Cat Burrito

I've been more Americana for the last 10yrs but there is a huge crossover with the folk scene. A plugged in bass (usually a Fender type) isn't too frowned on. I actively disliked folk as a kid but I've loved the almost punk rock spirit of the jam nights where someone shouts out "Drunken Sailor in Dm" or "Dirty Old Town G" and away we all go. Great fun. Equally those little uke basses (Kala?) or an acoustic bass guitar is an option too. Although bass has always been my main instrument I've played harmonica, mandolin, banjo, guitar, lap steel, dobro and percussion on the folk scene. All good fun. Forum wise most of the Musicians Wanted sites have as many folk players as rock players. Americana UK might be worth a go too.

My gig last night was somewhat lacking.... it lacked me! First time in my life after 25yrs+ of playing that I pulled a show because I had a 24hr bug. Gutted. The band went acoustic minus me.

[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1386555917' post='2301482']Hmmm, tasty! I'd love a white pickguard like that for mine. Where did you get it?[/quote] Custom made job courtesy of the Bass Doc on these very pages.

I don't think there is a lot in it. I find the variation in the vol / tone knob is there but it definitely favours old school tone. I wouldn't hesitate to 1) have it as my only electric bass or 2) use it in an Indie band personally but we're all different.

I didn't read the blue text as I was busy enjoying the pictures too much

[quote name='Annoying Twit' timestamp='1386524212' post='2301032'] I'm no expert, but I would think that dub reggae would be what this bass would excel at. [/quote] Indeed. Anything old school from blues to country to soul too.

Well I bought one to use as a back up bass and it now appears to be replacing my main Fender. Yeah, bassy sounding but I wanted that old school tone. Killer neck, well balanced, a good player. I was planning to upgrade the pickup but this was before I heard it - and it doesn't need any mods. As you can see I added the ashtrays, flipped the thumbrest and pickguard but all purely cosmetic changes. Just a really cool bass. [url="http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Tim_73/media/Squier2_zps383a17ce.jpg.html"][/url]

Following on from Woodyratm's comment you'll need to work it as shifts. Cynical me but the second someone you don't know steps in & money can go missing. Different band members can do it when not soundchecking / playing but a series of partners or friends otherwise. If it is done in stages nobody is too put upon. Towards the end of the night you can relax a bit more (i.e. letting people in for cheaper or free) and I'd have someone collecting money at various points in the evening so you can keep tabs on it & not have too big a float. All less of a chore than it probably sounds.

When I've previously sold amps I tended to include whatever came with it - instructions, lead etc plus any custom cover that I had made for it. I'd have no problem buying one without a lead but would rather assume that a seller would state "needs a kettle lead" and yes like most of you, I have a bunch of those lying around. It wouldn't spoil my day if an amp I'd bought showed up minus the cable but the mild sense of disappoint may mean I enjoy my next cup of tea slightly less.

I think I've reached a stage (a while ago) where I am relaxed in what I do and think I do it fairly well. I'm not the best player but definitely of a standard and slowly improving all the time.... bit too slowly at times but there it is. As a rule I tend not to get kicked out of bands and people like working with me which after 25yrs must say something.

I had the f holes added to my shoulders today & that was the most painful tattoo I've ever had - more so than when I had my ankle done. Big fan of Blood on the Cats too btw [attachment=149927:Tattoos.jpg]

I got my old one in a VW Fox and in a Mini Clubman so I can't see any problem here.

Most bands usually have a songwriter (no disrespect meant to the drummer et al that claim they write!) and we just work on their songs. Occasionally we've had a couple of covers too but usually it is a case of a bunch of songs from whoever writes and then we set about putting our own stamp on them.

[font="Trebuchet, Trebuchet MS"][size="4"][color="#333333"][b]Look at the flame on this one! No, don't even look at it..[/b][/color][/size][/font] [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301024372915?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301024372915?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649[/url]

Um, I've done it once and learnt my lesson. Despite having seen a bass player from a few years above me at school windmill his bass & just smash his brand new Nady wireless system, leaving his £30 bass in immaculate condition I had a disasterous drunken gig in '94 where [b]my[/b] band trashed their kit. My guitarist snapped his Les Paul in half and pushed it through a lighting rig. This was fixed for a bottle of whiskey. I took my pride and joy and kicked it around the stage. All I did was chip the nut, look like a prat and then have to go cap in hand to my parents as I was too skint to afford the repair. Rock 'n' Roll indeed! I don't do it these days simply because I quickly got wise to the fact that all the big acts were walking offstage and coming back with cheap instruments.

I don't have any pics but I own a 5w Fender Champion for home use and the near essential Blues Jr that I usually bully guitarists into using for pub gigs. It's currently being used by the guitarist in my rockabilly band. It's really versatile. Both are upgraded courtesy of Watford Valves with new speakers, better tubes and in the case of the Jr a really cool reverb tank. A shame as my sideline into guitar playing only lasted a few years before I returned to bass so I have this kit that is virtually idle but don't wish to sell.

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1385932285' post='2293852'] But you did look very dashing with it, Tim. [/quote] [quote name='Mykesbass' timestamp='1385933605' post='2293876'] And as a bonus to raising the Movember money, I've just discovered what a cracking album Case Hardin PM is! Just bought a copy - cracking work Tim, hope I can get along in May to the Lewes gig. [/quote] You all make me blush. Lewes was great fun earlier this year so looking forward to returning. That'd be very cool

At the moment it's my Squier (bass guitar) & my European blonde bass (upright). Things change though so I doubt they'll ever be a favourite.

A lot of soul stars put the rockers to shame; Bettye Lavette's book starts with her being dangled out the window by her pimp and then picks [b]up[/b] the pace! Bobby Womack's is equally outrageous starting with his ex-wife chasing him with a gun. Duff McKagan's was quite inspiring, Gene Simmons' was a tad boring (I liked Peter Criss' although it confirmed he is a grade A idiot!) and Johnny Cash has a bunch of decent biographies out there.

I've used a small tool box in the past when I was a bit more organised. I think the tip came from here a few years ago. I travel much lighter now though and just bung it all in a small school holder.

Mine went down the sink at 12.07am in the Holiday Inn in Watford where I was staying after a wedding. Very pleased with the amount raised and I enjoyed the experience. Well done all

I love the retro look but I found mine (fender also) just didn't last very long. I think that is Fender leads in general as I had the deluxe bass leads too and they didn't last long either.

Nice one Heathy. We can all be proud, we're £4 off a cool grand and have done superbly. I shaved mine down to "The Spiv" for the last day and posed for a Facebook comedy photo in a desperate bid for those last minute sponsors... I failed miserably to attract any late stragglers but I've tried to bleed my friends dry throughout the month so can't really complain. Roll on midnight but what a month! [attachment=149514:Mov29.jpg]

I think different areas of the country have different tastes. Where I live bass players are pretty in demand as there aren't many of us but I know other towns where everyone seems to play bass. I think things are as healthy now as they ever were.

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1385752292' post='2291915']I`ll echo Burritos comments having heard his rig, it sounds great. ...Having heard that rig, I was quite envious. [/quote] Bless you Sir!