Stub Mandrel

Delighted to see a rash of articles about what happened when journalists asked some of Meta's chatbots to spill the beans on their origins. Lies and brutal honesty all mixed up.

I think we assess AI incorrectly. Even with an Internet-connected pc most people would fare very badly if given the same tasks. Don't forget that we don't actually understand what really happens jnside an AI either.

They bought it. Whether they are physically capable of picking it up is another question. I'd guess time slows down when you get close to it! 😁

I'm not sure that's true. I researched a topic then asked ChatGPT to write an article as an experiment. The first draft had some egregious errors, such as putting the subject's birthplace in Ireland, not Wales. When challenged it checked, apologised and corrected the error. I've since had a conversation with someone who has been using ai a lot partly through their studies. He recommends starting with a short, clear brief. Then a process of review and refinement; not using the AI as a substitute for learning, but a tool for gathering, organising and presenting information. To be effective a tool has to be wielded by a skilled hand.

Funk in a box: Just get the sensitivity right for the bass/style

If I need to go light I can carry cab and bass in each hand and the amp over my shoulder 😃

If I go it will be Saturday; gigging Sunday.

I was in the firing line of one Sunday evening, extraordinary volume 👍 That's because of how Vox specified the power (30W before onset of audible distortion) while contemporary Marshall amps were specced as 100W flat out. The AC30 has proven louder than a comparable, contemporary 100W Marshall combo.

This is very true, but avoid the small Trace Elliot Elf cabs; I and others have found them gutless. My brother uses his with an Ampeg Portaflex 1x15 (which he got for £15, as new!) and it's a great match.

Listen to the advice above. Amp power ratings can be very misleading. A 1000W amp is only twice as loud as 100W into the same cab. Speaker efficiency makes a huge difference, as does an amp with (good) built in compression/limiting. That's why the above mentioned Trace Elliot Elf into an efficient cab can be as good as a 1000W combo with a crap speaker. I used to gig with 150W and two 2x12 cabs in the 90s. These days a 500W Orange Terror into a single good 2x12 and it's difficult to set it quiet enough for most venues and I've used it ticking over in 250 capacity venues and open air gigs with no PA support. There's no upper limit (I saw the bass player of Preying Mantis use one in the Manchester O2, with PA support). So my advice is choose an amp you like the sound of with power in the hundreds of watts and match it with a good (ideally the best you can afford) lightweight cab. Amps are very personal as they determine your core sound. Good cabs include GRBASS, LFsys, Barefaced, Markbass, TC Electronic. The first two are a bit boutique. The other three probably cover 90% of the cabs I see used by regularly gigging bands.

First I've heard of this! Will there be a Basschat presence/meetup?

Rumbles are a good solid sounding amp at reasonable weight.

Was expecting a quiet period but picked up a couple of gigs in late January.

I have a strap for each bass, chosen onveither aesthetics, practicality (wide and or padded ones for heavier basses), fender ones for fendahs and squiers or just on a whim or because. And for my guitars, ukulele and mandolins. And some spares.

I have more straps than basses...

I'm in ... glad I paid for a Brassmaster before Christmas! Three possible failures on the horizon: Would like to try a Spectracomp. Fancy making pedals... may need to buy some bits. Do fancy a new case for my Sire...

Probably!

Can you file flats and use pliers on it

Well done @neepheid! 2025 could be easier, as I may be skinter...

Yesterday got an email saying the Brassmaster will be delayed by at least a week 😞

Indeed. My comment was purely on the aesthetics (no-one would claim Alembics are anything other than excellent instruments to play), but aesthetics are very personal. In truth there are some many good basses out there of different shapes and styles, it should be possible for anyone to find one they like to play and see.

I was a Sea Scout so was taught to hank a rope properly. So now, when I coil a lead, every loop gets a little half-twist.

The best invention for musicians, ever!

Ah. That's 👍