Len_derby

Welcome Woodie. That's a very nice list of gear. Looks like the horticulture business is a lucrative one! Have fun, Len.

[quote name='Valhalalf' timestamp='1332794120' post='1593306'] I like the look of the bex, very pretty, and a bit of googling shows they did do a fretless version but it seems more likely to find rocking horse poo. [/quote] If you're working within a strict budget what about defretting or neck replacement for a fretted bass you like the look of?.

[quote name='icastle' timestamp='1332790812' post='1593223'] Apart from the 'look', there are no real advantages in using an acoustic bass. [/quote] That's the one. Although they are good for having around the house for off-the-cuff practise and trying things out. I just hope the post originator's 'band leader' isn't too blinkered about this and throws his/her toys out the pram insisting on an acoustic bass.

Sad times. I've been going there since the '70s.

I've got a Yamaha Bex. I bought it off Tom the EssexBassCat on this forum. A very nice bass, if you like the styling, and typical Yamaha high quality. I don't think they're still made, but worth a look I think. If you want you can come look at mine. As well as the obvious soap-bar there's a piezo pickup under the bridge and a pan knob to blend output between the two. Here she is, 'Mavis'

Welcome. Have fun.

[url="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17440514"]http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17440514[/url] A great story on the BBC news website about 'the world's first rock concert'. In 1952. It all started there folks (apparently). I'm not sure how genuinely authentic it was, but maybe we shouldn't go there.........

Welcome John, Good luck with finding some musicians locally. Keep on rockin' Len

[quote name='Geek99' timestamp='1332059613' post='1582547'] Ok I found one on dr google _ where are you in derby ? Thanks for the suggestion [/quote] Allestree

Welcome Nick, If you were in a layby around here last night you must have been uncomfortable. Miserable sleet. Anyway, have fun on the forum! Len

I've done a few wakes, mostly through my connection with church bands. In my experience they are a bit like weddings - whatever you do, someone will be offended. My suggestion is that you bear in mind that you're doing it in the memory of the departed and at the express wishes of his/her family. Make sure everyone knows this. If there's to be an MC or speaker(s) get them to say that. If there isn't, make the announcement yourselves. Stay focused, think about what you wear. Good luck.

[quote name='ACE-TONE' timestamp='1331979062' post='1581596'] Thanks buddy, I see you have a[b] 70's tele bass, nice[/b]! O yes the wireless! More projects! [/quote] Thanks! It's 'only' a Squier, but it does the job just fine. You'll find a lot of 'Squier love' on this forum. Ooh-er, that sounds like something King Arthur got up to in his secret life.

[quote name='GarethFlatlands' timestamp='1331941510' post='1581387'] Our singer started as he wanted more control over vocals and was pretty bad to begin with. He ploughed regardless on and is now a very good vocalist so[b] I think with practice most people can be good[/b], and a good teacher is always a good start as with most things. So yeah, go for it and put the effort in and you'll see results. [/quote] That's what I think too (but I am generally a stupidly optimistic b***ger). Genuine tone deafness is very rare and (I think) a clinical condition. My belief and observation is that most people can 'sing' a tune properly in their heads but can't always sing it out 'for real' properly. This is because they lack the skill to use the tools they have (the vocal chords, the links between brain and voice, breathing etc). properly. These skills can be taught, learned and practised. Whether anyone becomes a singer of character that others want to listen to, and are engaged by, is a different matter!

Hiya, I seem to recall from one of your earlier posts that the Pass of Caradhras is quite close to Derby ! I've got an Epiphone Embassy 5er with pickups upgraded to Kent Armstrongs. Maybe you'd like to have a look and play on it? It'll give you an idea at what a budget 5er is like, particularly a 34" scale with a wide-ish (but narrow front to back) neck and a hefty weight. Let me know.

Hello and welcome. Nice 'creation', and that wireless set in the background looks just dandy too.

Welcome Ryan, I hope that the fun continues.

Hi Looper. I've got US, Mexican and Japanese Fenders. Based on them, and also what I've tried out but not owned my own preference is for Japanese made. Every time. The QC is just the best of Fender's IMO. Also, to echo Ras52, don't rule out Squiers. Seriously. I have a Squier Vintage Modified Jazz, and it's great. I often gig with it.

Viking helmet and bearskin waistcoat, obviously.

[quote name='dspellman' timestamp='1331348319' post='1571804'] I'm not going to be doing anything overly complicated, not going to be doing any bass solos. [/quote] Welcome to the forum David. It sounds like you've got pretty much the right idea already Have fun. Len

Welcome Greg, there's plenty of grizzle (and grizzling) on here. Have fun.

Hiya, I've got a Yamaha BBN4F III. Passive 4-string fretless with lined fingerboard. Great build quality and I'd personally recommend anything from Yahama. The model is discontiued now, but I picked mine up for a couple of hundred. I don't know where you're based but you're welcome to come and try mine. Just be aware, based on previous posts of a similar nature you're likely to get replies telling you that you don't need a lined fingerboard yadda yadda...even though that wasn't the question you were asking.

Welcome Kersh, I see you kept it terse.

[quote name='Batfastard' timestamp='1331138407' post='1568314'] My Embassy 5 string has the original pick ups and sounds pretty good but has a low output. Would be interested in hearing yours. If your interested I can do a recording for you. [/quote] I'll put something on my Zoom H2 and save it as an .mp3. It'll probably be the weekend by the time I get around to it though.

I've got an Epiphone Embassy 5-string with them fitted. They'd been fitted by a previous owner ( who's not a basschatter) so I don't know how they compare to the originals. However, they do give a neutral but slightly 'woody' sound to my ears. They do the job just fine.

[quote name='silddx' timestamp='1331047107' post='1566804'] Like risingsn though, I usually need an audience these days, I need their energy. [/quote] I agree with this and it neatly cross-references with the other thread about stage fright. I think for a lot of us the boost of adrenalin is what keeps us keen. As long as it's not too debilitating of course.