PTB

I got rid of all my talent boosters some years ago, took up the double bass and went on my merry way. A few weeks back, I watched the Classic Album show about Peter Gabriel's So. During a chat with Tony Levin, he played the Sledgehammer line on his Cutlass & said there was an octave pedal on it. It sounded so good! Guess what I've just bought?

May I suggest you have a look at the gear page at www.lynnkeller.com She is a well respected working bassist. Some of her gear is high end but it might be worth exploring some of the cheaper versions, MTD KZ or Grendel for example.

I use a small MarkBass combo (the CMD121P to be precise). I really like the sound, both with double bass and my bass guitars (which include a Jazz bass). It has a clear yet warm sound, plenty of power and is very portable. I've seen them second-hand on BC for around £500 and would recommend looking on the classifieds here - you get so much more for your money by buying used. Lots of people like Ampeg too of course but I prefer my MarkBass. I've not tried an AER Bass amp but my missus has an acoustic combo of theirs and it's first rate but pricey as you point out. Other options to explore might include Genz-Benz [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Genz_Benz_Contour_Combos_210,_115.html"]http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Genz_Benz_Contour_Combos_210,_115.html[/url] I don't know any good bass shops in Manchester but when you are next in London, take a trip to The Gallery in Camden and try a few out. At the end of the day, it's the only way to know what will work for you. Good luck!

Bought a pedal from Ron. A very smooth transaction with excellent comms throughout. Paul

Very disappointing. Perhaps it was only us few who'd registered an interest? Seems odd that they would be so vague about their future intentions if demand was high.

Looking great Chris. Happy New Year!

I have a dep in for me tonight. As usual, I'd rather see in the new year with family & friends. Happy New Year to all BC'ers!

I use one of those aluminium briefcases from B&Q. I keep my DB pre-amp/buffer in the DB gig bag on the basis that I only need that when I need the DB but the case comes with me regardless of whether it's a gig or rehearsal, DB or bass guitar. That way, I never have to think about whether I've got what I need.

In: MarkBass NY121 cab Out: nowt A quiet year for me. Thinking of a P bass for 2013.

Over the Christmas holidays, will you be having too much rich food, too much bad TV, too much of your mother-in-law? Gentleman Tim & The Contenders will help you dance off that fuzzy head and bloated belly! Escape to The George IV, 185 Chiswick High Rd on Friday 28 December. Entry is free and we'll be playing three sets of Chicago Blues, West Coast Swing and select others from 9pm til midnight. We won't tell anyone you were there. Hope you can make it!

Gentleman Tim & The Contenders will be appearing on Friday at the Sydenham Blues Club, The Golden Lion, 116 Sydenham Rd. [url="http://www.sydenhambluesclub.co.uk/"]http://www.sydenhambluesclub.co.uk/[/url] On Saturday, we'll be at The Round Midnight Jazz & Blues Bar, 13 Liverpool Rd, Islington. [url="http://www.roundmidnightbar.com/"]http://www.roundmidnightbar.com/[/url] We'll be on stage at 9pm and entry is free both nights. Hope you can make it! Paul

Thank you Mr c61!

PM sent to JBF.

Try stringbusters.co.UK or stringsdirect.co.UK.

PM sent.

Drums - Steve Jordan, Jim Keltner or Manu Katche ( sit quietly chaps & take turns when I say so) Piano - Dr John Clavinet & synth - Stevie Wonder Hammond - Joey Di Francesco Alto sax - Chris Potter Bari sax - Ronnie Cuber Trumpet - Mark Pender Trombone - George Bohanon Slide - Ry Cooder Guitar - Junior Watson Guitar - Brent Mason Vocals (lead & backing) - Sharon Jones, Norah Jones, Bobby King, Terry Evans, Willy Green, Harp - Kim Wilson

Agreed - great news!

[size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Gentleman Tim & The Contenders will be taking one of their rare excursions into Essex. We'll be playing an evening of Chicago Blues & West Coast Swing on Friday 14 December at:[/font][/size] [b][b]Harlow Cricket Club, Marigolds, Chippingfield, Old Harlow, Essex CM17 0DJ[/b][/b] [font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][size=4]We'll be kicking off at 8:30 so look forward to seeing you![/size][/font]

I've also just swopped e-mails with Bree who is obviously on duty day & night. It's looking good!

It went much better than I was expecting. I put my back out on Wednesday morning, had some physio on Thursday afternoon and spent Friday doing the exercises I'd been shown and generally pushing through the pain barrier to get everything working again. I took my Jazz Bass just in case but was able to play upright all night. Phew!

Oh boy, this is right up my street.......and I just bought an extra weeks holiday through my works flex bens. Thanks for posting Clarky. Funnily enough, I sent my wife to a similar thing for fiddle players in Nashville a few years back for Christmas. It must be my turn!

+1 for e bay. I bought my daughter a late 60s Olympic jazz kit in orange sparkle for around 120 quid. Got cymbals used from some drummer friends and we were sorted. I feel fairly sure I could get most of my money back should I sell it on.

Gentleman Tim & The Contenders will be back at the Round Midnight Bar, 13 Liverpool Rd, London N1 0RW this Friday. We are on at 9pm and we'll be playing three sets of Chicago blues and West Coast swing til the midnight hour. Entry is free. Hope you can make it - if you do, come and say Hi! Paul

I was hoping to attend but alas, it's not to be. And now I shall also miss Jack & Sylvia appearing as Noah & Nelly! Hope it's a great night!