AlexDelores

Funny that. I stayed off BC for a long time and gigged with 1 bass for about 5 years. Since getting back on BC about a year ago, I’ve bought 3 basses 🤦‍♂️🤣 Still, the occasional puns and bad humour make it worth it, to me at least. My wife might say otherwise 🫠

My two MIM’s. Ole’ faithful 2004 Jazz Standard & 2019 Mustang Vintera 60s. Both lovely instruments. Jazz will never leave me but I think the Mustang might be going soon. Necks a bit thick for me and despite me really wanting to love it, I think I prefer a slimmer neck and a ‘boomier’ pickup.

The better half got me this Squier VM Jaguar. It’s actually one I used to own then sold on a couple of years ago to a mate. He wanted rid and I always said I’d have it back if he let it go.

Yeah in honesty I only use it at home now but if I was to start using it live again I’d replace the pups as they don’t have much growl. The bridge was replaced in about 2008 as the old one was ripping my hand to bits. But, the neck is superb and I’ve had many comments that it’s nicer than a lot of American Fenders much more experienced players have played. Although I’m not sure that’s saying much these days 😂

Last gig of the year last night for us. Cracking little bar called Vandal Bar in Warrington. Bit different to the usual wedding venue and a really up for it crowd, albeit small party of 50. This was wedding #68 for the year for us but it was the first one we’ve ever done through an agency and all went well, got the payment through nice and fast this morning so all ‘round a good first experience. It was a bit of a squeeze to fit in the corner but my ‘rig’ was my Gretsch into my B3, direct into the PA, 64 Audio IEMs and brown DM Thurston boots, oh and my SM58 and Tama kick pedal.

Not original, but a little festive fun. Recorded in his spare room.

2004 MIM Jazz Standard. I Saved as a teenager for this, my first ‘proper’ bass. No matter what else I play, this one always feels like home.

Was this ever found? One’s gone up on Facebook marketplace today, not to assume it’s the same bass. Just popped into my memory when I saw it. https://www.facebook.com/share/aTn4CmamHiNG89B9/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Saw Slipknot in Birmingham last night. Very nice selection of basses from Vman. Must of been about 15k in instruments for him alone!

Yes, I think they’re worth it. As mentioned above If you want to sing regularly and maintain good vocal health then you won’t regret lessons. Even if you just have a few and learn about the mechanics of how your chords work, how to breath, hold, warm up and recover correctly. Finding a good teacher is key though. I once turned up to a ‘singing lesson’ in some local fellas spare room. The bloke started fake crying towards the end while singing me a song on the piano about ‘the pain of losing his voice’ after sitting me on a chair and telling me to ‘manifest the voice I want to achieve’ 😅 In the end I went to Sally Rivers and she was brilliant. Have you tried any local theatre groups? They may be able to point you in the direction of someone local that’s half decent.

Sounds like good fun! And might I say, that is a fantastic looking beard 👌

Sorry to hear this! Can’t be helped though, just Sod’s Law it often strikes at the most inappropriate times! Hopefully it’s not too bad straight out of the gate and you’re able ‘dose’ up and power through! 🤞

I’ve never been a member of TB. But, in their defense. Angus Young wasn’t a bass player 😬

They do. On the G2220 at least, its Volume, Tone and pickup selector switch. I’m guessing the switch replacement will allow a blend of the pickups which is nice 👌

Very nice! I’m considering whether to sell my Vintera Mustang to fund one of these in sunburst as I really like the inlays on the neck. My Junior Jet has quickly become my number 1 bass as it’s so comfortable to play!

Very nice indeed! Good job and an interesting thread 👏👌

A selection from this year.

Geddy Lee talks about concentration in his book and how sometimes he had to change things in order to make them harder and force himself to focus… He talks about how he’d playing bass, using his feet for keyboard triggers, and singing. But, as he knew the material so well, his brain couldn’t help but think about going on a journey somewhere else.

Thanks for the replies. Definitely useful information for me moving forward. I think as I work on my own development of my theory side, I’ll make a point of using a lot of different courses/tutors to give me a wide range of teaching methods etc.

Question for those of you that teach… What qualifications/training/knowledge do you feel is required to teach bass? Now, I know that’s a very broad question and I appreciate there isn’t a one size fits all answer. But, I’m curious as to what sort of qualifications/certificates you feel are required to teach as a tutor. I’m not talking within a school environment. I’m a good player and I play bass full time as part of a wedding/function duo that I also co-run. But, I’m thinking ahead to the future, I’m 33 with 2 young kids and although I love my “job” and don’t want/intend to slow down any time soon… there is likely to come a point in the next 10-15 years time when getting home at 2/3am and performing/DJing to a bunch of drunk people between 60-100 times a year is going to get a bit much. I’m fully aware I need to begin to strengthen my understanding of music theory/different techniques, as well as reading. But, is it generally expected to have a degree/any other qualification to teach bass as a tutor? Apologies for the essay. Thanks in advance Alex

Lovely that is! I remember trying one when they came out and was blown away by how much bass you got for the price.

As previously mentioned, I think the Nux Mighty Plug is bob on! This is all of the footprint it takes up for me and allows me to play when the kids are in bed. It has a few different amps and effects within the free app. And, it just runs in the background so you can play along with Spotify/Apple/Youtube etc. Obviously, some of the things like the Phil Jones and other heads will likely have a better tone/sound but for practicing through headphones/the price, I don’t think you can knock this. You can also put it at the end of a pedalboard and use your effects, just adjust the gain with the app to suit.