Conan

[quote name='Paul S' timestamp='1506409251' post='3378448'] You certainly don't have to spend a lot of money to get a good B string. For fear of sounding like a stuck record - the Yamaha BB425 has a great B string, not a lot different to that on my MM Sterling 5. I also had a Peavey Foundation 5 for a while - these can be picked up for under £250 secondhand if you are lucky. That was fantastic quality. [/quote] Indeed. But what about that bridge?!?!

[quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1506598459' post='3379814'] Having said that, I haven't listened to it as a whole album for years, probably over 10. Might give it another go. [/quote] Word to the wise: You might want to consider skipping "I think I'm going bald"

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1506597388' post='3379795'] Quite. Usually me. I should get a 'You're Playing It Wrong' t-shirt printed, it would save time. [/quote] Same here. In my current band (a work in progress - maybe that's what we should call ourselves?!) I spend a lot of time singing the lead vocal lines so that the singer can hear what the timing and phrasing should be. I don't mind doing it for a while, but after a few months it shouldn't still be happening. Some people just don't spend enough time listening to and learning their parts Such is life

[quote name='The59Sound' timestamp='1506594023' post='3379753'] A band is a team when writing songs. If it's a dictatorship and you're told what to play then what a sh***y band... [/quote] Not all bands write songs. In cover bands, the role of "dictator" or leader can be very useful in making sure everyone does their bit. IME anyway

[quote name='vantagepointrocks' timestamp='1506596756' post='3379783'] Beyond the Lighted stage is great, have watched it many times. [/quote] Me too. It's one of my favourite Friday night watches (assuming there is nothing good on BBC4... ). Having re-read that, I need to get out gigging more again!!

[quote name='ezbass' timestamp='1506589028' post='3379704'] I have to agree with the production comment, it became just so 'dense'. Still, there are some real gems amongst the also rans on those albums [/quote] The remix of Vapour Trails is so much better than the original. I used to really dislike that album, but the remixed version revealed the quality in a lot of those songs. Well worth a few quid on Amazon if you don't have it (the album that is, not the cash!). [url="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vapor-Trails-Remixed-Rush/dp/B00E9P959O/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1506590042&sr=1-1&keywords=rush+vapour+trails"]http://www.amazon.c...h+vapour+trails[/url] Now I just wish they'd to the same with Snakes and Arrows and (particularly) Clockwork Angels...

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1506589088' post='3379706'] Drat. That didn't work. But the writing is SO HUGE our tiny human minds can't comprehend it. [/quote] Now that sounds like a Neil Peart lyric ca. 1977...

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1506587671' post='3379688']I'm a MASSIVE fan. [/quote] Maybe, but I'm a [i][b][size=8]bigger[/size][/b][/i] fan than you...

[quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1506376855' post='3378380']I know I'm probably in the minority, but the album I like least, and I don't DISLIKE it, is Caress of Steel. Each to their own I guess. [/quote] Actually, there are a lot of Rush fans who find Caress of Steel challenging! Ironically, it is just about my favourite Rush album (although Moving Pictures, Grace under pressure and Hemispheres are pretty awesome too). I struggle (relatively) with anything after Test for Echo as (for me) they lost their subtlety and variation. Still, my least favourite Rush album (whichever it happens to be at the time, currently Clockwork Angels) is still a great album Each to their own pretty much sums up being a Rush fan I think!

[quote name='The59Sound' timestamp='1506582370' post='3379636'] A band is a team not a dictatorship. [/quote] Not always IMO. Sometimes a (benevolent) dictatorship accomplishes far more than an ineffective team where nobody takes any responsibility for anything! As ever though, the devil is in the detail and the quality of interpersonal relationships is key. But it [i][b]can[/b][/i] work...

[quote name='shamrock198804' timestamp='1506506696' post='3379176'] "If you're the smartest person in the room, then you're in the the wrong room." - I couldn't agree more with that motto.[/quote] Great first post! However, as a teacher I regularly find myself in that position. And sadly, after 20 years, am starting to come to the same conclusion...

[quote name='EliasMooseblaster' timestamp='1505989196' post='3375653'] If the rest of the group play about as well as manatees wearing boxing gloves... [/quote] That is a simply gorgeous image. I just can't get it out of my head and it has made my morning!!

Usually Amps and cabs (to see what the newest Barefaced-related argument is!) or Bass Guitars (to actually learn something...).

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1506362592' post='3378246'] Depends on what the rest of your band are doing. [/quote] To me, this is the biggest factor. Different sounds work in different bands. Competing with a Hammond organ and a couple of Les Pauls through Marshall stacks is not the same as a polite, clean, jangly Telecaster through a small combo. Obviously

[quote name='bassbiscuits' timestamp='1505743352' post='3373923'] My best amp has been the one i've used for every single gig since i bought it back in 2011 - a Markbass LM3. I went through a load of Peavey, GK and Ashdown kit before settling on one of these, and i've never looked back. Touch wood but its never had so much as a hiccup and has never let me down in six years of being gigged loud pretty regularly. In that time i've rehearsed and gigged with provided backline that included Orange AD200, Ampeg SVT and Marshall MBA valve heads, all of which sounded awesome but are way out of my league in terms of cost and (lack of) portability. So the Markbass is a better fit for me and what I want/need at the mo. I love mine. [/quote] Mine is an LM2, but my sentiments are exactly the same. A true workhorse, but with everything I need. I haven't had any (serious) amp GAS since I got it

Lovely sunburst on the "new" one. Your '71 had faded to pretty much 2T hadn't it? That is a strong, deep 3T. Sounds Ok too... You need to get your sig updated mind...

[quote name='Steff' timestamp='1506263173' post='3377402']In my opinion they're better than your average cab but I like more aggressive, punchy and focused sound. I found them to be very neutral Cabs. So I switched to Bergantino AE210 and I'm happier. Better low mids, better highs (for my taste). Have also tried the 2x12 plus tweeter (don't remeber the model) on a gig but for my liking it was lacking low mid and midrange. The sound was too heavy and slow, not defined and focused enough. I am an aggressive player and like to be audible in the mix. For someone who likes to just add the low frequencies to the band mix, they should be more than suitable, also very light and compact and so on. [/quote] Interesting. Your experience is virtually the exact opposite of mine! I found the Bergs (HS210s) to be too "polite" after years of using Barefaced. I find the BF cabs (or at least the ones that I have used) to be very "in your face" if you want them to be.

[quote name='LewisK1975' timestamp='1506333542' post='3377917'] 'Time stand still' is a documentary about the R40 tour and the end of the band, certainly as a live entity anyway. It's a bittersweet watch TBH if you're a big fan. [/quote] Indeed. I can't help feeling that there is a degree of disappointment/regret/animosity between Neil and the other two. He wanted to stop, they didn't. They have to respect [b][i]his[/i][/b] decision... A certain amount of bitterness is discernable - although maybe some of that is me transferring my own onto them That said, Geddy's voice is definitely on the slide and although he can get away with it (to a certain extent) live, the recordings of the last few tours can make a pretty grim listen. Why won't he drop the keys?

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1506084608' post='3376356'] Yes, and so is 'Girth'. [/quote]

[quote name='Merton' timestamp='1506014091' post='3375926'] @Conan and Bill - yes I know but I was keeping it simple [/quote] I know you know But the OP might not, so I thought it might be useful info

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1506076942' post='3376271'] a handful of crotchets. [/quote] Better than a crotchful of hands. Or is it?

[quote name='ambient' timestamp='1506035719' post='3376103'] Someone posted this on Facebook earlier. [/quote] I spotted the song title and assumed it would be a Rush cover!

Pete is a top member and a good guy. I, too, hope he is OK.