Trueno

I've been messing with guitars for 45 years and still not much cop at it. I still have a couple because I can play a few chunky chords or cack-handed fills if I'm recording. I've spent thousands (and thousands) of hours playing various instruments over the years... if I'd spent all that time practising guitar I'd be quite good at it by now. There is something deep in my psyche that prevents it. I think it might be... 1. A guitar has two strings too many... and funny tuning so you can't quite repeat the same patterns all over the fretboard (like you can with a bass). Note... I've only ever played four string bass 2. All the instruments I play (woodwind and bass) are monophonic... clearly playing one note at a time is enough for me 3. Too many damned guitarists to compete with anyway 4. I've always thought the bass player was the coolest guy on the stage... even cooler than the sax player.

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1473155076' post='3127377'] When I have new material to learn "lack of patience" is not even an option". Whether or not I like the material is not a part of the picture either. I'm being paid to do something, end of story. I commit and learn the material. Blue [/quote] I agree.

[quote name='ambient' timestamp='1473081185' post='3126664'] A friend of mine plays trombone. It's a fantastically expressive instrument. [/quote] Not the same trombone-playing friend that I have, then. He can play an oom and he can play a pah. On a good day he can play an oom-pah.

... that's the point of GAS, though. 1. Irrational desire for something you don't need, underpinned by the certainty it will "make you sound better" 2. Brief honeymoon period of using the thing 3. Boredom sets in, accompanied by the realisation that it doesn't "make you sound better" and the fact that it will require a certain amount of hard work 4. Chuck it on the "unloved" pile 5. Sell it on six months later

It all worked as expected... nothing blew up. It was louder, more authoritative, more headroom. Clearly you're going to get your trousers flapping with one of those added to the mix. I had no issues with mixing a 12" and a 15" inch, it was a great lightweight rig... and I think there are advantages to keeping it all with the same manufacturer. I always ran my bass through an EBS microbass II which really beefed up the sound (for my ears at least). However, I did sell the extension cab in the end. It worked really well when I was in a band with a smaller PA. Then I joined a band with a huge PA and the amp was more for monitoring, I didn't really need the extra cab. Depends on your circumstances. It's a classy bit of kit, though.

Makes me want to get a looper pedal and try my own ham-fisted version.

I did.

Never really thought about it. Can't use a pick as I keep dropping it. I bought a bass, started twanging it and when I looked... behold... two fingers were being utilised. No disrespect to the late great James Jamerson, but I never understood the "big finger" approach, although a lot it went on in the 70s. As usual, do what suits you, and I actually do have respect for people that can use a variety of techniques.

[quote name='dyerseve' timestamp='1472835509' post='3124680'] also, if you were of the theiving persuasion, surely the first thing you would do after stealing a bass would be to take it apart to make sure it doesnt have one of these TrackR devices in it - i mean there are only so many places you can "hide" one of these things in a bass... [/quote] Good point, but these sort of people tend to be really really stupid. However, the bluetooth thing is a bit limiting.

... Cheers. Hope you find a workable solution.

I presume you could hide it inside the control cavity. Why not... seems a good idea if you do a lot of gigging.

[quote name='scrumpymike' timestamp='1472821565' post='3124535'] That's generally true Howie but my problems come from a bike accident 30 years ago that is now giving me nerve compression issues causing weakness and loss of feeling in my hands. [/quote] I have a similar problem. Here's a completely different take... I've played fretless for long time because I've found it easier to "fret" the notes. Played in different types of band including usual rock covers and never had any issues. I've never gone for a typical fretless sound (mwahh or whatever) but I just play the damn thing and evolved my own slippy slidey light-fingered style.

Lovely bass that. Post some pics if you get the chance and get your phone fixed.

It's a great look... all black with maple board, like the Roger Waters Fender. Hope you enjoy it!

I remember reading an interview with Guy Pratt and he said he got the gig with Gilmour's Pink Floyd because he made them laugh (even though there were probably better bass players available). Having listened to Floyd's "Final Cut" once I imagine that Roger Waters was a bit short on laughs and that Guy was a little ray of sunshine.

I played at a festival a few years ago. The bassist in another band manged to crock his Stingray and was looking for a bass to borrow. I was the only one to offer, albeit my bass was fretless. He went for it anyway. It wasn't my rig... it was through the enormous festival PA with supplied backline (a GK), but it was great to stand halfway down down the field and listen to my own bass... being played rather well, as it happened. The bass is a fretless Warwick Thumb BO4 and I've still got it.

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1472583811' post='3122392'] I find it funny when people are asked what they do on quiz shows. "I'm an unemployed computer programmer". No you're not. You're unemployed. It's funny how we self identify ourselves. An injured runner? No you're not a runner if you can't run, your wardrobe may be full of running clothes and trainers but you're not a runner. But do we all stop being computer programmers, runners, musicians when we are asleep at night? I suppose you only stop being an X when you actively declare you're not going to do it anymore. [/quote] Have you thought about taking a degree in Philosophy? You may ponder such questions as: does something exist if no-one is looking at it. As it happens I do have a degree in Philosophy, but if anyone asks, I don't call myself a Philosopher.

Although I've played instruments since about the age of 14, I didn't start gigging until I was about 40. I was invited to a party and asked to bring my sax along as they were getting a scratch band together. I rather enjoyed it all and the rest is history. On the other hand, I was lucky I could already play the instrument.

Lovely bass... Surely worth waiting all that time for? I think I should have bought my Jazz on day one... maybe.

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1472506097' post='3121729'] I signed on to play bass guitar and sing backing vocals. I did not sign on for management responsibility. We have a BL for that. Blue [/quote] Totally agree.

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1472470334' post='3121304'] But the venue is paying money to have a band, so to me this smacks on afterthought... and more afterthought. If the total fee is £350, this couple are paying £150 tops towards an evening they are dictating..?? The pub wants the takings, and the couple want a party, to their order and they both want it on the cheap... Bands should be strong enough to tell them like it is... but if the band's hand is weak, you may have to modify the tactics. If you do go ahead and do it, don't play overtime... and the price should be £100 for an extra 30mins. I'd still like to know how much the solo act is getting, no one I know goes out for less than £150.... so if they have a name to 'protect'.. you can double that at least..? And as for other bookings coming from this... I'd be thinking they aren't the type you'd want if this is an example, but you've set a 'known' precedent' now.. [/quote] That's a lot of thinking and stressing there... now back to me cup of tea...

I used to have a Zoot Chaser 4. It is the bass I should never have sold.... Persuaded by the guitarist it didn't fit the band's image etc etc. Made in the UK to the best of my knowledge. If you have the chance to get one, give it serious thought.

I played in a functions band for a long time. They are employing you to perform at their big day. We had a very charming and diplomatic lead singer who dealt with all that stuff... and it usually all went very well. I'd just cadge a cup of tea and keep out of it. Sometimes the family were arsey and sometimes the venue were arsey, but luckily never both at the same time.

[quote name='SpondonBassed' timestamp='1472408743' post='3120928'] Foulds of Derby no longer have their stairway wall of musicians looking/wanted ads. Deep shame. The Internet is just not the same. [/quote] You mean "the Beat Board".... still see a few in music shops. Forsyths in Manchester still have a good one.