chris_b

The Jazz doesn't bother me, but I draw the line at all those bloody banjos.

I really don't see the problem with this bridge. But if you have to change it I'd go for a Hipshot A Style. I have these on several basses.

[quote name='JimBobTTD' timestamp='1498991728' post='3328369'] Do all musicians embark on a journey that, eventually, ends up with jazz? [/quote] No.

I have never owned or lifted an SVT but I have use hired ones on tour (with lots of roadies) and they really are a force of nature. I can understand why they cornered the market and have stood the test of time, but they have never been an option for my world. I did own an Ampeg 215 at one point and I could hardly get it from the car into the gig on my own. One of my more crazy buying decisions! I notice that, these days, many of the bass players I watch (Nathan East, Willie Weeks etc) are touring with the Aguilar equivalent, the DB750 and DB810.

Have you called any guitar repair shops? They might have a supply of small parts like this.

Very nice. These are incredible basses.

. . . . something by Les Dawson, maybe?

I had an admittedly low volume rehearsal through a Markbass (Asian) 112 combo last night and it sounded as good as anything I've used in years.

. . . . in tab?

So I've just looked at the Youtube and I don't understand all the negativity. Sure it's not 1981 Chic. That might be a preference for some but it can't be a criticism of this band. It seems that US audiences are more open to the energy of a live performance and IMO too many Brits would prefer everything to stay "as it was". Jerry Barnes and his bass playing is being pushed forward as a feature of this band. That's a big difference between then and now. I love where bass is going in the hands of these players.

Sit the combo on the matching extension cab, roll off some low end, push the low mids forward and turn up the volume. Then everyone in the room should be able to hear the bass sitting in and supporting the mix with no trouble.

It's no ones job to keep time because everyone should/must be playing in time. Everyone should have a sound on stage that enables the band and audience to clearly hear each instrument. If anyone in a band can't do those 2 things then you should be looking for a replacement.

In the late 60's for a month or so there were a series of Saturday afternoon gigs in Hyde Park (no the big ones, Grand Funk Railroad etc), but a much smaller event. We saw the likes of John Mayall and many of his off-shoot bands, like Aynsley Dunbar's Retaliation etc, the Jeff Beck Group, Fleetwood Mac. A few pints in the Tabard at Turnham Green then jump on the 88 bus up to the gig. Great times.

Sunday 16th July - Tommy Blaize at Boaters in Kingston. If you're within travelling distance check this out. Blaize usually has Phil Mulford on bass and Ian Thomas on drums. An evening of high quality funk and soul.

I was late arriving to one gig, rushed in and propped the gig bag up on the seat behind the amp and cabs. Then smelt the burning. I hadn't seen the candles on the window ledge and my gig bag was melting in the flame. Luckily I was connecting up the cabs, I guess if I'd gone back out to the car it would have ignited.

[quote name='mikeswals' timestamp='1498512125' post='3325200'] I have several. [/quote] Mike, nice collection.

Very pleased for you both.

[quote name='thebrig' timestamp='1498497025' post='3325033'] I actually remember watching Andy Bown at Reading, in fact, I bought one of his albums on the strength of seeing them/you at Reading, unfortunately I probably sold it along with all my other vinyl when the dreaded CD's came along. Dare I ask, is there any old footage of your performance? [/quote] I don't think they filmed it and I haven't seen anything since. They recorded the whole weekend to put out on an album. We all got 1 song and it's a long story, but our number was taken from the album, with crowd noises added to make it sound like it was recorded at the festival.

[quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1498479667' post='3324854'] So, as most instruments probably never go on stage; so branding won't matter [/quote] I've posted this before, but a friend wanted to buy himself a great 50th birthday present and went looking for a guitar. He was shown a US Fender Strat in the shop and said, "Isn't that a bit posh? I'm only going to play this at home". The guy in the shop said, "90% of the guitars we sell are being played at home, and the other 10% should be!"

I was with Andy Bown. That was the year our manager, Billy Gaff, sponsored the whole festival. All his bands played.

[quote name='thebrig' timestamp='1498475001' post='3324789'] For me, Reading 1973 was the first one I went to and the lineup was: [/quote] You saw me then. One blink and you'd have missed us though. My first festival was Reading in 1966. Cream's first big gig was on the Sunday, but I went on the Friday. Saw Geno Washington, Spencer Davis Group and headlined by the Small Faces.

[quote name='MoonBassAlpha' timestamp='1498421764' post='3324524'] I think Jerry is bringing his own thing to it. He knows he isn't Bernard. I think his tone is right on the money, and giving the crowd something to dig. [/quote] And that's exactly what Nile Rodgers wants! A lesson for [i]all[/i] bass players. At the the top level guys will always sound and play like themselves and never try to sound like someone else. Even when they are replacing legendary and unique bass players. At our various levels we should all be trying to do the same. Guys like Jerry Barnes are hired to be themselves and bring their energy. Even playing seminal BE songs in Chic. Nile is the man!

Some fantastic gear is made in Asia. Where it's made isn't the issue. What is important is how seriously the company takes it's reputation. The Asians can make anything they are asked to. If they are asked to make a good quality product they will. The question is did Markbass maintain their sound and quality when they switched? Go and listen to the new amps and decide.

[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1498393470' post='3324258'] With regards to noticing you, it doesn't count if you play naked. [/quote] I'd clear the room if I did that!

Good move. I had a guy from the audience come up to me last week and say, "I'm not listening to the rest of the band. I'm only listening to your bass. It sounds fantastic." What's that urban myth. . . . no one notices the bass player? They do if you make them want to!