louisthebass

I'll go with: Mike Visceglia - Suzanne Vega. Ewan Vernal - Deacon Blue / Capercaille / Fish. Tom Barney - Steely Dan. Jim Fielder - BS&T.

[quote name='dood' timestamp='1331291123' post='1570794'] Lets keep this thread as friendly as possible please. It's too easy to hide behind your screens and throw the toys out of the pram. I think it's a bit harsh to direct the days frustrations on to one person. How many people who are complaining about all the slap actually did something about it at the time? Or just complained about 'the other stands'. Yes, Nigel does slap and so does Doug and T.M. But they weren't beating three shades of crap out of their basses for 8 hours constantly. So mebbe directing your 'pops' solely at Nigel is actually a bit out of order. Are we going to name every bass player who slapped at the show on this thread? The slap wasn't the problem. The cummulative effect of 100's of watts of amplification was. [/quote] Agree with this, I don't see where having a moan at somebody slapping (good or bad) personally is going to achieve much. I think Ben Cooper's comments on here have reassured me about next years event being better managed, so I'm quite prepared to fork out again next year.

I'm not a Pro by any stretch of the imagination but haven't had a beer on a gig since I started driving 21 years ago. My attitude towards it is: 1) I like to be able to give my best performance on the gig - nothing worse than a bladdered muso who can't play straight. 2) I spent enough money getting my driving licence, and really wouldn't to lose it for the sake of having a beer (knowing my luck, even one would probably put me over the limit). No driving licence - no playing in a band.

[quote name='bencooper' timestamp='1331220566' post='1569706'] Hello all, Firstly I'm glad that most of you had a good time at the show. Regarding the noise issues, I sympathise entirely. I would say the show this year was definitely quieter than last year's. However, this feedback has also come from exhibitors on the day too, so you're not alone. In light of this we're currently investigating ways around it for next year. There are some options, such as soundproof booths that can be used on a time slot basis (ie 15 minute sessions max before others get to use the booth), sound marshalls with dB meters who will strictly enforce the quiet times (to the point of possibly turning off the power to stands, liken the do at Frankfurt Musikmesse), ensuring all stands are equipped with headphones like the chaps from Strings and Things (Ernie Ball), Bass Gear and other exhibitors and so on. Obviously we've got a lot of time between now and the 2013 show to explore the options that best satisfy all parties, and if any possible visitors are concerned before booking a ticket next year I'd urge them to contact us either via the website or phone nearer the time and we can confirm what we'll be doing to keep the noise levels acceptable. I do think it's important for people to be a little pragmatic - after all if an amp manufacturer is demoing their high powered heads and cabinet stacks, well they'll want them to be loud at times to show off what they can do. Some noise is obviously part and parcel with a show like this, but all points are noted and we're striving to improve things for 2013. cheers Ben [/quote] Hi Ben, Well done for coming on here with such a positive post . Soundproof booths being available for 15 minute slots is heading in the right direction, as is the option of marshalls policing the db levels. IMO we all appreciate the fact that there will be a fair amount of volume where amp manufacturers are dipsplaying their wares by some of the pros or their allocated demonstrator (which is fair enough). I think we'd all really like to see the show continue to be a regular event and it would be a shame if it went downhill if people got hacked off because of the issues highlighted previously by those of us who attended both this year's & last year's event.

Glad you got yourselves out of there relatively unscathed. I've been lucky in 26 years that I've never been personally threatened on a gig, but I guess that there will be a first time at some point. I've seen the odd punch up here and there between punters, but that was a long time ago. Punters need to remember that they have the right to vote with their feet (i.e. walking out of the place) if they don't like what they hear. They shouldn't be threatening people (fellow punters or musos) with violence (verbal or otherwise). If I know I'm going to play somewhere a bit "iffy" (rare), I usually take a bass that I wouldn't miss[b] if [/b]I needed something to defend myself with...

RIM Basses: [url="http://www.rimcustombasses.co.uk/pages/DR_BASS.htm"]http://www.rimcustombasses.co.uk/pages/DR_BASS.htm[/url] I don't own one personally, but they are supposed to be very good

Top bloke - got to meet him on Saturday and got my signed poster. An absolute legend & all round nice fella .

Welcome aboard Probably a silly question - have you played at the legendary Stone Pony?

I'll probably go next year (if it happens), but like a couple of others, will plan to spend most of my time at main stage or masterclasses rather than in the main part of the exhibition.

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1330889890' post='1564472'] I think Jaco's very best playing was on the Joni stuff. The Joni albums to get are "Hejira", "Mingus" "Shadows & Light" (a live album also available as a DVD) & "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter" Pat Metheny's "Bright Size Life" album is also essential Jaco listening. [/quote] Big +1 for "Hejira" - Refuge of the Roads is my favourite Jaco track on there. No blistering chops, just really tasteful phrasing.

[quote name='urb' timestamp='1330854359' post='1563678'] Overall I thought it was good and has a good mix of gear, education and performance. I have a suggestion - if so many of us hate slap at these things why don't we start a bloody petition or movement to NOT slap at all? If it really is that offensive lets get some t-shirts printed up saying "Slap Is For Twats" or "Slapping Sucks" - wearing ond and casually standing next to people who are doing it, for comic effect Just a thought M [/quote] Sounds like a good idea . I'm assuming the peeps at BGM are responsible for organising the event? If that is the case, why don't we all email the magazine, and try to work with them to get the issue of the noise resolved as it seems to have been the main bone of contention for the last two years?

[quote name='shizznit' timestamp='1330855399' post='1563692'] This has been bugging me for a few years now. I can confidently pick up a mic and happily sing away to be hearts content. I quite often do acoustic gigs on my own in small bars and I also record my voice for private projects and record BV's for my band. As soon as I pick up a bass I can't put two lyrics together! When I see players such as Mark King I think "Git!!" How does he do it? It's hard enough to play his lines as it is, but he never drops a note and sings in perfect time and pitch. Does anyone struggle to sing whilst playing bass? If not, tell me your secret! [/quote] You would have found Yolanda Charles Masterclass at the LBGS yesterday quite useful - I've posted a link to a YT video from last years Musikmesse that features Yolanda explaining it in another post in the Events part of the forum related to LBGS.

[quote name='Eggy' timestamp='1330852208' post='1563653'] I surprised myself with not buying anything. Closest to buy was a TCE Polytune pedal. TBH I was not inspired to pick anything up to play although there was some great looking gear. For me, the resident slapper plus a crowd of knowing onlookers put me off. What with that and the noise so you would not really hear yourself (it was like being on stage with 25 other bass players). Enjoyed looking round though The main take aways for me were in the master classes Jon Thorne - Interesting upright player I had not come across before. "There is no good or bad music, it either moves you or it doesn't so gravitate towards what moves you. When playing it is in the feel, you are the instrument, the wood and strings are just a way of getting it out Yolanda Charles - was brilliant, got the chance of a quick chat. Loved her style and great voice. Will be hunting for her lesson on youtube. Interesting when she did her exercise clapping and counting. Most of the audience could instantly clap her rhythm but then when she asked us to count over the top it all went pear shaped pretty quickly (near where I was sitting anyway). Look forward to other's thoughts, enjoyed the day and pleased I went. It has inspired me. Eggy [/quote] Here you go: [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3Lszt2HPK8"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3Lszt2HPK8[/url]

[quote name='blackmn90' timestamp='1330806779' post='1563357'] Watch out for the ridiculously priced cafe bit! Theres a tesco's on the way which i advise going to first [/quote] Well said that man - I spent £4.45p on a bottle of water and a flapjack cake (needed the water as I had to take some painkillers - not a headache caused by the slapfest I might add...). I came away with 2 copies of BGM - £6 spent. There wasn't anything there that I needed desperately and I'm not prepared to wait for.

Enjoyed it apart from the noise - it's already been posted on another thread that EBMM did the sensible thing and supplied a lot of headphone / amp setups. I really don't know how people can try stuff out properly and have to compete with the slapfest in the background. The organisers were using an airhorn to signal the fact that the noise was going OTT, but I think the organisers need to look at other options to cure the noise situation for next year. IMO if that situation isn't cured, then people attending next years will spend more time watching the masterclasses / main stage events rather than visiting the stands and trying gear out. Surely soundproofed booths are the answer?

Thought the event was ok, glad to see the air horn coming out when the sound levels of the incessant slapping got too much. Yolanda Charles Masterclass was very good indeed, despite the late start - would have liked to have seen Paul Turner, but called it a day about 2:30. Really liked those GMR basses, if the lottery comes up might have to investigate one. Met Stuart Clayton, Scott Devine, and the legend that is Bruce Foxton - top fellas one and all .

Anything Bruce Foxton played with The Jam

[quote name='woodster' timestamp='1330606893' post='1560201'] Wot eeee sed..... [/quote] +1

[quote name='throwoff' timestamp='1330446764' post='1557629'] Hey Everyone, My most recent band seems to of fallen apart before it properly got going which seems to of been the regular way of things the last few years. I cant remember the last time I played live in fact! I have come to the somewhat drastic decision to get into a band who are taking it seriously (well as seriously as can be expected for musicians!) by May or sell all my stuff, it actually depresses me to see thousands worth of instruments and accessories sitting in my lounge not being used and I really have no enjoyment sitting playing on my own. So before I get to the 'bass suicide' can anyone reccomend ways to find band members I mgiht not of tried? I have tried - Open mic nights facebook sites like 'find a band' small ads in papers. I dotn want to play indie or anything too complicated but to be honest other than those 2 things I will pretty much play ANYTHING! [/quote] I wouldn't set yourself a time limit - getting into (or forming) a band can take a while. I've had periods of 18 months a couple of times where I hadn't played in a band, but always managed to find something that floated my boat. I've found Bandmix to be pretty useful, but if there's any jam nights going on near where you live, try going to those as there's never usually enough bass players. They're good opportunities for networking and you never know where it might lead. In the meantime, just keep on working on your playing (if you think you need to). Something will turn up.

[quote name='seashell' timestamp='1330537476' post='1559089'] OK I've done a summary of where and when we are most likely to find people (sorry, I couldn't help it, I am an administrator IRL!) Re: the 'random wanderers' - if anyone hasn't specified Sat or Sun I am assuming Sat. BassDirect - Dbass, Darkglass Bassgear - Molan, TomKent Hartke - Dood guitarguitar - wesfinn MarkBass - Steve Lawson (+ masterclass Sun!) EAD - david l perry Status Stand - G-77 Stompbox - dudewheresmybass [b]Random wanderers, Sat[/b] Lozz196, Rumple, Machines, sibob, billyapple, raggy, discreet, urb (will be at wimbush/thorne masterclasses), goblin, blackmn90, ped, charic, Mr Lizard, The Greek, exbass, louisthebass, seashell, bluejay, hobbayne [b]Random wanderers, Sun[/b] Walman, gcut58, ras52, seashell, bluejay (tbc) Please correct me if I've missed anyone! [/quote] I'll add Joe Hubbard (Bass Direct stand) and Scott Devine (Overwater stand) - I will indeed, be a random wanderer with wifey .

Just a taster for what we can all expect to hear a lot of over the weekend: [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yU39GE2Xa6A&feature=related"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yU39GE2Xa6A&feature=related[/url]

[quote name='silddx' timestamp='1330455960' post='1557848'] Do you think so? It would be lovely if he contributes and takes part in the manner of a bassist rather than a celebrity bassist, I'm sure that will be the case. I hope some members don't get too star-struck and bombard him with loads of questions I would rather like him to contribute to the What's Wrong With Modern Bassists thread [/quote] I've seen him on a few episodes of Soccer AM on Sky and he's got a great sense of humour (I also think he's the sort of fella who doesn't suffer fools easily ).

I definitely think life on here is gonna get a lot more interesting with this fella on board

For me it's a Ben Sherman shirt, or T-shirt, Next jeans, and then either Adidas retro trainers or my comfy Next boots.

Might be a good idea to spend at least an hour or two every day. I try to spend about 30 mins on scales, 30 mins on arpeggios, and about 45 mins on reading. If I've got to learn new songs for the band, that'll take at least another hour. If you can afford a good bass tutor, go for it as they will be able to point you in the right direction where the Rockschool Grades are concerned.