LeftyP

This one takes some beating. It was along time ago and I don't remember anything about the film other than this brilliant opening sequence. Also the Anderson Tapes is a great tune.

Now there's a gig grabbing style!

I remember Eric Morecambe telling the story of one of their early gigs. Eric and Ernie did the whole show to one old man in the hall. After they had finished he asked if it was OK for him to put the chairs away - he was the hall caretaker!

I don't think GAS is limited to bass players. I had a friend who was keen on golf and photography. He changed golf clubs and cameras more often than his socks - just looking for the perfect set of clubs or camera. We've all seen the people who sleep out overnight to buy the latest iPhone, which turns out to be not much different from the one they bought six months ago! I love cycling and read plenty of cycling magazines. I could spend thousands on the latest bikes but then I pull my modest road bike out of the shed and within a mile or so realize that that my alloy framed Bianchi just suits me fine. I don't have GAS for another bass guitar. The one I have (Chowny SWB-1) is ideal for what I shall be using it for - playing in church for those who asked "who goes to church"! I'm still getting to know it but I like what I have. Sometimes I think we need to spend time with the gear we have and appreciate it. I made the GAS mistake a few years ago when I was playing the chromatic harmonica. I now have drawers full of the things in my quest to find the one. I enjoy reading reviews on bass guitars and bicycles and can appreciate the high end of the market - "Cyclist" magazine has just featured a bike costing £22,650! I'll stick with what I have and try to get the most out of it. Having seen what Scott Whitley can do with the SWB-1 it should be more than enough for me to handle!

You may have already seen this on YouTube but it's worth a viewing. Vox amps were Top of the Pops in the 1960s.

I'm awaiting delivery of some D'Addario tape wound strings and plan to route them through the body. I've checked their website and there is no mention of problems fitting them that way. Do you have any more information as to why they should not go through the body?

I know this thread is mainly about the SWB Pro but has anyone else got the SWB-1 standard passive model? I'm not sure if the tone control on my guitar is working correctly. To my ears it makes no difference to the sound if I have the tone rolled off or fully on. There is a slight change in tone when I move the knob from zero to less than a quarter turn. I really need to listen closely to notice the change and I cannot decide if I'm putting treble on or bass! For the remainder of the turn, until full on, I cannot hear any change in tone. I may have received a duff model but would appreciate other users, views.

I've just taken delivery of a Gator hard case which appears to be very well made and should protect my bass guitar in transit. However, inside the case was a tag which contained the following warning; "This product contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm" California law requires them to give the warning to customers in California. Not sure what to make of the warning but it looks like my bass may not be producing any young!

I remember going to the cinema at midnight for a special screening of the film when it was released. The film was edited of course so did not give a good indication of how long each act spent on stage. I suppose the performance length was reflected in the fees?

I used them a few years ago on an acoustic Applause bass and they sounded and felt really good. I've just ordered a set for my Chowny SWB-1 as I find even flat wounds to be too "zingy" to my ears. Trying to find anyone who stocks medium length nylon covered strings is a good trick if you can do it. I ordered some D'Addario ones from Amazon but they will email me when they are available!

Jo-Anne Haley on bass and lead vocal. They have been performing since school days and always put on a great show. Sometimes a simple bass line is the best.

Very eye catching. Was it designed by Salvador Dali? Seriously nice looking bass.

Looking at the subject heading I was expecting a discussion about Jack Klugman! Anyone for a subdural haematoma?

Having just changed the four strings on my Chowny SWB-1 I hate to think what re-stringing a 12 string bass would be like!

I have the solid state version, the GB-10. It's very handy as you can download MP3s into it and play along. Like the CD version (I still have one) you can slow the track down or speed it up (without changing key) or change the key without altering the pace. It's a very nice piece of kit.

Quite a few years ago I was at a Glen Campbell concert. The support act were the Gatlin Brothers and Larry Gatlin asked if anyone had a camera with them - this was long before the smartphone epidemic. People shuffled a bit until Larry said if people wanted to take photo's they should go to the front of the stage during the first song and snap away then put their cameras away for the rest of the show. It worked a treat with the brothers posing for snaps while hey sang. I agree that all the bright screens of the smartphones can ruin a great show.

It's just occurred to me that I will need a padded Gig Bag for my new best friend. Does anyone know of a good bag to use with the shorter scale base?

A new year and a new bass guitar! My Chowny SWB-1 finally arrived today (4thJanuary) after my order in August. It is the standard, passive model in Ash. It's going to take some getting used to as it is way heavier than my Tanglewood, Hofner Violin bass copy and the strings are set wider apart. It was a fight to get the strap on as the studs to hold the strap are much bigger than those on the Tanglewood! I may need to get a new strap! It came with roundwound strings but I prefer flatwounds so I've been all over the internet to track down some GHS medium scale strings (Scott Whitley suggests medium scale and not short scale). It looks to be a well made instrument and I'm looking forward to getting to grips with it after my holiday later this month.

I have an SWB-1 on order which I hope will be here for Christmas!

As an acne ravaged 16 year old, my life had already been changed when I met a girl at school three years my junior. I was well and truly hooked and used to walk her home every night (carrying her books of course). Nothing happened between us but when I heard John Sebastian's lyrics in "Younger Girl" they said it all. "Should I Hang Around Acting Like Her Brother, In A Few More Years They'll Call Us Right For Each Other. But Why If I Wait I'll Just Die!" Stupidly, I waited and she married someone else! I liked the Hondells version that was played on Radio Caroline (North) back in 1966. Here we are 50 years on and that song still strikes a chord with me. To compound things, a few years ago Frankie Valli recorded "My Eyes Adored You" which told my sad story; "Carried Your Books From School, Playing Make Believe You're Married To Me". Oh the pangs of first love! I met her again earlier this year and she still caused a little flutter in my heart. What a sad old fool I am!

Fotheringay at Newcastle City Hall around 1970-ish. Wonderful Sandy Denny with Jerry Donahue on guitar, Pat Donaldson on bass and the incredible Gerry Conway on drums. It was a magical night and their self titled album is still on of my favourites.

One thing to beware of is that an insurance company may not want to insure you because, as a gigging musician, you may be classed as high risk. It happened to me with house insurance because I worked for the BBC as a local radio presenter! Anything to do with "showbiz" and they assume you are into sex, drugs and sausage rolls! The problem occurs when you approach another company and they ask "have you ever been refused insurance". You may find it has a knock on affect on other areas of insurance. Try the MU, who have all kinds of advice for the performing musician.

I'm thinking about getting a leather bass guitar strap with a customized message or design on it. I've trawled the internet for likely suppliers but no one stood out. Have you had a your name or message put on a guitar strap and if so where did you get it done? Cheers!