SpondonBassed

I like the black on gold thing at both ends. Makes for a sophisticated look with the burl. Sorry to hear about needing a fret rework but the binding you described is something to look forward to. Your efforts to get it to premium standard are admirable.

[quote name='Beedster' timestamp='1509090664' post='3396490'] We auditioned a singer years ago, he turned up looking nervous as hell. In front of us he shotgunned two cans of 1664, and then knocked out the best version of La Grange I've ever heard, well it was as good as the original (the vocals anyway, we were as crap as usual). We didn't hire him because we were a bit worried about how stable his confidence was going to be if it needed that kind of kick start, but booze and creativity/performance has been a pretty effective strategy from at least as far back as Mozart BTW I still wish we'd hired him [/quote] I am no stranger to intoxicating substances myself. I am aware that altered states of mind are a major influence on art in general and especially in music. In this context however we are talking about doing a job. Employers generally make intoxication during work time a sacking offence. I see little difference here. May I also point out that there is a vast wealth of creative music out there that was created by sober people. Many of the survivors of the so-called rock and roll lifestyle who have cleaned up their lives say that they wished they'd known earlier that they could still play without help from substances, legal or otherwise. Peer pressure on musicians to get intoxicated at gigs is not such a problem today either.

[quote name='roceci' timestamp='1509056183' post='3396411'] I've played Jazzes for probably 90% of my 20+ years playing & until recently have always plucked between the neck pup & the neck itself. Over the last month or so however my right hand has moved itself steadily back & I find myself playing mainly over the bridge pup now. I'm loving the clear tone I'm getting as well as increased control on fast runs & less clack & clang generally. The only downside I'm experiencing at the moment is I'm finding that notes played on my D, G & high C strings are not coming thru as powerfully as those played on the bottom two. This wasn't a problem in the old plucking position. The tension feels much higher on the top strings now compared to the E & A, & I'm having to dig hard to get the volumes anywhere near equal. Anyone else made the switch & had this issue? What worked for you? Wondering if it's a matter of strengthening my fingers thru practice, lowering the action on the top strings, trying a lighter string gauge or something else I've not considered. [/quote] I'd leave the saddles unless you have changed strings for a different gauge. If there is room, adjust the pick-ups so they are slightly closer to the strings at the high C. If they are close enough to the strings already increase the distance from the E string instead and compensate on your gain. Edit: Like Dad sez.

We showed too much interest and they took it away. Aw

[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1509063062' post='3396435'] oh wait... you mean first name or surname? The surname might just fit! Can't be... 5 letter first name, 6 letter surname? [/quote] Cliff Richard? I didn't know he was a shredder.

[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1509063442' post='3396440'] That's another thing that sometimes happens. I have a friend who can play very complicated things on his guitar. But when it comes to joining others, he just can't do it. He sounds contrived and mechanical... but the thing is the guy knows a lot, and has the technical ability, but I think he is just used to copying other people's work without really absorbing the material. I've tried to encourage him to just join bands, as I think once he loosens up he could potentially be very good... but he's not comfortable and prefers to just play at home. [/quote] Sound like me in some ways. Have him washed and sent to Derby and we could be making technically sweet music by the end of the week!

[quote name='Woodinblack' timestamp='1509055241' post='3396405'] ...But if you aren't accepted or kicked out, then leave it and move on to the next thing! [/quote] Having been rejected I agree that it is the best strategy to quietly move on. I passed audition with what was to be a six piece band about eighteen months ago. In the follow-up 'phone call I was given given the set to learn in agreed stages. I committed to learning six songs to be ready to practice with the band in a fortnight. I was to wait for a further call to check what six songs to learn next The role had been offered with the understanding that auditions were still going on for bass and two other roles in the band. The call didn't come as expected and on the practice night of the third week I went to see the band. When I got out of the car I could hear bass from the car park. It was good too. My fears were confirmed when I entered the hall and saw the new bassist setting-up. I was not enraged, despite friends' supportive suggestions that I should have been. Instead I accepted that the band leader was doing what a good band leader does for the overall good of the project and had picked someone who know more of the set list than me from the start. My only issue was that I had to find out for myself when I should have heard back the previous week. It really wasn't that big a deal. Once I had got over myself I could see that I was one of many people who had responded to the newspaper advert (yes, the local classifieds still work well) and that what had happened is something of an occupational hazard in these circles. I wished the band well and left with no animosity. My restraint was a good choice because the newer player, for reasons unknown, was gone six months later and I was contacted to see if I would still be available. I still wanted the job but my mum had died in the meantime and I was starting to guide my life into a new direction. I politely declined. I can still hold my head up when I bump into these chaps on the circuit however. The behaviour described in the OP seems a bit career limiting to me. Eventually no-one would want to know you on your own patch. Stupid really.

[quote name='SisterAbdullahX' timestamp='1509053606' post='3396395'] Had a guitarist years ago answer an ad for a club band I was in. I took an instant dislike to him, absolutely full of himself, pain in the arse to spend even five minutes with. He turned up to a few gigs with his wife before his audition in an attempt to ingratiate himself further and give himself what he thought would be a head start over the other prospective candidates. I remember him standing with his wife talking to the bandleader about the bandleader's holiday and saying "me and the wife love it there, we should all go there together next year!" I made my feelings clear about him early on but the bandleader wanted to give him a try. He was given three or four songs to learn with about two weeks to learn them. We set up during the day at this club so he and another chap could come and audition. I remember dreading it. Gets to the time he was due to arrive, no show...half an hour goes by, still no sign, bandleader phones him and he says he's lost, even though this was a particularly well known venue, about an hour goes by before he bursts in, again with his wife, pissed and stinking of beer, all flustered. Rushes to get his gear in then to my absolute delight puts in the worst audition performance I think I've ever heard, clearly did next to zero preparation, could hardly make it through a song without making the most horrendous bum-note laden racket. It was a joy to watch! He then tried to say "no no, I just need to get myself together, give me another try" to which the drummer and myself got up and walked out the room. He at least had the good grace to have left before we came back. He still had the cheek to phone the bandleader a few days later to beg for another try! What a wally! [/quote] It's sad when someone needs a "sharpener" to boost their sense of self worth. "bum-note laden" That made me laugh. Was that his surname? It put me in mind of a terrorist that once made the world news.

[quote name='Rich' timestamp='1509043790' post='3396308'] Hell hath no fury like a guitarist scorned [/quote] Surely that's a sixist remark?

[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1509063115' post='3396436'] Oh! can *I* join your band then??? [/quote] If you come with your own nutmeg grater, sure. Heeheehee [size=3](Don't tell them on the [i]Join My Band[/i] topic but I've just re-subscribed to that service and will be recruiting soon)[/size]

...or that sequels are every bit as good as the first film.

[quote name='jacko' timestamp='1509025629' post='3396132'] Thought it might be nice to post a pic of me with Floyd (not on a Halloween night though ) [attachment=256292:snake.jpg] [/quote] Aw sweet. I thought you were talking about a stage prop at first. I had to laugh at your story. Great deterrent to cold-calling faceless urchins. I'll wait until I find myself shouting at squirrels in the park before I invest in an adult constrictor however.

[quote name='Rich' timestamp='1509001097' post='3395839'] Only on BC could there be an argument over whether 60 seconds would be long enough to evaluate the music of a dead musician if he ever appeared on a TV programme that he never did and, for obvious reasons, never will I broadly agree with BRX's point -- with [b]the majority of[/b] acts on Later, 60 secs is long enough. 10 is enough for some [/quote] Usually I know in the first 60 seconds or so whether this sort of debate is for me or not. As the vast majority of [i]is-not[/i] vs [i]is-too[/i] debates are repetitive I'll usually have heard the main points of either side by the end of the first minute already. One thing about Later that strikes me is that not many folk are ambivalent about it and there is certainly no shortage of viewers. I love it when folk watch something just to slag it off.

[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1509020756' post='3396073'] Do you have your own microwave oven to bring to rehearsals? [/quote] Microwave popcorn? Feck that! In my band we pop corn over nicely overdriven valve heads in lidded pans with a little peanut oil and serve with melted butter and a touch of nutmeg while the guitarist tunes all five of his axes and arranges his pedals in a pretty daisy chain. That's got to be on my rider before I'll even look at your band.

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1509019557' post='3396059'] I guess I should have asked "Is Holloween gigging a big deal" I'm pretty detached from other elements of Holloween. Blue [/quote] Yeah. I need to get out more. I should aim to be gigging myself for next year's Halloween bookings. It'd distract me from all of the hoo-hah. Seems to work for you.

Welcome Dave.

[quote name='PaulWarning' timestamp='1509005294' post='3395887'] I keep meaning to go on Guitarchat, if there is one, to find out what they say about bass players [/quote] Good luck with that. I tried to infiltrate a drummers' forum earlier in the year to get some insight but they sussed me out straight away! I'm still laughing at the suggestion that the guitarist should be told "You were amazing". It doesn't matter that you were amazed by how much of a cock he was as long as you can deliver those words and keep a straight face. Nobody is offended and all parties can move on without impediment. You still have to lie about the old guitarist wanting to come back though. I find it difficult to lie even if telling a white one. I go a bit Sheldon; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKBc_Y2FibM

[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1509006912' post='3395903'] Indeed... but it takes a while to recover from the experience... [/quote] Yes. You are safe enough venting your frustration here among friends.

[quote name='jezzaboy' timestamp='1508961969' post='3395706'] I don`t think that you can blame the sites. I have joined a couple of bands through them. The problem is most people who advertise on them are either dreamers, bedroom musicians or just time wasters. The good thing about JMB is if you look in the profile section under the advert, sometimes you can spot the serial advertisers who haven`t deleted their old messages and give them the old Merv the swerve. As long as you can put up with the nutters, these sites are perfect for us weekend warriors without a network or the professional contacts. [/quote] I have read that twice. I am not sure you are being fair on subscribers to JMB. Dreamers - Where would music be without dreamers? Bedroom Musicians - Everyone has to start somewhere and continue to practice without being a PITA for the people who share the building with them. Time Wasters - That is such a selfish attitude when you think of all of the times when you just wished someone would give you a chance when you were starting out. Nutters - Every walk of life has them. I have no argument with what you said there. I am aware however that the creative gene seems to be associated with nutty behaviour. I just joined JMB again now that I have my email issues dealt with (finally!). I need it for building up my contacts list. As I won't use social media it is the only avenue left to me really. When I am less of a Bedroom (workshop actually) Musician and more confident with my progress, I'll look at more highly-regarded sites for networking but for now JMB is quite appropriate.

[quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1509004849' post='3395877'] No not me! I keep practising in the breaks in rehearsals. I think I'm getting quite good now. Well, it was going well, but they just fired me! Said their old bass player is coming back! Funny thing is, he died. [/quote] Heeheehee

[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1508967768' post='3395759'] New project being formed... we have a first meet and see what we feel like. The core is drummer, sax and bass: we play together in another band and we're starting something else. We got a singer and a guitarist to try. Both looked good on paper. Singer was very good. No problem. Guitarist... was knowledgeable enough, and his technique was right, but pretty much only played a couple of bluesy numbers, and murdered Brown Sugar with excessive distortion and a bassy guitar sound. In general he was out of tune too. We didn't gel, musically or personally. He would argue about keys, despite the fact that the singer had specified the keys for the songs with discussed... He was just hard work, not fun, and musically uninspiring at best. And a bit of a 'guitar hero' too... After we part ways, we talk about it and we unanimously decide that we don't need to see this guy again. Drummer writes a simple message to him along the lines of "thank you, but we think you're not what we're after, good luck, etc". Nothing offensive or anything. Then the guy just went on and on about how we feel threatened because he is better, and he's got so much experience, etc etc. [size=6]He sounded insane[/size]. He was a little odd in person, but after I saw that... I was very glad we didn't waste any more time with him. Seven or eight messages later, he disappeared. I hope for good. I laughed but... it was sad. He was genuinely feeling hard done by and tried to insult us (must try harder)... and somehow we are idiots for not recognising his value and not wanting to play with him. [size=6]What planet does he live in? Immensely deluded.[/size] A bullet well dodged. Has anybody come across people like this guy? It's a first for me. [/quote] The highlighted bits of your OP have summed it up for me. Even now he's wasting your time because you are still discussing it. It's best not to mock the afflicted and moving on was the right thing for your band to do. He'll find a place somewhere.

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1508805951' post='3394583'] ...Thinking about gigging the 1991 Gibson Bird. My quarter inch lead seems to pop out for some reasons. Do I have to tighten the nut around the input? Hope there's a lot of Sexy Nurse costumes. [/quote] Reading that last sentence has slackened my nuts somewhat too. Joking aside I don't think tightening the attaching nut will help to retain your jack plug. It's more likely to be a well-worn socket that needs replacement. Alternatively, if you have recently bought a new cable, check whether the old cable pops out as easily. Some cables have jack plugs that are incompatible with some jack sockets and on rare occasions this happens.

[quote name='mep' timestamp='1508831209' post='3394620'] ...We've got on on bonfire night. Can't see us exporting that to the US! [/quote] Hahahahahaha! Good one.

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1508798514' post='3394562'] Always a big gig night for bar bands in the States. A lot of fun and nice size crowds. Is it a big deal in the UK? If yes, tell us about what you have booked. Blue [/quote] I know you are asking about bookings but you may have opened up a can of worms with that question Blue. To answer your question briefly, yes. It is a big deal for many reasons. To address the actual question, I don't have gigs (yet) as I am a hobby bassist. There are however lots of musical events put on during the week around 31st October every year. To expand on the notion of Halloween being a big deal as you put it - we now have children doing that awful Trick-or-Treat thing. It has replaced collecting pennies for the Guy on the run up to the more insensitive Guy Fawkes Night that was commonly celebrated every 5th of November during my youth. Instead of children preparing for the November 5th "celebrations" by gathering firewood and old clothes then going door to door with an effigy asking for a "[i]penny for the Guy[/i]", we have children going door to door in random groups, sometimes with parents, doing that intimidating thing of begging on the doorstep for sweets while wearing face masks. If you don't give-in you get victimised. Neither practice is tolerated here because we don't have children in the household. We don't even answer the door on Halloween night. I'd be much better off performing during that silliness. At least I'd get something useful out of it to compensate. Did I not mention that I am a part-time miserable old git? [url="https://www.activityvillage.co.uk/penny-for-the-guy"]https://www.activity...nny-for-the-guy[/url]

Welcome Peter.