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My fave Glasto moment, old friends reunited

I dont know what to say, other than thank you all, in very lucky to have so many people who care. Im making positive steps, ive started therapy to manage my depression. Im trying to give up alcohol (only two and a half weeks, but every day counts) eating better and no caffeine. Some playing oppertunities have came my way which will hopefully open doors, if asked 2 months ago id have made a BS excuse and said no, im not doing that anymore. Importantly my wife and i have finally opened up to each otherand while too late to save the marriage, l feel we can (in time) become friends and love each other in a different way. I feel like a light has been switched on and i can finally see clearly how this has come to pass. Heartbreaking but regrettably a common story. Some of you have offered very kind and shared your stories with me, and every one has helped me as i grieve. Once again, i am humbled by the generosity youve all shown, and you've taken a big chunk of stress off my shoulders.

Just recently got home from a trip to Memphis and Nashville. While I was there, I popped into the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville where I managed to get a photo of the 61 Jazz Bass used by the late great Joe Osbourn on hundreds of hits. Fantastic!! 👍

Great runthrough of the pedal by IMA!

Nah the place is just a place. The people in the place are what makes the place ace.

It's happened again Another tribute band has been joined and it needs one of these They're called Total Jam and I've played with them in the past, they're the Andy and Stewart in my Police tribute

No, I don't get this at all. Mrs. Neepheid supports my hobby. Occasionally she encourages me to buy a bass I like - genuine conversation: "Do you like it?" "Yes." "Then you should buy it." She's even bought me a bass before. The kind of nonsense highlighted by the OP makes me sad, because unfortunately for some other people it might be true

I've had my Italia short scale bass for eight years. It took some finding but I eventually tracked one down at Richard's Guitars in Stratford-upon-Avon. Since then they have not been advertised anywhere. I did see a used one on the Bass Direct site last year costing just shy of £1000 - about £350 more than I paid new! I'm not sure if they are still being made or imported. I recently had the bass set up by Overwater (I live a ten minute walk from their studios in Carlisle) and it plays a treat - even in my hands!

I thought the TV sound overall this year was phenomenal. Yes, Chic's bass could have been a tad louder, but it was definitely there and close enough. I'd say it was at a level where you'd get a studio mix back and feel the bass should slightly stronger - ie. quite remarkable for an real time live broadcast! In previous years it has been poor at times, but I thought there was a massive step up this year. It's a remarkably difficult job mixing live music for broadcast in a truck if you're close to the stage - I've done it myself, and the sheer amount of bass that comes from the stage can make proper bass judgement almost impossible. They've found a way this year it seems, and the results, to my ears, consistently ranged from good to superb. Of course, the problems are often compounded by people listening on TV/multimedia systems that are simply not set up properly. Many TVs come with a myriad of sound 'enhancements' turned on by default that can absolutely butcher a good mix, and the same goes for receivers/soundbars etc. A hi-fi might sound fine for music playback, but if the signal being fed to it has already been messed with by the TV then all bets are off! It's certainly not a live feed from the desk - it's all AoIP (Dante etc) nowadays, which makes it much easier to arrange multiple full channel splits to multiple destinations. There was a thread on a Facebook group by one of the broadcast engineers involved with Glastonbury, and he said there was much better collaboration between all concerned this year, as well as a good few technological advancements being trialled. To my ears, it all made a massive and worthwhile difference.

Looks and sounds great..

Seems familiar to me. How 'bout you?

Back in 1986 or 7, two of my colleagues who had recently become a romantic item went to that year's Glasto. On the following Tuesday, I asked them which bands they'd seen... turned out that the answer was 'none'. They'd spent the entire weekend in their tent, smoking dope and shagging. So yes, they never got within earshot of the Pyramid either.

So. This amazing fundraiser has been closed. I’ve messaged Lee with the details. I want to thank each and every one of you who’ve donated and supported. How wonderful that it’s 2 years to the day since I last saw him gigging - he’s a truly phenomenal player. If you get a chance to see any of his bands play - you’ll not be disappointed. @lee650 Love you mate x

Some rehearsals are more chilled than others...

Can I just get in really early for Glasto 2027? Ahem. God, the lineup is crap. Why haven't they got all the bands that *I* like? Thank you.

New gadget day. Mentioned recently in a topic about changing batteries, it didn't seem ridiculously expensive and I thought I'd get one and give it a try. It seems it's only available from Thomann at the moment, so I felt obliged to buy something else (an sE V7 microphone, as it happens) to slightly reduce the pain of the £10 shipping. I've very recently bought an OLP Tony Levin, and the battery in it was a non-name brand of indeterminate age which was still able to make the preamp work. I left that battery in so I'd have a reasonable test subject, along with the other basses I have knocking about. First thigs first, I put in a new Procell 9V battery and checked the self-test, which was fine. The first volunteer for testing was an Antoniotsai dragon bass which showed a healthy 9.06V and 404 hours of playing left. Then I went for the Tony Levin, and that was 6.6V and showed LO. The Sei Jazz BC bike was a little under 9V with 240 hours remaining, the Sei Flamboyant 5 was rather lower and only 36 hours remaining. I wanted to try it on a Variax but either the socket is recessed a tiny bit too far or the switching is done by means other than shorting ring and sleeve. That did make me wonder about recessed sockets, so I tried an Ibanez SRF705 which I think has the same recessed socket as all the SR range, and that also didn't work. I need to make up a short stereo jack extension lead to test recessed socket basses, or get a stereo coupler and use a stereo jack-jack lead with at least one straight jack. My one and only 18V bass showed 10.2V, as expected. So it's an effective measuring device but with a minor design flaw. And I've got two basses (at least) to replace batteries on.

Oooh, 19 pages in. I watched for about 15 minutes on the BBC, and that was it. Alanis Morissette. Honestly, I can't stand her. Never could. A voice like nails on a blackboard. There are phrasing and inflections in her voice that just make me want to listen even less. Next day I just read comment after comment about how wonderful her performance was and I'm thinking are these people insane? Is there something wrong with their hearing? Do they not actually like music? Thank you and goodnight.

I’ve played most of the range of Fender basses. For me, Fender Japan puts together the most consistent instruments and they represent the best value for money. Other opinions may vary, of course.

My LX-4

Hi folks Intrigued as to the "consensus" on the forum as to the quality of the "higher end" Fender basses out there. How do things like the American Vintage and/or American Professional II series compare in comparison to, say, a Vintera or Player series model? Where do the Japanese ones fit in in 2025? Noticeably better? Bit better but not worth the cash? Different ballgame altogether? What about custom shop? Whole different conversation? I'm definitely of the opinion that mass produced instruments with bolt on necks definitely have a quality:price ceiling where the diminishing returns get silly but I'm not sure I know at what price point that happens. Obviously the right answer is "go and play a bunch" but I'm interested in your thoughts as well. (FWIW - I'm afraid if its not a Fender I'm not interested, yes there are lots of awesome basses out there that aren't Fender but that's a different thread for a different day).

Actually last week but… First full rehearsal with new singer. She is great, easy to work with, and sings in a positive way that’s nice for me to harmonise with. Mostly on IEMs (drummer has electronic kit) but ran a mix through the PA too and someone made a phone recording that I listened back to today - this is a band with potential methinks.

I've owned three American basses. A 75 reissue American Vintage, a Deluxe Jazz (both now sold) and a Precision Elite. I bought the first two second hand and the Elite new. The RRP of the 75 reissue was about £2.5 k, when bought new, and the Elite cost me £1.9k. The two Jazzes played beautifully with very low action. Were they worth the money, if bought new? Well you can buy a less expensive bass and take it to a guitar tech who will get it to play fantastically. I have a parts Jazz, with a Korean Squier neck, and a vintage modified body, which has been set up really nicely and plays as good as my American Jazzes did. I own a Japanese Fender that also plays beautifully. So logically, buying American doesn't buy you a bass that plays better than a much cheaper instrument, so you may ask 'what's the point in spending so much more money?' . Is it kudos? Peer pressure? The American dream? I bought my American basses because I wanted a 'Real' Fender, not one of those copies from overseas (however good they might be). Ironically, when I bought my brand new Fender Elite it didn't have 'Made in the USA' on it, because, legally it isn't actually an American bass, as too many components are made overseas. These days Fender instruments have 'Corona California' stamped on them instead.

I think you have the wrong thread.

That was a close call all round! It stayed tight at the top with 3 joint winners and 5 joint runners up only a point behind , well done all 👍 With an inaugural spot on the top step I will ask @Baloney Balderdash to send me an image for the July challenge. I shall attempt the certificates this evening

Finally managed to salvage a video from our gig on June 22nd. There's a minor glitch in it, but not as many as there are in the other videos from the day!

Who'd have thunk it , I got to share the top step this month with @upside downer and @Baloney Balderdash congratulations. As it was a first time for Mr Balderdash , he has had the choice of image for us to work on and compose to, thus... "Here is my suggestion to the image for July. A mystic contortionist, admittedly AI generated (but on my intricate description):" ✅ Entries must be <5 minutes and recorded between now and the deadline. ❌ No illegal samples, copyright infringements or other snide goings-on ❌ No Bagpipes, Please, I think they would get tangled. ❌ No voting for your own entry. We'll know. And we'll shame you.. Deadline-wise, we will go for Midnight on the 25th July ... Which in reality, means an early one on the 26th , unless I'm working on a weekend! A line or two of blurb as usual for the vote thread will be super duper smashing lovely. Good luck, Have fun

Growing up in the 80s, I always hated the whole idea of what we called cricket bat basses. I remember seeing Bill Wyman and Tina Weymouth with them but it was never enough to swing it for me. As I have gone through my playing career, I have met loads of owners who swear by them. Then over lockdown, I became obsessed with this video… https://youtu.be/wjv_KI4BTaM?si=mYxweEJPccEeAoaL I thought it might pass but I found myself wanting one. I thought it might pass but it’s the “never say never” one I thought I would never own. The guitarist from my duo bought the Steinberger Spirit guitar so I ordered the bass a couple of months back. It came today. I haven’t bought a bass in a long time and my first impression is that it is heavy for what it is (but light, given that there isn’t much of it). It could use a bit of a set up, although the bottom strings are good. There’s a lot of tone variation and I am looking forward to the whole matching vibe with my duo. I don’t think it will ever be my favourite but for something to muck around with, I anticipate it’ll be a lot of fun.

I’ve said it before - but this place is just Ace. 😘

One day at a time, mate. This. And I know the struggle, being 33 years sober. Some days will be easier than others, but just focus on the reason why you stopped and not the very many reasons why you should stop stopping and hopefully you'll get through. Mark

Use a spare bandmate.

If I say to the wife, "I like the look of that xxxxx", her reply has always been, "If it's that good, get it". Back in the 80's we were having a look around Peter Cook's shop, and I expressed an interest in a Fender Precision Special that was hanging on the wall. She bought it there and then!! She has about half a dozen dolls houses around the house, 3 or 4 quilts on the go and a garden full of flowers, oh, and I nearly forgot the shoes! We support each other's interests.

I just bought a very nice carbon, full suspension mountain bike. Mrs XFR is not yet aware of this purchase. I may use her new clothes line of "this old thing? I've had this for years"

I usually give them all two or three listens before voting. Rather do that than put Radio 2 on 😁

Snap!

Snagged one from Guitar Guitar. Will be reporting back soon 😬

Just been asked to join the Samples at the Marrs bar in Worcester on 18th July... Then the week after that, we're with Brazilian HardCore-istas, AntiVirus in Hereford (26th July) Then we're at Rebellion fest early afternoon on the 10th August, and same day, at mini fest also in Blackpool at the Washington Then that's all Choked've got booked for the year!

Very sensibly pitched. The amount of times I get requests for these very preset sounds on the FI and C4 is crazy. I anticipate these will sell very well. I’ll definitely be checking one out. Nice hands-on control and preset capability.

This Saturday, Nine Lives are playing at Grays Inn, in Mastrick, Aberdeen. Please come - it's never been a particularly well attended venue in our experience

The Winners are those that participate; the Losers are those that decide not to listen to their works.

I have yet to be in the same room as a top end Fender Custom Shop instrument, let alone play one. I would dearly love to, just to see if they're worth the considerable wedge. To date, the best Fender-style bass I have ever played was a Celinder Jazz. It was sublime. The CS basses would have to go some to beat that. Generally though, I have to say that this... ...is also my usual answer to anything bass.

This looks incredible. Could easily replace a few individual pedals straight away. Those presets programmed by IMA are worth the price of admission alone; from the sounds in the demo he’s nailed 8 of the most immediately useful bass synth tones you’d be looking to achieve. Can’t wait to get my hands on one. Thanks for sharing 👍

*titter*

I'm still so tired. Only one day where I did less than 30,000 steps. Drove home after Olivia Rodrigo last night, in bed after a shower by 2am, then the cat was yelling in my face for breakfast by 8am 😴 I think all of the best performances were from bands who really wanted to be there. Those that seemed indifferent were just putting in sub-par performances. DISCLAIMER: All views are mine and are not an attack on your musical tastes! Friday Super grass Fine. They played well, but never got anyone really going. I think most people in the crowd (including myself) only know their chart hits rather than anything else, and the material wasn't exciting enough to draw people in. CMAT She brought it! I hadn't heard her previously, but her and the band were putting out fun vibes that had everyone moving. Wet Leg Didn't think they did that well to be honest. Seemed a bit boring. Just didn't draw me in, didn't seem that excited to be there or were too cool for school. I was so drawn in by their 2022 performance. This left me cold and I wish I'd gone up to The Park to see English Teacher instead. Lewis Capaldi Saw him in 2023 when he had to finish early. Didn't realise at the time, but it was a good performance. Have since watched the documentary and he seems like a lovely bloke. Very emotional set on a pretty packed pyramid field. Alanis Morrisette Banger after banger. Loved that Les Paul bass too. Biffy Clyro It was a really good performance. Would hate to be their guitar tech though. Changing out lots of sweaty guitars wouldn't be my idea of a fun Friday night! Maribou State Really interesting to watch. They had loved instruments to replace samples from their songs, great singer they brought in. Really surprised me how much I enjoyed their set. Chilled but upbeat. No notes.