Len_derby

[quote name='RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE' timestamp='1459353310' post='3015728'] Thanks Len .. I'm being swayed towards the micro cube even more now Just wondering ; if the model I chose has an xlr socket, could this be played through a p a to increase volume ? [/quote] It can indeed, there's a handy XLR socket just for that. But, unfortunately if you do that the combo's own speaker switches off which means you can't use it as a monitor. You can on the cube 100, which has been really useful at times. If you can live with the low volume the micro cube is grand. An inbuilt drum machine and tuner! The effects are a bit cheesy, but aren't they all? 😉

[quote name='RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE' timestamp='1459352452' post='3015709'] Mmm, TBH I prefer the bass micro cube. May end up getting that , and or cube 60xl [/quote] I have a Micro cube and a Bass Cube 100. Both are, for me, great pieces of kit but neither in my experience will be loud enough do anything but a restrained drummer. The micro is a great practice amp and will hold its own with acoustic guitars and cajon. The 100 is great for small gigs but just doesn't go loud enough for anything but quiet drumming. If you were to jam with a drummer I think you'd find it underpowered. It has a small footprint but still weighs about 18kg. My Barefaced Midget and LM3 is even easier to carry and has never been drowned out.

Hi Freddy, I have a Yamaha TRB 5, never played an ibanez. The Yammy is indeed 35". I also use a Warwick Corvette 5 and a MiM Fender Jazz 5, that are both 34". I can honestly say that the extra inch on the Yammy makes no perceptible difference. Someone (Raslee I think) has a Yamaha 5 for sale on the For Sale bit of this forum. I'd buy it if I didn't have one already.

[quote name='bassace' timestamp='1458991448' post='3012633'] I've just pulled off a prestigious gig for one of the bands I'm involved with to play at a country fair in the summer. I won't say where but it's all a bit top drawer. So this morning I told the Mrs that I've got a meeting with the two young events organisers next Tuesday. Her reaction was 'and what will they think when some beat up old geezer turns up?' Got me thinking. [/quote] Firstly, congratulations on getting the gig. If the two organisers know anything about the business they're in they shouldn't bat an eyelid about your age. You should just need to make sure that they're confident that you and your band are competent to deliver.

A lively night with my folk/punk originals band 5 Hills Out at the White Swan in Ashbourne, Derbyshire. The pub was rammed with people starting the long weekend off in style. This was the second well-paying gig in two weeks and we have several more in the diary. This just goes to show that playing original songs can pay off. We do no covers at all. My personal experience on how to make playing originals work is; Have good songs with quality arrangements, Play them well, there's no chance of doing a sloppy cover version while the crowd singalong covers it up, Put on a good show, playing with conviction, If you're genre specific, as we are, make that totally clear on your publicity, Seek out venues that have a reputation for your genre. Happy Easter everybody.

My personal recommendation with your budget is to look seriously at Yamaha. Although I love Fender 4 string basses I've never been impressesd with their 5 strings. Certainly not the ones you'd get for £500. I have a Mexican Fender Jazz 5 as a passive back up, and it's miles behind by Yamaha TRB 5 at a similar 2nd hand price.

I hate this kind of situation. If you have taken on the job of booker it's your reputation that gets damaged when having to cancel or renegotiate with the landlord. It's happened to me before and I wont tolerate it anymore. Assuming you've collected band member's diary details and they've made commitment-type noises. It sounds like you've done that.

[quote name='leschirons' timestamp='1457859685' post='3002310'] This post is obviously by someone bitter and twisted who got asked to play "Hi-ho" at a wedding and has never fully recovered [/quote] No! 😄. Never had to play it, luckily! Mr Beck is, as we know, a stellar guitarist with a distinguished career. But to maybe 95% of people he's a one hit wonder.

Jeff Beck.

On Friday night my folk-punk originals band 5 Hills Out played at Ye Olde Talbot in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. There were a few 'firsts' both in terms of songs and line-up and all in all it went well. Our own Andyjr1515 took a break from making his fantastic basses and guitars and made the 40 mile round trip to see us. What a gent.

[quote name='karlfer' timestamp='1455702999' post='2981527'] I have just received a modern faker from a well known person (as long as you know the page, the secret password and today's fish ). I posted a review on a certain social media page. I will do an edited version of the review on here sometime next week, when I have received my new scratchplate and Rickenbugger (tm Jon Price ) TRC. [/quote] Seen the review and pictures Karl. Looks great. Have you any experience of that gentleman's 5ers?

Thanks for the tips guys. They are such an iconic shape. I think I'm going to have to scratch the itch and buy one sooner or later.

We have a couple of students from Gernany at work, over on an exchange scheme. They have little money and not much free time but they tell me one of the 'must visit' sites for them is Liverpool and specifically the Beatles sites. They are both 22 years old. As far as they are concerned it's one of the top things to see and celebrate in Britain.

Anybody got any experience and advice concerning 5 string bass Fakers? I've played some supposedly high-end 5ers that have had poor b strings and I'd like to know how the Fakers measure up.

[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!