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There is no set amount of time, or even rule of thumb. Natural talent takes you further and in less time. Those less blessed (me) need to practice things till you can’t get them wrong. I’d suggest a teacher to help you over the rocky bits

Just watching Chappell Roan at Reading, don’t know any of the material but very enjoyable, great to see such a good artist/band.

I have a Black Vehicle overdrive. It's got the driven amp sound down, plus a really flexible boost circuit that allows you to control how much pre and post gain it adds. Lots of sounds on tap. My only criticism would be that it is a single mix knob, rather than a dedicated dry signal control.

First week back after a 2 month break due to holidays and other commitments! Felt good to play again as I've not had the time at home to pick my bass up mostly due to my daughter learning to walk (10 months 🙃) Everyone got on well and had learnt the required material, very enjoyable

Other than learning songs for gigs, for the last 3/4 months on my journeys I have been listening exclusively to the Blindboy Podcast - incredibly varied, interesting and entertaining human being

I played keys as a teenager and a friend got me into Rush, so I bought "A Show Of Hands" 'cos it had loads of songs with keyboards on. A reasonable choice. Then I heard the Geddy's bass run on "closer to the heart" on side 4 (it was on vinyl in those days) and knew that I just HAD to make those sounds. Sadly I never have, but I've occasionally come close.

Only one of them can hold a tune though, the other couldn't carry it in a bucket!

I bought one these just a couple of weeks ago: https://www.thomann.co.uk/km_141_mkii.htm It's designed for DB rather than EUB but it does an excellent job of holding my BSX Allegro. It also folds up very neatly into a sensible package. @bassplayer76 whereabouts in the country are you?

Some of my upcoming gigs...

1976. 15 years old with my first bass. Made by Gary Nava, school mate (now makes bespoke instruments for people like Matt Bellamy). 2024. My last gig before retiring from live bass duties.

@Stub Mandrel check out Cosmic Fuzz

I started on a 6-string nylon which I ruined by adding steel strings. I got my first bass at 13, it was a semi hollow Hofner with a banana neck which I ruined by over tightening the truss rod. My first 'proper' bass was an old Epiphone SG style and then my Dad stumped up for a 73 Rickenbacker 4001 in black with the rare checkerboard binding (thanks Dad). This bass inspired my BC handle. Stupidly sold it in the early 80's for £275 and spotted it recently in Andy Baxter's shop for £4000. Ho hum. I was inspired to play bass cos with fewer strings, it looked easier than playing a 6-string.

Funnily enough, you are selling me a bit on 08-12 period basses - I quite like the idea of a P bass with a relatively flat / shallow neck! I do like the 98 jazz bass that I have (that I originally thought was a 09), so I wouldn't mind trying a same period P bass. I know that the 12-15 series are just well made, good basses - I remember playing a 2012 one once and it was great, a really well put together P bass, top notch. The thing is, I grew up on mid to late 70s Fenders and most of the best ones that I have played come from that period. Unfortunately, the worse ones I've ever come across come from that period as well! I know that this is an age thing as I am too young to get too misty eyed about vintage 60s ones (not that I could afford them), but a lot of the newer models just don't feel quite the same to me! I suppose that I would ideally like to find something with a bit of that feel about it, but with a more modern level of consistency / finish. I wouldn't rule out another 70s / early 80s P bass, but I would have to really try it out to be sure about it. The last time I got one for what seemed like a decent price, I ended up a bit disappointed and losing a fair amount of money on it.

I actually quite lake the shape of the headstock. But that is about all I do like about it.

I dont think he is 😀

Mark Sandman tuned his in a fifth, D and A, and used a slide. A fantastic, unique sound and brilliant band.

Finally watched my Chronicle of the Black Sword DVD - after years! I was at the original gig and I have the studio and live albums, and it's still awesome.

I use one of the K&M electric upright stands for my Yamaha SLB300. Pretty sturdy and has a little bow hook which is handy. Way cheaper and lighter than the official Yamaha stand too… https://www.bax-shop.co.uk/miscellaneous-musical-instrument-stands/konig-meyer-14160-electric-double-bass-stand?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=surfaces&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=ADC_Bax_UK_NBD_Shopping_bucket1&utm_id=22697294629&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22697294629&gbraid=0AAAAA_lFRUzdL_VJkyg2uBzto0d2KkJK4&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqqDFBhDhARIsAIHTlks6l8oCmhujg39GMpfpcsyeHDE-s4Y4kQWY_3ZSuiz83p6N82CYapMaAph7EALw_wcB

What made you pick up that first bass at the start of this long and winding road? At the time I had been playing guitar in a big band; this sort of thing, though nowhere near as well, of course. I noticed the following things: 1. Playing jazz was what I wanted to do. 2. Bass looked more and more tempting. 3. I sucked at guitar and would never sound like my then favourite players. When I moved away and could no longer play with that band it was a good opportunity to switch. I could not afford a DB or lessons, but saw an advert in a magazine for Encore's fretless P-bass (E83), which was something I could afford. I'd not heard of fretless bass guitars at the time and assumed they must be for jazz.

Cosmic Fuzz FM - Stoner Rock Internet Radio - https://cosmicfuzzfm.com/