Len_derby

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1376643378' post='2177167'] That's what happens when you agree to meet strange men off the Internet at motorway services. [/quote] And my wife takes the photos. Sordid. We're just lucky the News of the World is no more. But, on the other hand - they say there's no such thing as bad publicity.

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1376630796' post='2176998'] 17 people have played it. The majority of them for one song. It's being transported in a hard case. I played the bass on Saturday.[b] It works and has character. We should leave it as is.[/b] [/quote] I agree with Tim, but what if we could somehow make money for the cause out of it being 'fixed'???? PS - Both times I used the baton it was the only bass I took with me. I found it perfectly useable. But then again, my standards are low. Just look at the people I've been photographed standing next to...

Welcome Chloe!

playing the banjo

When I was a kid and got my guitars from the Bell's Catalogue I used to dream about one day, having an instrument that came with a hard case. I thought that was the sign of a 'professional'. Once I'd got one it only took one trip to band practice on the bus to realise they weren't the Holy Grail.

[quote name='Josh' timestamp='1376400920' post='2173347'] I'm quite happy with how it sounds so I think I'll leave the pick ups alone, but I've already got some vintage style knobs on the way and I've just had a quote from TheBassDoc on a tort scratch plate I just need to find a good bridge. [/quote] Yeah, the knobs and tort scratch plate will make a nice bass even smarter. I'm genuinely interested to know why you don't think the bridge is good. It may be different on the 5-string but I've found the 4 string bridge perfectly adequate.

[quote name='Josh' timestamp='1376392346' post='2173152'] I'm actually quite surprised with the pick ups, I'm not sure wether they're the same as the pick ups in the CV jazz or if they're Duncan Designed as they have no insignia, but regardless they actually have a very hot output and they sound just as good as the set of Wizard 64's in my Squier/Fender jazz. [/quote] My advice would be to hold fire before you make any changes. I bought a 4-string VMJ a couple of years back, intending to make a few mods. After trying it out a few times I decided to leave it just as it was.

[quote name='bluejay' timestamp='1376391800' post='2173140'] LOL @ Peter! Yes, let's not forget that, while the stars do bring in glamour and recognition and good publicity, there are many not so well known bassists who have taken part in the relay and are no less talented or less deserving of praise than those who've hit the big time. [/quote] You're right Silvia, it's the 'little people' who've achieved the money collected so far. I just hope the 'celebrity' involvement translates into cash.

[quote name='ubassman' timestamp='1376067570' post='2169349'] oops!! ...will just have to pick it back up on its way back up North !! [/quote] I'll take it out for you peter. But why would you want to cover up that lovely head of hair? (not jealous )

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1376054644' post='2169093'] Exactly my point. Just because someone has not sat down and formally studied from books doesn't mean you don't know theory. A five year old child understands the 'theory' or 'rules' (if you like) of English. They've never read a book but they know the alphabet and what words sound like and mean. Theory isn't rules to be followed, it came after the music to explain why what you play works and to enable you to communicate to other musicians more simply. It's not there to tell you what to play. [/quote] Good points. Victor Wooten expands on this (and other ideas) in an entertaining way in his book 'The Music Lesson'. You're right about so called music 'rules'. They were written after the fact, and perhaps should be called music 'explanations'. Anyway....I digress. (that will probably be written on my tombstone)

Baton collected from Peter (Ubassman) at Matlock station car park. The plan is that tomorrow I pass it on to TimR at South Mimms Services on the M25. It was lovely to meet Peter and Mrs Ubassman today for a brief time. I confessed to Peter Id' never even laid a hand on a double bass. He's offered to put that right...

Welcome Trevor.

Welcome Simon.

Welcome Harry, it's always useful to have a doctor in the house.... Give me live music any day too.

Right. The arrangements are that I collect the Relay Bass from Peter (ubassman) on Friday in Matlock and I pass it on to TimR at South Mimms Services, M25 on Saturday morning.

Welcome youngster It's never too late, and we're all of us learners. Just on a different part of the journey maybe... Enjoy the forum Len

[quote name='Coilte' timestamp='1375626155' post='2163565'] I think I am too long in the tooth to give a **** about such trivialities. [/quote] Ditto. Anyone who says that sort of thing isn't really worth your time or respect. I tend to adopt sarcastic indifference when someone tries to pull something like that. 'well, personally I don't like your shirt but I'll just have to try to get over it'

Welcome to the forum. Top marks for carrying your bass on public transport. In that London. It's good to go back to introductions that don't read like something written by Chris Morris.

You may have already considered it, but there will be the twin pleasures of transport and storage. I'm one of an acoustic blues/roots trio and similar to yourself, decided to go down the route of getting our own PA. As a result, at gigs where we use it we no longer fit into one car. This has cost and general hassle implications. Also, who's daft enough to keep it at their house and transport it to-and-fro? Oh yes, of course, that'll be the bass player.

Congratulations! Not a player myself, I'm a banjo man (or Banjoid) for a bit of fun. But we all need a bit of fun in our music. If you've never heard of them, check out The Reentrants for what you can do with a uke' They're friends of mine and their gigs are a real blast. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9qttFMGbfE

Don't forget to factor-in the cost of mics, mic stands, DI-boxes (if required) and the XLR cables. In my experience it's quite easy to spend more on those than for the Mixer/Amp/Speakers. Last tip, go second-hand. If you're prepared to be pragmatic there's loads of bargains to be had.

Welcome Shane.

[quote name='Len_derby' timestamp='1373901841' post='2142881'] Guys and Gals, If the baton is still in Derbyshire by August 9th I'm able to ferry it further south. I've got a weekend down in Kent (Burwash in the Weald area)and I'm happy to take the purple monster down there to pass on to someone else. If it's still with Peter I'll collect if off him beforehand. If it moves on before then, all well and good. [/quote] I'm reposting this one. Any interest?

Guys and Gals, If the baton is still in Derbyshire by August 9th I'm able to ferry it further south. I've got a weekend down in Kent (Burwash in the Weald area)and I'm happy to take the purple monster down there to pass on to someone else. If it's still with Peter I'll collect if off him beforehand. If it moves on before then, all well and good.

[quote name='ubassman' timestamp='1373805467' post='2141756'] Well, we raised a total of £338.96 ( including gift aid ) so really pleased. It was an orchestral concert at Haddon Hall, billed as Proms in the Gardens. The MC announced that normally I play Double Bass but for the next number I would be playing a special bass and introduced the BC Bass Relay. The orchestra played the Theme Tune to Rocky and we raised the money in 3 minutes that it took to play the piece ! Really fun as we used a coal bucket and anyone from the audience who wanted to donate had to rush up and put money in the pot whilst the song was playing ! Got good coverage on the local radio and will be on BBC radio Derby next week and in the papers ...just looking for the next BC'er now to come and take part. Sorry Jim ...looks like you are going to have to reset the target as we have now smashed the £1,000 mark ! [/quote] Excellent Peter. Well done mate.