Conan

[quote name='Coilte' timestamp='1490457488' post='3265285'] As we are on the subject of fretboard cleaning...has anyone tried "Gorgomite" ? It claims to clean both fretboard and frets...[i]at the same time !![/i] This eliminates the need for masking the board when cleaning the frets ? [url="http://gorgomyte.com/index.html"]http://gorgomyte.com/index.html[/url] [/quote] Never heard of this stuff, but with such an epic name I just couldn't resist ordering some!

[quote name='Ceebass' timestamp='1490431995' post='3265066'] Me too. Mine still smells of ash tray on hot days. [/quote] Completely OT, but I love your avatar pic!

[quote name='radiophonic' timestamp='1490777788' post='3267804'] Doug is a total hero, but for me he will always be the guy from Tackhead. So much great playing on those On-U Sound records. [/quote] Oh yes! Saw them live at the (now gone) Newcastle Riverside in 1989. Still one of my best ever gigs!

[quote name='NancyJohnson' timestamp='1490773990' post='3267762']I'm a big fan of those first three albums although it's much a case of diminishing returns; so much unfulfilled/unrealised potential...they should have been huuuuge and achieved godlike status, but alas, t'wasn't to be. Indifferent, output, side projects, conflict. Tsk. [/quote] A very sound analysis! They had so much going for them...

[quote name='AdamWoodBass' timestamp='1490364718' post='3264625'] I do agree though, a good funk band by their very nature should be very entertaining and have no problem filling a dancefloor. Problem is not enough bands out there willing to take the risk. [/quote] Bad covers bands can just about be tolerable as a certain looseness and distortion can make them sound authentic to certain songs. A bad funk band is just awful

[quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1490365585' post='3264640'] There is a YT vid where a guy does a neck comparison, and actually swaps the neck only to see maple v rosewood. Everything else remains the same. [/quote] Ah, but what about the tuners and the fret wire? The material of the nut? The thickness and age of the lacquer?? These things can have a massive influence on tone you know...

[quote name='peteb' timestamp='1490357935' post='3264556'] John Dawson - stunning bass player & great bloke [/quote] Indeed. Even if he is a Longbenton lad...

[quote name='Barking Spiders' timestamp='1490352682' post='3264489'] a setlist that includes covers of tunes by Trouble Funk, Fatback Band, Ohio Players and Graham Central Station... [/quote] Sounds like my kinda band!! These guys come pretty close, and get plenty of gigs in the North East. Outstanding band, and their bass player is a member on here (JD1) - http://www.groovetrain.co.uk/

[quote name='FinnDave' timestamp='1490204559' post='3263252'] There were two threads about the same thing starts by the same person at one stage, not sure which one this is but maybe you posted in the other one. Or if this is the other one, you posted in the first one, also known as the other other one. I think. [/quote] Ah yes - good spot! http://basschat.co.uk/topic/302484-your-thoughts-re-flats-on-a-jazz-bass/page__pid__3262034#entry3262034

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1490343813' post='3264381'] Oo-er, we're getting dangerously close to saying that body wood has a bearing on tone! [/quote] My body is made of lignum vitae. That's what makes me so heavy, and it affects my tone - which is usually ironic.

Auditioning for bands is a weird process, but starting a band and trying to get musicians to audition for you is even more weird! However, as the OP rightly points out, good communications cost nothing and often make the difference between feeling that you want to be part of something or walking away - possibly to the mutual loss of both parties.

Despite what I am constantly being told, I feel that I can get a very Precision-like tone from a Jazz bass. OK, maybe not in a solo situation in in a studio when DI'd... but certainly withing a band rehearsal or gig scenario. Others tell me I'm wrong, but that doesn't change my opinion! I've also played (and owned) P basses that lack that warm, woody "thump" that others refer to. I'm not sure any of this helps or adds to the discussion though

[quote name='FinnDave' timestamp='1490266800' post='3263712'] I am surprised to read that bands can charge four times what we did and still get the gig, I'm obviously at the wrong end of the market here. [/quote] As soon as you mention the word "wedding", all kinds of businesses will see pound signs and try to rip you off. They rely on the "it's only once, so spare no expense" mentality that many brides-to-be (and mothers of brides-to-be) seem to have. Venues, caterers, accommodation providers - and bands are just part of that sector. To be fair, playing a wedding can be a very long day and can be quite stressful - but to quadruple your band's normal fee is cynical and greedy IMO. If you want the gig (and plenty of bands don't!) then charge a reasonable fee. What is "reasonable" for each band will vary based on a number of variables of course.

All of the above. And maybe he should join (or form) another band so that he can play predominantly material that he likes?

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1490193162' post='3263100'] Every "classic" song was a new original song in the beginning. [/quote] Of course. But even the legendary songwriters only wrote so many classics. We mere mortals (even the ones that can write songs at all!) mostly struggle to come up with a handful of real quality songs. Often it is less than that...

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1490192263' post='3263084'] [i]Sweet Caroline[/i] [/quote] Bap bap bap!

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1490191463' post='3263073'] From a purely personal perspective, I find it is far easier to write a new song than it is to learn anything but the simplest of covers. [/quote] Fair enough, but I think that is a pretty unusual talent you have. However, are your original songs good/catchy enough for audiences? Sadly if a band doesn't entertain it's audience it is likely to find the gigs drying up...

[quote name='Stylon Pilson' timestamp='1490186112' post='3262964']Some ....suggest that the choice is between "Sex On Fire" and obscure album tracks that send people running for the exit. I don't believe that that's true - I believe that it's possible to come up with a set list of songs that are recognisable and danceable, but also steering clear of the dozen songs that are played by 90% of covers bands. [/quote] Very good point. Some pubs/venues are very specific about what they want though, and no matter how well your band plays the more "interesting" material, they will still insist on [b][i]their[/i][/b] favourites. It's their prerogative I suppose, but it's a bit sad that they won't open their minds just a teeny bit...

[quote name='markstuk' timestamp='1490180006' post='3262869'] [url="http://www.youandyourwedding.co.uk/forum/receptions/how-much-does-a-live-band-cost-roughly/298872.html"]http://www.youandyou...hly/298872.html[/url] [/quote] This is an oustanding post/answer. Mods - could this maybe be made a sticky? [color=#444444][font=Proxima-nova, Arial, sans-serif][size=4] [size=4][font=comic sans ms,cursive]"It really can be a bit "how long is a piece of string" to be honest. I used to be involved with the co management of the band my ex partner played in and have posted some guidelines below for you to consider. Not all are applicable, but some might just give you some pointers as to what to do.[/font][/size][/size][/font][/color][color=#444444][font=Proxima-nova, Arial, sans-serif][size=4] [size=4][font=comic sans ms,cursive]1. Have an idea what kind of music you want. Do you want a mix of all genres or something specific (70's disco , Motown etc). This will also help you when searching for a band if you have an idea of what you want. You can then just Google 70's Disco or Motown etc. 2. Many bands have videos on YouTube or tracks on souncloud. Listen to the video with head phones on. What is the quality of the music like? What is the video quality like? How many views has the video had. What comments are there below it? 3. Use an agent if you want to but bear in mind that with an agent you are usually paying a further 15% + 20% VAT on top of the bands fee. Agents web sites are useful to gain an idea of what budget you might need for your chosen type of act though. 4. Check out the FB page and website of the band. Does it look professional/do the MP3 tracks sound good (again, listen through headphones). 5. Be realistic about your budget. Id a decent DJ costs about £300 then a five piece band may be about £1,000 or more. However, the band might be able to put music through their P.A when they aren't playing which could save the additional cost of a DJ. It's worth giving an idea of your budget when you first enquire. 6. How quickly did they respond to your enquiry? If they get back to you quickly then they are obviously professional and keen for business. 7. What else do they offer you? A first song for you and your groom? Interim music through the PA (saving the cost of a DJ), do they have lights, PA etc 8. What kind of equipment do they have? If they need to hire a PA in that will add to the cost. 9. Where are they based? Are they prepared to travel? Will they need to stay overnight nearby? All these will add to the cost. 10. Any good band should be prepared to visit your venue or at least talk to them before the event to check load in and set up times/power availability/stage set up. The last thing you want on the day when you are being all glam and loved up is a burly drummer tapping you on the shoulder saying "ere love where do you want me to set up!" (You're wedding event manager won't be impressed either, he/she wants to concentrate on you and your guests). Ask your band if they have a stage set that they can give your wedding planner outlining space needed and where evreything goes on the night. 11. What kind of outfits do they wear? Are you happy for them to play in jeans and T shirts or would you prefer they wear something befitting your wedding (stagewear or suits) 12. Visit your local wedding shows. Many bands perform there and may offer a discount to people who visit on the day. Plus, they will have paid to be there. If they are prepared to invest in their promotion it says a lot 13. Ask the band if there is anywhere that you can see them before you book (they might have a regular public gig they can comp you in on). There are lots of excellent bands playing in pubs and clubs up and down the country, Maybe do a little research by going out to see some of them and speaking to them whilst you are there? (also a good excuse for a night out with your intended!) 14. What kind of deposit do they need 15. If your wedding is far in advance will they allow you to pay instalments to help with your budgeting 16. If the quoted price is not within your budget, be honest about what you can pay. If they are free on the date and local to you, they may just meet you halfway as any gig is better than none, after all this is how they make their living. This goes back to my point about giving a ball park idea when enquiring. There's nothing worse than setting your heart on a band and then finding them too expensive for the budget you had in mind.[/font][/size][/size][/font][/color][color=#444444][font=Proxima-nova, Arial, sans-serif][size=4] [size=4][font=comic sans ms,cursive]17. It's always a nice gesture if you are prepared to provide refreshments for the band (usually a plate of buffet food and a single drink is enough), but be firm and agree in advance what you will do. It's your wedding and they are working for you that night, so they shouldn't expect free drinks all night 18. When you receive a quote, it may cause a sharp intake of breath, but bear in mind you are paying for what tends to be a 12 hour day when everything is taken into account (travel, setting up, sound check, playing , knocking down etc-most of which must be done seamlessly so as not to intrude on your day). It's not as simple as turn up, play and go home! 19. You may want to consider paying the band up front a couple of days before. At midnight when everyone has had a great day and all you want to do is go to sleep (remember, you will have had a long and full on day), and prepare for your honeymoon, the last thing you want to think of is paying someone. If you would prefer to leave it until the night, then perhaps delegate this to someone else like your dad or brother/best man? 20. If you have any questions between booking and the wedding, don't worry about dropping the band a line or ringing them. There is often a long gap between the two things and it's good to have contact to reassure you everything is in hand. Any good band should periodically contact you about things anyway and be prepared to provide receipts etc. Try and always deal with one person from the band-they usually have a designated person who deals with bookings 21. Do your band have PAT tested equipment and public liability insurance? Lots of venues will want this. It says that the equipment is maintained properly and is one less thing for you to worry about! Above all, remember the band is a big part of making your evening memorable for you and your guests, so they should be respectful of that and go out of their way to make everything from booking to performing stress free and enjoyable."[/font][/size][/size][/font][/color]

All sounds very sensible to me. After all, it's your life and your time. You should be the one who chooses what you do with it

[quote name='dlloyd' timestamp='1490183314' post='3262928'] I thought I had posted in this thread... where has it gone? [/quote] Likewise!

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1490180706' post='3262880'] The popular songs like "Sex On Fire" are what a covers band audience wants. Music they know and can drunkenly dance and shout along to. It's all very well playing a more individual set, but unless these songs are also well known by your audience then you might as well still be playing stuff you wrote yourselves. IMO playing covers isn't the easy ride it is often made out to be. From my brief stint, I found that learning 20 songs meant having to play and think like 20 different bass players, and that some were far easier to "get" than others and it was by no means obvious which were which until I actually got around to working out what I needed to play on each song. Also playing covers has ruined several songs for me that I used to like a lot when I was just listening to them, to the point where I never want to hear them again for the rest of my life. [/quote] All valid points Sometimes very straightforward bass lines can be awkward purely because the player who wrote them has a very different style to your own. Two that I am struggling with (for different reasons) are below: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgPSpVUg0iM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLwmJr6XpJk

I probably did know that.... but so many great and influential artists have popped their clogs in the last few years I had lost track... RIP George all over again!