discreet

Streamliner and Compact, then? Not much you can't do with that set-up!

I think a P Bass is perfect for that genre (particularly a 51-style) but as far as amps go... does anyone care? I imagined a Fender TV or other 'tweed'-type combo would be good, or even a Fender Bassman rig with all the chrome and silver cloth... but there are practical issues with both!

Very good. Its just the weight that bothers me. Has anyone who has experienced an Ashdown combo also used a Rumble 500? If so, is there a huge difference between them? As obviously the Rumble is a lot lighter...

[quote name='JapanAxe' timestamp='1425140904' post='2704446'] I should make clear that the P has always sounded great through my Streamliner, so the issue was setting up the Ampeg to suit it. [/quote] So is your Streamliner not cutting it, then? I suppose my question is, if you're getting a sound you like with it, what's the reasoning behind using the Ampeg instead?

Boosting the lows and cutting mids generally sounds good when you're playing solo, at home. One stage you really don't want all that low-frequency stuff sloshing around if your doing a gig with any kind of sizable PA with an engineer, it tends to muddy the waters somewhat. And you need those mids to be heard in the mix. It's the old thing about your solo sound being unsuitable for use in a band, and vice-versa. I've always considered low and high boost, contour and shape switches or any kind of pre-set EQ buttons to be a bit of a gimmick myself, though having said that I'm sure there are those who swear by them. Actually I swear by them too - I say, 'Who the feck pressed this bass boost button??' But then I'm Old Skool me, I tend to plug straight in and set everything flat. Or 'flat', as it never really is. But you know what I mean. If you're having trouble making your P sound how you want it, may I suggest a change of strings before looking at your amp? If you're happy with everything but for the upper mids, this may make all the difference.

[quote name='Musky' timestamp='1425134483' post='2704341'] I thought your gig was tomorrow night - I was going to come along to that, so sorry about missing you. [/quote] D'oh! No worries. I'm playing in the 'other' band on Wednesday, so... Silvia took some pics at the gig, so I'll do a gig thread with pics later today.

[quote name='neepheid' timestamp='1425133677' post='2704323'] That's what I was trying to figure out - no market for it, does that mean that originals bands still play but get naff all, or do they just not bother airing their stuff in public at all because no-one wants to hear it and no-one cares? [/quote] Chicken and egg, really. Six of one... and other stupid sayings and homilies.

[quote name='alittlebitrobot' timestamp='1425132770' post='2704309'] I'm hoping for a strong, last-minute swell of support, to the tune of about 12 votes. I should've done more door-to-door canvassing. [/quote] You were my second choice, if that helps any...

When I use a pick it's a .50mm Herco Gold. Which is too thin for most people, but perfect for me - I find it much easier to produce consistent tone on up and down strokes. Don't find it gives me extra mids, though. But then again there are so many other parameters...

[b]I Played An Ashdown Combo - And Liked It![/b] Did a gig at the Alley Cat Club in Denmark Street last night - the house bass amp was an Ashdown 300W 4X10 combo. Firstly my concern was that it would probably burst into flames (as I've started to believe my own propaganda about Ashdown amps) - but secondly and more realistically, I was worried that it simply wouldn't be up to the job. However... I needn't have worried as there was seemingly endless power on tap - and with the EQ disabled and none of the shaping buttons in, i.e. as 'flat' as I could get it - the amp sounded really amazing! Full, warm and hefty but with lots of mid-push and good note definition even though I was playing fingerstyle with flats. I was very surprised, to be honest... So there you go - Ashdown combos are great! Not sure which model it was, but it looked a lot like this one: Had a quick look online at the specs, but I think they may be just a little too weighty for my liking!

[quote name='neepheid' timestamp='1425110334' post='2703962'] ...I find it really sad to hear stuff like "There is no local market for originals bands in Milwaukee." - you mean the originals bands get next to naff all money, or that there are no originals bands playing anywhere in Milwaukee? Originals bands getting f all isn't anything new. But a dearth of local originals bands even playing? I'd find that worrying and rather depressing. Where's the inventiveness? Where's the creativity? [/quote] Music (like every other bloody commodified product) is very much prone to supply and demand - so no doubt there are lots of originals bands playing creative and inventive music in Milwaukee - but what blue is saying is that there is no market for it there, which is the [i]really [/i]sad and depressing thing about it. Mediocrity abounds.

[quote name='skankdelvar' timestamp='1425072278' post='2703757'] Remember that band you were in one time with a lady singer who had - er- stubble that you used to wonder about and you got the hump in rehearsal when she asked you to simplify your lines a bit and there was a big shouting match between the two of you and halfway through you realised that you had a half-lob and it all ended up in a hotel room and when she whipped 'em off you realised 'she' was a 'he' but it didn't matter anyway by that stage. Well, that was xilldx. I've never been in a band with you. [/quote]

[quote name='The Badderer' timestamp='1425074460' post='2703798'] Bell-ends!!! ... how did that do at offending you all? [/quote] Not a bad effort at all, you worthless peasant.

[quote name='theyellowcar' timestamp='1425069436' post='2703713'] I'm in Anerley these days Mark - you're more than welcome to pop over and have a blast through my 40 (not quite the same, I know) to get a feel for the different preamp voicings/tones available. [/quote] Well that's very kind of you, sir... I will PM you in a day or two if that's OK..?

What?? Backline is an Ashdown combo so you may want to bring a fire extinguisher.

Well... It turns out that owing to an administrative error, Cowboy Hat will not be appearing tonight. So apologies for that! But don't worry discreet fans, I'll still be appearing with Hour of the Dog at the same venue at 10 o'clock...

HOTD = Hour of the Dog. And yes I know, there's no stage as such...

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1425049031' post='2703411'] Yeh, I've heard that about you ... [/quote] As far as that goes, I'll be well gone before I get there.

I'm sitting on mine, I've got a terrible Chalfont just in time for tonight's gig.

[quote name='ras52' timestamp='1425048798' post='2703401'] NORWICH? [/quote] BURMA.

[quote name='Number6' timestamp='1425047532' post='2703381'] What time do the doors open.....is 10pm when you band's on? [/quote] Doors open at 8pm... I'm in two bands, first is around 21:30 and second is 22:00 - allegedly. But you know how these things go! It's only a fiver to get in, too. Bands finish around 23:00 and there's a DJ until 03:00. But I'll be well gone by then!

[quote name='JapanAxe' timestamp='1425048090' post='2703386'] I haven' got it at all - duh+1! [/quote] Here's an anagram: GEPMA.

[quote name='Number6' timestamp='1425047973' post='2703385'] There's nothing wrong with pub covers bands as long as they don't use music stands... [/quote] ...Or do [i]All Right Now[/i], [i]500 Miles[/i] or [i]Mustang Sally[/i].

[quote name='Marvin' timestamp='1425045426' post='2703354'] No it's not...remember. 1976!!!!!!! [/quote] Yes, yes... I know.