Paul S

I expect you find this all the time, Tim. People are just so disappointing.

I am sure your comment is for general consumption but as you quoted me I will reply specifically. I don't actually want to build contacts for the future because, as I said earlier, whenever this band folds that's me done. This is my perfect band, anything else would be disappointment. And to be honest, at 66, I find after emptying the tank in a 2.5hr set and a 1.5hr drive, getting home at 2am is increasingly draining. Especially as every other night I am asleep by 10. For this band it is worth the effort, anything else probably not.

Basschat is often referred to as an asylum from the troubles of the world. But the word 'asylum' has several meanings.

Been there, done it. At one point I was in multiple bands (2 x pub covers bands, a Bon Jovi tribute plus this blues/rock trio) but it is not for me any more. If that works for you, great

That's kind of my situation. I am 66 (how did that happen?) and play in just the one band - a blues/rock trio. It is the band I most enjoy of all that I have been in - I play music I love with a two laid back guys who are absolutely on the money. If and when this band folds I'll most likely pack it all in as I will never find anything like this one again.

30 yrs ago I developed an acute sacro-iliac problem. This became full on chronic problem after clearing snow Dec 2009. Since then I have managed a prolapsed disc L4 and a hernia. I am usually a sneeze away from a week on the bench. I spent most of my adult life as a regular at the gym and, as I always say, was once as strong as an ox, now I just look like one. 😁. These days I have a daily core routine and walk a lot. All my basses are under 8.5lbs, my main squeeze 7.5lds, and I no longer use a backline, just straight into the desk via a pedal.

I've used foam pipe lagging sleeves before now, cheap as cheaps - especially if you happen to have a bit lying around. Not as dense but still works a treat.

Which is the same as the 'clean boost' patch on the Spectradrive, as it happens.

In true Basschat tradition I will recommend something entirely different. TC Spectradrive. It is an eq, DI, compressor and drive unit all in one. You can download different patches for the compressor and drive - I used 'clean boost' patch which gives a decent approximation of valve break up when balanced with the gain. I play in a blues/rock trio and it is my 'on all the time, take it anywhere' sound.

SG-ish. Maybe more rounded, if I were being picky I bought one of these Encore DC shorties a few years ago. Lovely thing, wonderful proportions.

I believe this is a great song. I love the way it keeps bouncing between major and minor. I love the slightly unusual rhythm pattern unlying it. Hard to imagine a vocal performance better than this.

Cute little double cutaway shorty would be nice, especially if you are looking for people to test it...

You've been recording your intestinal rumblings again, haven't you.

Actually, you really should.

I was in a band for a few years - 2x guitar, bass, drums. The other 3 all sung. One of the guitarists was messing about with one of his pedals and he discovered he could make it do a sort of spacey drone that sounded a bit like the opening synth on Shine On You Crazy Diamond. He demonstrated it to us one rehearsal and guitarist #2 obliged with the opening notes and we kind of busked it for a while. Next rehearsal we had all learnt it and it stayed in the set for 3 years until the band folded. Sounded amazing and always went down extremely well. We usually followed it with a rockabilly version of 'Walk Like An Egyptian'. Anyhoo, it is entirely possible without keys but with some imagination.

I'd be all over that Tecamp. Fab amps.

Who is the young fella on the guitarists right? A dep?

But there is the volume on his guitar, level out on pedals - sneaky bunch, there guitarists. Always find a way to turn up.

Pfft, showoff

Fab, great find! Although I'd be inclined to match the top and jacket with some black jeans. Folks would soon tell if there was a tiger in your tank, otherwise.

My lot had our monthly residency gig at The Shamrock in Ipswich last night. We didn't play particularly well - same passion, same spark but more mistakes than usual - nevertheless we went down very well. Only a few of our regulars were there but this time a handful of folks who had seen us elsewhere came to see us again. Plus some new blow-ins who hung around, too. However, a slow blues in the middle of the second set killed the mood and a lot of people left after that. Usually the light and shade is appreciated but clearly not last night. Also before we got going the pub team confirmed 10, not 12, dates for 2024 saying they liked to have other bands. Which is a bit odd as it was their idea in the first place. No free drinks for the band, either, for the first time in the two years we've been playing there. Looks like the honeymoon period is over but I guess we'll see how it pans out next year. On the plus side traffic there and back was easy and I got parked a couple of hundred years yards away.

I am down to just 7 basses now, none of which were expensive. I have gigged with all of them and will continue to do so - but will pick and choose. The last time I played my bands regular venue some drunken tart refused to leave my spare bass alone 'playing along' while it was in the stand. The way the room is configured I have to have my stand by the door. After ignoring me telling her to leave it alone twice I stopped playing and shifted the stand in front of the drums. Not ideal. The doorman had a word with her slightly less drunk mates afterwards. So, from now on, at that venue, I will take my least expensive bass as back up and play one of the cheaper ones.