wateroftyne

[quote name='Ou7shined' timestamp='1323690444' post='1465751'] If push really came to shove, most bands can play on without a bass*... just as much as I could do without this dumb "we're right and you lot are unprofessional" thread popping up in my in-box all the bloody time. They'd still get paid and more to the point most punters probably wouldn't even notice. *set re-order may be require [/quote] There's an 'unfollow this topic' button at the top of the page. I'd feel like a plank sitting in the dressing room or out in the audience while the band soldiered on without me, just I 'cos couldn't be arsed to pick two basses up (usual exceptions apply). But, we're all different.

[quote name='clauster' timestamp='1323645170' post='1465470'] But then I'm into the realms of buying a spare bass [/quote] On most of my previous posts, I've stressed that what I say only applies to people who [i]have[/i] more than one bass. My comments are aimed at those who have more than one, but can't be arsed to carry a spare with them to a gig. [quote name='clauster' timestamp='1323645170' post='1465470'] As it is I'm in an originals band, usually playing with two or three other bands on the bill, for little-to-no money and more-often-than-not involving a 50-100 mile round trip. So car pooling is the order of the day. If I wanted to bring a spare bass, the guitarist would want his spare amp rig, the singer would want to bring his wireless mic rack, the drummer would want his own stool etc etc. Everyone's band's circumstances are different.[/quote] Obviously, given that you're not going to struggle to borrow another if your bass dies, none of this is really an issue for you. it goes without saying, I think. [quote name='clauster' timestamp='1323645170' post='1465470'] I still maintain though that a quality instrument, well maintained (I do my own set-ups, but I still like to get my bass checked by a luthier every now and then because he sees issues I don't) and played with good technique is very unlikely to break.[/quote] Try telling that to my pickup that died mid-song, or the circuit that popped in the active bass I used to own...! It's like taking out insurance. You probably won't need it, but if you do have to call on it, you'll be thankful. [quote name='clauster' timestamp='1323645170' post='1465470']I'm just as likely to be unable to play at short notice due to illness or injury as I am to having my bass break. Should I have a dep ready on stand-by just in case?[/quote] You're missing the point. At the risk of repeating myself: [quote]Again, to go back to the point I'm trying to make: Bringing a spare bass to a gig is such a simple sacrifice to make for such huge potential benefit.[/quote]

[quote name='clauster' timestamp='1323643385' post='1465444'] To have to be an insurmountable failure, it could only be one of those three box (powered mixer, two cabs) systems. Perfectly practical and affordable for a band to carry a spare.[/quote] ...but then you're getting into the realms of buying a larger car to fit everything in. Again, to go back to the point I'm trying to make: Bringing a spare bass to a gig is such a simple sacrifice to make for such huge potential benefit. I really don't know how else to say it.

[quote name='flyfisher' timestamp='1323640419' post='1465392'] I'm not sure the paying audience would see it that way. Sounds like you're happy to hide behind a big failure where everyone shares the "blame" but not a small one for which you would get all the blame. I'm not criticising that position and can fully understand it. I just don't think it's consistent when the end result is a cancelled gig whatever the the cause. [/quote] I'm kind-of referring to the promoter and fellow band members. There's literally nothing anyone could do about an insurmountable PA failure, as it's generally not practical to carry a spare. But... cancelling a gig because the bass player couldn't be bothered to pick up their spare bass? They'd deserve a kick up the arse from the rest of the band, promoter and audience for that stroke of laziness.

[quote name='bottlebassman' timestamp='1323624220' post='1465147'] I'm in Morpeth, have asked to join FB group, great idea! [/quote] Morpeth? I dunno if we let posh people in....

Whey no. Get involved!

What was in it?

This whole 'I don't take a spare PA... why should I take a spare bass?' argument is weak. If the PA breaks and it's unfixable, you're all in the same boat. Cancelling a gig because the PA has failed is heck of a lot more credible than cancelling it because the bass player hasn't got a bass that works. If your bass breaks (and it can happen.. believe me), and you can't carry on because you don't have a spare (even though you have one at home) it's all your fault. You've knacked it for everyone else. Basses never break? OK... how many passengers boarding Titanic thought that it was ever going to sink? None of 'em. (of course people who only have one bass are exempt from the above)

A couple of nights (both sold out!) at The Live Theatre in Newcastle this weekend, to launch the band's new CD. The Streamliner just gets better and better. I love it so much. It's a privilege to be able to play original material to crowds like this: [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZDCTph68_A"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZDCTph68_A[/url]

[quote name='munkonthehill' timestamp='1323592070' post='1464706'] but why a relic, In all his videos he doesnt use one...so why have a custom one? [/quote] Maybe he just wanted one...?

I haven't watched the vid yet, but I should think so too. He's a great player.

I've started a little Facebook group - The North East Bass Bin - to hook up all us bass players on the Tweed, Tyne, Wear and Tees: [url="http://www.facebook.com/groups/157319877702238/"]http://www.facebook.com/groups/157319877702238/[/url] As we all know, Basschat is the place to be, but this is a quick way of getting in touch with the locals. C'mon... get involved.

The CD was released yesterday... here's a sampler of some of the other tunes. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOwyM1pLZE0"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOwyM1pLZE0[/url]

Amen to that - Alex has always been very responsive and helpful, and I'm not even a customer.

Potential problems with faulty units aside (in which case I imagine Thomann will look after you), don't worry at all about quality or performance. They're[i] that [/i]good.

[quote name='Soliloquy' timestamp='1323514994' post='1464052'] The 'mini' amps I've tried so far have been a bit disappointing. I've got an SWR Headlite which is pretty awful, it sounds nice but they're not been very honest with the specifications. The Shuttles that I've had have sounded awful, kind of like a wasp in a bottle, they've given me a headache in a very short space of time. [/quote] The Streamliner is definitely worth a try. It might just change your mind.... I hope the EBS sounds as good as I hope it does. I love their preamps...

[quote name='BottomE' timestamp='1323453946' post='1463644'] Used to take 2 and still do for "important" gigs but mainly only 1 bass these days. Theres another thread somewhere here where most players have stated that they rarely if ever break strings so you have to wonder why they would need a backup bass. [/quote] When the time comes that they do snap a string, they'll wonder why they didn't bring a backup.. :-) Of course, some people only have one bass, and that's understandable.

[quote name='Chris2112' timestamp='1323441364' post='1463459'] If Rush have ever made lame AOR it is definitely post [i]Counterparts[/i]. So many dreary songs, A/B/A style compositions. Some of it has been, I am sad to say, dreadful. Really bland album rock. They need to get back to the [i]Power Windows/Hold Your Fire[/i]way of thinking, ie: beautifully arranged songs, catchy melodies and albums so strong any song could be the lead single. [/quote] I completely agree. It's almost like they've given up writing [i]songs[/i] on their quest to ROCK and fit in with the younger bands.

[quote name='Lfalex v1.1' timestamp='1323432494' post='1463262'] And what if I'm playing to 200 people who've paid a Tenner each, and I'm NOT getting paid? That's happened enough times. [/quote] It depends on how much you care, I suppose...

In my lifetime, I've broken strings a couple of times, and had a pickup die on me mid-song once. The first time it happened, I didn't have a backup. I learned quickly. If I'm playing to 200 people who've paid a tenner each to get in, it's my responsibility to make sure I can do what I'm being paid to do.

[quote name='Cosmo Valdemar' timestamp='1323302153' post='1461924']Quite restrained for Geddy[/quote] Ah, those were the days... when he played a note because it sounded good, not just because there was some space to fill.

[quote name='mojobass' timestamp='1323290128' post='1461758'] Anyone got Howard's phone number? I've lost it and i dropped a bass off to him last week and just wanted to get in touch about it! cheers [/quote] Drop him a PM - he's pretty quick at replying.

[quote name='spongebob' timestamp='1323277301' post='1461517'] I like his tone on the new live album. Still Ged, but a bit less bright than recent live stuff - the Rush In Rio has a very bright tone indeed! [/quote] If by "bright" you mean "fizzy mess" then I agree with you