RhysP

Don't think I'd want to risk it.

[quote name='NancyJohnson' timestamp='1491393420' post='3272647'] What to do when you're old? I've kind of slipped into semi-retirement. Heh. [/quote] Same here. 52 & retired on health grounds. I haven't got much money but I'd much rather be skint & happy than doing a job I hate.

[quote name='obbm' timestamp='1491390190' post='3272607'] That's interesting because it's totally not what happens in my area. Open Mics, are for individuals and groups of performers. They usually book a time slot with the organiser and perform two or three numbers. It's an opportunity for the budding solo singer songwriter to air their works to an audience. PA is provided by the organiser. These have only taken off in the last few years. Jam Sessions are run by an Organiser and his House Band. This could be an established band or a group of musician friends. They provide the PA, drums and back-line and in most cases get paid by the pub. Musicians turn up with their instruments, make themselves known to the Organiser who puts them into bands for 3 or 4 numbers. Usually the designated singer will suggest the numbers and a short discussion ensues. Who knows it, what are the chords, etc. it's all very light-hearted and off we go. If you are a regular then you get to know the other musicians and their favourite numbers. Often you get to play something that you might have heard but have never actually played. It makes you think on your feet, watch the others and most importantly listen. If you get hit with a number that you'd like to play better next time then go home and learn it. There are musicians of all levels and one must be tolerant of the novices. We all had to start somewhere but it does get a bit frustrating if they don't know what a 12-bar is, or they try to slap a Blues. There are also those magic moments when the grouping clicks and it all comes together to the great appreciation of the audience. [/quote] This is how I'd describe them too. Open mics tend to be for solo performers (or duos or whatever, but not a full band as such) and more often than not original songs are played rather than covers. Jam nights/sessions, in my experience, tend to be little more than a bunch of musos playing blues and rock covers. I've done a few over the years & always found them incredibly tedious from a bass playing perspective, but then I'm really not a fan of blues stuff.

There were some good song titles on the first "Hatfield & the North" album: "The Stubbs Effect" "Big Jobs (Poo Poo Extract)" "Going Up To People and Tinkling" "Son of 'There's No Place Like Homerton'" "Fol de Rol" "Shaving Is Boring" "Licks for the Ladies" "Bossa Nochance" "Big Jobs No. 2 (By Poo and the Wee Wees)" "Lobster in Cleavage Probe" "Gigantic Land Crabs in Earth Takeover Bid" "The Other Stubbs Effect" "Let's Eat (Real Soon)" "Fitter Stoke Has a Bath" I wish I could say that the music was as entertaining as the titles but unfortunately it's just pretty standard early/mid 70s self satisfied hippy pish.

[quote name='the boy' timestamp='1491157674' post='3270913'] I've said it before and I'll say it again, you cannot insult this guy. [/quote] That sounds like a challenge.

My pleasure!

I'd say you're better off with a Squier. The Epi Tobias basses are pretty crap. They shouldn't be allowed to use the name Tobias on them, it's a travesty.

[quote name='thepurpleblob' timestamp='1491307209' post='3271965'] Chatting to someone? I don't think I have the right personality for this [/quote] I'm the same. I started playing solo guitar stuff so I wouldn't have to bother with a band & then I started getting hassled by people at open mics to let me play with them. Can't bloody win.

How can it be "in unmarked condition with light player wear"? It's either unmarked or it has light player wear, it can't be both. If it was carbon fibre or finished in a nice bright colour or something I think it would look pretty good. What I never understand is when luthiers make something unconventional/modern looking & then build it with woods that makes it look like a Victorian roll top desk.

[quote name='tauzero' timestamp='1491307269' post='3271966'] Mrs Zero and I played at an old people's home last Christmas as an acoustic duo. The inmates are getting closer to our age. John Denver, Elvis, and Metallica all went down well. [/quote] Now that's a varied setlist!

I've got a stand that I've had for donkeys years made by a US firm called "On Stage". Just measured the neck part & it's 7.5cm at it's widest so it should hold your bass with no problems. Really well made & solid too.

I paid £200 each for my secondhand Rickenbacker 4001's in 1980/81, one of them was a checkerbound/horseshoe/toaster pickup model. In the mid 80s I nearly bought a mint condition used Wal twin neck with case in a music shop in Birmingham for £399. That's what the prices were back then, comparing them to what the same things sell for now is just masochistic.

[quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1490769291' post='3267720'] My wife hates Jazz. The last time she came to a gig was about three years ago when I played with Jason Rebello. [/quote] You've played with Jason Rebello? Respect to you! Saw him the other week in Cardiff, superb musician.

[quote name='LewisK1975' timestamp='1491226968' post='3271335'] Based on the responses I reckon you could get with using either effect on either song! [/quote] Pretty much, yeah!

[quote name='mikel' timestamp='1491162971' post='3270965'] Road worn, without the worn? [/quote] I believe the term is "Closet Classic"...

That's a classy looking rig.

[quote name='bassman7755' timestamp='1490996119' post='3269803'] Sounds like a flanger to me. [/quote] I always thought that "Waiting for an alibi" is a flanger & "Dancing in the moonlight" is a phaser.

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1491081641' post='3270428'] Maybe it was a bad pic, bad video or Eric was having a bad day. Blue [/quote] He was in a wheelchair.

[quote name='PaulWarning' timestamp='1491052527' post='3270186'] another 15 years all the care homes will be stuffed full of old Punks, I'll have a whole new career [/quote] That's a very good point!

Care homes are always looking for people to play Vera Lynn songs & that sort of stuff for the inmates, that's always an option. You can check out the accommodation for future reference while you are there, maybe put your name on the waiting list...

[quote name='timmo' timestamp='1491049406' post='3270156'] Who said he wasn't looking frail? [/quote] Nobody, you just seem to be surprised that he looks frail. He's an old man.

[quote name='timmo' timestamp='1491042376' post='3270042'] Eric Clapton is not looking to well. Nothing to do with the thread as such, but when I see people like him looking frail, I realise you gotta pack as much in too your life as you can [/quote] Clapton is a 71 year old ex alcoholic, ex smackhead, ex heavy smoker - why wouldn't he look frail? Some people might get to their 70s & be lucky enough to be in relatively good health & still able to do stuff they want to do but that doesn't mean they're not old.

[quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1491030765' post='3269913'] Yes, I too feel some envy for folk who are honestly happy with a single bass. What we don't know, of course, is if those lucky guys are active bassist or if they play simple lines in a band once a week, and never touch it from one week to the next. [/quote] Or maybe just can't afford more than one bass.

[quote name='alyctes' timestamp='1491043652' post='3270065'] Magnesium supplements may help. [/quote] I was going to suggest this too.

[quote name='Pinball' timestamp='1491029830' post='3269908'] G&L are now producing an amazing array of basses. The only gap I can see is the 5 string SB/P bass ASAT's , L series, M series, The MJ's, JB's, LB, Kiliton and SB's Loks like they have most "basses" covered http://www.glguitars.com/instruments/USA/basses/index.asp [/quote] If I was in the market for a new bass, and given my experiences with Musicman stuff, I would almost definitely go for a G&L of some sort. Still hate that stupid pointy bit on the headstock though.