Stub Mandrel

Exchange is virtualised these days, but it gets itchy about security and that starts a very awkward path.

I have to use a physically installed version of Office as it's the only way to keep my Office 365 separate from a client's (I use the somewhat simplified and less versatile online version for this). Otehrwise their Exchange server tries to take over my system as they have a 'higher' level product.

Yes, it would be wonderful if they could invent a version of Teams that allows me to run the app in less than twenty-five minutes and four log-on attempts (I just use the online version now). Or perhaps find a way to send me updates without rendering my computer unusable for half a morning. Or even, just possibly, sort out why my laptop boots from cold in half a minute and my PC takes ten minutes plus, running the same O/S when the (less than three year old) PC is far more powerful and also has an SSD.

Fender/Squier have made a determined assault on the entry level market with the new 'debut' series on Amazon for £129. Looks like they are squaring up to Glarry in the USA and Harley Benton over here, even cheaper than the Squier mini-P. This suggests the market is segmenting even further with Squier having almost as many 'levels' as Fender with affinity, CV, paranormal and Anniversary models. If anyone drops the cash on one, it would be useful to know how these square up as beginners' instruments. I'm assuming these are going to be closer to the old Korean budget jobs than recent models. Site stripe link .... https://amzn.to/3U1lAVW

It seems PJB is the way to go for bedroom rigs. I find the C2 isn't loud enough to compete with a drumkit, even with a TE Elf, though two C2s or a C4 might just make it. I've used it for open mics though.

I try!

That's how my fretless is, it is all one needs.

Actually... does this answer the question?

Yep, you wont do better than a hercules, but I'd avoid that model - the little support is always ending up inbthe wrong place. I have one in my practice spot. For gigs I have two of the ones where the bodyrests against two padded legs. Much better.

Next to the snare.

Fretless basses with dot markers on the side of the neck where they would be on a fretted bass.

They aren't. Apparently they are loss leaders as part of a long term customer base and brand building strategy.

Great minds etc.

To be honest, the EQ was set up REALLY strangely with the left half of the graphic all cut slightly by the same amount and a bit more boost on eth right hand side - like two steps. Didn't even look at teh pre-shape or other controls, it sounded fine for the previous guy (who used a P) and no time to waste.

1️⃣🥈⌚🍀🕔

For some reason, every 'barrel' type jack socket I've ever encountered has been dodgy.

Most Hotmail scams faded out years ago. Gmail has never been as bad as Hotmail was.

Just plugged straight into the trace Eliot, set the gain and got going!

Jamming with James Oliver at the Earl Haig open mic yesterday.

It's the only kind I'll get now! I'll settle for it 😁

He's much better now, although he got hit hard by a virus a few weeks ago. Played standing up and was on top form.

Went to the Earl Haig jam night and did a few songs with James Oliver, none of which I had heard before. "Do you know Nadine?" "Never met her!" I have jammed with him before, but still a bit intimidating as in the last month he's done gigs with Horace Panter and Norman Watt-Roy on bass 😱 Went ok though!

Bongos are lovely. Except white ones with black scratchplates. Boggos.

Vox Starstream (especially the silly feet). Any Alembic with stupid pointy bits or too many controls (but not sensible ones). In fact any bass with a gimmicky appearance (e.g. rudely shaped metal tubes around the body, wearable basses, etc.)