scrumpymike

OK guys (and gals) - that's the hall booked for Sunday 7th April 2019!! We'll make sure there's a group photo or two - and Mrs Scrumpy is already thinking about next year's menu (I've told her she needs to get out more) Look forward to seeing/hearing the lighter self-build cab.

Almost certainly something I'm doing wrong - if somebody can tell me what it is, I'll stop doing it!

Just looking at the pic of Jim again reminded me of one very important omission. Big thanks to MoJoKe for bringing all that lovely Markbass kit despite suffering from a major attack of PGSD (Post Gig Stress Disorder) left over from the night before. Juggling that lot would be a tough job for even the fittest and well-rested among us. I was particularly impressed by the PA that I used for the Bash announcements and also listened to playing pre-recorded music. We've shown him out of focus with the top of his head missing - cos that's how he said he was feeling at the time http://

Unfortunately, just like any other gig, the packing up was the low-light - but that was soon done! And even Jen's pal Mr Carrot the tattie brush (remember him from the first pic post?) reckons he had so much fun that he'll be back next year. http:// THE END (until next year )

All that was left was for the Scrumpettes to grab a selfie... http:// ...before the official team photograph. http://

So, all in all, how relaxing was it? This much! http:// (The Rev nodded off.) And how much fun was it? This much! http:// (Jimrs2k2 reckons it's the most fun he's had since last year!)

So those of you who didn't attend may wish to look away now http:// http:// http:// http:// http://

Back on the hall floor, there was an awful lot to see, play, and talk about. http:// http:// Andy chatting to Derrey... http:// I even managed to try out one of Jabba's lovely creations at last (I'm already the proud owner of an AndyJr build, foreground left). http:// Paddy109 keeping karma in a forest of bass necks... http:// But the floor soon cleared when lunch was announced! http://

The Bash story in pictures - continued: Local bass manufacturer Gillett Guitars was the only event sponsor in attendance. As most of you know, I'm doing the sales & marketing for Michael G and therefore have a vested interest - so I'm delighted to report that most of the Basschat-ers present appeared to be very interested too. http:// Our exhibit up on the stage was constantly busy and, in addition to the Contour basses, the guitarists amongst us were treated to a try-out of the new Contour 6-string guitar that will make an important contribution to the future of the Gillett brand. The prototype only having been completed a few days before the show, Sunday's bass-Bashers were the first people outside the company to see it, let alone play it. The feedback was very positive and this guitar will be a stand-out product in the guitar market, embodying as it does all the innovative features of the Contour bass (sculpted body, through-stringing, 'resonator-max' top and 2 mag pups plus bridge transducer). Our very own AndyJr, who occasionally strays over to the dark side, was very impressed! http://

Great job Woody! As I watched Phil do the build on Sunday, I've only played the first few minutes of the recording but seems like it's come out really well! I know the 'live' audience enjoyed it (see below) and this video will open it up to a lot more people. http:// I thought Phil came across as a natural 'presenter' - and even managed to retain his composure when Mr Murphy (of 'Murphy's Law' fame) managed to supply a faulty lead which stopped Phil demonstrating his completed cab for a few nervous minutes at the end

Bed-time now - I'll finish the story tomorrow!

And before long, the Bash is in full swing!! L-R: Keith 'york5stringer', Norm, BreadBin and Paddy109. http:// L-R: BassBod, Stevie, (background) Jabba & Andy http:// http:// GrahamT supplies the bass - and the head! http://

On the hall floor, the rev, charliebass and others are getting their stalls set up. http:// http://

The event is open! Graham has slipped seemlessly from cable-laying to reception duties and the first guests are arriving - here's John 'chienmortbb' on his way to start setting up the 12" cab shootout. http:// Back in the kitchen, Scrumpette Mandy is rustling-up breakfast in the shape of her world-famous (well, certainly in Newton Abbot) frittatas... http:// ...which didn't hang around for long! http://

On the other side of the serving hatch, preparations are under way in the main hall too: Scrumpymike's friend and neighbour Graham (who's never picked a bass up in his life!!) is laying the mains cabling and Simon is loading the Gillett exhibit on to the stage; http:// Scrumpy Janey has also stuck the 'welcome' notice on the glass of the hall entrance door. http://

And here's the Bash' story in pictures: It's just gone 8am last Sunday morning and, while most decent folk are still asleep in their beds, everyone is already hard at work in the 'engine room' - including Mr Carrot, Jen's tattie brush (more of him later). http://

Well done Norm - that just leaves my pink torpedo-up to sort then Blimey, we're well chuffed that everybody seems to have had such a good time - I'll book the hall for next year's Bash tomorrow!!

Thanks for the positive feedback - we really enjoyed it again and it was nice to greet existing Bash buddies and meet some new ones. The 12" cab self-build demo and shootout sessions were a worthwhile addition this year and it was great to see Jabba's and AndyJr's wonderful work on display in the same room! I'll start posting pic's tomorrow but it'll take a while to sort through them as Scrumpy Janey took around 500 this time!! Could the winner of the Bath Place Music set-up voucher in the raffle please remind me who you are (sorry, it's an age thing ) and pm me your address for posting. Also, Norm owes someone a pedal of some kind.

OK, I'll shove my tripod in the car too just in case.

Scrumpy Janey says she will operate/mind the camera in between her stills photographic duties - provided she gets a quick explanation of which buttons to press. Does it come with a tripod? If not I'll bring mine.

WANTED - VIDEO CAMERA WITH OPERATOR! After a good think and a practice run yesterday, our Phil has decided to go for a 12" cab build at tomorrow's Bash. Is anybody willing/able to video the process so it can be put on YouTube and submitted to the Guiness Book of Records for consideration?

...and a couple of other random bits & pieces: BRING CASH if you think you're going to need any, as the nearest ATM is a mile away at the Co-Op. You should also consider stands/straps for any guitars you're bringing, ear plugs (just mentioning with my organiser's H&S hat on - should not be needed as I'll intervene to prevent any dangerous noise levels), headphones/speakerless systems for your use in the Quiet Room (or to turn the 'noisy room' quiet).

OK, so here's a final run-through of the important stuff: The BIG FAT South-West Bass Bash is happening TOMORROW, Sunday 8th, from 10am-4pm in the Memorial Hall, Cheddon Fitzpaine, nr Taunton TA2 8JY The hall is about a mile out of Cheddon Village a few hundred metres from the school on the edge of a small hamlet called Rowford. The safest way is to follow your satnav. If you don't have one, the easiest way out of Taunton is: head up Station Road towards the railway station, which will be on your right just after you pass under the 2 bridges. At the T-junction with traffic lights at the top of the hill, turn right but immediately keep left and turn left at the next traffic lights. You're now on Cheddon Road, which will take you all the way to the village hall entrance on your right (just past the school on the left) after a couple of miles. The entrance is at the junction pictured below. NOTE: Taking this route out of Taunton doesn't take you through Cheddon village itself. In case of need, my mobile number is 07770 946135 http://

Thanks for letting us know - hope your day goes well too.

Oooops! Just realised I put everything but the times on my original post As Norm said, it's nominally 10am-4pm but the hall is ours all day so won't be chucking everybody out at 3:59pm.