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Hi everyone, imagine my pleasant surprise to see this thread! I'm thrilled to know you're diving into these materials together. What a great motivation for me to continue my work as an educator! I'll keep an eye on this thread from time to time (I generally have moved away from forums as my attention is being pulled in so many different directions), and answer questions as I can. Regarding any typos — very possible that some small things have been missed by me or my editor. I'll compile them, and eventually do a v2 release. Regarding the major 7th — it's always been my thought that minor is a tonality with variations in flavor, not a set-in-stone harmonic rules. To that point, to me the true sound of minor is always the sound of melodic minor, and anything else is just a flavor (Dorian, Aeolian, harmonic, etc.). If you listen to Paul Chambers walk over So What, he uses C# in D Minor all the time since it's the leading tone... despite the fact that the tune is in "dorian" (which it is not strictly). So, when I walk, I often prioritize using Major 7ths in minor since it has more harmonic strength and support. To everyone... I know this stuff is dense! Do your best to keep up with it and try not to get discouraged. It took me five years of practicing, and 16 months of writing this book to really deeply ingrain these concepts into my playing. A lot of it is influeneced Barry Harris's teachings and what I learned directly from Bill Dobbins, filtered through my own experiences and the lens of the bass. It will take time. But it will work. Keep it up! DZ

It’s not only the exorbitant ticket prices / fees that have slowed down my gig going, it’s also the behaviour of crowds - talking all the way through ( even in the quiet bits ), constantly squeezing past to get more pints of dripping beer, phones being held aloft obscuring your view etc etc. These days I choose which gigs to attend by trying to eliminate or at least minimise the chances of this happening, but it’s not always feasible or predictable. We’re lucky to have a few good smaller venues nearby where they do care about this stuff, so they primarily get our custom. As they’re often full, it seems like I’m not alone in this either. When I was in a touring theatre band, we always knew that the venues which kept their bars open throughout the evening would be the ones where we expected grief. People in the middle of long rows of seats who constantly got up to get pints and go to the loo used to often be the start of confrontations where the theatre staff had to intervene, often leading to the rowdy folk getting ejected. One time in Manchester the police were called to sort stuff out, as we watched it unfold during our second set - pretty grim for a decent venue. All this because the theatre wanted to make more money, very sad.

That’s probably wise, it might be fine now but might fail if it takes another bash. I’m sure it’s fixable but a risk at the price

My thoughts exactly. Will give it a miss.

So the Rickenbacker is really not bonding with me (or vice versa) so im considering trading it it and going back to a fender (either P or J). Initial feeler searches have thrown this up locally@- https://www.sellusyourguitar.co.uk/product-page/fender-jazz-bass-natural-1976-vintage-electric-bass-guitar Ad states replacement volume pots and a refret. Doesnt seem to mention the pickups.

Looks like it might have been involved in a substantial shock to the neck that’s lead to cracks around the heel?

Cool Jerk - The Capitols

I’d pay a fiver to not see you play 😝

The last few bands I've seen were Haken, Vola, Caligula's Horse and Symphony X. Granted not household names, but each came with a ticket price of between £25 and £40 and where at venues that hold around 2.5k people. 20 years ago I'd be going to see Alkaline Trio, The Offspring, Funeral For A Friend etc. Similar prices and venue size. I suppose some bands we saw 20 odd years ago have gotten 'bigger' and now command higher price tags. Also, to save money me and my mate usual go old skool and get the train up and have a few train beers on the way up to save dosh, then to the closest Spoons for a cheap eat and a few more cheap drinks - then to the venue. I NEVER buy a drink at the venue... ever. So, some 'lesser know' bands that still fill 2.5k venues are priced fairly, and the atmosphere is awesome AND you get to actually see the band and sometimes have a chat with them. Far better than being in the nose-bleed seats of an arena with zero atmosphere.

Bob purchased a Yamaha BBP35 from me, he did exactly as he said he would by arranging a viewing and collection date. Whole thing was very easy. Happy to recommend 👍

And when you’ve paid the money and arrive at the venue you have to queue at the bar for a pint of beer. But good news, if you buy a double pint it’s only £14 so you save a quid! And then if you’re lucky you’ll get to stand next to group of people exercising what seems to be the newest fashion at gigs… Talking loudly the whole way through 👌

https://ebay.us/m/1o9PSW I had a 4 string version of this many years ago and kind of regret selling it. This would be a lovely addition to the collection, but those cracks in finish either side of the neck joint make me nervous. Northampton is a 4 hour round trip, so I'm seeking opinions.

Cool Water - Marty Robbins

Great gig, nice size crowd and lots of dancing. It was a real fun night for me. I didn't use an amp. I played direct out and the stage monitors were great. Daryl

Playing in a reformed NWOHM Band, getting a few gigs, having fun, but I was"going down for the third time" financially. Then we were booked to play Wacken (in Germany) but had to come up with the money for Flights, Accommodation etc., in a rather short time, so that was me out... Introduced them to a (rich) Bassist I knew, and he fitted like a Glove, so happiness reigned all round. Two weeks later, I wandered into the local Hostelry to find a 'Tibute Band' playing, and the Singer, who i'd known for years, asked if I could jump in for the 2nd Set, as their Bassist was spewing his guts out in the Bogs. (Food Poisoning). I said yes, jumped up and had a great time. Five days later, the Singer popped round my Abode, and asked if I was doing anything, because their Bassist had suddenly decided they were gigging too much for him. One swift Rehearsal, and I was on the road again, making a Mint, so it all turned out well in the end. Stayed with them until I had to retire...

Excellent, this is why I always recommend the best service you can find… premium service, even at a premium price is always a better value.

My idea of a good night out is staying in!