Len_derby

Welcome Frankie.

We did a private birthday party last night. A varied selection of music, as requested by the client. Top of the 'must have' list was Stairway to Heaven. It was actually the first time any of us had played it live for real. The evening ended with us jump-starting one of the party guest's cars for them. ('all part of the service madam'). We were encouraged to help ourselves to the curries and beer from a local micro-brewery. A good night all round.

After a great weekend with old friends in Wales I decided to revisit some of my past and aquired a copy of 'In search of space' by Hawkwind. Listening to it an hour ago I was amazed at how much detail I could remember. I know I've not heard it for at least 30 years. But, most disconceringly, I recognised some of my own so-called 'original' basslines. What a band they were. Seeing them as a teenager in the early 70's felt like a real rite of passage. Adjust me. Adjust me. Adjust me.

Welcome Geoff. I too started playing when I was at school in the early 1970's. Good times. Enjoy the forum.

Very interesting. I don't know, but maybe emailing Paul Jones via his BBC page will get results. If he doesn't know it might spark his curiosity.

I was in Winchester last week visiting my daughter and thinking what a dead town it seemed live music-wise. I hope it goes well. Shame it wasn't last week.

Another call for Yamaha here. I've got a BBN4F that's been great value for money. One went for £168 on Ebay last month. It's got a lined fingerboard, but if you don't like them you can always close your eyes.

Congratulations Dave, a happy low-ender! How does the 'B' string compare to the other 4 in terms of volume and tone? I've got my eyes out for a budget 5er and this sounds interesting. I've never played a Peavey instrument but know from experience that their amps and combos are very durable and great value-for-money.

I would aggree with Dingus and bremen. I've had cheap Squier and Yamaha basses and been happy with both. But, as with everything, try before you buy if you can.

[quote name='icastle' timestamp='1360704281' post='1975199'] A [i]squabble of bassists [/i]struck me as a pretty accurate description for some reason... [/quote] Indeed. Two others. A Winge of bassists. A Delusion of bassists.

I've used by Roland 100w Cube as a stage monitor a few times. Works just fine.

[quote name='Toddy' timestamp='1360603658' post='1973182'] Thanks guys,,hospice gag is a classic...[b]err dunno who Kim is tho Len,,think you might have mixed me up with another [/b]player,, regards anyway,, [/quote] Sorry mate... It was my invisible Apache friend, he told me to say it.

That looks a good tour to be on Kim, well done. If you're doing the Hastings date and you get the time I can recommend a look around the Old Town. Fascinating place. The net-drying huts on the beach are unique. Still got that Hartke cab?

In itself it's a good name but, for me, the association with Spinal Tap would be too strong. I'd expect a comedy act, hopefully doing a cover of 'Stonehenge' complete with cardboard megaliths.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1360009302' post='1963564'] That's good to know, but what have you been using them for..? [/quote] I've used them as general-purpose storage and transporting things. They will take a lot of weight used in that manner, for example books or vinyl records. Not as stands, I never thought of that use. I went for the much more expensive snake-oil, aka Gamma Pad

I've used quite a few of these over the years. They sometimes give out at the 'hinge' mechanism on the folding side panels. However, I've got a couple that have been in daily use for about five years. You can't really go wrong at the price.

Welcome Ben. Just a bit down the road from you.

Good Morning Little Schoolgirl. A brilliant riff, but a complete no-no to play live. Particularly as one of my jobs is working in a junior school...

Wait until after the audition before making any decisions. Two drummers to choose from! Lucky you.

[quote name='silddx' timestamp='1359063491' post='1949430'] I don't go to church but how does British church bands' music compare with some of the ultra funky American stuff? [/quote] As alluded to, it's generally 'safe' and middle-of-the-roadish. But, the point of the exercise is to serve and encourage the congregation. If, as I do, you play in a church that has a sizeable proportion of older, conservative people, the music should reflect that (while at the same time gently 'pushing the boundries' ). There are large, succesful churces geared-up for younger people and their music reflects that. I think it's fair to say though, that US-Style funk is thin on the ground. (I'm very happy to be proven wrong though!). As far as I'm concerned, traditional does not have to equal bad, or boring. And, as with any music in any context, if the musicians are not engaging with commitment and enthusiasm to it then it's a broken situation. Once a month we have a real traditional service using the vast organ. But, the thing is, our keyboard player can't play the bass pedals. So, I get the job of playing the bass line. It's great fun. Some of those walking basslines in the old hymns are magnificent. It improves my reading and I can really let rip on the low end.

This whole topic is really only an issue in the world of pop and rock. I wonder what musicians like Howling Wolf, Miles Davis or Charlie Mingus would have made of it. Their responses would probably have been short, pithy and rude.

One name to add to the lists above. Tony Levin. Surely one of the coolest bass players on the planet, well over fifty and head like a billiard ball. There's some good advice been given already and I would echo the losing weight tip. It doesn't look good at any age, and sheding some will guard against back trouble (the musician's curse). It worked for me. Keep on rockin! Len (54)

[quote name='PTB' timestamp='1358805530' post='1945505'] Blues is a broad term so it might be worth trying to narrow down the style of your prospective band. [/quote] This is sensible advice. You've already been given enough listening suggestions to keep you busy 'til the levee breaks.