Cat Burrito

I think it depends on the band. A covers band of mine I would expect the dep to take the same as the rest of us but my originals band we usually pay a bit more on the rare occasions we need someone because they have had to learn a set of original material.

I spent an evening looking for one online a few months ago... then it dawned on me that I have my amp flightcased for tours so on the individual shows where I can just put my amp in a padded cover to transport in the car I take the bottom of the flightcase and hey presto, same thing.

Early 90s Fender 57RI Japan P-bass on a silly length long strap into an old Peavey 130w combo we picked up for £50 from a garage sale. No effects. Heavy pick and stock strings.

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1488550794' post='3249935'] It's probably got a lot to do with just being a better player too. [/quote] A mix of being a better player and actually having the instruments serviced or set up properly

[quote name='HengistPod' timestamp='1488540107' post='3249767'] My first Gibson Thunderbird was bought for me by my girlfriend at the time (nice). She said the guy in the shop told her it had been custom-built for Floyd London of Glasgow band The Almighty. It's stamped on the back of the headstock "For Promotional Use". Gibson USA confirmed it was from their custom shop, but didn't have a record of who it was made for. About 15 years later I came across Mr London's email address, and wrote to ask him if this could be true. After a bit of describing it turned out that it had been his - and he sent me a pic of himself rocking it up at Manchester Arena with the bass, supporting Alice Cooper. [/quote] Cool story

Did anyone ever buy an Axe from the Kerrang adverts? I think a lot of it came down to poor setups and lack of experience because all the rubbish gear I played then that I have since played as an adult seems MUCH better. Unless it was just the good ones that survived?

Worth remembering that in some circles the bass guitar isn't a proper instrument... a fretted bass? Whatever next!

All my transactions on Gumtree have been good. I sound out any seller if I am worried and the SLIGHTEST hint of doubt and I leave it. To be fair I've only had pedals posted. An amp or bass is a bigger gamble. Fingers crossed you get a good reply.

My interest probably started with something like this.... [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bii-PIGprv8[/media] ...before developing more into me playing through watching stuff like this... [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ra503BrlR44[/media]

[quote name='FinnDave' timestamp='1488104371' post='3245783'] Yes, I had to change from fingers to pick after a motorcycle accident which left me with restricted wrist movement and no tendon to raise the middle finger of my right hand. One year since I was able to resume playing, I am starting to get used to the pick. [/quote] Fair play. I'd assumed it was going to be a "suits the band" type response so respect to you.

Like many my kit is in my signature but to explain further; [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Basses[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Gibson Thunderbird (99% of the time), Fender CIJ 50s Precision, Hofner longscale Verythin[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Accessories[/font][/color] [font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif][color=#282828]Dean Markley Nickel Steel 45-105 (just changed over from Fender flats)[/color][/font] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Fender Instrument cables[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Speaker cable some high end stuff that I have had so long I can't recall where it came from[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Amps/Cabs[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Live - Ampeg Portaflex PF-50t into an Ampeg Portaflex PF115HE[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Practice - Ampeg BA108 for home use[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Pedals[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Tech 21 Sansamp VT (left on pretty much all the time), [/font][/color][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Boss TU2 Tuner, [/font][/color][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]TC Electronic Corona Chorus (I use rarely on a couple of slower tunes)[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Plectrums[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Fairly thick personalised ones ordered off of EBay[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]My sound has recently changed from flatwounds played with fingers to roundwounds played with a pick in a bid to move from an old school thump to more of a hard rock sound. In my heart I'd have an Ampeg 8x10 set up now but my age and back tell me to stick with what I have. [/font][/color]

I used two Squiers solidly for about 3 years until recently, having previously owned some high end Fenders. The CV range particularly is very good but special mention should go to the VM range too. The Affinity stuff is Squier's entry level and generally proves that Squier has been having something of a peak again recently. Some will always insist on having Fender written on their headstock but if that isn't an issue for you then the chances are you can find a really decent bass. My two were bought to modify but were so good I kept them as stock in the end.

It is a difficult one and depends highly on everyone's relationship. The actual band member is always preferable to the dep BUT it is a bit rubbish to be cancelled as a dep. I guess it shows how they work as a band (some would offer to compensate but it sounds like this isn't on offer). Personally I'd feel slightly aggrieved but not say anything. It would perhaps taint my desire to help them out again but I wouldn't want to ruin a reputation for being reliable.

I had one a few years back which was great. I sold it to a divorced guy who said he owned 137 basses! He'd do well on Basschat! Oh, and coincidentally I've gone from fingers to pick more recently too. Any reason for the change?

Most people on here don't need an excuse to buy another bass! I would probably go with the flow but think they were being a bit silly. Image is important to a lot of bands and if I liked the band, I'd get that.

I agree with the above (chris b ). Sometimes a nice bass calms it down and then people start talking about pedals or amps or straps etc. I think the root of the problem needs to be addressed - otherwise it is like trying to cure a gambling addiction by having a winning bet.

I'm another fan of the Fender ones. Massively underpriced (but don't tell Fender!!!!)

Sami Yaffa (Hanoi Rocks / New York Dolls). Looked cool. Plays tastefully and has always worked in cool bands since the early 80s without being a massive name.

I like playing in a band that regularly rehearses, just to play and get tight. However I did play in one band that managed only 7 rehearsals in 3 1/2yrs. My main band of the last 8 years practices only a small handful of times a year. You can only get away with it if 1) every band member is of a good standard and 2) they all do their homework.

[quote name='gary mac' timestamp='1487621396' post='3241321']The keyboard warriors who constantly tell us how awful the Fender output was in the seventies, would have to eat their words if they were to have a play on this one. [/quote] Nice one Gary. I've found that there are plenty of great 70s Fenders out there that buck the cliched view on them.

As mentioned this subject has come up a couple of times before (although not as often as one might think). Personally I think just the one BUT have spare strings, tools and be equipped to sort out any problems that arise. I've only ever broken one string onstage in 30yrs of gigging.

I used to hate any string that was new but I have restrung all 3 basses this week and am enjoying the freshness. Get the old ones out the bin if it is a problem.

[quote name='fleabag' timestamp='1487500671' post='3240171'] Now try a 70's haircut ... go on [/quote] I have... Kojak!

I remember when this bass was made - it was called The Bender Collision and it was really hyped in all the guitar mags. At the risk of damining it with faint praise, I don't mind it but not for me.