Boodang

I had a lull recently with bass playing inspiration. The thing that got me going was composing solo bass pieces but the real driver was that I created a SoundCloud account so that the music didn't just stay in the shed but is actually heard... albeit by about half a dozen people. I'm still working in it but knowing that complete strangers are going to listen, and judge, your output makes me put extra effort into it. Good luck with the treatment, hope it all goes well.

Thanks... it's a Treehouse nesting bop kit. Considering the small size it has a big sound. The BD is particularly punchy.

Sorry, thought I was on the drummerworld forum!! My mind is going but what the hell, it's posted now! Please feel free to delete tho... unless you find it vaguely interesting.

Recently I bought a nesting drum kit but as it turns out there are advantages to having a bass drum where the front unclips reso head intact. I prefer an unported reso head which would normally be an issue when it comes to internal mic'ing but when you can take the front off the drum in seconds it's so much easier. Plus, I had three holes made in the drum, one for the snare holder, one for the tom and one for the ride. As it turns out I only use two so there's one spare for the mic cable. I think in future I'll get my bass drums made this way as it sounds great but is easy to set up for recording/live.

Ah, if only I'd thought of that, we might still be playing... although I doubt more profitable!

I started an Eberhard Weber tribute band doing his solo work, took three bass players to take his place. Did one gig, everybody said what the actual F was that and the project hasn't seen the light of day since. Took a year to learn the songs and get them down properly but the effort was worth it from a musical growth perspective if nothing else (certainly wasn't a financial success!).

Well, if you want British have you considered a custom. Now, if Andy hasn't retired, and his web site is still up and running, you should check him out. There's lots of good luthiers but Andy seems particularly good value. https://www.andyviccarscustom.co.uk/custom-bass-guitars.php An example of Andy's work.

....also, just because you want to play doesn't mean people want to listen. Something a lot of amateur bands fail to take into account when they inflict themselves on an unsuspecting audience. A friend of mine has a band that keeps moaning about how little they get paid but I have to keep reminding him they're lucky they don't have to pay compensation to the audience for the psychological damage they cause with their dreadful playing.

I was in a band that insisted on being paid what I thought was outrageous amounts of cash... as a sign of respect for all the hours of practice they'd put in. Funny thing was they would play some venues where the audience to see them were less than the punters that would have turned up just to have a drink if they weren't there. My current band have put there money where their mouths is. If the venue makes more money we get paid what they think we're worth. Seems like a bad business plan but so far it's paid off quite well.

One second of backing track is too much for me. Live is live. I'd rather it sounded raw than turn into band karaoke!

You should have used the Elvin Jones trick of nailing the front of the bass drum to the stage floor! Worst house kit I've ever used had a split snare batter head held together with duct tape... I've learnt since then. Always have at least my own pedals and definitely my own throne or I'll get back ache, plus a spare snare head! I don't mind so much if the kit is ok but why insist when there's enough time to set up your own kit?! I've just invested in a nesting kit in bebop size to make the load in & out easier in the hope that'll persuade venues I can use my own with a minimum if fuss.

Is it white or pink noise?

Each gig the band say they'll help setup but there's always a reason why it ends up being less than it should. But.... the results are worth it and they really are nice guys just a bit flakey. Having said that, if it was a permanent state of affairs, we were gigging every week and it wasn't the case that I'm moving country very soon, I would be laying down strict ground rules. To put it in perspective the blues band is so good we're planning a small tour to take in festivals and clubs around the Baltics ( where I'll be based) next year.

Not wishing to subvert this thread into a gig setup moan but I feel your pain. I’m in three bands and circumstances have meant I own and supply all equipment for the lot apart from guitars (it’s Pakistan and you can’t get sh!t here and I’ve got keys bass leads stands drums mixer mics pa you name it). I don’t mind but did a gig on Friday and the rest of the band turn up and say we haven’t got long to finish set up and sound check, take one look at my face which expresses yes but I’ve been setting up on my own all the gear for the last 4 hours, and they shut up and get on with it. Next posting (different country later this year) and I’m going to turn up with 5 mins to go before the gig with just my bass and F off before the the vocalist has got through his self aggrandising ‘thank you’s’ to the audience!

Just recorded our latest gig with the L20. I might be late to the party but the quality of the recording is excellent plus the built in SD card makes it so easy. Now a recording is only as good as the source and we are using good mics and quality gear but … the L20 is up to the job. And it’s what, 4 or 5 years old, look forward to what Zoom come up with as it’s replacement. Although the Behringer Wing is looking good but a lot more expensive.