Cat Burrito

I did a search on these a while ago and found we'd only had a couple of threads. Last months Bass Guitar Magazine had Les Claypool with a couple of bass oddities - a banjo bass and a resonator bass. Whilst not being a Primus fan, I was impressed with Les Claypool's taste in junk basses. Spending a couple of hours searching around Google and nothing. Ozark and Johnson has brief runs in the UK but I guess it was too gimmicky. Anyhow, I found a US seller based in Houston knocking them out around £150 so thought I'd get one. I checked the tone via YouTube... Amazingly for a cheapie it has a great tone, quite unique as you'd expect. It's neck is straight and the frets are well finished. A bit of hiss in the background with the pickup but what do you expect for a cheap bass? I'm really impressed. I especially like the sound when played with a pick - sounds very clacky and punchy. Now if I can just find that banjo bass... *pics of mine attached. I assume it's from the Bluegrass Republic of China (or similar) although there is no logo or no made in markings. I'd be surprised if it was assembled in Texas

Awesome - I love these cross over basses. I'd love a banjo bass.

There's loads of open mic that centres around 12 bar which is a good place to start. As a frightening point I was once in a band that went for 3.5yrs and only ever managed 7 rehearsals - if that doesn't test your ability to wing it I don't know what will! I'm a big fan of Open Mic and they are always a great place to network

I think your situation can be daunting. My band (& favourite one ever at the time) folded a couple of years ago. I've kept my options open and played with a couple of groups, only to bounce right back. Different bands carry different levels of commitment and you may find a less busy band that allows you to take a breather but keep your hand in. Although it can seem like a lousy time, actually it's quite exciting really

Welcome - nice to hear Neil Young get a mention on these pages

Played Windsor in the park by the Thames. House amp was a Laney that I had to play around with to get a half decent sound. Band played well and we sold a bunch of CDs that we got to sign for the audience (ironically it was only the singer from the band who was on them but they wanted us all!). A lovely hot day for an outdoors show.

Perhaps they are not known for their bass range then!? I was one of the 64 views. The only thing I remember about Randall is that in the 1980s Def Leppard used their stuff. I gather they are quite a pro company but I've never come across the bass range. Hopefully my vague ramblings might get the ball rolling....

Wow! Some of these posts are really frightening! I'd say I buy a fair bit of gear but I wouldn't say I have a problem - I recycle a lot too so it doesn't build up. That said perhaps not acknowledging a problem could mean I have a problem? I play a few instruments so it probably looks worse than it is. If you play stuff I don't think it is a problem, it's when the collection is just stored that there is a problem.

Depends what you play. The TDPRI is great for telecasters and I'm sure there are other sites for other guitars but teles is my thing so that's the only one I've used. I know of a Gretsch site, a Les Paul site and a Strat site. There doesn't seem to be a good all round guitar site though

Hmmmn, old thread resurected. As I missed it first time around... There is little difference between what I wear on & off stage but I do dress like I'm in a band. I'd describe my look as 30 something alt.country musician. I like bands who appear to live it rather than dress up just to for the night.

I've worked with one busy drummer (for years as it happens) & I just held back on the bass. I think it depends on the style of music you play but I've always looked for Charlie Watts over Keith Moon.

Great thread! I nearly posted a thread recently called Junk Shop Basses but never got around to it. I think the market has improved massively since when I started and there are certainly a lot of interesting bits of cheap gear that are great. I've played a couple of Danelectros that I've been really excited about. If you can find something that suits at a budget, more power to you. I don't disagree with any of the justifications given here though. Personally I tend to sit around modified mid range gear but that's just me. I'd rather gig a Danelectro then take a £3000 bass to some of the dives I've played. Perhaps that's just me justifying the fact I'm upset I don't have £3000 to spend on a bass?

Get some blank postcards that you can write down the chord sequence or trigger points on. These can be kept onstage by the set list to give you a nudge.

[quote name='RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE' post='594969' date='Sep 10 2009, 06:17 PM']I wanna avoid the Les Dawson technique in a band situation .[/quote] That is a great quote, very funny! I like the sound of your Tele bass. I can't help you too much (other than to say I find it best to pick the one that adapts the best and fit around the rest) but just wanted to comment on your funny quote!

Nice bass - I've been concerned that you don't have enough Fender basses from the early 70s too!

I agree on the Squier range - it's what I started on 21yrs ago! There are a lot of good budget basses out there. My advice is pick one that feels right to you. Owning a musical instrument is a deeply personal thing (especially the first one) so take your time and go with what you like the look and feel of.

I love retro styles so the Precision bass is king for me. I always used to like maple fretboards but more recently I've come to embrace rosewood fretboards too. A 50s, 60s or 70s style P-bass with ashtrays is my ultimate. I also like old Gibson style basses and even modern basses that look like they are old school (like the new Jaguar bass that is from this decade but doesn't look it or the Italia range). I also love a good old double bass.

I've just snapped up an Epiphone Les Paul bass on EBay for £80 that was only listed 35mins previously and looks immaculate in the detailed photos. I should probably reserve judgement until it arrives but in principle it's a bit of a steal.

....but not in the Meat Loaf sense!

[quote name='gafbass02' post='592510' date='Sep 7 2009, 10:24 PM']Group hug!!?[/quote] Took the words out of my mouth

The neck dive on the EB3 is worse for obvious reasons

[quote name='teej' post='591600' date='Sep 6 2009, 07:27 PM']Whereabouts were you busking, and what was your setup? [/quote] Burnham on Sea and my setup was a mandolin! I'd love to take the double bass but it's easier to run away from the shopping centre security with a mandolin!

Friday was awesome (but I was offline) so couldn't post. Played the double bass. Great. Saturday was really good. Busking in the day, playing on a truck in the evening. Don't get much better!