Dan Dare

A PA is not a discreet whole. It's a collection of components - mixer, FOH, monitors, etc. Splitting it isn't akin to buying something like a vehicle jointly, where it would be impractical for one to own the engine, one the bodywork, etc because it operates as a whole and cannot easily be divided. I have just upgraded my mixer. It still works with the rest on my gear. As far as storage, transport etc of the PA is concerned, if individuals own parts of it, they are responsible for that with the parts they own. It also solves the issue of one person using the PA for their own benefit, because nobody has the complete rig (they are free to negotiate with others to borrow/hire the rest of it if they wish). If a PA is a small, main vocal only rig, it seems reasonable to expect the singer to provide and maintain it. In a situation where someone joins an established band with jointly owned assets - PA, lights, etc - it may not be appropriate for them to be charged a "joining fee". However, I would consider it reasonable, were I in that situation, to be asked to contribute over time out of my gig fees in order to put me on a par with those who have done similarly, with the amount to be negotiated. This is especially the case if the band has bought out a previous member's share of jointly owned assets. These days, I own a PA and charge a fee for its use to bands I play with. They are free not to use it and hire if they choose, but in practice, I'm a lot cheaper than doing that, so the situation never arises. I have to arrive early, set up, mix and then tear down and take it home afterwards, I do more work and have invested a significant amount in my system, so I should see a return on that. If it's a fun gig with friends, I don't charge, of course, but I do appreciate their buying me a pint (which won't break them - I'll be driving, so two is the absolute limit). Socialism is great for those who put in less than others and not so good for those who put in more...

I appreciate your points. However, it isn't impossible to split a PA into (roughly, but obviously not exact) equal shares. I've done it before, or rather a band I was in did. We did it in the way I described above. Obviously, you don't all go and buy a disparate/ill-matched pile of equipment and hope it works. You agree on the system you want and then purchase it between you, dividing the cost as equitably as is possible commensurate with owning parts of it individually. That's what we did. Some (I and one other) spent a little more than others, but it didn't bother me (or him), because I owned something of higher value which was mine to do as I wished with if/when I left, as did he. Why would you be upset if a band member "demanded payment" from you and why is it unreasonable to expect someone to pay to join a band.? You did, in effect, demand payment from the other members of the band when you fronted the cost of buying the PA you describe and they repaid you. To be clear, I think that was entirely reasonable of you and would have done the same in your position. Surely it depends on the circumstances. In the case of bands that work occasionally and don't earn a great deal, they are unlikely to be spending .serious money on PA, lights, etc. £20 a head each for a few months is no great loss. However, in a situation where you are offered a place in a successful working outfit which has significant jointly-owned assets, is it right to expect to benefit from something the others have paid for without making a contribution? Perhaps so if you are happy to be paid a wage, but if you want an equal share in the profits of the venture, it's right that you should make the same investment as the others have. If you join a company as an employee, you will earn a wage/salary, but if you wish to be a full partner and earn the same as the other partners/business owners, shouldn't you be prepared to invest in the venture to the same extent as them?

This is a tricky issue. Agreeing used values, depreciation and how much someone leaving will get back, etc is a minefield. I'd suggest it's better for members to buy different parts of the PA as individuals. You can normally divide things roughly equally (not exactly, but close enough). One owns the mixer, two others the FOH (a side each), another the monitors and so on. Anyone leaving takes their own part(s) with them to sell or re-use as they choose. Anyone joining then has to replace the item(s) the leaver took with them and owns the replacement(s). The band/joiner is free to offer to buy it from them if a price that suits everyone can be agreed. Repairs due to fair wear and tear would normally be equally split, but that depends on circumstances. If someone drops the mixing desk down their stairs at home or their kids jump on it and break it, it isn't reasonable to expect the others to pay, for example. As I said, tricky.

As you say you aren't keen on the material, I'd say definitely no. From their point of view, if you join and leave after a few months, they'll have to start from scratch, so it won't be doing them any favours. As far as "Any band is better than no band" goes, if you were parched and in the desert and someone offered you a glass of muddy water, you'd probably drink it...

Is this a ploy to get us to listen to the track/generate clicks?

Fusion gig bag and their DJ backpack for the head.

Opposing thumbs would be a good start.

Sorry. My bad. Should have been 明日は雨が降るかしら。

とは 意味・読み方・使い方

It's not raining in Tokyo

They need to update their translation engine, too. Does an "ender" bass mean it's fatal to play it? Still, good to see it can be used in standard tuning without clogging...

My hovercraft is full of eels

Yep. Probably explains why it went pop. It's been copping most of the output of the amp.

Yes to both of the above. Like many, I've done my share of playing in toilets to animals who hated me because every penny counted. Now I'm retired and reasonably comfortable and don't have to do it, I don't. I won't play for nowt ("It's for charity", etc) on principle, but as long as I cover my expenses plus a couple of beers and the experience is enjoyable, I'm happy. I appreciate I'm fortunate, but I did do my time/pay my dues back in the day, so I guess I earned it.

And get your computer confiscated.

Sounds distinctly dodgy.

I use a wire brush and Dettol.

"Final price drop" is my favourite. I wonder if those ad's are placed to satisfy 'er/'im indoors who is complaining about the place being cluttered up with gear. "I'm trying to sell it, honest, but nobody's interested. Must be due to the recession", etc.

PJB are clean. Too clean for my tastes. I like and use their cabs, but their amps leave me a bit cold.

I'll add PJB to the mix if you want clean.

He play in the right order, but not necessarily the right notes.

Yep. I have a Trigger's Broom K&M mic stand that is almost 50 years old.

"Maybe you're looking to stand out from the crowd". Yes, but in a good way.

The Gotoh 203 has the two extra holes. It's a good quality BBOT replacement, made from chromed brass and at least as good as the Fender. The one above is not a Gotoh, which has a curved edge to the base plate.

I'm a K&M fan. I also have a couple of Quiklok mixer stands, which are solid and have lasted for years. If their bass/guitar stands are as well built, they'd be worth a look.