Merton

Last year I had to drive from Gatwick to Bradford and back in a day (for work!). I spent the day with Planet Rock and discovered two new bands which I liked very much. Thankfully, whilst the first time I heard each song I missed the band name, each was played at least three times throughout the day so I got a second chance to catch them!

Yes I did! Your rig with its massive power amp through the single One10 was a remarkably big sound. For a lot of my gigs it’s absolutely perfect and when I need more I have a Super Compact to add in or use instead

Noooo they’re different shades of red. My OCD can’t cope! 🧐

Brilliant thank you

Grade 8 at 9 years old? Brilliant, hopefully a star in the making

Very cool

I’ve politely declined the one gig they wanted me on and they’ve agreed it makes no sense for me to do it. No sour grapes from me, just move on and be polite, professional and maybe they’ll call me if they need me in the future

Try Ashdown, they use the same components and may well send you a couple free

Cheers all, I agree I’m keeping polite and calm about it towards them and moaning about it to Mrs Mert and on here

Definitely not my name they announced as the new bassist!

I think you might be right!

Yep that is my take on it, it’s a bit crap that they didn’t. I’ve suggested to them to let their new bassist do the one gig they want me on as it makes no sense for me to do it when he starts a week later!

A bit of a weird situation, I'm interested in people's opinions. Last summer I auditioned for a new band. I didn't get the gig because they decided I lived too far away for rehearsals and my "complicated" family situation (where I have my son every other weekend) meant that it made it difficult for me to commit to potential gigs. They liked my playing and wanted to use me as a dep if the situation occurred. Fair enough. Fast forward to early 2018, I get a call asking if I'm free in August as their bassist can't do a gig. Sure, I say, that's cool. Last week I had a call asking if I could do two more gigs with them. The bassist they chose last year decided he couldn't commit any longer, so they wondered if I'd be happy being number 1 choice and he number 2 choice on any new enquiries? Sure, I say, that's cool. Yesterday on Facebook I see them announce three more gigs this year, none of which I’ve been told about, saying that I will do the first and then they're pleased to announce their new bassist who'll do all the rest of the gigs. That includes the August gig which I'd already agreed to months ago. Now I'll be honest, the band isn't one which I was desperate to be a part of but it would have been nice out gigging a bit since my band imploded two years ago and it certainly would have been nicer to have a conversation with someone rather than find out via Facebook. It’s left a sour taste in my mouth to be honest. Is this a bit stinky poo and I’m right to feel aggrieved, or a fair response from them given their original reservations about my personal situation?

Pure class

Thanks one and all! Following the London Bass Show I’ve decided to do a complete about turn on my plans, I’m looking towards Scotland now instead and it’ll be ash with rosewood or Pau Ferro board

Forgot to post this pic of MiniMert playing @MacDaddy‘s Snapdragon folding bass:

Good news!

How the hell did you manage to wangle that? Nice!

Overwater got snowed in so couldn’t make it. As for Status it’s a shame they’ve not been there the last couple of years, I always enjoy a catch up with them!

MiniMert and I quite enjoyed the Little Stubby. The overdriven tones are sublime and it goes quite loud, I’d say louder than the CTM30 but I’m basing this on fuzzy memory only. The feedback control is very cool, it literally feeds the signal back through the preamp valve (pre EQ) to thicken up the tone and add more “girth”. It also adds more volume too. The drive control seemed quite sensitive, below around 10 o’clock there seemed very little if any signal passing through, then it suddenly burst into life with warm thick valvey goodness. After about 12 o’clock you start dialling in more and more grit and overdrive - this thing is a monster for a hellish dirty tone. It’s not something I use a lot of but I can see myself trying it more, hehehe. Anyhoo, the pic is of MiniMert, sensibly defending his ears from the slapathon, giving my the all clear to buy it 🤓

I will do my bestest as that’s top of my bass list today!

About to jump in the car with MiniMert, looking forward to it still despite the snow’s best efforts. Shame to miss some people and exhibitors, but it’s better to be safe and not risk yourselves or your expensive toys!

You’ll be wanting to wrench the bass from my hands when you hear my playing

Will do!