Len_derby

Some very wise words here, and I agree with pretty much all of it. My experience is that if any member of the band when offered a gig habitually says along the lines of ' I need to check with the wife/girlfriend/work to see if I can do it' things are going to get strained very quickly.

[quote name='SpaceChick' timestamp='1422826559' post='2677308'] I do get asked out at more gigs than I don't, for some unknown reason as I'm hardly a hottie! It would seem that men find a female bassist quite an alluring concept. I always reply that I am flattered but happily married. [/quote] I was going to make a crude joke about the allure of women with bassplayer's hand strength, but maybe not... Anyway one of the most memorable for me was when a youngish chap came up and said 'my dad would really love your music'. I know he meant well, but it was a bit deflating!

[quote name='darren' timestamp='1422826961' post='2677315'] Great gig on Friday night. Coincided with my 40th birthday. Genuinely wasn't expecting a cake -a very nice surprise. The venue was full and everybody, strangers an all, sang happy birthday to me. Brilliant! [/quote] Brilliant Darren, and a belated happy birthday. Nice to see my old P Bass in joyous action! Careful of those flames though!

1. Si600 - GK MB500 Fusion, GK MB212 (house rig), Fender P V. 2: Roland Rock - Avalon U5, Crown power amp, BF STwin. W&T Ergon and 78P if I get the refin done in time. Some pedals. 3. tauzero - perm a few from Sei Original, Status Series 1, Antoniotsai, Dean 10-string, Warwick Thumb, Mrs Zero. 4. Dread Bass - Lefties - ACG 6 and 7 string Recurve S Types, ACG Krell Fretless If Ready, Alembic Epic, Warwick Fortress, Letts 6. Aguilar rig if needed. 5. seashell - MIM Fender P 6. Prime_BASS - whatever bass is the flavour at the time, ACG 33" graft J type. 7. Len Derby - Yamaha Bex semi acoustic, Roland micocube battery powered practise/busking combo 8. Bottle - Modded Ibanez GSR-180, some pedals, Line-6 Combo and the 1x12 + Amp rack 9. Marillionred - Warwick Streamer $$5, Warwick Dolphin SN5, Letts fretless 5, Michael Kelly Acoustic 5, Warwick LWA1000, Barefaced Big Baby 2 - and some headphones. 10. Jabba_the_gut - some of the stuff below....if it's finished in time.. Updated to add the stuff I'll bring. Sorry the photo thumbnail has gone Jabba.

A great day last year. 1. Si600 - GK MB500 Fusion, GK MB212 (house rig), Fender P V. 2: Roland Rock - Avalon U5, Crown power amp, BF STwin. W&T Ergon and 78P if I get the refin done in time. Some pedals. 3. tauzero - perm a few from Sei Original, Status Series 1, Antoniotsai, Dean 10-string, Warwick Thumb, Mrs Zero. 4. Dread Bass - Lefties - ACG 6 and 7 string Recurve S Types, ACG Krell Fretless If Ready, Alembic Epic, Warwick Fortress, Letts 6. Aguilar rig if needed. 5. seashell - MIM Fender P 6. Prime_BASS - whatever bass is the flavour at the time, ACG 33" graft J type. 7. Len Derby

I agree with Gary's ideas,. In addition you could try some of the moisture trap crystals that are available from Wilkos and Lakeland. The Wilkos ones are called Damp Clear. It removes moisture from the air in a couple of condenstion prone cupboards I have. In my experience there's no need to buy a special container. Best keep it away from children and pets though. Nasty stuff if you get it in your eyes.

In my experience the only song that's a must across all genres and venues is 'Happy Birthday to You'. I reckon I've played it, often at the drop of a hat, at every type of occasion except a wake. There's always a first time for everything though.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1421012088' post='2656239'] I wouldn't quit because of a bad keyboard player - I'd quit because of ANY keyboard player. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure there are great keyboard players out there, but I've not been lucky enough to be in a band with any of 'em. There's nothing worse than a keys player with a heavy left hand, and they all have them. IMHO, the best keys players are those who are not necessarily keys players but add texture and depth in a subtle and creative way. A keys player who is essentially a pianist is a nightmare. He will imagine he is the one everybody's come to see and the rest of the band are just supporting him in concert. They are NOT team players! [/quote] This what I really wanted to say. But I was trying to be diplomatic, not that it's ever got me anywhere.

You've tried to broach the subject but it hasn't worked. It sounds as if he must be at least middle-aged, so what are the chances of him changing now? Unless you really need the money, I'd say go now before you become more bitter. Maybe line another band up before you go.

Cheers to all those that have helped the Daz Kelly Band get past the 100 likes. As far as I know I'm up to date with liking all the pages listed, and have listened to some superb music on the way. Viva Basschat! Neil Fox

[quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1420199644' post='2646566'] Our 500th liker seems to be BCs own Len Derby! Consequently he can expect a UJahm treat in the post! Thanks again everyone for helping us hit the monkey [/quote] Right on time brother, right on time.

I'd agree with the previous post. I have a Yamaha Bex semi and it's only slightly louder when unplugged than a solid. Someone is selling a Vox headphone amp on the miscellaneous page. This might be a good solution if you're not able to practise unplugged. I'm lucky to live in a very quiet house.

[quote name='Dave_the_bass' timestamp='1420124738' post='2645819'] If every member of the bass chat community liked every other members bands would we have the most popular pages on Facebook? If so, would one post by one band cause the entirety of Facebook to crash? [/quote] Worth a try Dave. I've liked your Electric Vipers, I hope to catch you soon as I'm Derby based. I shall be going through the list, in return here's mine. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Daz-Kelly-Band/1378156655741386

Just took delivery of a bridge from Paul. Another perfect transaction from a top Basschatter.

[quote name='steve-bbb' timestamp='1418555500' post='2631074'] shame i didnt realise until packing my gear down that my 115 cab had come unplugged and was only the 410 working all night [/quote] On the other hand if you, and presumably the audience, didn't notice you can save yourself some gear-lugging for the next gig!

I have flats on my American Special Jazz. It gives a nice smooth sound that suits the folk dance band I play with.

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1416140056' post='2607217'] you can get jaded...IME. [/quote] This, for me is an important point. If you're not in a position to be discerning about which gigs you take, in my opinion, you've got to make sure the 'batteries get recharged'. That might be through taking a break, shaking up the set list, changing the gear around etc. What works for me is going to see an act that inspires. A couple of us went to see Ian Siegal and Jimbo Mathus last week and we were buzzing for days about it. I think you've got to go back and dip the bucket in the well now and again.

Contrary to popular belief The Proclaimers insist on motor transport when on tour.

I agree with the suggestions that have been made above. Me, I always look for ways to promote and advertise our music whatever the circumstance. I try to always carry some business cards for the band and also some flyers if we have some for an up and coming gig. As an example, I had an electrician around last year to install some lighting. I chatted to him about music the result is that he now comes to most of our gigs and usually brings some mates. I do three different jobs and have a wide social circle and I do most of my band promotion through personal contact. I've always been happy to talk to strangers, but I know that's not the case for everyone. A lot of musicians, bass players in particular, seem to be sociopaths, which must make promoting what you're doing hard work.

I was in a similar position to you, all be it with less money, and I went for an EUB. The key decider was that I couldn't afford a double bass and a new car too. There are people who seem to manage a DB in the smallest of cars but I usually have to transport some PA and other band members as well as me and my stuff. So, as well as other things, don't forget transportation (and storage) issues.

[quote name='lojo' timestamp='1414674135' post='2592085'] , there was no one in the pub either on a saturday night. [/quote] As a working business model, it looks like the old-style British pub is dead in the water. However, as musicians we don't have to let it drag us down with it. In my experience there are more opportunities to play live than there has ever been. For example private party gigs seem to have greatly increased in the last few years. I've done a few 'unplugged' gigs in suburban back gardens for birthdays and family celebrations. That sort of thing has really grown. I don't think communal music is going to end anytime soon. It's just increasingly going to happen at different places in different ways. We adapt.

Thanks Erik, I'll give the local dealer a try.