Norris

My guitarist/main vox brings a carton of pineapple juice when his voice is a bit dodgy. I don't know if it really helps, but he keeps sipping it all night and has always got through the gig.

Funnily enough I mentioned this thread in the office earlier today (I'm a mild-mannered computer programmer by day) and a chap said that while working for IBM research in the 50s/60s, Benoit Mandelbrot (of fractal fame) did some research into this very issue. Apparently his conclusions were that orange was the best colour. In the GHz range that mainframes shunt data around, the electromagnetic absorption of different pigments is significant to electrical interference. So IBM mainframes have orange cables. Apparently. I've not managed to corroborate this online, but I doubt it would have much of an effect in the KHz audio range regardless.

For a proper empirical result you would need to test several cables of each colour. The quality of the soldering is more likely to be a factor. And include a placebo - a length of garden hose should do the trick

There might be some truth to it. My voice always sounds terrible. I think it's my red mic lead at fault

[quote name='skej21' timestamp='1418200105' post='2627806'] Too much technical lingo in here. Can you please just tell me which colour is best for metal? [/quote] Black. Every time

Are all of the cables you tested of the same specification? The colour of the outer sleeve should make no difference whatsoever - it is an insulator and plays no part in the electrical connection. If it's the wires inside that are green, yes that would make a difference as it means the copper has got damp and oxidised. ... token sensible reply

I'll quote the famous Beatles track - "I Wanna Fold Your Stand"

Always a spare set of strings, very rarely a spare bass. If my amp packs up I can quickly DI out of my GT6B multi effects pedal

Some carols

We never use a music stand. It looks unprofessional imho. However we occasionally gaffer tape the words to something for new songs with tricky lyrics. The guitarist uses his home made colander-based contraption for comedic effect. I'll see if I can find a photo

I wouldn't mind as long as he doesn't expect a cut of the wages

Right hand damping with the plucking fingers would be my choice. You could try left hand thumb over the top Edit: You could also try using one or more of your spare left hand fingers to damp (a couple of fingers will avoid unwanted harmonics)

Our guitarist does it for a living, so his main 'name' band takes priority as that's his main earner. However they tend to do a couple of 4-6 week tours a year with a smattering of other gigs in between. That leaves plenty of weekends free for our covera pub band. We've rarely had any clashes. Then he is in another covers band that pick up the weekends we don't do, plus a bit of dep'ing now and again. It works out well (and I get the occasional weekend to put my feet up) but good communication and synchronised diaries are essential

If/when I buy another bass it will be a 5er. Only ever used 4 in my 30 years of playing

I'm only in one band but have to work around on-call sessions for work and family events. I use Google calendar so I always have everything on my phone and accessible from any computer. I then sync that with my work calendar and the one on the back of the door at home. I have to be meticulous or it's a nightmare Edit: And yes, make sure all of your bands know what you are doing and what dates are unavailable asap

[quote name='Twincam' timestamp='1417088549' post='2616918'] Found a slightly older model for half the price of the new model at a crack converters. It better be ok. Anyhow saved a few bob. [/quote] It's probably worth using some of the bob you've saved to get it serviced. Glad you made the right call

Having sorted that, the OP asked for opinions on gv247. I have none having never dealt with them. Anyone that has? ... Edit: I'd suggest checking the for sale forum. There is some cracking gear on there

[quote name='Weststarx' timestamp='1417080246' post='2616805'] We had practice last night and the drummer comes in saying he's dampened his snare drum and a few other drums which reduced his volume. Mr Rhythm turns his amp up and it was the best sounding practice we've ever had! [/quote] Good to hear!

The point of scales is not just to learn them but also to hone your fluidity, dynamics, attack, duration, etc. It's not just about the notes it's also practising your technique Edit: And of course, your timing!

+1 on the sentiments so far. Essentials come before dreams and don't abuse someone else's charity.

1. How long have you been playing your instrument? 30 years 2. Do you use an electronic tuner? If yes which model? Built in on GT6B multi-fx pedal, Fender FCT-12 clip-on 3. Do you tune by ear or electronic tuner? GT6B when gigging, ear when playing at home, Fender when changing strings or wildly out at home 4. If by ear how do you go about? Harmonics 5. Are you always 100% happy with your tuning? / if not Yes 6. Why are you not happy with your tuning? N/A although I do have to acclimatise my Ric at each gig before checking 7. What disturbs you about the electronic tuner It looked at me in a funny way! GT6B is very good, Fender can struggle to lock in on low notes, ear generally always works well 8. Do you know how to tune by ear? Yes, although it's easier to use my hands 9. What is your preferred tuning method? GT6B

Which is the best tuner for metal?

Any major scale is the same structure just with a different root note. Tone, tone, semi-tone, tone, tone, tone, semi-tone. A tone is also known as a "whole" note and is two frets. A semi-tone is a single fret. Translate it up the neck as required and learn how & when to transition the strings to maintain those gaps.

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1416997486' post='2615802'] Learning the notes on the neck is pretty pointless without knowing how they relate to one another. [/quote] +1 I've played bass for years and before that a lot of classical training on piano and trombone. However my bass is entirely self taught. If you pointed to a string and fret I'd still have to work out what note it was rather than just knowing. Having a decent classical background means I can still find my way around the fretboard, do nice little runs and arpeggios, etc. In other words scales and chord progressions (+ intervals & cadences!) are more important imho

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1416872537' post='2614684'] You do a free gig for one member's chosen charity and you start to be obligated to play for other's. Then you've set a precedent and start playing for family member parties etc. It all gets a bit messy in my experience. [/quote] +1 We used to do a few charity gigs and found we were getting a reputation for doing them and got asked more and more frequently. In the end we had to draw a line and do very few now. As regards the OP you have every right to know where the money is going. Not all charity gig organisers are equally generous when it comes to handing over the proceeds. The 'straight up' ones would not complain about letting you know