Conan

[quote name='RockfordStone' timestamp='1479732546' post='3178777'] if i wanted to spend my spare time getting paid for something no one appreciates, i'd get a second job stacking shelves at sainsburys. [/quote] What an excellent analogy!

[quote name='interpol52' timestamp='1479586877' post='3177720'] £30 and a good night, otherwise its a waste of time. I have a full time job that supports me so gigs are extra. If gigging was my main source of income though I would give a different answer. [/quote] For me, this. In fact I have Just left a band for exactly this reason - fed up of spending an entire evening in a bar that can't be bothered to promote gigs, to play to a dozen people, most of whom came with us anyway. I sucks the enjoyment out of it - whether you are paid or not (and we usually weren't!). I get the whole "paid rehearsal" thing, but you only need to do so many of them. When almost every gig is like that, it's clear that something is wrong. If the band "soviet" aren't prepared to try something new then (for me, after seven years) it's time to move on to something else.

Plus one for Karl's advice. Most BC members are very decent chaps and will even provide refreshments as well as a chance to fiddle on with their gear

"When love breaks down" is one of my favourite bass lines (and tones) It's a Rick in the video, but sounds very much like a Musicman to me... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeZkLV3ZjeI Yes - Cutlass-tastic! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0PkIO1SmO8

[quote name='skankdelvar' timestamp='1479305740' post='3175476'][b]Definition[/b] [i]Gentleman[/i] 2. a man who is sufficiently competent to perform a solo or lead bass passage but out of respect for the sensibilities of his audience chooses not to do so [/quote]

[quote name='gareth' timestamp='1479308519' post='3175511']many squires... [/quote]

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1479294312' post='3175361'] I thought I didn't need to worry about solo's and never made the leap to constructing a well crafted, intelligent bass solo and I know I've lost gigs as a result. These days, being a good meat and potatoes player can leave you on the back foot when you're up against some of these Uni educated players.[/quote] True. The thought of playing a bass solo brings me out in a cold sweat. I wouldn't ever want to play one, but if i was put on the spot I think I would clam up. I just hate the idea of me playing a bass solo. I don't hate solos [i]per se[/i]... I just don't wish to play one myself.

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1479301671' post='3175426'] Well in truth, on the Internet it's usually Squire anyway ... [/quote] I was just going to say that...

[quote name='Bolo' timestamp='1479282952' post='3175239'] There is a Peavey 1x18 + 2x10 cab too isn't there? [/quote] I seem to recall that Trace did a similar one but with only one 10" speaker. It went with the AH350 amp IIRC... I had one for a while. Rather weighty Here's one - http://basschat.co.uk/topic/26862-sold-trace-elliot-1818x-cabwheeled-flightcase-in-leeds-sold/

Bloody hell. Next time I start a thread of this nature I will call it something like "Have a listen to this piece of music. It is new to me and I really like it, but tell me what you all think (beware: prominent bass playing and/or folky music content)".

[quote name='obbm' timestamp='1479202125' post='3174641'] Nik Kershaw recorded at The Water Rats with Paul Geary on bass. Freeview‎: ‎Channel 82‎ Sky‎: ‎Channel 369‎ Virgin Media‎: ‎Channel 343‎ Freesat‎: ‎Channel 505‎ [/quote] Recorded

[quote name='FinnDave' timestamp='1479122262' post='3174036'] I also own two of each, but haven't found a scenario in the last god knows how many years in which the Js work better than the Ps. Which is basically what prompted me to start this thread! [/quote] Exactly. In my current band it is the Js that work, but I still would want to hang on to a P on a "just in case" basis!

Own both. Play both. Use whichever one works best in that particular scenario I'm kind of the other way round. I have three jazzes and one P bass. My band mates even have preferences for [i][b]which[/b][/i] J sounds best in certain songs! For our overall sound, the P bass just sounds a bit too full most of the time, and needs taming with a bit of mid-cut. I don't understand this "don't let others tell you what to do" stance. The OP wasn't saying that anyway. If you play in a band (particularly an originals band) and that band has (or tries to have) a certain sound - then why shouldn't your colleagues help you make a choice about which instrument or sound best suits? As long as it is done in a friendly and sensitive manner I have no problem with that at all. In fact, I would miss it if it wasn't there! Being in a band is being part of a team - or at least it should be... Sorry - LukeFRC said pretty much what I was saying!

[quote name='JapanAxe' timestamp='1478849906' post='3172048'] +1 to KiOgon for wiring looms. A friend was round trying out my basses, and when he played the one with a KiOgon control set in it, he remarked on the smoothness of its operation. Plus they are easy to install and swap around. [/quote] Another plus one! They really make a difference. Have a look at [url="http://www.guitarfetish.com/GFS-Pro-Series-HOT-P-Bass-Pickup-Pickup-OUR-BEST-_p_10978.html"]GFS[/url] pickups too. Nice and cheap (although not as cheap as they were due to dollar/pound fluctuations). I put one of their overwound P pickups in a Squier a few years ago and it was great!

Damn. RIP Mr Cohen

[quote name='ambient' timestamp='1478823200' post='3172006'] I much rather hear bass playing solo material, by a player with proficient skills and artistry like Michael Manring or Steve Lawson, than someone belting out dull old bass lines on a P bass strung with flats, no matter how 'locked' in they are with the drummer. . [/quote] There is a place for both in my philosophy - and all things in between. As long as it is done well

[quote name='Low End Bee' timestamp='1478704611' post='3171069'] I would secretly like an increased level of friction to keep things interesting. [/quote] Ha ha! I know what you mean! In almost every other area of my life I do enjoy a bit of conflict/friction. But in a band scenario I find it counterproductive and frustrating. We all know of examples like the Who and the Stones - but it's different if that is your sole source of income and interest. For those of us who work full time and play in bands as a hobby, the conflict spoils it. It does for me, anyway.

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1478703317' post='3171056'] I love being in a band - even when there are issues in said band I prefer being in a band to not being in one. [/quote] Maybe... but it depends on the individual band and their situation. If it is a working cover band and you play regularly then it is much easier to put up with the idiosyncracies of other members. Just keep your head down, play the music and take your wages. I think it is harder in original bands, where effective communication is very important to get the best out of the ideas. In general (and IME) original bands spend more time rehearsing and discussing stuff than cover bands do. In those situations you find out more about your bandmates (sometimes far more than you want to know!).

[quote name='Norris' timestamp='1478693462' post='3170960'] Not every vocalist/guitarist is an egocentric maniac. [/quote] Sadly, after seven years with the same band, I find myself on the verge of leaving as I have increasingly found the vocalist to be an egocentric megalomaniac I could work with him, but I could never be his "mate". Is that enough? At the moment I don't know... I love the material and the other lads - but can't bear the company of the singer. It hasn't always been that way but due to recent developments (basically, our material starting to receive internet radio airplay), the singer has lost the plot. Even though he has the least amount of gigging and general band experience of any of us he feels that he should be calling the shots. Damn.

Double stops can be useful and are worth a try. Playing more notes in the same space... filling the sound a little? Depends on the band line-up of course, but if there is a space that needs filled why not have a try? Generally though, Country music (in most of its incarnations) is pretty much about the vocals and guitar - although they can only truly shine if the rhythm section is solid. IMO of course.

This thread just goes to show that everyone's experiences are different! Do what feels good/right for you. If it doesn't, look for something that does. It may not actually exist, but at least the quest to find it teaches you a lot about yourself. Crikey - that sounds a lot deeper than I intended it to!

[quote name='NoRhino' timestamp='1478623246' post='3170388'] I recently played a show in Lanarkshire were the premotor raved about Manran. Now I see why. [/quote] I only heard them for the first time on BBC Alba last friday. To say that I was blown away would be an understatement!

Yes I know, many of us think that this is impossible. I also realise that many people do not like folk or traditional music. But... have a listen to this from 1 minute in. It just might change your mind (or at least give some food for thought) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRvA_i-jrnI