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Had a banging sunday afternoon gig in Sandwich, Kent People were dancing in the first set and throughout the 2nd set I've lost about a stone in the past 2 months and the affect on my voice is amazing I felt like I could sing for another hour New venue, new audience meant I could tell my Bucks Fizz story again 😀

Just done two of four gigs this week. Tuesday night was our acoustic duo’s monthly residency at a local pub, doing our request thing. Not quite as busy as usual ( half term around here so some folks away ) but still some varied songs asked for, including ‘Shadow of your smile’ and also ‘Where everybody knows your name’ which I’m sure you know is the theme tune to the ‘Cheers’ TV show, in tribute to cast member George Wendy who died recently. I’ve never played the song, and was quite surprised how tricky it was in places! Others played included ‘Have a nice day’ and the Ken Boothe version of ‘Everything I own’ which made a nice change. Really humid in the pub, sunroof open in the car on the way home. Then last night I was playing at a local club’s weekly rock and roll night, which I’d also done the Wednesday before. A bit special this week though, as it was the last night for bassist Rob who’s been doing the gig since 2011. He’s just turned 80 and is retiring from gigging now, after being in bands for 65 years!! I’ve been offered the job of being his replacement, so have accepted with immediate effect. Rob played the first song of the evening (see pic) before giving a short speech, and then I carried on for the rest of the night. Used his MarkBass combo, but will be taking backline of my own for next week onwards - I can leave it at the club so makes it nice and easy. ( Think I’ll be taking my trusty old Loud Inc 4x10 cab, with some old school head I guess ) It’s a new chapter for me, and another part of my ‘semi retirement’ 😆

Like everyone else, not last night but Monday; first jam night since my first child was born (and probably further than that) at the Woking Monday Night Jam. Had a great time, ran into @TrevorR and got to experience his excellent playing (and the generally very high quality of players there). Note for future me: when the crazy fusion guitarist running the jam asks you "do you know Spain?" the correct answer is not "uhh, yeah I think?", because that's how, 4 songs later, you find yourself frantically trying to fumble your way through it! Still, would probably do it again VID-20250529-WA0000.mp4

We have an acoustic gig this Saturday. Daryl

Hello BCers, I’m approaching 73, and it’s time for me to retire from gigging. This is partly due to minor health issues, but also a lot to do with having no desire to continue driving around the South East at midnight after a gig. It’s become a bit of an issue, especially in winter. After 57 years in bands I think I deserve a long service medal, but I’m not sure who awards these. I’ve been lucky and have worked with some seriously talented musicians over the years. But I’m also not forgetting those bandmates who maybe weren’t the greatest players but always did their best and were genuinely nice people to be around. I’ve written plenty of anecdotes on this forum about my various adventures and misfortunes over the years, and that’s just the stories I can remember. For the last few years I’ve been doing mainly dep work and have worked with all sorts of bands, from elite function bands to local pub rockers. Band politics never change - some bands have been super friendly and obviously really enjoyed gigging together, whereas some bands hardly spoke to each other all night. But I always tried to turn up on time, smile at everyone, and play the right notes, and that’s usually the successful formula for a dep player. I’ll still be a regular on this forum, which must be one of the most polite and friendly forums ever. But that’s what you’d expect from bass players, isn’t it? Sensible comments, witty comments, bit of banter – what’s not to like? Peace and love to you all.

I was listening to some songs from my old band the other week and kinda missed my maple necked P bass, glorious Fender Japan '57ri sunburst with a gold plate I added (if you have it give me a shout!) ... so went looking on eBay at maple necked Precisions.... Years back I lived in Glasgow for a year and found an old beat up Cimar 1905 model Jazz bass from 1975ish bought it knowing a friend was going to have it, @Bassassin helped me fix it up, and it was just fun thing, fun to play and a bright bouncy sound.... nice. I regretted selling it to the mate (although he has loved it since.) And then in my search on eBay for a precision I found a Jazz like the cimar ... and stuck in a bid... and lost.... A week later I got a second chance offer and a few days later it arrives - sold as broken from someone selling for a family member. So other than knowing what it was maybe going to be like a bit of a risk... So it's a Japanese made 1975-76 ish Jazz bass, the headstock is branded Diplomat who I think were a kiwi distributor, but it's very close to both the other one and assassin's one - so Cimar/Ibanez/ Fujigen build probably. It's ash and maple, kinda cheap - pressed tuners that look cheap but seem to work well, square end bridge, the old curved end Japanese pickups, the most evil bridge design known to man, the pots which need replaced and just a bright engaging tone... first thing I found taking it out the box was wasn't far off being in tune that the neck relief was spot on. A good sign. Though the action was High. Then I noticed that the evil bridge had something missing... so the evil sticky out screws to adjust the height are on the bottom, with the nice rounded ends facing up (an improvement) - but the adjustment screws... erm... but the intonation was pretty much spot on... And then soldering the wires back - I imagin they were broken when the old owner tried to fix the dodgy pots... and it comes alive... And yeah they feel, look and sound like TI jazz flats on it too! So yeah my new precision bass ...

So ... shot the face of the neck level and smooth with my trusty Stanley No 4 plane. It's still thick as a tree-trunk but I will sort that after I've glued on the fingerboard. First time it's moved as a unit with the neck bolts in ... no nuts yet (oooer Missus) ... but the fit and neck socket were tight and tidy enough for me to lift the bass. Checking all is well with the bridge height ... and should be no issues. So in preparation for drilling the tuning box peg holes I disassembled the tuners and mounted them as a template. The holes are 14mm so I've had to order a bit specially ... bah! Couldn't resist a quick shot of her looking a bit more like a bass again - yep the cap heads of the neck bolts will be let in ... luckily with the same 14mm drill as needed for the tuner holes - happy day!

In your position I`d contact the drummer and ask when our next wine-bar vibe/non-rock/blues band rehearsal was booked for, adding that I`m really looking forward to it after my holiday. Essentially, make the tosser squirm.

Hahaha I just received an email from the Bass Day Europe folk stating that they are looking forward to seeing me at the event this coming Sunday!!! After the debacle of cancelling the event, they haven't updated their automated email messages either.

Whatever bass I have developed a totally irrational desire to own disappears from all ads and websites within seconds.

What keeps me in the game is the fact that I wouldn't know what to do with myself if playing music was no longer part of my life. I've been doing it for more than 50 years and it would leave a big hole if it ended. As is the case with many musicians, my social life is heavily tied up in it. A lot of friends are musicians. It's also a major part of who I am - my identity and how I perceive myself.

The best way to not have a band go down the inevitable blues/rock road is to just not have a guitarist tbh. Agree that this sounds like a bullet dodged, just be thankful it happened this early. I've lost count of the amount of bands I've been in that started out as dancey pop outfits for weddings/money gigs but slowly turn into old man pub rock bands. I've noticed our band Spotify list has had a recent influx of sweaty old rock added to it over the last few months so might be time to evaluate again.

It’s like a kids toy compared to some of the epic boards on here, but it’s nice and simple, which suits me! 😂

Bought this a while ago with no thought as to what to use it for, other than it was a massive peg (😲🤭). However, if your need is greater than mine.........

MONDAY AFTERNOON! (Sorry I'm late again) The Sax Pistols in a bandstand somewhere in Stratord-upon-Avon. Seven-piece funky brass band playing everything from Bruno Mars to James Brown to the Pulp Fiction theme tune. It was cold, rainy and horribly windy, so there was hardly anyone watching. The wind meant my music wouldn't stay on the stand, so I gave up after the second tune and did it from memory/busked it. I was not entirely unsuccessful. We played pretty well and sounded good! We were all dancing about to try and keep warm and complaining (good-naturedly) between songs. Those that were there really enjoyed it, lots of confused-looking foreign tourists filmed us (presumably for evidence) and we went down well enough. It's really good fun stuff to play, and they're all good players - the new Tenor Sax player is absolutely cracking. BL has got really good banter/spiel between numbers, which helps keep the spirits up when you're freezing your proverbials off! Highlight was the Trombone in 'Just a closer walk with thee' (New Orleans style hymn) - Monet (BFNBJLHMDJT - see my previous post) has total free rein and... it's an almost religious experience. Back to BL's canal boat afterwards for a much-needed cuppa! Played the Sousaphone, wore the offensively glittery Converse.

Thanks Dave, That's my made in Germany Hofner Club Bass with Cavern Club era pick up spacing. Daryl

Definitely poach the singer if she's interested. I'm assuming you are already making plans to seduce the drummers wife? It is the expected response I understand.

My mini "Essentials" board from a recent function gig I did. Loving the Neptunium! Gigrig Generator underneath, mounted on a Rockboard Duo 2.0

Most of the remaining parts arrived - chassis, board, choke, hardware, resistors. Just waiting on the capacitors now.

I'd like to know what the picture is on the scratchplate that's been so severely pixellated...

Although a 15ft Trace speaker might be a bit too heavy for most of us, will bury that weedy little 18" you played through!

FRIDAY NIGHT! (Sorry I'm late.) Jones Jazz Orchestra 'Tribute to the Rat Pack' at The Cameo Suite, Coleshill (near Brum) 20-odd piece big band playing Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, Dean Martin type stuff. A 6pm start on bank holiday/half term Friday meant I turned up half an hour late, sweating like an inappropriate similie (I went on a rubbish date with a girl called Similie... I don't know what I metaphor) as I was suited and booted and carrying a Double Bass, which was a good start. I had to set up as the band topped and tailed a few bits, I got done just in time to join in on the last bit of tailing. Just enough time to grab a lime & soda before doors, the singer from the rock band and his other half came, as well as my current squeeze... good to have a few friendly faces there. (CS & singer's OH became instant besties, which was nice) We had a dep trombonist who I'd found on facebook and a dep Bass tromboner (friend of the BL) who were both fantastic - the Bass Trombone has got some cracking parts that we never hear as we don't usually have one, and this guy was REALLY belting them out! The dep (normal) trombonist was really good too - sight read the whole set (!) and sounded great. We sounded really good! We had four singers who chopped and changed, a few duets, BVs on a couple, and all four of them for the last number (New York, New York). (One of the singers (Zak) is barely old enough to drink (the others call him 'babyface' (affectionely!)), but he's got an incredible voice and he's been on the telly a few times (singing, not on Crimewatch or anything) and recently sang in the garden at 10 Downing St as part of the VE day celebrations - clearly got a bright future ahead of him. I hope he remembers us...) It was our lead trombonist's (Monet, Birmingham's finest non-binary, Japanese, Lindy-Hopping, Morris Dancing, Jazz trombonist (they're such an utterly awesome player.... I may have mentioned them before)) last (big) gig, so the BL gave a little speech about how much we'd miss them and I presented them with their leaving present from the band, then (totally unexpectedly) had the mic thrust into my hand and was told to say a few words... thanks, Boss! I didn't disgrace myself or embarrass Monet too much, so... all good. We played really well, we sounded great, we 99% nailed all the tricky stops and tempo changes and stuff, we went down a treat (there were about ninety people there I think... all friends and family, so a friendly crowd) and everyone in the band enjoyed it. Highlights were Lady is a Tramp, Orange Coloured Sky, New York New York and me not *totally* cocking up the little solo bit at the end of I've got you under my skin. Played the Double Bass -> Fishman Platinum pro EQ (the old one) -> Thumpinator ->MB 802. EDIT: Midnight Blue DMs with neon orange laces. It was the first time in absolutely ages I've played DB live.... I did OK. I'd done plenty of practice, so no blisters or torn tendons or anything. I was *right* on top of my amp so had loads of feedback and couldn't really hear myself, so much of it was guesswork but enough people said I sounded good, so... I'll take that. Current squeeze loved it (I mean... she's not going to say it was rubbish is she, but... y'know...), singer from the Rock band and his OH were blown away (they're used to seeing me play rock stuff in a 4 piece covers band, so a very different vibe!) so a good night all round. A short video is attached - please don't mock my awful posture, face, hair, Mr Mackie glasses or piss poor Double Bass technique. Thank You. WhatsApp Video 2025-05-25 at 18.36.17.mp4

Late again, but two gigs over the weekend and then life got in the way. First was the opening slot for the Re:Vamped Weekend gig at the 1 in 12 Club in Bradford. We were on at 5.15 which was a bit too early really - there were still people coming in as we were packing up after playing. However those that had made it to see us were enthusiastic and we had a good proportion of them up and dancing and singing along and we played well. Sold a couple of T-shirts afterwards, and would have sold some CDs too but someone (me) forgot to pack them. Here's a photo from early on in the gig: We stayed for a couple of numbers from the next band but then had to leave as we had our second gig of the weekend the following day and had been asked to load in at midday. So Sunday saw us back in Nottingham playing the "I'm Not From London" stage at The Chapel as part of the Nottingham day of the Dot-To-Dot festival. Another early start this time we were on at 3.00 but there were 4 bands on before us so there was a decent crowd. Weird sound problems on stage with some bass notes causing the drum monitor (which didn't need to be on for us) to fart out, and it was one of those things that once you'd noticed it you couldn't stop listening out for it again. Didn't play quite as well as the previous day, but the audience seemed to enjoy it, although only having 30 minutes meant that we had to keep the inter-song crowd interaction to a minimum which always impacts on the performance. Sold T-shirts and CDs afterwards and had to sign some CDs too - which that always surprises me as it's not something that I would ask for as a punter. Still it is gratifying to know that people are interested enough to ask for us to sign stuff. One of our fans took this short video of the last verse of "Lost Souls (Driving At Night)": AQNSbRIdNxxoFSFNULxeMhr8TOT0MZ2RdKNtVmn-y-KELkj4aSQ4k26wN9AVp3ia1SG8CVGX2k0coV7_dIQdt0jt.mp4 We have a month off until our next gig so we'll be working on a couple of new songs and recording for the album.

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Agreed, however the baby boomers here are not giving up on going out.Many still indulging in their old habits. We draw an older crowd. A lot of them,like me in their 70s. They grew up when live music was a huge part of their lives (the Woodstock generation).These folks are still going out and thank God they don't know when to quit. I was talking to an 80 year old guy at our gig last Saturday night. He was talking about the fact that he still drives, lives independently. He said loves the grooves and loves to dance. Daryl

These are examples of some of the necks I have had from China off eBay. The two sellers I have used are; High End Guitar Neck Store and Guitarpart666. i have never had an major issue with any with the 6 necks I have had so far and they take about 2 weeks or so to come. All have been well packaged and just needed the odd fret knocked down, levelled and or a sharp fret end filed. The Daphne Blue one is a work in progress where I have nitro painted the headstock to match the painted body. It is a roasted maple with black block inlay neck.

Here's my opinion on the core reasons guys get out of the game. 1. Getting too old to do it. 2. Health issues. 3. Younger guys getting married and starting a family . 4. Guys that have a long history of poor band experiences . 5. Guys that were really never in the game. Daryl

Dave , It sounds exactly like Paul McCartney's bass on all those early Beatle albums, thumpy and woody. Daryl

I wonder whether V2 will be the same, but with an additional 'a box later' circuit added to the existing two — so three channels? He could then call it NOTALOTADÜMBLË

The singer may or may not be thrilled with the change of genre, it's probably worth asking if she wants to jump ship & form another band with the original remit.

Is the singer ok with that? Looks like you need to start another wine-bar vibe band with someone more reliable.

That's not the behaviour I have experienced on my iPads. If the latest version of an app requires a more up to date version of iOS than you have it just won't get installed. The old version carries on working as before. Again if the app does everything you needed/wanted when you originally installed it then there is no reason to update. For any piece of technology that is mission critical, and I would included anything I use to gig with, automatic updates are turned off and updates are only applied if they definitely add extra functionality that I will use and they don't conflict with anything else on the device.

Kept getting lost reading You're The One That I Want whenever it was called at a Bandeoke. The timing is crucial and there are position shifts for which my sight reading skills are insufficient. So I've been learning it, and for such a silly song I have to say the bass line is really good, Great fun to play.

Enjoy your retirement @musicbassman and keep coming here. 😊 I'm about to do the same at soon 60 years old, but only because I have no more will to join another band as the duet I was in is over since last month. I'll focus on piano and do a bit of summer cleaning...

Tomorrow night (Friday 30th) in Darlo!

32" killer

You're all as bad as each other.

I’ve heard them hundreds of times and I still don’t like it. It’s smug, self satisfied jazz funk with the compression set to 96.

Semi-retirement ? you're busier than i've ever been. You'll never retire Pete, you love it too much and leaving your gear in the venue is a gift from heaven. 😂 All the best with this new project, sure it'll be a walk in the park for you. And there's another choice song for the request band. Itchycoo Park. Dave

Great little bass !

It's on its way West!!

The thing with all technology is that if it does everything you need it for today it will continue to do everything you need it for until the actual hardware fails. Besides you can get a 2025 model iPad for under £400, so hardly the "best part of the grand". If needed an iPad for on-stage use I'd buy something cheap (reconditioned or second hand) that did the job I needed it for and only use it for that job. Then if it gets broken/stolen/lost at a gig I haven't also lost my tablet for home use.

Used my Euro LX at full band rehearsal tonight, first time through my rig since having the LHZ-03 installed. No pedals, just bass into GK Fusion 550, and Barefaced Big Twin 2. Absolutely loving it!

Very late here, last week we did Wednesday 6pm and Thursday 9pm at Bearded Theory Woodland Stage. It's a big festival and really suited to us. I camped over for the weekend after the Thursday set which was loads of fun. Great crew, great sound, great crowd, doesn't get better

One of dem Wickywacker hings,