leschirons

Over the period I've been playing bass, I've been fortunate enough to have had a few fairly expensive basses. 4, 5 and 6 stringers including 5 Status basses, 2 Alembics, an Fbass, 2 Vigiers, a Leduc and 2 Spectors. Going through old band photos on the PC whilst trying to free up some space, I'm either gigging with a 4 string Jazz or something with a few more strings that cost less than £150. Seems no matter what I've ever bought, I always go back to basics for playing live. What a waste of money all that turned out to be.

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1383227423' post='2261810'] There's no monetary gain to speak of, just lots of hard work for the pleasure of playing to often indifferent audiences. [/quote] I'm guessing you're not in "sales" then

Good for you. Give em hell Milty.

I wouldn't worry about it. Last band I was in in the UK was called Midlife Crisis. At the last count (there is apparently a website just for bands with this name) there were 43 of the buggers just in the UK. Anyway, Gary Moore's first major band was Skid row wasn't it? Didn't stop the other lot nicking it in later years. I imagine the only time it gets to be a problem is when you're both in the same area, you're absolutely brilliant, and the other lot are absolute sh*te

I'd definately go for this bass. I can't explain why, there's something about it that just really appeals to me.

Brian Bromberg (upright and electric) and +1 for John Patitucci. Anything with Abe Laboriel too. Heard a great version of the Chicken the other day. Abe Laboriel on bass and Allen Hinds on guitar. Brilliant.

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1382435433' post='2252029'] I think I'll get a copy. It might cure my insomnia. [/quote] I think I'll get a copy too, it might cure our wobbly table.

Hi, and welcome to Basschat. This'll just be my opinion of course so you can expect about a further 500 "opinions" For that sort of budget, it'll be quite achievable. Obviously depends if you're going to gig eventually and if you are, a combo or amp and cab would ideally need to be 150 - 200 watts. If you're going into pubs / small cubs, that'll get you in the mix. Judging by what you want to learn, an OLP Stingray could be an ideal start. You'll pick one up for £100 - £150. They're great value for money and play really well. A Jazz bass may be a little too thin at the headstock end of the neck if you've got huge fingers. The OLP will give you that Bernard Edwards tone more or less. The jazz would too (bridge pick up and back off the tone) but as I say, neck width could be an issue. A secondhand combo is easier to transport and obviously a quicker set up at rehearsals or gigs. Peavey / Ashdown both offer great value for money and reliability. I think the Ashdowns may have headphone sockets but don't quote me on that. Most basses (secondhand) will come with a gigbag even if it's a crappy one but it'll still help keep it scratch free. If you go for a new bass, Yamahas are great, maybe a Squier Precision might fit the bill too. Any shop worth it's weight these days may throw in a lead / strap / cheap gigbag too if you're buying new and not rying to pin them down too much on discount. Hope this helps, have fun.

I think it all depends on what demographic you're talking about. If by "people" you mean other musicians, then I think it can be percieved as a " you have to be in the club" thing and folks will naturally kick back against that, especially, if it's something that is out of their comfort zone playability wise so, they adopt the "don't understand it, so won't like it" stance rather than investigate what it's all about and see if there is something in it for them. If we're honest, all jazz hating musicians would probably secretly love to be "able" to play all that stuff even if they had no intention of ever doing so. We'd all get to be in the club then However, if you're talking about the non musical man in the street, they are likely to group it all under the heading of "modern jazz" whereby they really mean "5 blokes playing 5 different tunes and I've no idea what's happening" So, in this case I think the problem is instant accessibility (or rather lack of) as I've found that in order for me to appreciate some jazz, I needed to invest a little more as a listener compared to something by One Direction

My wife never complains but I get the humorous raised "here we go again" eyebrow. I'm not saying we have enough money to do whatever we want but if she wanted anything for herself, she knows she could buy it if she wanted to. We may not really be able to afford some things but we both know that life's not a rehearsal so go for it if it doesn't cause us a major problem. I try and be sensible anyway with a "something out - something in" policy. It probably helps that she sings with me and is involved musically.

You've bought a bass? You're mad. It's all done on keys nowdays. (1983)

Why was I expecting the guitarist to go into "Third stone from the sun" halfway through the solo? I enjoyed it the clip. Tons of energy. I remember going to our school "dance" in 1967 (I was 15) and seeing a local band called the Cliff Charles blues band. 100 miles per hour all night. Great stuff.

Really good for a first outing. Played acoustic and a fat jazzer for two hours (yes, guitars) Everything from Jessie J and Pink to Sinatra and Edith Piaf. A smallish music venue with restaurant. I don't usually like playing to people who are eating but credit to them, they were very attentive and appreciative and we had to do two encores. Just me a girl singer. I say girl, she's fifty Getting a return booking there and have our second gig in two weeks so should be able to iron out all the little glitches in the set. Mainly my glitches as I'd had to learn the 37 number set list in 10 days. Had just the one major car crash, on the easiest song on the list. Typical. Good fun though.

If you send to France via Parcelforce, they have a reciprocal arrangement with GLS over here when the item enters the country. The GLS side of things have never given me a problem. However, any problems that have occured have been on the UK side. Probably best with a big name like UPS or Fedex.

I play bass in band situations but tonight I did a duo gig with a girl singer and I played guitar for the night. Everything from Jessie J to Edith Piaf. Nowhere to hide and I had to learn 37 numbers over the last 10 days. Some were really easy 4 chord jobs and some not so easy due to the keys she sings in as I hate using a capo. However, it was a fun challenge putting some real effort into playing guitar and, a great night to boot so I've agreed to do more gigs. Still love bass though.

[quote name='spinynorman' timestamp='1381276652' post='2236972'] I saw them on Saturday at The Mill in Banbury. I'm always impressed by bands that play for 50 people the same as they would for 50,000, and they did. Pat O'May looked like he'd taken a wrong turn backstage at a Spinal Tap gig, but he was definitely enjoying himself and fitted in musically, if not visually. It's good there's still a few blues-based guitarists around who don't sound like SRV and don't do that silly trick with the volume knob to make it sound like a violin. [/quote] Pat is really from a Celtic heavy rock background but as you say, it works and he fits in musically. Know what you mean by "if not visually" though. I guess to be a real superstar, you need to be taller, thinner and less sweaty (he'll punch me if he reads this) Worth checking out his own stuff too. Sounds like it was a good gig.

[quote name='ead' timestamp='1381126554' post='2234541'] Has anybody caught any of the shows on this current tour? I was at the Trades Club in Hebden Bridge last night and had a great evening. Superb set, great band including a really good bass player whose name I just can't remember atm I'm sorry to say, but he learned the whole set in less than a week including some of the more complex Tull stuff (TAAB). The venue was really good too, intimate with a good PA and the added bonus of a selection of real ales. What's not to like. [/quote] My mate, Pat O'May is currently playing with him (guitar) and loving it.

[quote name='Westie9' timestamp='1379066262' post='2208240'] Look for a Korg 01/W or 01/WFD. They took over from the M1 years ago. Some great sounds and very versatile. I still have an 01/Wpro (the 76 note version) which I purchased on the day they came out. Then it was £2700. I've used it professionally ever since. [/quote] Forgot about the 01/W, nice bit of kit.

I've been to the toilet for a wee and carried on playing with one hand (wireless, and it was only a 12 bar in A) Singer didn't even notice until the audience started laughing. The loos were behind us in the pub. A pure pro me!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FENDER-ESQUIRE-1950-53-BLACK-GUARD-PICKGUARD-single-ply-BAKELITE-ORIGINAL-RARE/350838530806?rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D17233%26meid%3D1542836348862842312%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D8045%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D5%26sd%3D321216266408%26

[quote name='kevin_lindsay' timestamp='1378744579' post='2204104'] I never think about it when I'm playing. I suppose it's down to developing an internal clock over the years, just reacting to the rhythm of the track. [/quote] This 'ere +1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHIRQ9P0Aj0 Make it a medley and do this.

Fortunate enough to have permanently set-up rehearsal studio on the property so turn up, turn on, start playing.

GB Shuttle 6.0 combo plus GB ext cab if I need it. Nice and light and compact. Does what it says on the tin.

[quote name='Freddy Le Cragg' timestamp='1378229965' post='2197434'] Some of the forums I frequent have a live Java chatroom. Its a great way to get to know other posters etc. In fact, I met my wife in one dedicated to Dr Who! Any chance of getting one on here? [/quote] Bugger, I've now got this weird scenario in my head about you trying to persuade her to dress up like a Dalek