Cat Burrito

Music has undoubtedly shaped my life but I don't think I could fine tune it down to one record. My memory has three records of my Mum's developing my interest in music as a small boy and later on, one video on the Chart Show actually making me want to be in a band, as opposed to just a fan BUT I do wonder if that is the rose tinted glasses romanticising things. Bands I have actually been in have quite literally changed my life far more. If it wasn't for music I would certainly be higher up the career ladder, financially better off and perhaps even my first marriage might have gone a bit differently. All my strongest friendships and a lot of my best memories are through music. Genuinely no regrets.

I'm assuming the thread title is a nod to Cinderella's Long Cold Winter? Just for those that picked up on the reference, allow me to ruin the song. Listen to Tom Keifer's lengthy rocking blues solo from 2 mins 30 and then just as the solo climaxes around 3 minutes 34, think of the Muppet Show

So I have had two, one past and one present. The former was a 2014 (from memory) early model that had a fairly chunky neck and was very lightweight. I used it almost exclusively with another Squier for a good couple of years. It even appears on a professional album and toured extensively. At the time I was going through an anti-expensive kit phase. After a long run of proving that point, I decided it was nice to spend money on things that make you happy and wound up selling it on - something I almost immediately regretted. In 2019 I decided to buy a replacement, this time in white blonde. Tonally, I can't really hear a difference (from memory though) but there were a couple of significant differences. Firstly the lacquer on my neck was much darker (which I kind of like). The neck profile was definitely thinner, like a CIJ P-bass rather than total JB. Personally, I go with the flow with neck profiles and I am not someone who insists on any one type - if I practice, I get used to it. The absolute shocker for me was the weight; despite being basswood like the last one, mine was one of the heavier basses I have owned. I know basswood can vary but this was something of an extreme difference. Weight is definitely something I struggle with as 32yrs of playing like Paul Simonon / Peter Hook means my left shoulder isn't great these days with heavier basses. I wound up sourcing a cheap replacement body and swapping out the body on the bass (see below). I left everything else as stock. Despite being up against a US Fender, a Rickenbacker and a Gibson Thunderbird (amongst others) it's made two live appearances over my 5 gigs in the last month and I have taken it to a couple of rehearsals. All in all, a very long winded post to say "check the weight" but generally a decent bass.

This is my absolute pet hate. I've even left bands because of it and we've let people go for it. Learn the songs BUT it is a show. I can be the little Hitler on stage saying "talk to the audience, not each other" and telling people not to check their tuning for the 19th time. Rehearse the WHOLE set, not just the individual songs. It's the difference between a good band being good and a good band being great.

We played a hot sweaty gig on a fairly cramped stage with my main band, Richard Davies & the Dissidents. Some serious players in the group and we are rehearsing regularly so I felt we did well. All my basses seem to have developed minor faults so I was down to a 51 parts bass!

I have been fine tuning my pedal board for an 80s alternative / post punk / goth band. From left to right - Bass Clone Chorus, The Mole Pure Boost, Bass Big Muff distortion, Bass Preacher compression and a tuner pedal. Slightly blown away with that Bass Clone. Very Peter Hook / Simon Gallup.

Can time wasters apply? It doesn't say.

I'll spare the names but in a classic case of wrong booking, my rocking three piece supported a fairly big name MOR artist, who is now of pensionable age. We played a really tight loud and energetic set to a largely indifferent audience. There was some crossover appeal but the majority were clearly there for the headliner. Afterwards our guitarist approached the headliner to politely say he enjoyed his set, to which he indignantly replied "I wish I could say the same about you!!!" Just in case anyone is sympathetic towards the headliner, he didn't need a bassist because "my keyboard player can do it all with his left hand"

I am reliably informed that @NAS Bass doesn't have a feedback thread so I thought I would start one. Mark responded to my items wanted post regarding an EHX Bass Clone. Saved me 25% off the cheapest new one for what was essentially an immaculate pedal, still in box with unattached rubber feet and instruction model. Good friendly comms and no hesitation recommending him to anyone for a hassle free Basschat transaction. Cheers.

MODERATORS UPDATE - This thread got flagged to us. I have edited a comment and reference to it. I don't think it requires explanation but let's just think before we post. If you are not sure, re-read the rules. No warnings at this stage. What might be fine amongst known friends down the pub might not work so well on a public forum.

We played HRH Sleaze in Sheffield at the O2 Academy. Biggest crowd since Covid broke so lots of rules about testing and vaccinating for the audience. We were slightly under rehearsed but both the electric set last night and acoustic set this morning had a certain charm and were well received.

Having been all over the UK and most of Europe with me, I have revamped the Hofner Verythin. The cosmetic changes are; Control knobs changed from the stock black ones Restrung with DR Black Beauties F holes painted to match binding Racing stripe added Looking forward to getting back out again with this one.

*back on topic* 😸 Personally I like it when companies have a vegan line. With everyone from Greggs through to the fast food burger outlets doing the same, it just helps give people more options. Obviously with Levy's there is less chance of any cross contamination than at McDonalds but it's good to see it moving into the mainstream.

Of course. I've had a recent incident where a friend asked me taste a homemade soup that was supposedly vegan. Once I had tasted it I asked how to make it and she included "whole milk" in the ingredients. I subsequently found out that at my wedding a few years ago she'd allowed my veggie friend to bite into some meat product. None of it is malicious, she's just really scatty! It serves as a reminder to always check. Personally I am a little more relaxed about dairy. I'd be quite upset about eating meat. Also an accidental spoonful sits better with me than a whole meal.

I think that there is a lot of truth in that. I guess people go into things for different reasons. My wife can't stand the vegan cheese slices I like (she's also vegan) and I think the substitutes can be great for people who just want a flexi diet or perhaps are new to it. But yeah, people do like a moan. We're human after all.

I had no problem giving up cheese and always preferred the smell of bacon to the taste. Fish was the hardest one for me and I was pescatarian before veggie and then subsequently vegan. I'm not a huge fan of the substitutes but occasionally have a vegan cheese slice or a vegan burger. I was blown away by the vegan ham and cheese baguette that Greggs have just launched. I kept stopping to check it was vegan!

Some good points here. Couch are predominately recycled American automobile interiors which is cool. It's always nice to see people who aren't vegan or veggie using a product or two. I have been vegan for 3yrs (veggie longer and flexy even longer) and the one aspect of veganism I don't like is the belligerent "our way is the only way approach". Thankfully it really is just a tiny minority of people but I think it is why it provokes the reaction it sometimes gets, unfairly so.

I've managed two so far this year - upstairs in a pub in Camden (modest crowd) and a busy local outdoor festival. Enjoyed both and felt people were pretty sensible on balance. I'm at HRH festival this weekend and all being well out every weekend throughout September across the South of England. Fingers crossed.

I played an outdoor festival locally that was very well attended. The whole band are great players and we were very rehearsed - I still surprised myself with how good it sounded on the clips I have seen. Negative LF test today too, so win win!

Nice one. I've seen those Right On Straps but discovered Couch straps through here so use those. I can honestly say even if you take away the vegan aspect, they're the best straps I have ever used. They look really cool and they are as reliable as anything I used before.

I wish everyone would stop criticising Paul's voice. He's been sounding great since he started lip synching to the backing tracks!