I don't mind a bit of bad boy behaviour from the stars but every time I've seen a guitarist so much as whip a shirt off down the Green Dragon, mid set halfway through that Stereophonics cover everybody seems to do, I've tended to think *(insert whatever words our spam filters would change right here)*
I probably am now I'm older but I did wobble on occasions right up until my early 30s. Shout out to the many fine drummers who are bang on the money for showing up, learning the parts & being thoroughly decent.
There are plenty of musicians who do show up on time, do practice, do pay their way and occasionally, just occasionally, even get a round in! Sounds to me like you @OP, have been unlucky.... and we've all been there.
I was up to 5 bands earlier this year and it wasn't actually the conflict that people might think. Upon reflection, it had potential to get difficult but I think with a bit of juggling three is perfectly manageable, depending upon home life, work etc.
If you are straight with people, I don't see a problem. Plus it's easier to forget that playing with other people actually makes you a better player.
Get a Powerball to build up strength (Amazon do them fairly cheaply). Little and often is how to practice initially. YouTube is good and use some fret markers in the early days. It's a different instrument so don't treat it like a bass guitar. The Johnny Cash basslines are pretty simple, as are a lot of old rock 'n' roll classics so a great place to start.
Pre-Internet and I ordered some for my Fenders back in the 90s. I sent off a postal order to the USA and everything. I was a fierce defender of them and proudly flew the flag against anyone who dared suggest they got in the way. I kept them on for over 20 years.
I came up with a whole list of excuses as to how you could adapt your style to fit around them... then in a rare light bulb moment about three years ago, I suddenly realised that they did, um, get in the way.
They are sat in a bag of spares right now.
Through playing the instrument I have made some amazing friends, toured all over the UK & Europe, played on records, done session work & played some iconic venues. All of which has been offset with failed relationships & not being as well off or high up the career ladder as I could be. So on balance I'm proud I have no regrets 😹
From my (fairly) limited experiences of staining basses, the two considerations are 1) leave it on for longer before wiping it off and 2) more than one coat both contribute to getting a better finish.
I have the Verythin long scale bass and the action is pretty normal. I had a pro set up and the nut was re-cut but I wouldn't say the action stands out against my other basses. Big fan of the contemporary series - a lot of bass for the money.
As much as I love artists like the Rolling Stones & Elvis Presley, there are some great newer acts out there. If you haven't already, I seriously recommend you all check out some of the newer acts like David Bowie and The Clash. 😹
Best colour scheme Fender have done in ages! I've been looking at these but sadly funds won't permit (at the moment). I wondered who on here would be first to take the plunge!
Back in the days when the site was Bassworld and in the early days of the Basschat the MIJ / CIJ Fenders were raved about all the time. They don't get mentioned quite so much now, perhaps because they are less readily available.
My first bass & main instrument for 10-15yrs was an 1989 Fender MIJ Precision 57RI and it was stunning. Every MIJ I have owned has been great. The general consensus always used to be that they were a step up from the MIM range and many rivalled the US ones - although I think one has to appreciate that all tastes are purely subjective. I own 3 American basses now but my P-bass is a newer version of my old Fender MIJ 57RI because I always missed that first bass I owned.
As Si said, the newer model has a D.I. that is fixed but the older model's D.I. could be easily fixed with a cheap attenuator. There was a thread on here a few years back on them.
As much as I love my Orange rig, I usually just record through a Sansamp VT pedal but having re-read the original post, that's not the vibe you are looking for.
I've read a lot of stuff around the bass playing a massive part in the birth of rock 'n' roll in that once the instrument was amplified it really gave the music something people could dance to. There's plenty of great rock 'n' roll with upright bass but I like the theory.
Folks, just a gentle reminder that if you want to offer gear for sale etc, do it via PM so as to comply with forum rules. Otherwise it isn't fair on those who have paid subscriptions. I've hidden a couple of posts from newer members. No formal warnings on this occasion but I recommend having a few minutes reading the marketplace rules if you are not sure. Cheers.
I have the same bass. I prefer the look to my Gibson but my one is a lot heavier, which is the one & only downside. Ebony & chrome is such a great combination.