They do the job just fine for me. Gary, I'd recommend getting one 👍

Ah yes, the poison from within. I think that at the grassroots pub band level there are too many lack-lustre, mediocre bands who have no chance of attracting new listeners. I've stood supporting too many of them just through loyalty (and played in some to be honest). Also, visual image has always been crucial in rock. For physical and sartorial reasons the majority of pub bands look terrible. About a year ago, whilst at the bar during the break I overheard a youngster, "that guitarist, he looks like the old **** next door to me who cuts the grass when I'm trying to have a lie-in'. A sort of epitaph.

I wouldn't take that as a criticism Blue. Bass playing in a band is one of those things that, when it's done right, the average punter doesn't indentify as a separate thing. Plus, I know Norris. You look a lot scarier 😀😀. In a good, rock way. 😉

Or the members have credentials you know or can check on, if it’s a new band being set up. Regarding the OP, I wouldn’t say playing at open mics makes it a no-no. Hell, I do it myself sometimes 🤗. Maybe it’s the context they’re done in, and if it’s the only place they play at.

Yes.

And I've been drinking really cheap cider from 3ltr plastic bottles! Back on topic, of the mates I played in my first bands with (early 70s) I think I'm the only one who is still actively involved with music. Reading other posts it seems like the drop-off rate is really high.

Having lived in York and still visiting friends there I'd say that by northern standards house prices and rents are high. It's rammed with visitors too.