Stub Mandrel

If you want to try out a GR Bass combo, I'm sure he'll be accommodating.

But I should give a massive shoutbout to A Strings for being super-welcoming, no questions when I asked to try the AVII precision which was one of the more expensive basses in the shop. Offered tea and given loads of time. They even set it up for me while I was there. Yes I bought it... and it was on the wall at a better price than the online retailers.

I visited Hobgoblin in Brighton. I used to visit their other stores in the past, this one felt a bit unwelcomingn staff just chatting to each other. I was in the mood to make medium spend (probably a replacement for my Marine Band harmonica... but even a s/h bouzouki if they had one) but with no engagement I just wandered back out.

I've just put my bass down after a play through of Keep On Running. IMHO it's a great piece of music with a driving bassline featuring good syncopation and memorable riffs. Despite few 'blue' notes it manages to convey a great sense of movement. Other great examples: Heard it on the Grapevine, Sunny Afternoon, Jean Genie... but even some superficially simple songs contain subtle little details. It's not Beethoven, but it's way more complex than most modern 'pop' music. When waiting to go on, I often quietly play along to the DJ/Jukebox and you can crack many modern songs =very quickly. Why have the basslines of popular music become so basic (excuse the pun)? Is it just that old-school bass players had a bit more theory knowledge? Or just that modern music is so dance oriented the bass has just become an extension of the kick drum?

I'm spending much of today polishing a 34-song list for a rehearsal tonight with a band I've just joined, I know a fistful already but most are new, although I am familiar with them as songs which makes getting the structure easier. But... just found myself learning the Immigrant Song, which is NOT on the list so slapped wrist and back to the grindstone.

Mojo!

I would be tempted by one of these except I prefer having a hybrid amp.

I have a few small combos. Not convinced of them for gigging unless you like both the amp and cab sound.

Funny moment from last night. Songer asks 'is anyone into Deep Purple?' One audience member gets the raptures but we launch into Devil Woman... Black Night was next though...

They are fne as affordable monitors, I've used them as PA for talks and once as vocal only pa for a small gig.

Any news? PJB still posting new products on FB.

My last visit to PMT Cardiff was only a couple of weeks ago. I've noticed it declining for over a year. Only a few doors up from long established Gamlins that closed recentlyaftef a long period of selling off stock. I commented to my partner that PMT was on it's last legs and that it was a shame Gamlins couldn't have hung on for a few more months.

That is,currently, pretty much my favourite colour scheme. Especially good with yellowing lacquer and scratchplate.

I got a couple of firm handshakes after yesterday's gig. Honestly, not what my arthritic thumbs want!

Sounds like you may have found your 'schtick'

The one you that makes you want to pick it up and play it. They are very different but both quality affordable basses. Try them and see which one speaks to you.

If you can remember computers that colour, you predate the Internet.

Just got back from a gig with Bendricks Rock in Newport. Overloud DJ/karaoke distorting and making setting up hard and soundcheck impossible. Town was quieter than last time, but we had an enthusiastic reception. My bass was very boomy and I had to cut bass and >gasp< boost mids to get a decent sound. Forgot my mic stand and really missed doing bvs, although there wasn't really much room for another mic. My usual rig with the AVII Precision. Quecha approach shoes which give my dodgy ankle excellent support. Got a band selfy for once!

Broadly speaking plant and animals that colonised and established naturally are considered native. Those that csme to th UK with human assistance are deemed introductions. Sycamores and rabbits were both brought by (probably) the Romans, and are considered introductions. Recent natural arrivals are considered 'colonisers - storks gor example. Once established and self-sustaining spevies are considered 'naturalised'. Invasive Non Native Species tend to cause problem. Often because without their usual predators and diseases they can dominate and damage existing ecosystems. Some introductions and, more usually, reintroductions are often seen as beneficial... beavers... but can be controversial. There are other categories: native, denizens, endemics... These should be objective terms but obviously humans tend to put value judgements on things. So colonising Asian hornets are "bad"...

I'd find it hard to resist if a Riverhead Unicorn came up.

In a box somewhere I have a basic phone with an e-paper display .

In the 80s/90s I used a 150W Laney Probass. Imagine anyone daring to call a 150W head 'pro' these days!

I bought some cheap powered speakers from Thomann. To their credit they give RMS power as well as the manufacturers claimed power. "Power: 600 W Peak / 140 W (RMS)"