Huw Foster

Finally got round to sending this today*. Hope to hear something from Proel soon! [size=1]*Would have done this sooner if it weren't for what was presumably a bit of human error from the courier - I left the parcel at a friend's house as I was at work, but the driver claimed that no-one was in when he rang yesterday... could be something to do with the fact that the house doesn't have a number on the front, as he was definitely in all day! To avoid the same confusion I arranged for it to be picked up from yet another alternative address, and it was eventually collected today.[/size]

Just got off the phone to Proel, who were very helpful (although I might change that statement if they quote a huge amount for repairs!). I'll be sending the amp to them as soon as I can, will post updates on progress.

[quote name='Ou7shined' post='833818' date='May 11 2010, 12:00 AM']That seriously sucks. You could always try getting in touch with Proel (google it) who I believe are (or at least were at the time I bought mine) the main distributor for the UK. I found their CS to be pretty good. Be up front and honest and see what happens. Good luck.[/quote] Again, thanks for the suggestion - and the swift reply! I'll give them a try tomorrow. Right now I'm gonna go cry myself to sleep.

Thanks to Ou7shined for the tip on cleaning out the gunk from inside the amp - I'll bear that in mind for future reference. However, it's definitely not the source of the problem. I did exactly as Ou7shined suggested - I even had to unclog a hoover before I could start, but that's another story. Unfortunately, the amp is still not powering up, and it's blowing a fuse every time I try. (By the way, it's definitely not an issue with the fuse in the kettle lead, as I have tried various others.) I'm at a bit of a loss what to do next. I've heard the best bet for getting anything Markbass fixed is to actually send it back to Italy... but would it be seriously frowned upon to get a local tech to try to fix it?? My main concern is that it's not under warranty (I bought it used from here, and I believe the guy I bought it from had done the same), so surely it would cost the earth to send it across Europe... or is that fear unfounded? If anyone has [i]any[/i] advice on Markbass repairs, please let me know asap. It would be hugely appreciated! (I feel a bit like crying right now... is pity enough to warrant a reply?)

[quote name='Ou7shined' post='828791' date='May 5 2010, 06:47 PM']Is it dusty inside? Sometimes dust can cause a short. I regularly hoover mine out - don't put the hoover nozzle directly in the guts of it though - use a clean 1/2" paint brush and carefully sweep out all the sucked in crap straight up into the Hoover nozzle which is held close by. The worst areas are near the fan and the heat-sink.[/quote] Ah, good call! If that's the case it'll be nothing more than a minor inconvenience. I can't actually check now as it's still at the venue, but tomorrow I'll get myself a brush and some fuses and cross my fingers. Cheers! (Most of my original post is still relevant, mind - anyone?)

I just got home from soundcheck for tonight's gig. It was a mini-disaster. I arrived late (which was actually unavoidable as I was working), but thankfully my gear was already there and ready to go thanks to my bandmates. We went straight into 'Stomp' by the Brothers Johnson, and literally halfway through the slap bass solo my Little Mark died. Thinking it was the fuse, I prized open the compartment on the back to find that not only was that the case, but there was a spare there too! The spare was initially super convenient, until it also blew immediately upon switching the amp back on. Balls. The fuse in the kettle lead is fine, by the way (and fortunately there's a combo waiting for me back at the venue). So it's definitely a problem with the head itself. My question is, how big a problem is it? Anyone had this happen to them with Mark Bass stuff? Unless it's sheer coincidence, it seems to me that something's not right with the electronics and I need to get it fixed pronto. Which leads me to my second question - can anyone recommend a good amp tech in or around Leeds? I've got a couple of gigs this weekend, and although I don't mind not having it fixed by then (well, as long as I can beg/borrow/steal one by Friday), getting it sorted a.s.a.p. would be ideal as I'm out every weekend this month. MASSIVE BALL ACHE. Anyway, thanks in advance for any advice or, at the very least, sympathy. (I do deserve some, right?) Huw

[quote name='velvetkevorkian' post='811858' date='Apr 19 2010, 08:54 PM']The stock tuning on this is actually EADGDG ([url="http://www.ibanez.com/BassGuitars/model-SR2010ASC"]link[/url]) but it fails IMO as it only has a bridge pickup for the fretless strings. Not the fretless sound I like. YMMV.[/quote] Looks like a half-baked mess. Wrong, wrong, wrong.

[quote name='Huwberry' post='806245' date='Apr 14 2010, 04:50 PM']First bass was some Ibanez with a single precision style pickup, which I got for Christmas 2000. I sold it a couple of years later when I got a Peavey Fury IV, which is gathering dust somewhere in my parent's attic. I'm back visiting the parents at the moment - my first amp is still here! It's a tiny Squier combo. It's really noisy and the jack input is dodgy, but it's fine for practice when I'm here.[/quote] Here it is: [attachment=47327:IMG_0431.JPG] WOOWOWOWOOOOO

First bass was some Ibanez with a single precision style pickup, which I got for Christmas 2000. I sold it a couple of years later when I got a Peavey Fury IV, which is gathering dust somewhere in my parent's attic. I'm back visiting the parents at the moment - my first amp is still here! It's a tiny Squier combo. It's really noisy and the jack input is dodgy, but it's fine for practice when I'm here.

[quote name='OldGit' post='805777' date='Apr 14 2010, 10:01 AM']Cheers .. Need to clean the carp off your lens [/quote] How did that get there?? (Was going to do a photoshop job, but the first image result when I googled 'carp' was [url="http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/dennis-byrne-barbershop/assets_c/2010/01/carp-thumb-560x338-56351.jpg"]this[/url] so I can't be bothered now ) Back on topic - I'd forgotten about those Mark stands. Suddenly, I really really want one!

[quote name='waynepunkdude' post='792548' date='Mar 31 2010, 10:00 PM']I'm a hit man and the missus is still alive.[/quote] Regarding the topic, I think any serious pro is still going to enjoy noodling about at home. I echo the sentiments of bubinga5 - if I didn't enjoy playing bass, or music for that matter, there would be no point in continuing.

Ah, I'm also gigging that night, but it's local so I might be able to pop down afterwards. Have a good un! EDIT: I'm an idiot and thought that was this Saturday. In which case, I will most probably be around for this. Duhhh.

Got two gigs this weekend. Both are public showcase affairs for my function band [url="http://www.thewhitekeys.co.uk/live.html"]The White Keys[/url]. Saturday 27th at The Hop in Leeds. Sunday 28th at [url="http://bluesbar.co.uk/"]The Blues Bar[/url] in Harrogate. Somehow we always manage to pull in a crowd at The Blues Bar, so it will most likely be a rowdy one. Huw

I love her I love her I love her I love her... Also, Chris 'Daddy' Dave brings something awesome to the party. Phenomenal feel. But, I digress. I love her I love her I love her I love her I love her I love her I love her I love her...

Found a video from last Friday's gig. Not much, but it's helpful to hear how the band sounded out front.

On a serious note, how about a MM Big Al? Loads of versatility, and you'd be able to dial in classic Stingray-esque tones if you'd like (judging by what I've heard of them - not had the chance to try one myself).

[quote name='Clarky72' post='782084' date='Mar 21 2010, 08:41 PM']I've got a 3EQ Ray and its awesome, cant say enough good things about it, the only issue is the common ray issue with low volume on the G string. Thats easily fixed with a [b]Wernstrom[/b] replacement pup though.[/quote] Fixed again. [attachment=45358:05.mp3]

I can't decide whether to be insanely jealous or enamoured. I think I want to marry her, but then again I'll feel totally undermined as a musician, let alone as a bassist. Thanks / I hate you (delete where applicable) for posting this.

I totally forgot about this. I've since made plans to have a mixing session that day, so I won't be attending. Ah well, next time!

Last night was pretty good! First well attended gig for my nu-soul covers band at The Wardrobe in Leeds. Sound was a bit dodgy for a while but it smoothed out eventually. Disgustingly sweaty, prompting much stripping down - me and a couple of the others ended up looking like a token boyband (albeit a bad one) when we found ourselves in matching black vests. Oh dear. Anyway, it was still well received. Kept hearing compliments all night afterwards.* [i]*As the College of Music is just across the road, there were plenty of students there. Apparently, in the toilets one was overheard saying to the other (supposedly in a bid to cheer him up): 'Mate, don't worry about it. We'll be as good as that by third year.' I was beside myself with laughter when I heard about it.[/i]

I should have looked at the poster - the gig at Royal Park Cellars is £3.50 entry. Doors at 8pm.

Thought I might as well make a thread for all my public gigs. Most of them will be in and around Leeds unless specified. Very last minute I know, but I thought I'd put it out there that I have not one, but two (!) gigs [b]tonight[/b] (at two separate venues - I don't exactly make it easy for myself). The first one is my originals band [url="http://www.myspace.com/caterpillarmusicuk"]Caterpillar[/url] at [url="http://www.myspace.com/royalparkcellarsmusic"]Royal Park Cellars[/url]. We're first on the bill, should be kicking off at around [b]8.30[/b]. I'll then be heading into town to [url="http://www.thewardrobe.co.uk/"]The Wardrobe[/url] where JSOUL (nu-soul/R&B/disco/funk) will be performing. Tonight's line-up includes 4 vocals (2 male, 2 female), 2 keyboards, plus guitars, drums, bass etc. Starts [b]10.30[/b]. As far as I'm aware, both are free entry. I'll be surprised if anyone here is around for this, but it's worth a try anyway! (I'll give more notice for future gigs, haha.) Huw

Did a gig tonight at a venue which had plenty of beer crates for amp elevation. Disconcertingly sticky beer crates, but beer crates nonetheless.

This thread just reminded me of this: Genius.