leschirons

Same old, same old yet again. Change of line up, slightly different direction gig-wise. We need a name. The criteria. Ideally needs to be understood by both nationalities. (The French do use quite a few English words these days) It's a covers band. We play a wide range of music from old French standards to Chic and Adele Two Brits and two French. (Please don't suggest "Frogs & Roastbeef" ) and we're all middle-aged + (me being the +) Don't mind a play on words but not too keen on humerous names so no "Dodgy prostate" type suggestions. We're all from La Creuse, but can't use "The Creusers" (Although "The Creusaders" might get us a few more gigs Suggestions welcome at my peril.

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1400850874' post='2457532'] I've never broken a string in 35 years of playing, and never had a bass fail on me when gigging. Amps, however, are another matter entirely..... [/quote] This.

[quote name='White Cloud' timestamp='1401030293' post='2459318'] Would not disagree with your views at all. Success is defined by the perception of an individual...only JB can reveal whether he believes he has achieved success in his world. My definition of JB - really great player married by and large to non influential music. [/quote] Interesting point you raise about whether JB would feel he's been successful. I have the impression that he wouldn't change a thing in his musical life if he had his time over again. I think his life in music has been shaped by the fact that he can't function as part of a band. He appears to require total artistic control.

[quote name='White Cloud' timestamp='1401011582' post='2458992'] Quality. For example, consider the significance of the impact that Led Zeppelin have had on contemporary music. [/quote] I get where you're coming from as Led Zep have certainly influenced many others but "quality" is subjective (back to what the individual likes or dislikes) For me, Led Zep have never really gone out on a limb to break new ground and I think none of them, as individuals, would have had anywhere near the success they achieved as part of that band. I'm not denying their success, songwriting or musical ability in any way, it's just that Jeff Beck has always been sited as top dog by many of his peers. There was a time when Gary Moore was trying really hard to sound and play like JB. Dave Gilmore named him as his guitar hero and I think it's because he dares to be different.

[quote name='White Cloud' timestamp='1400962434' post='2458695'] I'm of the opinion that JB is a superior guitarist than either Page or Clapton...but his musical output is, ahem, not a patch...... [/quote] When you say "output" do you mean in terms of quantity or quality?

Jeff Beck does what he wants to and says f*** everyone else if they don't like it. Why shouldn't he. He obviously has enough money to do this and he makes no secret of the fact that he also has other interests in life (hot-rods) and doesn't live and breath music. To me, he's one of the best and original guitarists the UK has ever spawned. He's never stood still, never been afraid to try something new (even if it doesn't work commercially) and obviously gets great pleasure on trying to put a new slant on some old classic numbers (Greensleeves and Ole man river to name a couple) He was always (IMO) more innovative than Page or Clapton whilst in the Yardbirds. Just listen to that solo in Shapes of things. That was a groundbreaking early psychedelic rock solo. Fast forward a few years and he's producing great and original albums like "There and back" and "Guitar shop" Although he's never likely to fill Wembley, I can make an educated guess that there a lot of world-class and world famous musicians who'd like to add JB to their CV. Regarding Paul S seeing him at Westcliffe, Phil Hilborne was there too and said "I've never seen so many guitarists in an audience before" and there's the crux.

[size=5]This has probably been posted before but a quick search showed nothing.[/size] [size=5]Had a severe problem recently with my Shuttle 6.0 making huge amounts of white noise. [/size] [size=5]Preamp gain and volume off made no difference at all and it was affected by the EQ controls. Even with the mute depressed.[/size] [size=5]So, if anyone gets the same problem, this is what I did. Pic attached. A quick Google brought up the likely cause (which is quite common I understand) [/size] [size=5]Remove the top, check valve is seated properly and then apply gentle pressure to the two connectors marked in the picture to make sure they're properly in.[/size] [size=5][/size] [size=5]Problem sorted, at least in my case. Silent as the day I got it.[/size]

Sounds like your best chance is with pubs. [url="http://www.livebandphotos.co.uk/counties.php?Essex"]http://www.livebandp...nties.php?Essex[/url] Here's a list of the Essex ones to start with. Each pub is a music venue. Links to the London venues and other home counties venues are on the page. Good luck

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1399032560' post='2440205'] My only real comments are don`t end with a ballad (Sweet Child), put that about 5 songs from the end, but end with a real stormer such as Rock n Roll, and keep You Shook Me and Sex on Fire back as encores. If you get called for more it`s best to be able to step up a gear, with a well known singalongy/jumpabouty, rather than throw something not as favoured in as a last resort. [/quote] This, + Boys are back in town lends itself to an opener, not just due to the title but it's a real punch in the face second set opener.

I enjoy them, if there's a good keyboard player and drummer and it gets jazz-funky. Some of the most enjoyment I've had at gigs has been just after setting up and before the actual sound-check. Jamming along with a wannabe Bonnamassa who thinks everyone wants to listen to a 20 minute solo is as appealing as someone elses bogies.

[quote name='essexbasscat' timestamp='1398709205' post='2436839'] The quality of melodic composition in the easy listening genre is often nothing short of first class IMO Walk on by.... what a song [/quote] I agree. I just recently learned "Anyone who had a heart" Raindrops are falling on my head and "This guys in love with you" for an acoustic / vocal duo gig. All these songs are just so perfectly written.

[quote name='risingson' timestamp='1398707519' post='2436813'] I wasn't around in the 60's and 70's unfortunately but I love those guys for the simple reason that they could write a song. I think the 'Easy Listening' label does a lot of writers a disservice because it cheapens their talent considerably. I mean, imagine writing Wichita Lineman. What an incredible song. [/quote] Spot on, and when you hear that song, it still sounds as good as when I first heard it (despite being of an era) Put that next to Sunshine of your love or Communication breakdown and I seem to find the latter two boring and hard work although I was raving over them at the time. Just part of getting old maybe?

[quote name='HowieBass' timestamp='1398707364' post='2436811'] Well, this is easy listening for me... [media]http://youtu.be/VR90gQ-SIaY[/media] [/quote] And a great song it is too. Was playing this in bands up until 3 years ago. It's just that probably due to my age, none of that does it for me anymore. Maybe I'm just appreciating the songwriting abilities of the older middle of the road composers more these days.

Saw a great programme on TV last night documenting the emergence of "easy listening" music in the late 60's and 70's and although I was undoubtedly always a rocker musically, I still liked quite a few of these songs, especially the Burt Baccarach and Jim Webb stuff. Funny thing is, despite acknowledging the talents of all the great rock acts of the day like Cream, The Who, Zep and early Lizzie etc I can really take it or leave it these days yet all those great "easy listening" numbers have not lost their appeal as quality songs that are still valid, moreso than the rock stuff from the same period that has not really stood the test of time.

What was the stage like? I've had this a few times in village halls with hollow wooden stages and ended up having to get the rig off the ground on chairs etc although people out front said it was fine. +1 to getting someone's opinion out front during a soundcheck and during first number.

I love them. Used a Fly for three years as guitarist in a French blues band. There was a Dragonfly for sale on here about 18 months ago for £595. I was a mug not to buy it.

[quote name='Woodinblack' timestamp='1397812050' post='2427562'] Having played it a bit more now, the stated aim of the Dingwall definitely works, you can play from the E to the B without a change of tone, and I haven't played another 5 where that is true. I do notice the scale length more than the change but it does seem faster. What is more noticeable for me though is I think the faster is because due to the pickup position I am actually playing lighter so my hand can move faster, and I think that is down to the pickups meaning I can't dig in as much. One thing for sure, it is an enjoyable bass to play and sounds so nice and clear [/quote] Thanks for that, your replies have been very helpfull. Tempted to now find one and have a go (just to see like ) I have a mate back in blighty who has one and loves it but he was always a 35" man anyway so thanks again for your views.

Thanks for the replies. I must admit, I'm curious to try one out. They look so intriguing and have loads of satisfied users but I just couldn't get my head around a 3" scale difference over 5 strings.

Due to me being one of those weirdos where a 34" scale feels great and a 35" doesn't, I was wondering how people get on with a scale length that extends from 34" to 37" depending on the string you're playing. As the individual bridge units are also offset, I guess that only half of the extra B string length is out to my left if that makes sense. It's not a post about getting used to fanned frets but purely a scale length question so I'm hoping to hear from Dingwall users that are, or were like me regarding the 34" verses 35" thing. Thanks

Those p/ups have paid some serious dues. I think they're cool.

Just a resaurant duo gig last night with a female singer and me on electro acoustic and fat jazzer. Everything from Kylie to Edith Piaf with some Sinatra and Carole King thrown in for good measure. Went down very well apparently despite us thinking no-one was interested due to loads of talking from the diners. However, no-one had bought a concert ticket had they? so fair enough if they want to chat to their friends. Comes with the turf. Got a re-booking, paid, and a very nice meal from an excellent chef. All in all, a good night.

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1397344384' post='2423114'] Of course it would involve BC - you'd still be using the forum to facilitate it. [/quote] My apologies, I missed out the winking emoticon after the suggested name for the thread.

I'm not a Rickenbacker fan in any way, shape, or form however, here's a suggestion. You could start a thread entitled the Chatter's Ric Appreciation Post, all list your instruments and personal e-mail addresses and then simply send out a mass e-mail if you have an instrument to sell or are looking to buy one. That way it does not involve BC in any way but still affords you the security and comfort of dealing with trusted buyers and sellers who share a common interest.

If he has (even just first position chords) G, D, Em, C & A under his belt, there are a huge number of modern rock and pop songs he could learn. I'm no teacher but when I have given guitar lessons to youngsters (usually as a favour to friends) I'll always find out what they're into musically and concentrate on that amongst all the other stuff. Best of luck anyway.