odysseus

We've been going on later and playing straight through. People seem happy with it. Started at 10 last night, pretty grim atmosphere after the England - Australia debacle, but as soon as we started up people just thought 'what the hell' and went for it. Turned out to be a blinding gig!

I thought it was game over after Neal Morse left, so I lost interest... then I happened upon some live footage with Nick up front, and I was blown away. Going to check out some recent studio stuff next!

I hear that. I'm a miserable-looking sod at the best of times, but the camera makes me look like a bulldog licking the p*ss off a thistle.

I got a Terror 500 as back up. It ain't scared - plenty of trouser-flapping power right there!

Looks fantastic! Not sure I can justify it as I already have a Big Twin 2 and a Super Midget.... Gear lust is a bit of a problem for me

[quote name='MiltyG565' timestamp='1441407923' post='2858773'] Sure, but then there are people who bring two and three basses to a gig in the pub so they get "the right tone" for a few songs in the setlist, which I find a bit perplexing. [/quote] With all due respect, I'd say that's your problem rather than theirs. Whatever it takes for the individual to get the job done and be happy with it. We're all different in one way or another.

That's not a bass - it's an apology. Ugh!

Whatever it is, and however you've learned them, get the set onto your MP3 player and play it in work, in the car, walking, in bed, wherever and whenever you can to get the music locked into your bonce. I was told this a few years back and it works surprisingly well as a supplement to learning the nuts and bolts of each song. Get the overall feel and arrangement and don't sweat the little details.

I, too, am a wireless n00b, but I have recently taken delivery of a Line 6 G30 Relay after reading one of the threads on BC. So far, so good. Sound-checking is a lot less random and I no longer spend half the gig booting leads out of the way. Result!

Saw Saxon a couple of years ago in Falmouth. Blinding gig!

[quote name='Annoying Twit' timestamp='1441292998' post='2857670'] I wonder how many bands have bassists who play Squiers with Fender labels on the headstock. [/quote] I've seen it happen! No real need IMO, I've played plenty of Squiers which were ace.

Nowt wrong with budget gear, and nowt wrong with wanting something better. I played crappy basses for years, but my playing improved immensely as soon as I bought a good 'un. That said, the quality of budget basses is much better than it was when I was a pup. Getting better amp gear also makes a difference to a musician. Like someone said, Joe Bloggs down the Dog And Duck probably won't notice or even care, but anyone who's into their music and sees bands regularly probably will. The band I'm in now gets much more praise for the sound than when they had the previous guy with his tinny little combo, even though he was a good player. I ain't Jaco but I've got good gear and it makes a big difference to the overall sound.

2 beerfests and a VW jamboree this weekend. As for winter, I avoid playing outside as much as possible. If I have to, I stick my hands up my T-shirt in between songs into the soft warm haven of my hairy yet pleasingly firm abdominal area.

Jesus, I can't even string a sentence together when playing, let alone sing. Mucho respect to all you guys who pull it off!

[quote name='jacko' timestamp='1439905416' post='2846637'] Just had a ticket alert for Marcus Miller at the usher hall 22nd October. very good value at £26. Unfortunately this clashes with the Bill bailey gig in Glasgow I've already promised I'd take mrs Jacko to (and cannot get out of no matter what I say or do). Just thought I'd vent..... [/quote] Can't you generously 'donate' your ticket to one of her friends so they can have a nice girly night out while you selflessly take the 'lesser' Miller option?...

All that metalwork over the strings on Rickenbackers looks bloody awful. And some basses have those damn great bridges that look like a massive metal ashtray from a 70's working men's club. Yuck!

Dunno if you got Guitar Pro software, but it has a speed-trainer function where you can loop parts of a score and it speeds up from and to speeds of your choosing, and enables you to select the number of loops at each speed. With a difficult piece I always make sure I can practice it at a speed greater than the original in order to give me wiggle room when it comes to live playing. Take your time and get it right at the lower speeds first. You'll get it where it needs to be in time!

I got 2. One with one pickup, one with two pickups. I find that the one with 2 pickups gives a lot more variety in terms of sound. It covers a lot of ground - I've played heavy rock, rock and roll, funk, punk and various other styles with it and been able to get a reasonably good sound for each. Bear in mind that your amp plays a massive role in your sound too.

[quote name='Naetharu' timestamp='1439068836' post='2839810'] Do I win? [/quote] That one is so bad.... that it's sort of good.....

Another vote for Barefaced Big Twin 2 here. More bass thunder than you'll ever need!

[quote name='Kiwi' timestamp='1438604297' post='2835689'] Someone would need to know that what they wanted was what they needed. If they don't, it can be a very expensive way to get a bass that sort-of-does-the-job. [/quote] Fair call. Thinking about it might focus him a bit more perhaps?..

Have you considered having one built to your own spec? For the money you're willing to lay out, I'd imagine you could get something pretty special made?

That is ugly