Dood

So I've had a few hours play on the B3! Things are looking and sounding rather good. Really childs play - I'm yet to open the bag with the manual in. Just don't need it. Everything is so simple and easy to understand. I've made about ten patches that I am pretty sure that I can take to rehearsal tomorrow and will not need a great deal of tweaking. I LOVE that wet/dry mix control. Pretty essential! I've had a listen to most of the factory presets and with most effects units, they show off the bells and whistles of the gadget in question, but I found the best thing to do was to start from scratch, So far, I've not bothered with any sims. I've set up some truly luscious patches just using my studio monitors. No EQ so I'm pretty sure I know what it will sound like through my rig. So yes, I'm impressed. That's a lot of pedal for not a lot of money. I'll report back over the next few days. I think this could well be a keeper for the pedal board!

[quote name='Machines' timestamp='1343756796' post='1754751'] True, I guess I find a lot of advertising to be generally offensive to my intelligence. [/quote] Yes, I can't remember the last time I turned the TV on - honestly! dumbed down advertising is painful! I swear my concentration is better since permanently unplugging my telleeee-box!

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1343757474' post='1754773'] But most of the people involved are not known at all, loads of brands have sold themselves out by giving deals which appear to be not a lot more than being able to add it in your sig on here and a free T-shirt to people no one else has any idea who they are. Giving Flea a bank of GK speaker cabs makes sense as people will recognise the brand being used by Flea so it must be good enough for them, giving me anything is a waste really as no one relates my ability to anyone elses gear and no one knows who I am anyway, It appears to me some brands are doing deals of some sort with people no more or less important than me? [/quote] That's probably true and the fault of the company being greedy. It doesn't do the image of endorsement or sponsorship any good whatsoever (in whatever industry).

[quote name='Dave Vader' timestamp='1343748537' post='1754579'] I remember a TB member getting ranted at because he amusingly used the endorsing artist box to claim he endorsed Converse All Stars, it was a joke, other less jocular members felt he was a lying scumbag... i felt it was a bit of an over reaction. [/quote] Yeah, an over reaction! lol - There's a few BRILLIANT signatures on BC actually that have raised a smile with reference to being endorsed! Hmmm what would mine be? I'd choose.. the two best products: 'Gaffer tape if it moves, WD40 if it doesn't' ;o)

[quote name='Ou7shined' timestamp='1343738633' post='1754371'] I wonder why we are skirting the fact that some "artists" get endorsed simply because it looks good.... [/quote] I don't think we were skirting as such - just didn't have much to do with the OP at the time - but yes, you are right - again, I feel that it's confusion between 'sponsorship' and 'endorsement'. AND who is endorsing who, artist Vs company. Makes me chuckle! I *can* if I want, turn round and say I endorse ummm... I dunno... 'The iPad' for instance. That's actually true. I love it, it's great. but that doesn't mean I have any connection with Apple whatsoever. I'm just saying I like the product. Maybe there's one or two out there who are being a little artistic with the truth lol!

NfxD! Arrived this morning, will be having a play later!

[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1343726425' post='1754098'] Example if company X endorsed me maybe I get two basses for the price of one or something - and am expected to play them live and in vids and etc - and also I work my butt off for a wee while making content, videos, writing whatever for the brand. [/quote] That would depend on the terms of the contract (if there is one) and you'd be notified of the expectation hopefully well before you sign. If you're not happy, then walk away. There are different levels of obligation. Some are "here, you can buy gear at distributor rates as long as you tell everyone you use our gear" (and for the odd company that's as far as it gets) all the way up to a water tight tied in contract that isn't far short of a trip to 'the cross roads'. ;0) Actually, I like a company that comes back to me asking for content AND checking on me to see how I am getting on / proving my worth. It' shows they care about their product and it's perception in the market. But also I have a certain amount of satisfaction in being able to show them that I work hard supporting their products. I'd hope that any company that sees one of their artists working hard would then reward them for 'exceeding expectations'. Good ones do A good deal with a great company who will truly support you in your musical endeavours is actually harder to find. I feel very lucky in that respect. Feeling like you are part of a team and being invited in to discussions about products and services as well as the company actually caring about what you do doesn't happen often. But if you are fortunate to be using a product you love and the company are supporting you too, then it's great!

I think it's important to see what 'endorsement' means. Tom alluded to it earlier. TC Electronic don't endorse how good Nathan East's playing is or how famous he is. Nathan East (hopefully) loves the product and agrees to be used in marketing and advertising of the product. The 'payment' for said use of him in the company's advertising is what he receives back in his artist deal. This would include gear and all the other lovely things artists get thrown in. That's an over simplification, but technically, the company don't endorse you. You endorse them. You are telling everyone you use that product because it's the best for you etc etc. When it boils down to it, an endorsement deal is just a business agreement that can satisfy both sides. Any proper agreement worth it's weight in salt would benefit both parties but also include the necessary penalties. For most artists who get 'dropped' it's because they are either not fulfilling their duties, or simply are not worth the costs of the deal. E.g are no longer marketable. I'm yet to see an artist who has been locked out of further deals by wronging their previous company I'm afraid. Mark King, anyone? If anything, knowing that an artist has openly moved from one product to your own is fantastic advertising. Even better a major artist in the public eye. Sure, if they've pissed you off then no doubt you wanna make sure their behaviour gets known so your friends and colleagues and industry contacts don't get burned - but on the same token, an artist who is actually a known one is a little pot of gold for a company. I've seen it enough times.

Oh can I purrleeeasssse post that video again? ;o) Dave is a friendly, approachable guy with an incredible understanding of his role as a bass player and superb dexterity on his instrument. You'd be daft to miss this one. I will no doubt be hanging out at the show with my Hartke guys too!

I assume by that you mean it will track down to a low B??

[quote name='TomRichards' timestamp='1343574783''] . If the industry discovers you used a tour or project to become a gear "whore" we will blackball you and you will never get gear or support from any company, ever, again. [/quote] Whereas I am sure the information is very useful I can't help feeling you are venting to all bass players because you have been wronged by one (or more)? I'm just sensing a rather bad taste left in your mouth, friend. I'd also have to add that the last sentence I've quoted is neither true or possible, but certainly I do agree that if a player has a full exclusive endorsement deal with all the lovely perks it brings, then they should be accountable.

Lol, don't quote me on that, I'd not done the figures specifically, but just a hunch that might be the case. Sadly it usually is. I did score a disgusting large bag full of my fave plectrums from the US the other day for next to no money though, so sometimes a good deal is to be had!

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqmFcuRgEUY&sns=em[/media]

I'd expect that you'd have to order enough strings to make the cost of shipping worth it, but not too many that you go over the customs and excise threshold.(which will probably make you cough up for VAT Annnnd the admin fee added by the courier. Usually around 8 quid. I'm guessing that would be one set of bass strings and thus, more likely to save money by going to the likes of Stringbusters or Strings Direct?

Spammer

Lol! Indeed! I will yes!

Well, I've ordered one anyway, I guess I'll find out soon enough!

[quote name='KiOgon' timestamp='1343323410' post='1749007'] Yep use as required & if you want a cheap recommendation = [url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Planet-Waves-NS-Capo-Lite/dp/B0037MA69I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343323277&sr=8-1"]http://www.amazon.co...43323277&sr=8-1[/url] works beautifully, simple & it works on 7&1/4" radii Fenders [/quote] Yes, the Planet Waves capos are brilliant. I've even used mine to only fret a few strings on my 6er or 7er, which opens up some really interesting melody ideas with drone notes.

Let them both come on to BassChat just after one of the big bass shows such as LBGS. All of a sudden they'll deny having ever used it, let alone being inventors of the technique!!

Funnily, I have just started teaching a fantastic chap who is in exactly the same position! He has been playing drums as well as singing but wishes to learn the bass. He has pretty much said exactly the same thing to me. Which isn't a bad thing. It's a great place to start. I'd recommend shopping around for a teacher that suits you and take 1-2-1 lessons ( as well as the great advice you will recieve on BassChat.) There's a great deal of mileage in finding a good teacher. There's so much to learn that you won't find in a book that a good teacher with experience can bring. I say to all my students that I won't be offended if they want to try out different teachers. I do work hard to deliver an exciting and informative experience though! Anyway, good luck - there's so much to learn from BC alone, but lessons from a pro' is definitely worth it to ensure correct technique, posture etc etc and of course teaching you all you need (and want) to know!

[quote name='Pete1967' timestamp='1343240005' post='1747646'] @macdaddy - pics should be posted this weekend. I'm at Jon's on Saturday - iPhone in hand @LukeTessie - I think you're right and I agree re rushing. So far nothing has persuaded me they're not worth the wait, the quality:price ratio is astounding. [/quote] It's also worth noting that Jon had been going through a bit of a rough patch health-wise last year that substantially added to the build time. He doesn't mind me saying this, though the details are unnecessary - it was enough to slow him right down though. He tried his best to keep on top of orders but had to put a few builds back a bit. He's certainly done a brilliant job at catching up with the work load and I still have every confidence in him and the quality of his work, that..well, it speaks for itself. Amazing!