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An unusual gig this morning at a classic car breakfast meet down in Hampshire with the new funk band and then back home to Horsham to play at kings Lea school fate this afternoon with some old musician friends. Really enjoying my GB Spitfire 5 since it came out back from a service by Bernie recently. Sounds fantastic though the puma and LFsys Monzas . Now to enjoy a nice relaxing evening ( not playing) x😊

Gig 1 of 3 this weekend. We don't normally do 3 in a weekend but tonight's gig got moved from next week. Last time we played here we decided it was such a small, noisy area to set up in that we would do it "acoustically" because of the smaller footprint and lower volume. Of course none of us remembered that, so we shoehorned in the full kit again. The pub was rather quiet though with not many in. That lead us to a bit of musical silliness, which always helps a slower night go faster, plus engages the people that are there. So it ended up a good, if hot (I remembered the fan!) night. Best of all only 15 minutes away from my house and home by half past midnight. Cheap "stingish" bass into the usual Rumble. Converse feet.

This is from last Sunday's show. I hesitated setting this iPhone recording to live online but for a phone recording, it's reasonable and I am guilty of overthinking sometimes! It's one of the three songs in our set that I play guitar on. Nick is on the Mandocello and I think his vocal is great. If anyone is really keen, you can compare it to our electric original version. We love playing electric but a lot of local bookings tend to be acoustic.

Just got back from playing The Pit at McCann's in Newport. An interesting night. Soundcheck was annoying. We went to go do it and one of the guitarists decided to just go to the hotel he was staying at and have a shave. Not the best timing 🙄 never mind, we eventually got it sorted. The first band had pulled out a couple of days ago, so there was plenty of time. Probably our smallest crowd yet of about 6. That might just be what happens when you play a metal gig on the same weekend as Download Festival 🤷 We played well though and were well received by the people there. The supplied cab sounds like it's on the way out though. Really didn't have a nice high end. Usual gear of Dingwall Combustion -> GX-100 -> Bass Big Muff/Mojo Mojo in the loop -> Laney Digbeth. Footwear for this evening was some Hobibear barefoot trainers. Still undecided about barefoot shoes... No photos, sorry. I'll update if anything surfaces on the socials! AQMTd9ffsrUKIQvw473CG84aAMXW5_YfPV1mCS5Yv3ZmZDz7cwMSEAAL2nHmvI0RM2jeN38zBu7K7ml6rLHzjlihBZKSa09Q5hLkWgQ.mp4

We usually get booked for the Ramsden fete, finishing the musical entertainment for the day, and this year was no exception. As is the tradition, it rained towards the end of the show. Right near the end the drummer's bass drum pedal broke and he was summoned via the event PA to move his car. I have a large blister on my middle finger after some vigorous plucking. Despite all this, the audience clearly enjoyed it, we were asked to extend the set a bit, and we got paid.

This is the bass I bought from Tony Gaskell for the princely sum of £80. After I sold the Jaguar to Len on here I realised I sort of missed a short scale particularly to have something in the office to noddle on. Anyway the Bronco as you can see has had a couple of mods. The bridge and the pickup are an improvement over the originals but the tuners are pretty dire so I'll need to change those or it will drive me nuts. I may also try to find a black pickguard and some different pots. Despite the tuners tony had the bass set up beautifully and it plays wonderfully well. He didn't do the mods btw he bought it off another guy who had done those and stuck the Fender logo on it. The reason Tony bought it was because he is still gigging around Liverpool and he had found his P bass too heavy in recent years. He is a remarkable man, started his first skiffle group in his final year at school in 1959 and his mum bought him his first proper bass in 1960. That's a picture of him with his first P bass in his band Johnny Templer and the Hi-Cats. They supported the Beatles many times in the early sixties and it was a pleasure and an honour to sit and chat to him about his career in music - he also let me play some of his basses! He is in his eighties now and still enjoys playing gigs and getting paid for it, there is hope for us all!

I just need to say a massive thank you to all involved. Ive been speaking with Lee daily for about 10 years (maybe more?) but when my In-Laws bought a static caravan in Morcambe, we got really close as I was up there 5/6 times a year. I facilitated his 50th birthday present and I went to his party at his house. I often recommend Lee to @walshyfor bass demos - he’s a phenomenal player, even on his “bad” days he leaves me in the dust. He’s a humble soul - but he makes me piss my sides like no other. I dont think he’ll ever understand how important he is to me. love you @lee650

Ever since seeing Daryl Jones with the stones years ago I've longed for a matching headstock 1969 Competition Mustang. A few have appeared here but never at the right time, and the prices have been climbing steadily! Unexpectedly this barely playable example wandered into my local shop, and after 2 weeks of discussions it's finally mine. As you can see, an early 80s slightly ropey refin hides what we think is originally a 'Competition Burgundy' (Lake Placid Blue). I'm thankful they did, as it made it almost affordable for me. The headstock has been done in hearing aid beige for some bizarre reason, otherwise I'd be tempted to leave as is. . Aside from the finish, she seems remarkably original, and now the truss rod is moving and I have fitted some old flats, it's every bit the bass I was looking for. So now, with the help of Eternal Guitars on the south coast, we have started on a mission to restore the original finish. We'd love to know for sure which colour it was originally but there doesn't seem to be a way to find out. Any wisdom welcome, as the stripping is underway!

Ive only just became aware of this (and spent 30 mins sobbing afterward) a few members im close too will know that after 22 years of marriage my wife asked for a divorce. At the risk of oversharing. For many years ive struggled with (for a long time undiagnosed) carpal tunnel in both wrists, which at times has hampered my playing. This is on the mend, but among other things has taken a toll. Im devastated, but ive done a lot of thinking and looking back, it cant go on Ive been harming myself mentally, and suppressed anger and frustration and sadness until it warped me into something im not, and caused her to fall out of love with me ive numbed the pain with Alcohol which has affected my physical health. She knew what was happening to me, but dealt with it by keeping busy with other things and remained focused on creating a life for herself that didnt include me, in time we were more roommates than a husband and wife. So sad, we had a beautiful relationship, and it withered and died and we both let it happen! heartbreaking, truly heartbreaking Ill always love her,she was my best friend, soulmate and the love of my life. Right now im still full of anger and resentment and need to try and let it all go and forgive, because ive tortured myself and her for years If this looks at all familiar i beg you COMMUNICATE, share your feelings and find the person you love. Im not courting sympathy or even attention, but please hug your partner and love them fiercely and with all of your heart. Ive been a nember of this forum since 2007 and it has been part of my everyday life in all that time. Ive made friends for life and brothers id never had, and many many times been a small light in my darkness. I cant thank you all enough for this, im very moved and grateful to have so many wonderful people in my lif Im going to move out and get a flat with the shirt on my back and a couple of basses, at 51 my life parallels when i left Newcastle at 19 Im on the cusp of a new start My focus will be on healing myself phyisically and mentally, i plan to throw myself into the thing thats always defined me , Music!! Time to forgive and heal

We concluded our Welsh "tour" tonight, playing at Fuel in Cardiff. We had to go home after our set for various Father's day things tomorrow, so I'm home already after driving people back and enjoying a beer with the cat curled up next to me! We'd not played there before and save the sticky floors, it's a nice venue for that sort of thing! We went on at 8 and there was a decent crowd for us who, most importantly, stayed to watch us instead of vacating the room 😂 Always a good sign. A few gaffs, but it's all good! Same gear and footwear as above.

So experiments in how easy this finish is to remove. I had 500ml of 99% acetone as a tester amount ... and just over 250ml stripped this C bout. It was fairly unpleasant ... I used Mirlon grey 'Scotchbrite' style pads to agitate the finish as I soaked it in thinners ... and it came off in lumps like toxic toffee. Be aware if you do this acetone is HUGELY inflammable so don't smoke ... work with gloves, a mask, ideally overalls, and most important OUTSIDE. I did this test on a hugely hot day - so the bloody lacquer was solidifying as the acetone evaporated in seconds! I stuck to the bass like a huge fly trap several times! Stage one got me down to what I would imagine is a tinted sanding sealer. Like 'Fullerplast' on Fenders Stage two ... another light wash with acetone and a light sanding once dry and the wood has arrived! Stage 3 .... 5ltrs of acetone on order!

chipped in, it's stuff like this that just reinforces my belief that bass players are the best people in the world. Matt

My general rules: Never accept or buy vouchers, gift cards, promisory notes, or credit notes from a company. Never book in advance. Never pay for work not done/completed. Never pay remotely for goods/services using an unsecured method (bank transfer, PayPal F&F, etc.).

The white twelve-string Thunderbird that I bullt 4 years ago.

Was going to wait until something of mine had sold to chip in, but who knows when that might happen so have donated now anyway as I’m sure Lee’s needs are more pressing than mine.

First of three gigs with this guy 😃. We have a Billy Joel tribute band in Holland and we got our stamp of approval from original drummer Liberty DeVitto. He agreed on coming over from the US to do these gigs with us. Needless to say we are over the moon with him agreeing to play with us. Had a blast on the first and looking forward to number two and three.

Unless the bass is fretless you shouldn't be pressing down on the strings so hard that you come into contact with the fingerboard. For me fretted bass fingerboards are chosen for looks and nothing else.

Went to watch band resolution 88 at jazz refreshed, 91 livingroom brick lane. They play jazz fusion. Really really solid group. Bass player was right in the pocket. If you ever get a chance I would give them a listen or go watch. Really enjoyed them.

Oh, also, my wife got me the top of the range Thomann gig bag for my birthday. It's such a lovely gigbag. I've used it for three gigs now and it's just great. It's not cheap, but isn't as expensive as a Mono or something like that. It just feels premium though. The straps are comfy, I can jam a thin jumper or coat in the bit where it holds the straps in, it's very protective. Lovely bit of kit. https://www.thomann.co.uk/thomann_safecase_80_e_bass_bag.htm

Don’t know much about Noiseshaper but this one is growing on me, good riddim

You all know this one, but posting as I played it at a small festival a few hours ago. Good to get a bit of Max Romeo (RIP) to a mostly non Reggae crowd.

Fender introduce Limited Edition Laura Lee Jazz Bass. I don't know if anyone clocked the 'Empire Music' video that came out before this new bass appeared on the Fender Websites, but it's nice to see Fender supporting another female artist. If the Mexican Blu DeTiger signature was anything to go by, this will probably be very good. Basically a Mexican made bass with vintage tall tuners, Dimarzio Ultra Jazz Pickups, concentric volume/tone controls and dual 'talent inhibitors' (pickup covers!) Oh, and it comes as standard with flat wound strings. All that's really missing is a nitro finish, but you can't have everything for your £1400, can you?

I've got a Vintera Telecaster Bass and it's a hard pickup to define. It's not overly muddy, certainly has more focus to it than my old EB-3, but it's not as articulate as a P Bass. It drives my amp with very little effort. "Built for power, not for speed" is how I saw them described once.

So she’s strong as well as talented, hate her…….

They are a great band, the drummer is so good

Yeah I saw that and thought the same. Nuts. Half keeping an eye on it though, as @Bill Fitzmaurice says, low ball offer and re-tolex it. I’m not that far from BF so could get them to do one of their custom finishes… dammit I’m talking myself into something I don’t need 😆

And another fine loom from John, expertly made and first class service, makes my. bass sound better... Thanks John

I / we tend to agree. We put this version together pretty quickly as a way to sneak our own stuff in that format but I'm sure it will evolve. Most of the pubs around here tend to prefer acoustic acts, hence us developing that side of things. We usually have more mandocello / mandolin instrumentation but have added guitar to a couple recently. I'm pleased to say a fair few of the shows coming up are electric so it'll be fun to play electric live shows. I think we have 5 electric shows for 2025 coming up and 8 acoustic shows. so far.

I've found a whole load more motivation recently. I've always wanted a Spector and bought a Euro 4 LX a couple weeks ago. It feels really good to play and sounds amazing. I've got the Mike Starr tone spot on and can't stop playing Alice In Chains songs.

Amazing work everyone. Over 70% to target. Keep it going.

More nerd alert, the intro to that particular SD track is a direct lift from Horace Silver’s “Song for my Father”.

Happy to help

This is the new range of headless basses - looks really good to me. This is the Anaconda Medusa MD5 Essence, Anaconda already build this as a custom bass at their North London workshop, but this is from the lower cost range. The spec looks really good.

These are Aurora strings, 40-100

Hand sanded Liberon Finishing oil up to 700 grit and 3 coats of Liberon Bison wax. This one is going to be an absolute beauty!

There's not an appropriate reaction icon for that. Wanna give you a hug, truth be told. Best of luck, mate.

You folks were in fine form. Very obvious that you were having a great time up there, and it showed in all your performances. It was particularly good to hear such a well-played pedal steel, his less is more approach was perfect. And oh my word, your ACG sounded droolworthy, especially down low. That B string is a thing of beauty. I will definitely be looking out for you lot in the future. Thanks for a great night. Apologies for the terrible photo

I don't even notice the fingerboard when I'm playing and I don't think I'm particularly delicate when I'm pushing down on strings. Ignorance is bliss, I guess. It's a purely aesthetic choice for me, and it sounds like I'm fortunate, because agonising over what a thin strip of wood is made of sure seems to torture and torment a few folk out there.

Yep, was just part of the deal of being a bassist, Trace, Peavey, Orange etc all extremely heavy but that’s what was available.

Just sitting at a car charger outside Cardiff (before my onward journey back to Surrey…) following a lovely little Katy Hurt gig at Acapella Studios. What a lovely venue! First gig of the tour where we’ve had Cris join us on lap steel, guitar and mandolin, and Basschat royalty @Rich in attendance. We had a blast (common theme on this run of shows I’m pleased to say!) and made a lot of new friends I think. I still can’t sing in tune for more than about 3 notes. Shoes were black leather Chelsea boots today, v comfy but a bit slippy on the stage carpet 😀

This is sad news. I live in Bristol but I'm from Northumberland so I've frequented the Bristol and Newcastle stores a fair bit and I've spent thousands in both. Jack from Bristol and Gareth from Newcastle both recognised me and made me feel right at home and were helpful but let me get on with trying stuff without hassle. I'd favour buying from PMT over ordering online and the guys always gave me a good deal. Popping in to have a look and a chat (and hopefully buy something if finances allowed) was a proper nice treat for me and will be sorely missed. Newcastle also lost the iconic J. G. Windows store which was a shame as it's been there for many, many years. My very first bass was bought there 34 years ago (Aria Pro II ZZB Deluxe, used one for my 16th birthday). I'm heading back to Newcastle for a few days next after not being up there for a year or so and a trip to Windows and PMT were going to be a highlight so that sucks that both have gone.

Hey Julian, I went the DIY route myself and had a great experience with a kit from The Guitar Fabrik. The wood was solid, the neck felt right, and it made a perfect foundation for some nice upgrades. I replaced the electronics too, and it came together better than I expected. If you’ve already got a plan for the pickups and preamp, you’ll probably have a lot of fun with it. These kits can definitely be worth it if the core is decent. You can check them out here if you're curious: https://guitarkitfabric.co Good luck with the build. Would love to see how it turns out.

Shout out to Mark at speakergrills.co.uk, two grills arrived very quickly and at a reasonable price (£110 for the pair, with all the trimmings like boxing and powder coating). The quality is good, as is the fit. I'm in no doubt they will protect the speakers very well. Will take these for a gig in a week. I'm sure they'll be great.