Len_derby

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1455389738' post='2978755'] I always hear this stuff about not wanting to play to drunken crowd or mob.Is it a cultural thing? I've been playing bars every weekend for years and never run into that problem. [/quote] This is an interesting one. As a bar visitor both sides of the Atlantic (but only as a customer in the USA, not playing) my observation is that generally the American side is less rowdy and less downright rude. There seems to be increasing inability for Brits to hold their drink.

[quote name='chaypup' timestamp='1455045533' post='2975417'] Yep definitely - a well worked set list makes the difference between an ok night and a great one - ask any DJ. Sometimes you have to be flexible too, read the crowd and change things on the fly if need be. [/quote] Agreed. I always insist on one. Apart from noodling between songs there's nothing more unprofessional, to me, than the 'what shall we play next? ' on stage conversation.

[quote name='TheGreek' timestamp='1454712445' post='2972413'] I've just started reading "The Music Lesson" by Victor Wootten for the third time - Re-rereading?? - I'd forgotten how elementary he makes learning to play and how easy it is to relate to what he's saying. Great book - I'd highly recommend it to anybody whether they're a fan of his style of playing or not. I think that there's much to be learned (still) from this book. Anybody else read it? [/quote] I found it a good read and often go back to it. However, I've loaned it to people who found the 'mysterious stranger' structure of the book twee and irritating. As far as I'm aware I've never heard any Victor Wotton or seen his bass face, so you don't have to a fan to enjoy the book.

[quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1454521052' post='2970489'] Can someone please explain to me why anyone would put up a relatively expensive bass for sale (which would attract a commission in the four figure bracket) without making any effort to advertise it anywhere else (as far I can tell). [/quote] I guess it would suit someone who had no knowledge or interest in the bass. Perhaps it was an inheritance. This method outsources the whole transaction. A bit like selling a piece of art through an auction house.

[quote name='Schnozzalee' timestamp='1454246314' post='2967785'] Sounds like a crocodile belching. [/quote] Love it! I'm going to use that. I know it's all personal preference, but I wonder if you've had the chance to try a higher-end instrument? I'd more or less given up on 5ers, for reasons like yours. Then I had a go on a really classy Warwick 5 string at a Bass Bash and then it all made sense. As I, and others, have said earlier you probably need to be more selective and prepared to pay more to get a reasonable 5 stringer.

A new set of strings is more expensive. You usually need to pay more for a decent one compared to a 4 string. In my experience a lot of cheap 5s have horrid B strings with a floppy, undefined sound. Congratulations on the choice of Yamaha. In my opinion you can't make a better choice at their price-points.

Think we need to arrange a meet-up Andy. 😛 Ahem, strap-pegs, cough cough.

Pm'd you buddy.

Great. I'll be there again.

Just received an instrument cable with silent jack plug off Simon. Good, smooth transaction and Simon even braved the post office on Christmas week. Thanks!

Congratulations on a fine sounding year. Fortune favours the bold! I have a Countryman fretted Ukeleke bass. My experience is that the intonation leaves a lot to be desired. With no truss rod or bridge adjustments possible you're pretty much stuck with it. My advice would be hold out for a higher quality instrument.

There are lots of wise comments and bits of advice on this thread. Good 'ol Basschat. However, one of the standout facts for me is that this is a band playing original material. Having done both routes, cover bands and (currently) originals I've found them very different in terms of getting gigs. If the OP was in a covers band personally I'd be very wary of this scenario. My experience of an originals band is that gigs are harder to get, so you have to take them where you can and take more financial risks.

I'll agree with most people who've replied so far and say go for it. Assuming there's maybe four of you in the band. That's a tenner each. Three pints of beer? There might be enough time to get some merchandise made; t-shirts, stickers etc. That way you could get some revenue. The other band sound like good guys and a wise connection. Would you jeopardise working with them again if you turn this one down?

Which OM was it, if you don't mind saying? I think we are fairly close to each other geographically.

I've got a Ritter double bass gig bag. I've been very happy with it and it's also got a decent amount of pocket capacity too.

As someone who has been in a similar situation (having to crawl to the toilet and then hardly able to bear the pain to climb on to it) my advice is to consider the balance of the bass as important as the weight. I've found that if an instrument sits comfortably and well-balanced around my neck discomfort can be avoided, even after a couple of hours standing up. For me, it's a Warwick Corvette.

Bonkers? Maybe. Skilled and talented? Definitely. Keep the info coming Andy. The local forecast is mostly dry for tomorrow.

I love the insight into other people's lives the amateur 'for sale' photo gives. The edge of a slipper, dodgy trainer or bare foot. The dog bowl in the background or children's toys. The hideous soft furnishings, laughable garden 'landscaping', gruesome duvet cover. Bald head reflected in the shiny bits. But cheap jokes aside, who can believe in the 'truth' of a photograph anymore? If ever? I think unless you get to examine something physically you're taking a punt.

A lovely looking bass and a nice story Tommy. Thanks for sharing. It's amazing how a leap into change can kick-start things. After years of being a Fender + Yamaha man I recently took the plunge on my first Warwick. A slightly mistreated 5 sting Corvette, and I'm loving it. Maybe we should suggest enforced bass changes on Basschatters! I reckon it would rekindle a lot of enthusiasm for playing.

[quote name='Shockwave' timestamp='1445936967' post='2895463'] I would never post a bass anymore. Not only have I had more then one bad experience, I also have so little time and resources to actually post an instrument, let alone deal with insurance if something goes wrong. Living in London means that I have a huge amount of potential buyers within my range, so for me it really makes sense to sell locally. I am just more patient about it, I shouldnt be bad mouthed for it (Which I have on here in the past). After all, it is my property and only I can decide how to sell it. [/quote] Fair enough. I can fully appreciate why, for some items, in some locations, 'buyer collects' is the right choice.

I often think, when looking at 'for sale' posts, that the sellers really don't help themselves. ''Prefer not to post' 'Collection only' 'Wil post pictures later' Missing off information that you know will be required, e.g. weight of bass. No location mentioned. Even when it's 'collection only'! Just sloppy, in my opinion. Wouldn't want to risk my time and cash on someone who can't put together a decent advert.

Thought I'd revive this with some news. A drummer friend of mine went to the Jack Bruce memorial concert last night. "Morning all. Fun and drama last night at the Roundhouse Camden. Ginger Baker stormed off early in his second song when the other drummer Franky Tontoh continued to play along in classic Cream tracks! So I only saw the great man briefly :- " PS seen the film and enjoyed it, especially the animated links.

Interesting debate. Is it possible for a band to be considered 'super' when one of the supposedly critical components of the sound is below par? Because if it is, maybe the bass isn't as important as we like to think.