silverfoxnik

Yep - you've misread that, Mike. You'd bring stories, wisdom, cool insights - and that's just for starters! Then there's the playing, basses, etc, etc. Would be great to see you if family /work circumstances permit. 👍😊 All the best, Nik

Great work @NancyJohnson and @prowla.. 👍 I should be able to make this too... 😎 #1 - Paul @NancyJohnson #2 - Paul #2 @prowla #3 - Martin @Merton #4 - Matt @Wombat #5 - Andy @Wolverinebass #6 - Stevie @stevie #7 - Lozz @Lozz196 #8 - Matt @neepheid #9 - @bassace97 #10 - Robert @bass_dinger #11 - Christopher @chyc #12 - jaco @Geek99 ** #13 - Alan @WalMan #14 - Trevor @TrevorR #15 - John @jonno1981 #16 - Gary @cetera #17 - @MacDaddy #18 - Steve @Stingray5 #19 - Russ @Russ #20 - Rich - errm, @Rich tbc #21 - Happy Jack @Happy Jack #22 - Silvia Bluejay @Silvia Bluejay #23 - Mike @mikelawrencecalleja #24 - @admiralchew #25 - martin @police squad #26 - @Sean #27 - @silverfoxnik

I was never a Sabbath fan as I'm not a fan of that genre of music particularly, but I totally respect their unique talent and sound, and their massive contribution to rock and roll. That said, I liked Ozzy a lot as a frontman ; he just had something about him that connected and reached out to you. Charisma and authenticity, I guess... RIP, Mr Sabbath.

Year started playing: 1975 Number of basses: 11 Music theory: 4/10 Technique: 5/10 Groove: 6/10 Great topic btw @Chiliwailer... To add some context to the numbers above .. I started playing regularly and with some purpose in my first band in 1976. Playing bass in a band was also my introduction to songwriting; it seemed pointless to do one without the other.. Doing O-Level Music at school was a great help actually, but I'd say my understanding of proper, classically based music theory is pretty low. I played in a lot of different bands and musical projects trying to 'make it' in the music biz over the next 20 years and then took 11 years out. Joined my first ever covers band in 2006 and haven't looked back since. Other than matters of the heart, kids and some extra-special career highlights, I've had more joy, fun and pleasure from playing music/ making music than just about anything else... I have six 4-string basses that I use regularly, depending on the musical situation and my mood. Plus two 5-string basses that I use less often. Upstairs in the loft is a mid '70s Hondo Ricky copy my mum bought me, and a short scale Encore bass I bought for my son when he was you which I just can't seem to part with (sentimental fool that I am!). Oh, and there's a lovely Maya Fretless that I cant play that still needs to find a new home. 🤷 Trying to be as objective as possible, based on 50 years of seeing some truly gifted bass players and some truly awful ones over that time... .. I know my technique is fairly average and my ability to really 'groove' or 'rock out' is passable for a grey-haired old duffer playing in covers bands. But my thinking is that there's still plenty of time to improve and get better. So that - plus realising most audiences I play in front of have absolutely no f@#king idea what the bass is doing most of the time - means I can keep getting away with it for a while longer yet. 😁

Hi Folks, Just want to post some uber-positive feedback here for @soulstar89, aka Aaron, who I've just bought a very nice NUX preamp pedal from. So, dealing with Aaron has involved friendly and helpful comms from day 1, interesting conversation along the way, and super-fast delivery! All in all, a perfect Basschat transaction. 👌 So... deal with Aaron with complete confidence, Folks. 👍 Thanks Aaron, and here's to the next one... 😁😊 Cheers Nik

Searingly honest and reflective words @lee650 - food for thought for all of us, and thanks for sharing... Music has always been the help and comfort that got me through the tough times, too. Wishing you the best of luck with everything ( now you're 19 again)! 🙏😊

Done... 👍

+1 Thanks @AndyTravis This is what makes this bass-chatting place so special. Will do it now!

Very, very sad to hear this news just now: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg71xrxrn8go One of the best songwriters of all time. RIP. 😞

Wow! That looks amazing @Grainger guitars A truly fitting instrument given the reasons behind why it's being made. I'm sure Nick would have loved it.

Just bought a Tascam recorder from @andysg42, aka Andy, who's absolutely brilliant to deal with. Here's what I mean... I sent Andy a PM yesterday morning and after 2 PMs, everything was agreed and sorted out. Next thing I know is that the Tascam arrived safe and sound here at Silverfoxnik Towers this afternoon. Perfect! So, deal with Andy with complete confidence, Folks. 👍 Thanks again Andy, and here's to the next one. 😊 Cheers, Nik

Love this thread @Bluewine, so thanks for posting it. Reading all the amazing responses it's generated have been literally life-affirming! Being able to play music, create music and make music with (and for) people is a privilege and a gift. It's communal, creative and joyful for me. And the older I get (now 64 years young), the more true this becomes. I think it was @Buddster who talked in their post about there being an extra special joy and purpose that comes from the 'visceral power of the bass', and that's definitely true for me. [As an aside - whilst I can play guitar - probably well enough to get in a gigging covers band - I'd never enjoy it like playing bass.] So, after thinking it through this morning, I'd say that music's in my DNA, but being a bass-playing musician is in my bones. And that's what keeps me in the game....

Thanks Mick... I'm planning to go to this, so hope to see a few other Basschatters there!

My fault....? 🤔 I sense some projection going on here @Beedster Something to discuss with your therapist, wife or priest methinks! 😁

Wow... No. 45 for me. That's a significantly lower number than my actual age! 😭😭

Hi Kathryn, aka @Blondy, Welcome to Basschat! This is Nik - we met and chatted when I came to Nick's studio one Sunday afternoon in April.. After meeting you and Ally that day, I ended up buying the Tokai Hardpuncher bass - the one that Nick got back after it was stolen some years ago. You're absolutely right about The Nick Smith Music Foundation, and how proud he would've been of it! He'd have been grinning from ear to ear... 😁 But then again, you, Ally and everyone else involved in setting it up should be proud too - it's an amazing cause that will definitely help lots of young people all across Peterborough to get involved in learning to play instruments and making music. Just to say that it's great to see you on here carrying on the family tradition, as it were... Oh, and your Mustang Bass looks really cool btw! 😎 Cheers Nik