All Activity

It's a busy time at the moment - as usual at this time of year - with various concerts etc. Tuesday will be main choir concert in Keswick. Next Saturday I've got my first public outing with euphonium and brass band (I'm with the beginners and contributing a few notes to pieces performed by the training band and the main band). Following week the community choir is providing three sets to entertain the guests at a well-known hotel by Ullswater. I've had to decline various events due to either diary clashes, or in the case of the brass band I can't justify the distance for a short session in a café etc., especially given my novice status.

So, a secondhand Besson Sovereign euphonium

I’m now a MB user having played Ashdown, Ampeg, TE, GK, Orange ( you get the picture ) !! Firstly it’s the cabs I like as I use two MB58R 102. Cabs stacked in my band ( rock / pop ) The amp is the MB LM IV which I chose over the MB58R head as it has a metal case like the previous models. For me the instant difference is the EQ frequency choice as it’s not focused at the very low 40hz like some but more 60hz upwards. It never sounds wooly or lost in a mix and clarity and clean is its forte, It hasn’t got grind or grit but I prefer a good clean sounding tone even for rock as I hear it better in the mix and it has that formidable MB punch ! Low weight and sensible pricing also makes them a great package They stack equally well vertical up format ( amazing to hear as top speakers are closer to ears ) or in the traditional 410 style as below if more stability is required etc

Here are some gut shots. Likely the first time its been opened since the factory. The preamp appears to be original, and is very quiet and everything is working great. I cleaned the pots with D5, then the switch and jack and reflowed the jack. The ring area had some exposed wire which may have been causing the short. The pots are 2 from 1981 and 1 from 1980 all CTS. Caps all look good. Im not going to "fix" what is not broken by capping it since its all original and working and sounds awesome.

Just back from our gig at The Stables, Milton Keynes. We always sell out, such a special venue, wonderful staff (mostly volunteers) and such an appreciative audience. Took the Smithy up for a blast as I’ve been reacquainting myself with her lately. Fantastic! A guy last year unbelievably donated £1000 to our homeless charity we collect for, and blow me he done exactly the same last night!! Incredibly humbling peoples generosity, it really is! Great night as usual up there x 😊

Just bought a set of GZR pups from Dan Super easy and couldn't have gone any easier. Cheers mate

I may be asking for some help over the next few days - When my Choco + arrives lol

Rear Window Rider - Double Virgo

It's nice money but there's a reason that we don't do corporate gigs often. The first reason was getting in early and then sitting around for a couple of hours. The next reason is it can be darned hard work getting them partying. Anyway we'll chalk that one up as another success and we were well received, if a little unfulfilled personally. Kirby Muxloe golf club has a short stage and ceiling tiles that seemed to suck all of the top end out of the room and I had to back off my bottom end too to avoid stage boom. A bit of a shame as I took the Sire P7-5 out for a bit of an airing but it couldn't really sing. We were dressed fairly smartly. Shiny black DMs FTW Tomorrow's gig is probably the smallest pub we play in...

Back Door Man - The Doors

Not at all! This is a thread for everyone learning the piano, by whatever method. I simply started the thread. If I (and others) can share their learning journey, then those who follow us can more easily find out what works for them. I wouldn't have known about Fake Books were it not for my 78 year old teacher. I wouldn't have known that ABRSM exams are not always the best way of learning, unless others had shared their experiences. I wouldn't have known about what piano to buy were it not for the thread on stage pianos. Basschat.co.uk - the home of the hijacked thread and off-topic comment. And it is all the better for it!

Played the singer's local. Was a weird setup. Lead guitarist's pedalboard was very noisy Went down well, helped by various friends of the band. Manager kept videoing us and was right up vlose and trying to get us to look into the lens which was pretty distracting at times. Just rehearsals now until mid-january.

That was a Dad joke . . . .

I'm always in a duo with the drummer. The rest of the band is important but give me a good drummer to work with and we'll make the band happen.

Phil was a pleasure to deal with, quick and easy transaction - thanks again!

Rolling Stoned

Geat Loaf (for fans of Bēowulf).