Cat Burrito

When I buy a new bass, I put flats on and leave it. I haven't bought a bass in over 3yrs so at least that and counting.... I restrung my upright bass last week as I wanted to put some rockabilly weedwackers on it. That was a workout in itself! Nobody would moan about restringing guitars or bass guitars ever again once you've done a double bass

I left Bassworld for a short lived semi acceptable go at guitar and TDPRI was a good second best (I played teles so it worked well for me - but to steal Gary's line as it's American you might think it sucks dude). Equally phases in Hofner, Orange and Gretsch had me on their very narrow focused sites which seemed to be "our brand is great...yes it is!" and everyone else then agreeing. I came back to Basschat and without wishing to click my heels and be called Dorothy, there really is no place like home. It's not the lesser amount of strings, this is why some say it is easier to play bass!

Personally I ran out of gear to sell, but that's divorce for you!

1) I always thought the bass player was the coolest one in the bands I liked (a minority view) 2) A lot of TV / Film soundtracks from when I was growing up 3) A lot of people played guitar & were in bands needing a bass player

I watched some of it on the iPlayer, superb. The whole rock n roll era was just fantastic and I am surprised there aren't more great shows about it

I too was on Bassworld but left for a few years. I remember Kiwi saying they'd moved to Basschat but forgot the name so had to google it. I had a feeling at the time I'd registered when it first started but I couldn't recall my under which username or password so had to join again. I hope it's not a problem I clicked on [color=#5A5A5A][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif][size=3]Recommendation from real life human[/size][/font][/color] but it was actually Kiwi so I'm not 100% convinced this was the best option

Don't use one anymore. I once broke a string back in 1997. Back then I had a much poorer technique, I played with a heavy pick on lighter strings and right by the bridge. Now I play with very heavy strings away from the bridge and play fingerstyle. Touchwood but I'm fairly confident that in hundreds of gigs later the string breakage of '97 will continue to a distant memory. Using passive basses there is less to go wrong too. All that said, in my rockabilly band I think if the upright bass let me down I'd just be buggered though! edit typo

I can't remember the last time I did something to try & impress teenage girls... I'm aiming for the Mums!

We use capos a lot in my band but the guys know the chords correctly. I like it because when I get an MP3 to work out a new song I just have to find the root note, work out where Pete (singer) has put the capo and I have the whole song worked out in about 30 seconds! All that said a neighbour who plays guitar & jams with me still thinks it is D major no matter where the capo is. I just adapt as he has those 2 extra strings to worry about

Further to reading this thread I phoned my Insurer. It looks like a valuation letter is all that is required when there is no receipt. I also checked out New Moon & they can offer me the same cover for half the price. Nice one

I think I need to phone Music Guard; my policy is up for renewal & in it's 3rd year. I have no receipts of my vintage gear which may make the policy a bit pointless

I have a nice vintage Fender bass but it's insured. I've stripped it down & it's in more of a players condition rather than a collectors condition. I'd be upset rather than totally distraught if it was damaged or stolen. They are tools of the trade after all & I'd just get another decent bass

I remember Hondo in the 80s and they were ok budget make instruments, some good ones and some real dogs. I'd say that was definitely the higher end of acceptable price wise. Not a rip off as such but certainly not a bargain. You'd have probably paid less than that for it back in 1988 and they are not a collectors brand. Then again it's a muck about bass for a laugh with some mates so if you want it, go for it

Punk is an attitude. Why people focus entirely on London circa 1976 is beyond me when it was very much prevalent in bands from New York beforehand (NY Dolls), the 60s garage scene and rockabilly. What a lot of punk hating musicians are objecting to is the cartoon version in mainstream culture. Like any genre there are some amazing recordings and great musicians linked with punk

[quote name='peteb' timestamp='1370562887' post='2102914'] You hit the post button just before me! Just goes to show, mediocre minds think alike... [/quote] I figured as much and indeed

Is there an echo in here Peteb?

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1370560141' post='2102889'] I don't think pop music is any more mediocre than it was in 1962 or any year since. There have been many good and innovative bands since Love Me Do was released, who have recorded many great tunes. Thank God The Beatles raised the bar. Pop music pre 1962 really was awful. [/quote] I was 100% with you until the last point. I've spent the evening listening to Buddy Holly and off the top of my head Eddie Cochrane, Del Shannon, Elvis Presley and rockabilly fans all over would disagree. Plenty of terrible examples too but lots of great music was there to influence & inspire then & now

Once after a knee operation but no, not generally

I blame Herman's Hermits

[quote name='mickster' timestamp='1370532520' post='2102324'] I love my Precisions but I feel no particular need to defend Fender in everything they do...[/quote] I'm sure most of us feel the same way about our gear. I've played for over 25yrs, tried other basses and keep coming back to Fender. I'll probably always play Fender but reserve the right to change to Hofner for no reason other than a change. Fender occasionally get knocked on here but more so praised. They don't endorse me (been offered by 3 other companies) and we owe each other nothing. I just like them. Playing the 70s ones which all to often get knocked for weight I do wonder how much experience some people have with them when they post. It doesn't really matter. I can think of a bunch of kit that is not for me but I don't feel the need to post all the time to confirm I don't like headless basses or state whether I'm a particular fan of Warwick or not. Everyone's got an opinion and ultimately it's a forum. I'm sure 99% of us take all opinons with a pinch of salt. A lot of the people I don't agree with on Fender actually make a lot of opinions on other subjects that mirror mine. As the tune goes, "it's only rock 'n' roll". Long may the banter continue.

[quote name='foxton4001' timestamp='1370526904' post='2102227']The audience are there to see a performance - not a bunch of herberts looking like they've just got out of bed! [/quote] This ^^^^^ I think bands should make an effort to put on a show. Every aspect should be considered from piled up cases out of site through to not looking like the band works in McDonalds when they are not playing. I've always felt very strongly on it. Bands can of course wear jeans & tshirts but it's how you come across overall.

Give them a ring, they can tell you. I had someone on here once mistype my email address which confused paypal. EBay / Paypal also put limits on newer accounts spending levels. If you call them up I'm sure it'll be resolved. It's most likely something simple

Weight is a factor and for any younger players who might scoff at the 40+ brigade saying so, it does come to us all. Wider straps are a must but I still play it lower than I should (old habits!) I have 2 70s Fenders but both are lighter examples so I can easily manage a few hours in rehearsal or a couple of sets in an evening with no problems. My old Hofner had a thin retro strap but I wouldn't dream of putting that on any non hollow body bass! Certainly when I was into acquiring gear all the time the heavier ones were basses that never hung around too long.

Just a guess but [url="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01xrn45/Cuisle_Episode_2/"]http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01xrn45/Cuisle_Episode_2/[/url]