tobiewharton

Hi Owen, The only specific congregations that I know outside of Manchester are New Testament Church of God (NTCG) churches. NTCG Handsworth (240-244 Lozells Road) is a large church, NTCG Harvest Temple, Wolverhampton (173 Wednesfield Road) and Dudley (Holly Hall Road) are smaller. NTCG Willesden (179 High Road) and NTCG St Judes, Elephant and Castle (Bickels Yard, 151-153 Bermondsey Street) are two in London, but there are many more. There's a list here: [url="http://www.2chaseprojects.co.uk/2C176/about-us/find-a-church/"]http://www.2chaseprojects.co.uk/2C176/about-us/find-a-church/[/url] Hope they're useful, Tobie

Hi Owen, Where are you based? Tobie

Nice!

Hi James, As Bubinga5 rightly says, it is a different story here in the UK. There is a 'scene', but simply not the market to support many recording artists. Also, unlike in the US, here there is less of a culture of gospel musicians playing secular music professionally, so the 'exposure' for church-based players is limited. There are exceptions, but this is the trend. Nevertheless, there is a wealth of talent here. There are thriving Pentecostal churches in most cities and even some small towns, where congregations worship through both traditional and contemporary gospel styles and musicianship is consistently outstanding. New Testament Church of God and Church of God of Prophecy are two such churches with congregations throughout England. I hope that helps a bit! Tobie

Hi James, I primarily play gospel. You've already had some great suggestions, but a few others to check out would be: Contemporary Artists: Marvin Sapp, Kurt Carr and The McClurkin Project (all busy and American) Bassists: Justin Raines, Maurice Fitzgerald and Fred Hammond (also a writer, singer and producer) Trad. Artists: Andrae Crouch, Walter and Edwin Hawkins and Rev. James Cleveland (all American) There are of course many more, but you should find useful info and links from these names as you peruse YouTube, Wikipedia and the like. There is also a British 'scene' which is heavily influenced by American styles. Enjoy the search! Tobie

This looks brilliant! I think you've done a fantastic job. Personally, I'd keep the gold - it does set it off with the brass saddles... Tobie

[url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YxlOy2JOyg"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YxlOy2JOyg[/url] The real deal.

Came across this on YouTube and really enjoyed it - inspiring stuff. Well worthy of a bump, I reckon! Tobie

Just a great, great player.

Hi Twincam, What a great place Basschat is - there are so many encouraging points and useful ideas above. The fact that you've come here to seek advice seems to say a lot about how much you value bass playing. One thing that I would add is that [i]style[/i] is so often overlooked in favour of proficiency. I have been playing for almost twenty years and I'm far from a great player. However, I have my own unique style, as do you. Nobody can take this away from each of us, irrespective of a lack of perceived skill or indiscipline in practise. I would also reiterate Bigjas' point that there is a great deal to be gained from the journey. I find that practising [i]perseverance [/i]can benefit many other things in life. I still take lessons when I hit a plateau and explore all the great resources available online too. All the best, Tobie

JapanAxe - I agree with on that track. A memorable melody alongside a sharp horns arrangement always gets me!

Definitely keen on pursuing this. Any update on our brief discussion Stuart? I'm more than happy to help out. Cheers, Tobie

The Ibanez 505 and 605 are nice, but I'd plump for a Cort A5 if it was me. I would imagine the Ibanez to be lighter though. All the best with the decision - it's always a nice one to make! Tobie

I have recently acquired one of these too and I'm really pleased with it. Like doc40hz, I'm inclined to run it mostly flat with the enhance off. The clarity is great and I'm certain power won't be an issue for me. I haven't yet gigged it but it sounds big and clean through a single TC RS112. I may choose to add a second 112, but doubt it will be truly necessary for me as I never really play without PA support. The case is indeed brilliant, both protective and comfortable to wear, with storage enough for a power lead and two speakon cables too. I wanted a 'single-trip-from-the-car' setup that could give me hi-fi for gospel that I could dirty up a bit for old RnB. This ticks the boxes. An added bonus is the bass boost with its reggae, subby goodness, although I'm loath to use it at home as the foundations of the building could be in jeopardy! I picked mine up from the marketplace here for £250, so a £300 retail price sounds like a bargain. I believe Eden have recently introduced a couple of new lightweight amps, so I suspect these are being sold off now. Highly recommended. Cheers, Tobie

Love the green burst and pearl! I have a dark green bass - they're not too common and have an understated finesse IMO. Whatever you choose, enjoy! Tobie

Just received this album (Lemar, The Letter) as a birthday gift. I think it's excellent - have liked his unassuming voice for a long time and these song choices and arrangements really seem to suit him. Tobie *Failed quote. I'm not quite sure why I can't get it right...

Great response! I realise I never actually submitted my thoughts...I'll take them all (Motown, Stax, Muscle Shoals and Atlantic) gladly, but if it came to the crunch I think I'd miss Stax the most. Tobie

Cheers all. I decided to go with the TC and took delivery of a single 112 on Friday. I'm yet to blast it with the band, but all the signs are good. The Eden sings through it! Tobie