clunkie66

Brilliant. How simple does he make it all sound? Even my overstretched brain can handle that...

Hold the punk (that band didn't work out) - but have just joined a band playing classic rock so flats or tapes it is!

+1 on that: I work at home mainly and I try and pick up my bass every few hours, even if it's for a 5 min screen break. As a new(ish) player, that's helped me no end.

OK, thanks! Might take the plunge...

I was looking at La Bellas for my P - presumably they're not as low tension like the Thomastics? I had a set of Rotos on my Jazz, ddin't like 'em but hadn't been playing for long so that might be the reason

+1 on that - I have just had a mint '57 reissue imported from Japan, for a little over 500 quid. Beautiful quality, easily as nice as a USA model. Love it...

Thanks guys - will stick with the rounds!

I've just recently joined a cover band playing mainly indie, punk and some classic rock. Have just had a MIJ precision imported from Japan and was debating string choice, I played with Rotosound flats on my jazz and loved them but am thinking they might be too 'warm' for the punk stuff. How about half rounds - best of both worlds, or go with the flats and amp up for the brightness? Currently strung with rounds, which I'm not a fan of. Opinions appreciated...

I'm pretty sure that my amp doesn't have an active/passive toggle. It's an older model compared to yours

Many thanks, that makes sense - I thought that was the case

I have an active jazz bass playing through a TC Electronic RH450 head and an RS210 cab. What should the optimal bass pre amp EQ settings be: flat, same as the head? So in short, does the active bass tone control the amp, or vice versa. Apologies if this is a basic question, or if I haven't articulated it properly. Cheers!

+47 on power ballads. Oh, and Mr Brightside...aaargh!

Can't wait!! [quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1506356930' post='3378194'] Here's to the next one... [/quote]

Well I made it, relatively unscathed. Remembered my bass, crib sheet and to have a piss beforehand so a good start. Was nervous in the first set, made a few mistakes but nothing terrible, managed to keep playing. Got some confidence in the second set and had a blast, even though I completely forgot the intro of the last number. Didn't sh*t myself which I found surprising!... The other guys are all really experienced and thought I did well, they said I looked like I was enjoying myself. Brilliant venue, small and intimate, 50 or so audience, so perfect really. Well chuffed.

Thanks for all your input and great advice - I've practiced so much I'm playing 12 bar blues in my sleep! Fortunately I'm playing with an experienced guitarist who I know very well. My tutor told me 'just to hang around on the root' if I get lost. I'll report back when it's done and dusted...

Hi all, Thought I'd share that I have my first gig coming up next Sunday - big deal for me at age 51 and been playing for a little over a year. I've been asked to stand in occasionally for a local 50s/60s rock n roll and country band, some easyish12 bar blues stuff I guess, but a few more tricky numbers as well. A set list of 30 odd numbers so a steep learning curve. Playing in a smallish venue, audience of 40. I think I'm ready as I'll ever be, excited and bricking it in equal measure! Any advice welcome...

Cheers all for input, I'll bin it for the time being - may keep trying tho.

[quote name='JapanAxe' timestamp='1500908412' post='3340991'] Although I can play with a pick (I migrated from guitar), I now hardly ever do. Even the songs that I used to think needed a pick, either for the sound or the speed, I now play finger style. So enjoy playing your way, and if some day you are drawn to the plectrum, give it another go then. [/quote] One of the reasons why I thought I should be able to play with a pick is faster stuff, but I guess if Steve Harris gallops with fingers then there's hope for me yet...

Phew! Thanks for putting my mind at rest...

I've been playing for a year and have learnt to play fingerstyle. Not really sure why but I guess that I should be be able to play with a pick, but no matter how often I try, it just doesn't feel right, whereas fingers do. I'm expecting lots of 'practice, practice practice' comments but it's just not happening for me. I went to a local festival last weekend and 6 bassists from 8 of the bands that I saw played with a pick. Is there any shame in not being able to? Or should I forget about it, crack on and play the way I feel most comfortable? BTW I've never played guitar...

He plays a double bass, not sure what his set-up is

Thanks for all your input - I'll try and play a few before I jump in.

Thanks all for your input, plenty to chew over

Thanks - one of my (many) questions is it a good bet to buy used, in terms of durability?

Ooops - I think for probably half the venues we'll be playing through a PA, but I wanted enough clout if not...