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How was my gig last night? I have no idea, I wasn’t there. It was the first one I’ve ever missed since this band started around 20 years ago. A dep was in my place even though I was fit and able. Keen readers my remember I mentioned I had a colonoscopy a few weeks ago and the results weren’t what I hoped for. I’ve since found out it’s not good news at all. There’s no easy way to say it, but it’s proving cathartic to share, so here goes. It’s cancer, of the rectal variety. I told my band mates at the time of the first investigation before knowing it was cancer that it will likely mean surgery and treatment very quickly, possibly before Xmas, so they had to organise cover in case I was out of action. The chap they got for a couple of gigs said he had other offers for the same dates, so had to commit, meaning I couldn’t do them whether I was able or not (unless was paid him off). It was probably for the best though, my head as been all over the place the last few weeks dealing with this. So anyway, it looks like a rough few months ahead. Radio and chemo therapies followed by surgery, and possibly more chemo after that. Oh and a bag atttached, either temporary or permanent. Sorry to bring the mood down, but this is the thread I interact with the most with people I know. Besides, I’m still hoping to continue to contribute to the thread with any gigs I am able to do over the next few months, and long after once I’m cured and normality is resumed.

Nothing irrational with that.

I'd have a look at the Harley Benton Kits, lots of praise for the Harley B... Rosewell Pups? This looks a bit of fun! https://harleybenton.com/product/electric-guitar-kit-square/

I put a set on a shortie as well. Also very nice!

A helpful basschatter shared this glossary back in 2020.

Bread fan - Budgie (obviously)

So, not a fan of these folks, then?

We're finding this big time on the tribute circuit. There are certain parts of the country where we can pull 250 plus and make pretty decent money, but there are other towns where we struggle to get 50 punters through the doors and are playing for not that much more than pub rock gig money. It's not just us by any means, I've got mates who run venues and they are struggling to make putting on live music cover the bills.

I couldn't say for sure when, but it was a thing on Talkbass years ago. They seemed to enjoy poking fun at their younger members who asked this question a lot. Maybe we adopted it to poke fun at Talkbass in general. We should probably stop now.

Possibly not irrational but if I see a ukulele about to be played, Im getting out of audible range as quickly as possible. Nothing good has ever involved a ukulele whether its school concerts, buskers or huge bands like Train or Mumford & Sons. All completely unacceptable.

Heard similar but more Spector, a brand I’m not at all familiar with though so couldn’t compare. Think the Smith sound will be something to do with the soap bars and pickup placement.

To my eyes its not the right bridge, headstock shape, logo positioning or logo style to be a 70's Ibanez. I'd guess its a Westfield or similar with a transfer put on the headstock and a MIJ back plate added. Either way, £60 ain't much dosh!

We were back at the Queens Arms in Brixham last night, which is one our favourite pubs to play and we are the landlords favourite band. We set up quick and it sounded good, but later we were told the guitar was too quiet when it was fine at first. A combination of up on his amp and bit more in the PA along with a subtle equaliser tweak sorted it. We were playing quiet well and having a good gig, but there were some moments. A few caused by our singer with one particular strange one. At the end of the second chorus in Go Your Own Way he carried on and then me and the guitarist both went into the ending so we completely missed the middle section. Lots of looking at each other wondering what went on, but we laughed about it as we alesys seem to play our way our of problems. A good size appreciative crowd, and some people I haven't seen for a while. Next gig is NYE at a different pub. Usual rig, which I've photographed close up. Got some good feedback on my sound from a fellow bass player and their friend.

I should probably do a review of the LFSYS Silverstone II as I've been using it for a while now. Needless to say, its revolutionised my gigging experience and afforded me more compliments about how the bass sounds than anything else I've used previously. I just need to work on my actual playing now😉. Shout out to Dave Green @Ashdown for his assistance and wisdom in helping me get a lovely old late 90s Mosfet powered ABM400 fully restored in time for today's gig. It was literally bolted together the day before the gig with no real testing. It worked flawlessly, didn't break a sweat, and sounded immense with the Silverstone II. Bass on the day was my lefty USA Standard Jazz.

https://www.thomann.co.uk/stairville_clb5_rgb_ww_compact_led_bar_5.htm?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1581403906&gclid=CjwKCAiA86_JBhAIEiwA4i9Ju5JFb0lrjHVlTSGWmXCQQTtHinkidF1OsFS-2tEHXrS0mzcRReylrBoCYFcQAvD_BwE We've just invested in these lights, which are also being used by a couple of mates' bands, and all with a similar profile to yours in terms of venues/genres. Decently portable and happy to recommend as providing a good starting point to build on.