Paul S

One from last weekend. We had a support slot for a blues band called The Cinelli Brothers at Venue 16 in Ipswich. One of the best stage/pa set ups I have ever played (including some decent stages with a Bon Jovi tribute) even though it is mainly a wedding venue. We played well, went down well, sounded good. The Cinelli Brothers I didn't know but will seek them out if they are ever neqarby as they are totally brilliant. 4 piece multi-talented players. I though their bass player was good on the first number. Second number he played lead guitar and was even better. All four had strong singing voices. They played well crafted orginal that somehow sounded familar and turnjed in a high energy performance of Chuicago-style blues. Amazing band and a great bunch of guys. Anyway, here's our opening song 'Toredown' https://www.facebook.com/100002647479877/videos/411731264330822/ And here 'Blue Jean Blues' https://www.facebook.com/100002647479877/videos/364538542461222/

I played at Arnie's on Friday night! Which was a mixed affair and not exactly what I was expecting. People drifting in and out all evening - there were 6 pubs with bands that night. Took me 3 hrs to get to Dereham, not sure I'd be in a hurry to do it again.

Another vote for Danelectro. Longhorn is brilliant but the styling is not to everyone's taste. They do the short scale single cut '56 - I had one at the same time as a Hofner Ignition Club by way of a comparison and the Dano was a country mile better. Then again it was more expensive. Looks like they do a short scale double cutaway now, too. - bet that's a cracker.

I remember going to see Kid Creole and the Coconuts at some point in the early 90s. My expectations were low but they blew me away. August Darnell can't really sing very well but he has unbelievable charisma and stage presence - scantily clad Coconuts notwithstanding, it was hard to take your eyes off him. [/random memory]

Covered in barnacles but I just scraped them off 😁

I had a Westone Thunder 1a fretless and it was quality. At the time the 'industry standard' for value fret less was a Squier VM Jazz and the Westone totally outclassed it.

Massively talented guy. Here DH singing, playing rhythm and bass on 'Free Ride', which he wrote, too Great band - Edgar Winter can happily play keys, synth, drums, sax, probably guitars too. Rick Derrenger on guitar... never saw them, sadly.

You OK Andy?

My blues rock trio Toredown have a couple of gigs coming up We are playing our full set at Arnies in Dereham 9pm Friday 8th July as part of the Dereham Blues festival. It is usually a drag bar, apparently, so who knows what is going to happen. Then Sunday 10th we are supporting the Cinelli Brothers at Venue 16 in Ipswich. We are on stage at 3pm, playing 45mins I think. Might be 30.

Cracking basses, these. I had one and, at the time, also had a '78 Fender Musicmaster and a Squier VM Mustang. The VISTA knocked spots off the other two in every department. The pickup, particularly, was beefy and pretty aggressive.

On the first song of my last gig the input jack on bass #1 developed a fault so I quickly switched to bass #2. If I only had one bass the gig would have been over.

This. What Gig Ink do (brilliantly, I might add) is use clear plastic and the custom bit is what is printed on the reverse. I don't think that would give a realistic tort finish.

Small music pub in Stowmarket, The Pickerel Inn. Hardly anyone there but those that were made it feel like we were playing Glasto. Even the A12 being shut and diverted through unlit country lanes couldn't take the shine off the night. And - bonus point - drummer took the pa, which I usually babysit, having realised his seats fold flat to give a van-type space. Precedent set.

I do move - mainly my head. I jerk it upwards to the beat. And I'll bounce gently from foot to foot and maybe shuffle a bit, too. Even prowl, slowly, given a big enough stage. But generally it looks like I am being electrocuted.

looks like a few on this site https://www.yourparkingspace.co.uk/london-parking-spaces-and-garages-to-rent?gclid=CjwKCAjwwdWVBhA4EiwAjcYJEC6TqiioqmYUE1e6Qggi032ofIG0G73wv8MGUaCeMrO3hvzoSEX0xhoCDXMQAvD_BwE

And hopefully not in Clarks, whilst buying the shoes. This is not a straighforward matter at all. If I say to Mrs S that I am going to buy a new bass she'll say 'OK' or 'Good' or 'Mmm' or something similar. If I say I am going to sell a bass she'll say 'Are you sure? You often regret it later'.

Me? I've been doing it for a few years, switched from resistance training to stretching/core/yoga/pilates excercises at a gym locally - although I've been doing it at home since the start of COVID. It helps but, for me, is not the complete answer.

Yup, me too. Bending and twisting in that way was guaranteed to put my back out on anything less than averagely mobile day. Added bonus is the chiropodist deals with hard skin, corns et al. Plus he's a lovely chap and a good laugh.

Ditto.

Yeah, I was a fat kid too.

My favourite bass to play is a Precision but I don't own a Fender. I have a JV Squier, an Antoria, a Peavey Fury and a HB Shorty. In fact I only have one 'big brand' bass and that is a Gibson LP Jnr DC. I have a TBird that is an Epiphone, a Rick that is a Retrovibe faker. I look pretty tall but my heels are high...