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Just completed the 2nd to last weekend of gigs on our 'Bootleg Rock Show feat. Leather & Lace' tour! I'm loving it so much I don't want it to end.... but I'm sure we'll do it all over again later this year/early next year and possibly some European dates to come too! 👍😉 Friday We played a fun 'club' gig at The Concorde Club in Eastleigh, Hampshire. Stripped back production but same setlist and a much more intimate setting made for an enjoyable night for all... Saturday night was back to theatreland at the seaside classic Hunstanton Princess Theatre on the North Norfolk coast. Probably the best audience response so far on the tour...and we're really playing as tight as a 'gnat's chuff' now! 😉

Two fantastic shows this weekend. One was a private function for a super-wealthy individual. We played in front of his lake on a mezzanine over a swimming pool and koi pond (and gymnasium with boxing ring). It was quite the eye opener into a very different world. Last night we closed a local festival to a brilliant crowd, many of whom had turned out just for us. We had a pro crew in filming too. No proper pics yet, but I’ve swiped a few from people’s facebook pages.

Just been sent a link to a video of one of our songs from Friday’s Buckle and Boots set

Next is lining up the bridge. If ever there was a 'measure 14 times, drill once' it's this! First thing I did was to check the full movement of the bridge rollers from fully forward to fully back. Probably enough for a square-on positioning - but there's no point in even banking on that and so I will incorporate a modest backward sweep to aid the intonation of the bass strings. Then to position, I fitted a couple of strings, threaded through the stop tail to the outermost tuners and taped it into position. I could then slide the roller bridge under the strings and position it to scale length on the top E with the roller fully forward (intonation for the top E is usually relatively close to scale length but, if anything, will be a teen bit further back - it will never be shorter than scale). Then, once I'd positioned it so that the two strings were where I wanted them in relation to the fretboard sides, I could press the spike of a bradpoint drill in to mark the centre: Then use a forstner for the bridge insert-holes: And finally, with fingers crossed, hammer the inserts in and try it! Big phew! Then the same process for the stoptail. And, at this stage, I couldn't resist a quick mockup . There's actually a LOAD of stuff still to do, but my excuse for the indulgence is that I need Alex to 'play' the fitted strings so that I can fine tune the profile to his specific needs...so that means, at least, that the 6 strings need fitting. And surely they would be lonely without a few knobs and switches teetering at their intended positions: Oh - and it would be churlish not to wipe some of it with a damp cloth to see what the final colour is going to be ... I think it's going to be quite a pretty guitar! And that has Basschat up to date with Guitarchat. There'll be a week or so's gap before any more progress - I need Alex for the final fit of the neck profile and his availability and mine over the coming week or so mismatches to an almost impressive degree!

Two gigs this weekend for Mustang Sally, on Saturday a private party in Devon for an 80th Bday, we were worried that there might be Zimmer frame clashes on the dance floor but far from it, lots of dancing, happy punters and help getting our gear in and out of the venue! Sunday played a mini festival in north Dorset, outside stage with full pa, problems getting my 4H Bongos line output tame enough for DI but overall an ok gig, punters busy soaking up the sunshine and cider so not much dancing... Knackered this morning, glad to be painting a fence for relaxation...

Isn't one of the main reasons for switching between fingers and pick to get a different tone?

My 72 Jazz

Mmm.. Unicorn

A few pics from a few weeks back at the NABD rally in Cheshire. Was nice to be rocking the Fallout Bass.

Played a very nice large social club on the outskirts of Harrogate last night. As we walked in the consec explained that the clientele were a bit jaded with live music as the previous consec had cycled only 5/6 bands so he was taking a punt with us having just spotted us online. He also said it might be a bit thin on the ground but if we’re lucky we might get a few dancers. …….anyway the word must have got out as the place was rammed with punters many in 70s glam dress and the dance floor was full from half way into the first spot. Just goes to show that some thought can really make a difference in some of these trad social clubs. Glam Fever, proudly bringing glam rock to the masses since 2015.

As someone who plays both finger style and with a pick in our set, I guarantee that the only person who will consciously notice any difference is you.

nah, anyone can do that. Produce it again from the guitarists left nostril? #magician

Took both cabs to a show on the back of a trailer in Aylsham, Norfolk on Sunday. Playing to a pub courtyard about 60' x 40' Coupled to a TC BH800 Yamaha BB734A in passive mode No PA support. Just my cabs and amp. Did the job well. I was very pleased.

Oh my god. I think I’ve just had a very wet and possibly religious experience…

There is probably no other rational place to be. Morality or even taste aren't subjects for objective measurement or double blind testing, there isn't an objective right or wrong so people who are 'certain' that no song with the sexism/racism/whatever 'ism you choose is acceptable if it is a good 'toon' are displaying no more insight than those who wish to cancel those who offend their personal creed and sense of decency. It's only reasonable to struggle with this and the interesting bit of this debate are about where the lines are for each of us who are also wondering where to set our personal lines. Playing in a band means compromise. No two people share the same moral space IME so the chances of four or five band members who have nothing in common other than music agreeing on every song are pretty long odds. There are very few artists or songs that are completely repugnant amongst thousands that are wildly popular and fun to play so it isn't a big issue. It is interesting though to discuss with those who like me are 'indecisive'.

The vacuum left by the decline of religion has been filled by the Internet, and why not? After all, facts, science, proof and considered opinions are 'difficult' they take education, thought, reason, the ability to discuss tough topics in the abstract, why bother actually thinking when you can go online? There you can find other folk that believe what you believe (without any basis in fact and untroubled by a moral compass) and you can gather on a platform from which you hoist your flag and shout your own horse shít variant. Argue all you like but the age of reason has gone, history and facts are there but they need reading, engaging with, as does any subject, to understand and comprehend where we currently are but with the infinitely pliable echo chamber of the Internet as an alternative to books, learning and understanding... well, we haven't got a chance.

I do think it needs recognition. While not religious myself its a fact people need a smaller community than modern cities and some faith to anchor their life. Basically we need tribe and faith which expresses itself as football identity, subcultures, flag waving whatever. I dont think religion is the answer but the evolution of society coupled with the turbo connectivity of social media has polarised people and sharpened divisions. We could all do with a little effort in listening to the other viewpoint. I also remain thoroughly indecisive about the topic at hand...

My MIM. Been around for roughly 13 years. Changed the guts to active emgs, and replaced the pickguard with a dodgy cheap one (not sure why, I'm still not convinced by it). Will never sell it, my longest serving bass. I want a 5 version badly.

However, if we ALL say we are going to take matters into our hands...

Bus Drivers Prayer - Ian Dury

had to get this one in for try its def different to the boss Hm2 but def has some very cool additions

Algerian vibes.

My ‘Trigger’s broom’ 1990 MiJ jazz has been with me since 92. It’s had three necks, including a status graphite, three preamps, lord knows how many pickups etc. it’s retired now, but I’ll never part with it.

This is why Ronnie and Reggie were such a formidable team. None of this “either-or” nonsense for them.

Whoa whoa whoa, I'm all about the stabbing. BLOCK AND DELETE FOR YOU!

Final glamour shot

We agree? Excellent. Let's go shoot anyone who doesn't... 😉

Spot on. The problem with religion has always been that it deals in absolute truths and is inherently a conservative force- and a glue for social cohesion. The internet has evolved in dealing with absolute truths in multiple directions and is fanaticising people in different direction, while gluing different factions together. Non- political topics, like climate, social freedoms and covid have become yoked to political groupings and the fringe is becoming mainstream whether thats fascism or rough pornography. Having said that, in this era of Absolute Truths we've lost the distinction between what a 20 year old drunk Hetfield said in 82, Bob Marley's subtle homophobia in his lyrics in 70's Jamaican society and whether its OK to say whatever your shrivelled up black heart vomits out now. Subtlety and shades of opinion are dead.

Owned a lot of amps through the years and the ones which stick in my memory are: Eden WT550 Ashdown CTM100 Trace Elliot TE-1200 The Trace is just a superb platform for putting whatever you want through it and it always sounds incredible, effortlessly powerful and looks cool. I haven’t had any amp GAS since getting it. Which is mad because normally I want something new every three weeks 😅

My Kasuga: I assume it's from the late '70s.

“I think we got rid of religion, essentially, which may or may not be a good thing, but there’s a vacuum that we created that we don’t really know what to do with” I agree with this. To be honest many of the foundations that previous generations based their moral and spiritual character upon have been torn down, for good reason in many instances, but IMO there does appear to be some floundering in the void and more tearing down than creating. As my old boss used to say “bring me solutions not problems”.

I tried it and it did help. Hoping to try out a short scale bass on the next few days to see if it really helps. If it does, I'll be shopping for one.

Any excuse for showing a bit of Rob Mullarkey. Here, he's playing his interpretation of Jeff Buckley's 'Grace' with the wonderful Natalie Williams on vocals.

Come As You Are ～ Nirvana

Manic Depression ～ JMH

Hide the thread on the morning of Wonky's evening visit.

You should always fight with your bass, not against it!

I'm 62 now, started in my late 40s. Still terriblke, but less terrible than I used to be.

Was just wondering why/how he has gone unstopped for so long, and realised that perhaps the clue's in the surname 🤔 And with reference to this, and all joking aside @hiram.k.hackenbacker advice, and especially 'alleged' needs to be noted. Anyone attempting to take the law into their own hands is, ironically I know, breaking the law and potentially far more serious laws than Mason has broken to date. This guy hasn't been nicked because he's probably got all sorts of alibis/excuses/mitigations (and potentially a few friends in other places.....), a mob showing up on Saturday - one that are clearly the protagonists with an internet site clearly publicising their intention - gives the Police little choice and sufficient evidence. He might even contact the Police and tell them that you are making threats with reference to a specific time and place anyway, he will know the inside-outs of the law in these situations quite well I expect, and it appears he really is that slippery. And of course, he might have more mates with him than you can take with you, and he will no doubt be filming the whole thing to prove his innocence. There really are cleverer ways of getting this guy 🤔

The Steinberger tuners are pretty easy to fit, although this little pin hole does have to be in the right place! And tuners temporarily fitted for me to be able to set up a couple of strings to position and line up the tune-o-matic bridge before the scary insert marking and drilling! Still some more curve carving to do, but I was pleased how this is beginning to look:

New pick guard on my 83

OK Roger Sadowsky has replied in the thread, it is happening. *flails*