blue

[quote name='MiltyG565' timestamp='1418313423' post='2629091'] I know musicians who never play until they're paid. They carry the gear in, find the landlord/best man, and ask for the money, then do the gig. [/quote] That's classic Chuck Berry. Blue

[quote name='icastle' timestamp='1418225752' post='2628152'] From a totally different perspective, I'm involved in running one of these nights. I've read some people saying that these places are 'cliquey' but that's really dependant on everyone involved - our club certainly isn't and of all the others around this area I've only found one that is.[/quote] Yes "cliquey" would describe what we have here in Milwaukee. If the host band or host does not know you, you don't play. Not like what we had back in the 70s that we called jam sessions where anyone could get a chance to play. Here the open mic thing is a mechanism for club owner to drive a little extra business on the cheap. Me, I won't have anything to do with them.Jam sessions are more about cats getting together to see if they can get something happening, usually at someones home. I really think the [i]"jam session"[/i] is a thing of the past. Blue

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1418161876' post='2627637'] This is my setup Blue to give me 3 separate eq settings for DB, active bass and passive bass via the behringer on top, bit of a contraption but I could put my lead into the di box and put the xlr from the amp to the xlr out of it and finish the gig with just a bit of extra volume in my monitor. [url="http://s997.photobucket.com/user/stingraypete/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-11/20141113_215636_zpsmmhtlanx.jpg.html"][/url] [/quote] Nice rig! Your prepared. Blue

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1418161337' post='2627624'] When you get that big, your manager handles all that sh*t. You just spend on your credit card and leave the rest for the lawyers and accountants to sweat about. [/quote] I wish I could get to that level of the business, and I'm trying! I hear about these guys out on tours getting $1500.00 to 2 grand a week. And that's with no expenses. Blue

[quote name='Les' timestamp='1418160717' post='2627612'] Accept your point Pete and can imagine how awkward a blown amp could be, is it really insurmountable ? I'd just chuck the bass through my monitor and struggle for the night. Anyway, taking a spare bass, as in the original post, isn't going to dig you out of a blown up amp. [/quote] While I have that spare GK 1001rb, I still wonder if it would be worth it to ad either an MXR or Sans Amp DI to my pedal board? Blue

[quote name='PTB' timestamp='1418158062' post='2627567'] I like 'em too. Mike Merritt also plays in the house band for one of the US late night chat shows. [/quote] Geeez, those late night TV shows gigs are awesome. Someone told me all the core cats on David Letterman could retire comfortably if they want to. Blue

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1418159692' post='2627596'] I've stood looking at my blown Ashdown along with all the guests at a fancy wedding mate, it wasn't a nice experience nor was trying to rig up a temporary di box and re jig the fold back mid gig whilst they all stood around, class D head not much bigger than a vhs tape in my gig bag from then on thank you. I dont take it to the pub unless its a big pub as the pressure isnt on and the pa is much simpler than the big EV in the other band. [/quote] Hmmmmm, not fun. I don't think it would have been a groovy feeling even if you had been gigging a small pub. I always have 2 GK 1001rb heads with me. I tried using GKs micro head , a MB-500, something like that. The thing was problematic (always clipping) so I traded for another 1001rb. Blue [size=4][color=#0000FF][font=Arial][color=#000000][b]Bass Guitars [/b][/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson Les Paul Gold Top Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson ES-335 Custom Shop Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson 1991 Thunderbird Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] w/ebony fret board [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1951 Telecaster Bass Re-issue *MIJ (Dressing Room Bass)[/font][/size] [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1959 Telecaster Bass Re-Issue MIJ[/font] (Rehearsal Bass)[/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][color=#000000][font=Arial]G & L 1991 ASAT Bass (active pre-amp )[/font][/color][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]German Made Hofner 502 Limited Edition Club Bass ( #26 out of 48 made )[/color][/font][/color][/size]

[quote name='Les' timestamp='1418158293' post='2627571'] Fair enough Blue but the OP actually asked do I really NEED a spare bass. In my opinion, and bolstered by your experience the answer is no. Les [/quote] Got it, I'm a Yankee, we don't pay attention to much detail. I can agree with that. No, you don't really need a spare, we have about 95 years of gigging between us to prove it. I guess it comes down to how comfortable guys are with their gear. Blue

[quote name='Sonic_Groove' timestamp='1418157049' post='2627555'] Crikey Blue, I thought Milwaukee was in the States! I didn't realise is was on another planet! where musicians get paid & get a monthly payroll!! Maybe I should move there! Most in "Blighty" I would bet struggle to compensate petrol money -- never mind strings,etc. Brendan [/quote] I believe some of the agency bands are on payroll just like a traditional business. Me, right now I'm paid in cash usually before we play. But were a $500.00 bar band. I can't imaging someone paying out 5 grand in cash to a band. I don't know, never been close to that sort of gig. Blue

[quote name='Les' timestamp='1418157259' post='2627558'] I ask either on the phone or by email, or whatever the bands preferred method of communication is before I decide to audition or not. [/quote] So you ask about compensation before you would audition. Makes sense. For some reason I was thinking some might ask about the money after they are offered the job. I guess if the pay isn't right, why audition. Blue

[quote name='Les' timestamp='1418156269' post='2627538'] Some of you guys must be doing some great gigs if you feel the need to take spares of things like amps. If disaster eventually befalls me at the Dog and Duck, then it would be once in 30 odd years of gigging. I'll run the gauntlet with those odds. Les [/quote] Les, I have got about 45 years of never needing a spare, and I gig a lot. I still get the [i]heebie geebies[/i] just thinking about having a bass fail and be stranded. Chances are I will never need a spare, but it's a chance I can't take. Our lead guitarist had a Strat fail during a sound check, I didn't even want to look over at her. Luckily our other guitarist had a spare. Thing is Les, I always have 2 basses on stage, I have invested a decent amount of dough into these basses ( I purchased them to play, not collect) so I actually switch basses during a gig. I might play the my Les Paul on the first and second set and then switch to my Gibson Thunderbird for the 3rd set. Blue [size=4][color=#0000FF][font=Arial][color=#000000][b]Bass Guitars [/b][/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson Les Paul Gold Top Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson ES-335 Custom Shop Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson 1991 Thunderbird Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] w/ebony fret board [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1951 Telecaster Bass Re-issue *MIJ (Dressing Room Bass)[/font][/size] [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1959 Telecaster Bass Re-Issue MIJ[/font] (Rehearsal Bass)[/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][color=#000000][font=Arial]G & L 1991 ASAT Bass (active pre-amp )[/font][/color][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]German Made Hofner 502 Limited Edition Club Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size]

[size=5][u][b][font="Arial"]Compensation Issues[/font][/b][/u][/size] [size=5][font="Arial"]I'm curious for those that play for money, when your in the audition process when and how do you ask about how and when you are paid?[/font][/size] [size=5][font="Arial"]When do you prefer to receive payment and what do you prefer, monthly payroll, check, cash ?[/font][/size] [size=5][font="Arial"]Blue[/font][/size]

The whole PA thing can be tricky for bar bands. Most bar bands use very little sound support. We catch a lot of grief from other bands because we travel with full PA snake, 2 powered subs, ect ect. It's what we want and it's part of the service we offer. Now in the summer when it's festival and fair season those type of gigs usually provide pro sound and lights I'm very lucky, our band leaders husband runs our sound and lights. He's great, and it's so nice to have a young guy that can trouble shoot on the fly. There have been times when I have my whole rig set up and I have no sound. I call him he comes up checks out my board and all connections. He usually says; [i]"Your volume on your bass is turned completely down or your bass isn't plugged in." [/i] Blue

[quote name='Paul S' timestamp='1418121073' post='2626960'] I pay my house insurance every year. It has not yet burned down but that doesn't mean I won't be paying my premiums next year. [/quote] This is the best example for justifying the need for the spare bass and amp. Blue

[quote name='crag42' timestamp='1418124035' post='2627009'] Just starting getting into these. .. bought the live at the iridium NYC cd yesterday. .absolutely fantastic bassist is Michael Merritt.. I'd never heard of him before? ...superb bassist and awesome tone Joe Bonamassa is on guitar (which led me to them in the first place) Really funky. Groove. . Jam type instrumentals anyone else dig them? [/quote] I do, very cool band. Blue

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1418057475' post='2626391'] I have never broken a string or had a bass fail on me in any way, so no, I don't carry a spare bass. [/quote] If your playing good paid gigs, you should always have a spare. If you consider yourself a professional you should always have a spare bass. I have been gigging for over 40 years, I always have a spare bass on stage. I have never had to use a spare. All it takes is one time for a bass to fail at a gig and your screwed. And I will tell you what will happen. The band is ready to go and your not. Everyone will be looking at you, you will not get any help from anyone because there is nothing they can do. Do you want to take that risk? How would you feel if your band had to bail on a gig because you were not prepared? Blue [size=4][color=#0000FF][font=Arial][color=#000000][b]Bass Guitars [/b][/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson Les Paul Gold Top Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson ES-335 Custom Shop Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson 1991 Thunderbird Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] w/ebony fret board [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1951 Telecaster Bass Re-issue *MIJ (Dressing Room Bass)[/font][/size] [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1959 Telecaster Bass Re-Issue MIJ[/font] (Rehearsal Bass)[/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][color=#000000][font=Arial]G & L 1991 ASAT Bass (active pre-amp )[/font][/color][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]German Made Hofner 502 Limited Edition Club Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size][list] [*][url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?app=forums&module=post&section=post&do=reply_post&f=13&t=250724&qpid=2623494"]Quote[/url] [*][url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?app=forums&module=post&section=post&do=reply_post&f=13&t=250724&qpid=2623494"]MultiQuote[/url] [*][url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?app=forums&module=post&section=post&do=edit_post&f=13&t=250724&p=2623494&st=30"]Edit[/url] [*][url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?app=forums&module=moderate&section=moderate&do=postchoice&tact=delete&f=13&t=250724&selectedpids%5B%5D=2623494&st=30&auth_key=cadea967623d2bc212075f2483d80103"]Delete[/url] [*][url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?app=core&module=reports&rcom=post&tid=250724&pid=2623494&st=30"]Report[/url] [/list]

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1417810176' post='2624311'] Listen mate, saying two bob's worth is perfectly cool. Anyone telling you it isn't is trying to curtail your creativity and interpretation. Anyway, I say two bob's worth as well, and I'm a f***ing limey ****. It's f***ing hard for new bands with any originality and creativity to break in the UK, and it's probably the same in the States. [/quote] Overall it is the same here, however some regions in the States might be kinder to originals bands. But not Milwaukee, it's strictly a blue collar working man's cover band city. Blue

[quote name='EddyGlee' timestamp='1417792121' post='2624086'] I live in Yorkshire and still call 50p.. “Ten Bob” He’s one for ya Blue If thar Bob dunt gi' ar Bob that Bob he owes ar Bob, then ar Bob is gunna gi' thar Bob a Bob on’t nose Which translates.. If your Robert doesn't give our Robert that five pence he owes are Robert, Than our Robert is going to punch your Robert on the nose. [/quote] I love it. Blue [size=4][color=#0000FF][font=Arial][color=#000000][b]Bass Guitars [/b][/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson Les Paul Gold Top Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson ES-335 Custom Shop Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson 1991 Thunderbird Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] w/ebony fret board [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1951 Telecaster Bass Re-issue *MIJ (Dressing Room Bass)[/font][/size] [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1959 Telecaster Bass Re-Issue MIJ[/font] (Rehearsal Bass)[/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][color=#000000][font=Arial]G & L 1991 ASAT Bass (active pre-amp )[/font][/color][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]German Made Hofner 502 Limited Edition Club Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size]

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1417777435' post='2623881'] No offence Blue, but the term relates to a time when 'bob' was a reference to money and I think the time we ( UK ) went 'decimal' was 1971. So, 'bob' meant our old shillings...as in pounds, shillings and pence. Also, it was a slang term for cheap... so if you said someone was 'two bob' you meant they were a cheap person. We tended to use 'tuppence' when stating an opinion... as tuppence was also old currency and these terms probably dated back to the 1930's. 40's and 50's. You'd only know all this if you knew people from those generations that used that terminology so if you knew people from the U.K in the 70's you'd likely come across that terminolgy, slang or vernacular... [/quote] Got it, [i]"my tuppence worth"[/i] is that the correct phrase? Blue [size=4][color=#0000FF][font=Arial][color=#000000][b]Bass Guitars [/b][/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson Les Paul Gold Top Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson ES-335 Custom Shop Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson 1991 Thunderbird Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] w/ebony fret board [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1951 Telecaster Bass Re-issue *MIJ (Dressing Room Bass)[/font][/size] [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1959 Telecaster Bass Re-Issue MIJ[/font] (Rehearsal Bass)[/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][color=#000000][font=Arial]G & L 1991 ASAT Bass (active pre-amp )[/font][/color][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]German Made Hofner 502 Limited Edition Club Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size]

[quote name='Paul S' timestamp='1417713026' post='2623392'] I would personally rather play in a covers band where you can choose from a distillation of the best tunes of the last 50 years that have stood the test of time - great tunes to play that people are familiar with, or occasionally great tunes that people should be familiar with but aren't. To doggedly stick to churning out second rate material just because someone in the band wrote it I would find depressing. Of course if anyone is lucky enough to be involved in an originals band that wrote strong material then that's great. It just seems to me to be a rarity. [/quote] I think many stereotype cover and and originals bands. It's like anything else, there's good and bad in both. Blue [size=4][color=#0000FF][font=Arial][color=#000000][b]Bass Guitars [/b][/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson Les Paul Gold Top Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson ES-335 Custom Shop Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson 1991 Thunderbird Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] w/ebony fret board [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1951 Telecaster Bass Re-issue *MIJ (Dressing Room Bass)[/font][/size] [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1959 Telecaster Bass Re-Issue MIJ[/font] (Rehearsal Bass)[/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][color=#000000][font=Arial]G & L 1991 ASAT Bass (active pre-amp )[/font][/color][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]German Made Hofner 502 Limited Edition Club Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size]

[quote name='DogHammer' timestamp='1417701281' post='2623187'] Most of my Projects have been original bands. Didnt have too much creative input in the early ones due to not having the confidence with the instrument I suspect. But my current originals project and the one before it I have had full creative freedom with. As for the OP, personally its definitely not overrated. I think playing covers is overrated. My band currently gig originals probably every other weekend, sometimes more. And between this we do the odd 2 hour pub covers gig to earn some money for recording. To me the covers stuff feels laborious and non creative. I am much happier playing the basslines and singing the songs that we create. [/quote] I think that sort of happiness might be regional. Milwaukee is a blue collar cover band city, always has been always will be. There is practically no market or interest in original bands here. There are a few back rooms with a $5.00 cover. You might see a few family members and friends, otherwise these rooms are empty. Now I understand there are some cities with a big appreciation for originals as well as cool venues. Blue [size=4][color=#0000FF][font=Arial][color=#000000][b]Bass Guitars [/b][/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson Les Paul Gold Top Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson ES-335 Custom Shop Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson 1991 Thunderbird Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] w/ebony fret board [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1951 Telecaster Bass Re-issue *MIJ (Dressing Room Bass)[/font][/size] [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1959 Telecaster Bass Re-Issue MIJ[/font] (Rehearsal Bass)[/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][color=#000000][font=Arial]G & L 1991 ASAT Bass (active pre-amp )[/font][/color][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]German Made Hofner 502 Limited Edition Club Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size]

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1417701182' post='2623185'] Blue is old enough to be '2 bob' [/quote] Nice! I'm older not old, big difference. Blue [size=4][color=#0000FF][font=Arial][color=#000000][b]Bass Guitars [/b][/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson Les Paul Gold Top Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson ES-335 Custom Shop Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson 1991 Thunderbird Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] w/ebony fret board [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1951 Telecaster Bass Re-issue *MIJ (Dressing Room Bass)[/font][/size] [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1959 Telecaster Bass Re-Issue MIJ[/font] (Rehearsal Bass)[/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][color=#000000][font=Arial]G & L 1991 ASAT Bass (active pre-amp )[/font][/color][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]German Made Hofner 502 Limited Edition Club Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size]

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1417691116' post='2623031'] Have you tried writing songs?[/quote] Yes, I have attempted coming up with original songs many times. Results have always been a load of rubbish, socially irrelevant lyrics, marginal melody and structure. Blue [size=4][color=#0000FF][font=Arial][color=#000000][b]Bass Guitars [/b][/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson Les Paul Gold Top Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson ES-335 Custom Shop Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson 1991 Thunderbird Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] w/ebony fret board [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1951 Telecaster Bass Re-issue *MIJ (Dressing Room Bass)[/font][/size] [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1959 Telecaster Bass Re-Issue MIJ[/font] (Rehearsal Bass)[/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][color=#000000][font=Arial]G & L 1991 ASAT Bass (active pre-amp )[/font][/color][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]German Made Hofner 502 Limited Edition Club Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size]

[quote name='gadgie' timestamp='1417669664' post='2622859'] "Both of these guys could have gone on to college, had traditional careers got married and had families." You make that sound as though it was a bad thing. I think in any business, those wanting to take a few risks are likely to prosper. Some people are happier having a nice family home filled with kids and then grand kids, and so on and so on. [/quote] Not a bad thing at all, it describes the road most take. I am a little biased admittedly. I wish I would have skipped college and working for the man for 40 plus years and went to London in 1971 with my bass. Me, personally, I have no interest in family, college and especially not working for the man. A house filled with kids and grand kids, not for me, no thanks. I'm in my element in those dark bars/clubs around 11:30 busting into that third set for an appreciative crowd. But that's just me. Blue [size=4][color=#0000FF][font=Arial][color=#000000][b]Bass Guitars [/b][/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson Les Paul Gold Top Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson ES-335 Custom Shop Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson 1991 Thunderbird Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] w/ebony fret board [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1951 Telecaster Bass Re-issue *MIJ (Dressing Room Bass)[/font][/size] [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1959 Telecaster Bass Re-Issue MIJ[/font] (Rehearsal Bass)[/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][color=#000000][font=Arial]G & L 1991 ASAT Bass (active pre-amp )[/font][/color][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]German Made Hofner 502 Limited Edition Club Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size]

[quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1417663319' post='2622852'] In direct response to the question asked, no. I'm in it for the music, originals or otherwise. All the bands I have been in or am in at the moment are well aware of that. I haven't been paid for the last gig I did and I couldn't give a toss. I would have paid to play it. We were on fire. [/quote] Interesting position, you are obviously committed to your love of music. My last gig was a blast the sound was great and the band was on it's best musical behavior. We all loved the gig and we also love getting paid at the end of the evening for the investment and time we spend to present our show. I think your situation is probably a little different than most bands. Are you saying you played for an alcohol buying crowd, hauled a full PA and lights and performed for 4 hours for free? Blue