Stub Mandrel

I've done both in the past. Working on material with another group at the moment with an eye to a cd and a few live gigs.

My ideal, which I have never achieved, would be to persuade the covers band to put together an original set.

If I buy a vegan strap, I go out the back and whip the donkey with it, just to balance things out.

It's surprising how many pubs and clubs have a TV projection screen, not always in the right place though.

That makes me think of the non-musical things that can make a difference. Being polite, greeting the bar staff and listeningto anything they have to say, making it easy for a venue (not fussing or too many questions in advance... but do ak about parking and load in), publicising the gig, creating a decent poster (if you can) and sending the venue a copy, sensible volume and not arguing about it, packing up promptly. These are all things every band can do that cost nothing, and having been on the organising end, all things that some bands fail to do. It's amazing how many bands can't even provide a clean logo and a decent photo for a poster*. A good number can't provide a sensible description of the type of music they play. This is essential, the venue I help gets a very different audience depending on genre. Some local bands 'refuse to be categorised' - sorry lads, you aren't Primus! Usually a quick listen to online videos provides an answer (usually the most reluctantbands turn out to play 'americana' or 'popular covers') but why make life hard for a venue? One last tip. If you are a vainglorious lead guitarist who can only get the tone you want by running a 100W Marshall or a Fender Deluxe Twin flat out... get a power brake. 115dB at the back of the audience in relatively small venue means people will leave, and you won't get invited again. *If supplying a 'poster' make it a sensibly proportioned image so they can print it out. Many venues use A4 clip frames.

I found a 'weekend warrior' course in Nottingham... no longer running. It was five or six rehearsals each a week apart, then a gig with each of six 'bands' doing 30 minutes. Got me back into the game and three of us started a band, which is still going under a new name after I moved away. Transformed my life getting back into playing.

It's something I've been considering. I have two powerpoint projectors and something along the lines of what @rushbo suggests would fit our vibe. But yes like @Franticsmurf says, for most of our venues placing the projector seems unworkable

Two bands. The three piece blues band's secret weapon is an insanely talented young guitarist, the drummer and I have played with Alex long enough to have a sort of telepathy so we can improvise while staying really tight. Basically, if blues rock fans see us once, they come back Unfortunately, Al is also in a breaking indie band (playing Isle of Wight this year...) that are busy and getting busier. The other band is a bit different. We are all in two bands and have nothing to prove. We play songs we like (anyone can veto a song) and don't shy away from stretching ourselves. Our schtick is ckasdic rock, but we have an eclectic set list with songs people now but don't expect. Sex Bomb and Devil Woman, alongside Pressur and Time and War Pigs. We try really hard to be professional. We polish our songs, work hard on our sound, have lights, a banner, an image, cool posters, lots of humour and play with attitude.

That's the risk! I have my Japanese Star Wars stormtrooper t-shirt to wear!

With a different pickguard shape the Bronco could have been a Musicmaster

Quite a casualty rate... "This isn't rock and roll, this is genocide!"

Spent a loooong evening with two mates. Was expecting to try out my baselines to a few of their songs but ended up laying down four tracks in garageband. Then I recorded bass, rhythm and lead for one of my own songs while lyrics were written for it! A drummer is lined up too!

Pic from last night

Not what I would choose for myself, but when you mentioned uncoloured power with good eq options this is what came to mind. I’ve only played with one once and it had a great, detailed sound.

Last minute Bluesfire gig for the Ex's Club after a private party cancelled. For only a day's notice and against the boxing we had good numbers. Our normal sound guy (guitarist's dad) is in Indonesia so we used a club tops with one sub, and guitarist mixed using a huge Behringer desk. Sound was great. Apparently my bass sounded much better (usually I have to boost my rig as the PA is just muddy bottom end). A very good bass player I know turned up with mates on a stag night (the guy was wearing a Spice Girl union jack dress with very wayward rubber cleavage...) Soon became apparent at least three were bass players... no pressure! Drummer launched into The Hunter after instead of Walk in My Shadow. I confused Spoonful with Crossroads 🤣 We haven't played since January but somehow we hit that spot where the arrangements are loose but we sounded really tight. Lots of fun and do glad we got that gig in.

That really does look like a fun gig to play. 80's flashback!

My brother reports he had a great gig for a Harley Davidson club in Llandovery last night. It's a long journey so the band had a wet night of camping instead of driving back!

Only got this sorted lunchtime today...

After we lost an upcoming gig a few weeks ago, I was panicing a bit. The one band has secured three plus a few promises/backup lists and I got a gig for the other band tomorrow. Now just hope the mass of messages (about 40) I sent out doesn't bring a tidal wave of offers!

For £70-90 you could buy a harley benton kit with an oversize, unshaped headstock and a bonus box of bits that are mostly surprisingly serviceable and a very light, unfinished body.

Good Jazz bands do. I've seen established ones with long reputations that don't...

Leave the first one out? A popular trick.

Is there some imperative for shortening it?