Paul S

John Miles? That is sad. he was no age. And indeed a great voice. Here is one of his tunes - it was covered by Joe Cocker and got more airplay but Miles' version has more soul imo.

I was just about to type the same https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/earlpilanz He's done a couple for me. Send off the original and he posts it back with the new one. Not dear, either.

Why on earth do that? Either split the fee 5 ways or don't take the gig. Must make you feel as though you are irrelevant.

That was great! Far cry from Level 42!

Its those big gloves I struggle with.

A drunk punter came up to me once at the end of a gig and siad 'you've got a great moustache'. In the absence of anything else, I'll take that

There are some basses - Fender Precision Lyte immediately springs to mind - that have a grub screw in the neck plate that gives an adjustable tilt angle feature built in. Always struck me as a nice idea. Certainly with my clumsy hands, agricultural playing style and knackered ears I have never noticed any issues with shimmed necks, and I've had a few.

I had one, great thing. AFAIAA they are part of the same family as the Jack and the B2 brigade - with or without headstock/body, electrics varied, some had the drop tuner but overalll they were pretty much the same beast and all of a decent quality.

That is just so beautiful, Andy.

^^This. listen to as many power trios as possible but live versions. Many, such as Free, ZZ Top etc, overdub for studio work. For example Dusty Hill's bass tone, live, is immense. Gritty, grainy, driven and saturated. Nothing like how he sounds on studio recordings.

I like this, too. Do I need help?

Yup. Stick all the surplus wooden instruments in a pile and set fire to them. That'll do it. Edit, I feel I need to add that I said that for comic effect and don't believe anyone suggested it seriousy, even if they did, which they didn't but might have.

I would disagree with that. I find the sound I get from my basses (esp. Precisions) with TI Flats can't be replicated with old strings and attenuating the treble - heaven knows I've tried, and with all sorts of roundwound strings, but I have always ended up putting TIs on. Costs me a fortune It is very much it's own thing.

Brain fart moment there. Changed the entire context.

I use the TC Spectradrive. That gives you a DI, EQ, compressor and a choice of downloadable drive patches. I have mine set on 'Clean Boost' which is exactly that - not distorted, just a gentle boost, and is now my default 'on all the time'. it is also very small

Totally this. Secondhand is the way. If you are happy with how the Stagg felt and played I would suggest getting out a ruler and measuring the width of the neck and the string spacing at the bridge so that you can find a similar bass to move on to. For me, at least, these dimensions make the difference between a 5er feeling comfy to play or not. And with that said, if the specs and weight are to your liking, I would heartily recommend any of the Yamaha 5ers as being fabulous value for money. Even the cheap models have good string B strings.

What a great expression! Not heard that before but it is so perfect. From what you have said it seems most unlikely he will listen to reasoned arguments, especially with his brother there to prop him up, so if it were me I'd quit. As has been mentioned already, if you don't do it to earn a living but for fun then as soon as the fun stops its time to move on - you're left with nothing but angst otherwise.

One thing to note is that not all rounds flats are equal. Some are high tension, some low. Some are dull, some are bright. If you choose the wrong set you may be put off unnecessarily. I am a massive fan of Thomastik TI Flats and put them on all my basses. They are low tension - not to everyone's liking! - and sound nice and bright, not just a dull thud. I play in a blues rock band and they sit just nicely in the mix. For me and the tone I have in my head for my basses, they are just right. Plus they feel nice to the touch - fans of round wounds will disagree, of course.

And similarly at the Kursaal in Southend. It was an old dance hall with a sprung floor and if you didn't actively jump up and down you were passively bounced. They were a damned fine band back then. And a damned fine venue - saw so many great bands there in the 70s.

Yup, that's what I thought. 🤣 Worst bout of GAS I've had for years when I clapped eyes on it!

It is actually with a mate of mine at the moment. But it is one of these, I had it without a scatchplate fitted.