All Activity

Cardiff has got The Spunkles. "The Spunkles are coming, across the land! The Spunkles are coming, they're a nasty little band!"

Yes. I did this exactly so I could work out if we could do 5 in a day while chatting and getting distracted. I think that'll be a thread of ideas own at some point.

My final show of 2025 was also a debut at Devizes’ White Bear, a famously haunted 15th century coach house. Dubbed as “The White Bear before Christmas”, our visuals guy had declined doing a Jack Skellington type poster design due to copyright. I admire his principles. Having lost our other regular payer, I had high hopes to make this a good show. The vibe was very friendly and our hard push across all of our social media platforms paid off. Loads of familiar faces showed up. I did a walk around prior to going on, giving out band badges. I was playing mandocello, my Precision bass, mandolin and guitar. We decided to dress extra smart to make it more of an event. Nick’s legendary 86yr old mum came down to support us (again) and told me afterwards that we just get better. The landlady was extremely happy and said the whole pub was blown away, even the people in the back bar that I wasn’t convinced we’d win over. We have a couple of super fans who have been to the last few shows who showed up. It looks like we’re back for our 2026 album launch in the spring. A definite success.

May I recommend something like the Gotoh 201B-4 G?

Parisienne Walkways - Gary Moore and Phil Lynott

This was the colour before the blue sparkle era, and the ‘Orrible West Ham design.

Quasimodo's Dream - The Reels

@Sean I bet for every swap you have a timer ready so you can see if you beat the latest time 🙂

Ring My Bell - Anita Ward

To my knowledge HAZ isn't sold to the public, only to instrument makers. It was for sale through Spector before IIRC but with a very hefty price tag (500 USD) So basically its the availability and the pricing that fostered the clone market and LHZ is currently the best serving this niche. The original Tonepump had a very high output indeed but that was remedied by a dimmer (trimpot) for the second iteration that makes the user able to set the output at a desired level. I think the TP is a slightly misunderstood product and for my taste it performs quite well.

'Sound Toys' are giving away six freebies between December 8th & 19th. 12 Days of Soundtoys - Soundtoys

The Vigier Passion is 42mm. AI is suggesting the following: 1. Ibanez Soundgear (SR) Series Models: SR505, SR605, SR705, SR805, Prestige models (e.g., SR1405). Nut Width: Consistently 42mm across almost the entire 5-string SR line. Why it's notable: This is one of the most iconic and accessible lines with this spec. They feature ultra-thin, fast necks, lightweight bodies, and great ergonomics. The perfect starting point for a 42mm nut search. 2. Yamaha TRBX500 & 600 Series Models: TRBX505, TRBX605. Nut Width: 42mm. Why it's notable: Yamaha offers tremendous value. These are well-built, versatile basses with modern electronics and a very comfortable, slightly rounded neck profile that's easy to play. 3. ESP/LTD B-Series Models: LTD B-205, B-255, B-1005, etc. Nut Width: Typically 42mm on many of their 5-string models (always double-check the spec sheet for the specific model). Why it's notable: Great for rock and metal players. They often feature a flat neck profile ("D" shape) which, combined with the 42mm nut, gives a very consistent, fast feel across the fingerboard. 4. Schecter Stiletto Series Models: Stiletto Stealth-5, Stiletto Custom-5. Nut Width: Many are listed at 1.65" (42mm). Why it's notable: Another excellent option for modern tones. Schecter's necks are famously smooth and playable, often with a thin "C" shape, making them very comfortable for the 42mm width. 5. Sire Marcus Miller V Series Models: Sire V5, V7, V9 (5-string versions). Nut Width: 42mm. Why it's notable: Exceptional value with high-end features (like rolled fingerboard edges, active/passive electronics). The necks have a soft "C" shape that many players find very comfortable.

I've been poking around online getting more info on the bass. I found an original brass Hi Mass Bridge for sale on Reverb but the seller is asking $231 for it plus $71 for shipping and he is in Europe. So adding tax and probably tarrifs to it, would push this close to $400 so I'm going to pass on it. https://reverb.com/item/92743282-fender-precision-jazz-bass-bridge-vintage-80-s-gold-brass-ultra-rare I will probably just get a new Fender HI Mass Bridge which is about $60 and have it available in case I ever gig with the bass, so it would take 1.5 pounds off of the weight. I was able to set it up perfectly now, its got super low action and is intonated with The Claw in. Ive found a few listings for these 82 Walnut Precision Bass online, and they all have original tweed cases so its safe to say that the tweed case that mine came in is original as well.

First Obituary album is in standard tuning, as is a lot of Opeth's blackwater park. Eb is my favourite and is what current band uses. Adds just the right amount of menace but still sounds snappy enough. Worked for some of the greatest Stevie Wonder songs so must be good.

I'm somewhat spoilt by the fact that I have played with my two of bandmates, on and off, for over 30 years. The fact that you had to book a diary slot a week ahead sounded alarm bells for me, never mind the fact he wasn't available and didn't call you back. Now, it's perfectly possible that B has already sensed their number is up and thinks you're the person that has been tasked with doing the firing and is either in denial or making like difficult. This is why bands hire a manager. Or because, like us, they're rubbish at booking gigs.

Here is a fancy series IV Jaydee:

It's genuine, I know the guy who had it made (for his daughter, I believe). There are half-a dozen short scale JDs out there. This is one of the more plain ones. It's a Roadie II, passive and was originally cherry red. The short scale design is referred to as a series IV. PS. Roadies are part of the Supernatural range of basses too.