hiram.k.hackenbacker

I played a gig last night with Robbie Blake, the guitarist from The Karma Effect (not the lead singer/guitarist - the other guitarist). I didn't know him or the band until he turned up as he was an eleventh hour dep who kindly agreed to help us out. What an incredibly humble and talented guy he is. He might not even have mentioned his band unless I'd quizzed him on what else he was doing musically. I've now had an opportunity to listen to the album which is available on all streaming platforms and I really like it (I've also bought the CD version). Being a fan of Blackberry Smoke/The Black Crowes, it's right up my street. Anyway, I just thought I would share in case anyone else liked this sort of thing. I don't know if their bassist Liam Quinn is on here, but if you are mate - nicely done 👏. This is the debut single from the album.

Well, I was having a chat with Jon about this and he mentioned that he had just sent JJ his latest version which has the new in-house Shuker P pick-up set in it. Apparently they get two very big thumbs up from both JJ and his sound engineer. Jon has offered to swap out the ones in mine for the new Shuker set, which I think I’m going to do, so that might delay things a little. All being well, I think I should have it by next Friday.

It’s finished. Before anyone says it - ‘pictures or it didn’t happen’. I’ll post them when I receive them 😂

Purple is THE Stone Temple Pilots album IMHO. In some ways a little odd that the difficult sophomore album turned out to be their best work, but I don’t think they bettered it. Tiny Music was good, but didn’t quite take the crown for me. Not a duff track on Purple though.

That struck me as a little odd too. I don't think there is a single bass that I own that I play flat, active or passive.

Balance - My tiny brain has enough to deal with whilst trying to remember what I'm supposed to be playing without having to deal with a neck I have to constantly support. Certain bridges - The old Rickenbacker ones and the three point ones on certain Gibsons. Drive me nuts. Balance again! - In respect of that occasionally I like to sit down and practice whilst at home. I've had some basses that just don't work like that. Warwick Reverso springs to mind. Pick-up covers - The bridge one on a Fender I can tolerate, but the neck cover? Useless. Rickenbacker ones doubly so. I looked at this the other day and two things really bothered me about it. Firstly the maple coloured headstock looks hideous with that fingerboard and finish. Secondly, the way the scratch plate is exactly not the same shape as the body on the lower horn. It just looks crap. It's a shame because I like the finish, the hardware colour and the fact the fretboard has no face markings.

Personally, I've not has an issue with them, although as you say, I'm sure there will be someone along soon enough to state the opposite. The biggest purchase I've made from them was a £2-2.5k bass which although advertised on their site, was not in the UK. I discovered this through a phone call with one of their online agents. They offered to get it shipped over from Germany so that I could look it over at a local store, which I did. It was a great bass which I paid for there and then and took home with me. Obviously you're not going to be able to that, but I can only speak from my experience which was positive. I've bought a lot of other stuff from them, but no where near as expensive, all without issue. Hope it works out for you.

A bit of a road trip for us this one, but to a great venue up north. Glo sticks and leg warmers at the ready.... Tickets available here.

I really don't see that as down to the guitar tech. He had finished his first song, then went straight into his 'look at my loop station' monologue and started 'Bad Habits'.

Even the big names make mistakes. Ed Sheeran gave us his 'loop station' explanation last night explaining that everything you hear is live and then started 'Bad Habits'. What he forgot to do however, was change his guitar to one that was in the correct tuning for the song. Strangely, the ITV You Tube of 'Bad Habits' has been edited so well, it looks like it never happened. Fortunately someone who was there captured it for posterity 😂

Nothing at all.

All the hits from the 80's (well, 2 hours worth anyway) performed live by a 7 piece band. Tickets available here.

All the hits from the 80's (well, 2 hours worth anyway) performed live by a 7 piece band. Tickets available here.

Bought some strap locks off @walshy and they arrived in record time for a great price. Can't fault the guy - a credit to Basschat. Thanks again mate.

Both bands were well below festival standard IMHO. I know it's just for show, but the two songs performed by each band sounded like second rehearsal renditions to my ears. I'm pleased that they had the opportunity to perform in front of such a large crowd, but to delude themselves into thinking it was a quality performance whatever their age, was wrong.

Reading these comments reminded me that my old band were headhunted by a singer some years ago from a big music movie. He was looking for a band that could tour his set. He gave us some songs to prep, which we did and arranged a date for a rehearsal. He arrived at rehearsal (late) and was a complete ar*e the whole time he was there. I don't think we would have lasted more than one gig before someone punched his lights out. It was clear that it was not going to happen, with us at least and he left not to be heard of again. I saw a flyer not so long ago for him and his show at the o2, so he's still going somehow.

My policy, never turn a paying gig down if you’re available. I don’t know whom it is, but I’d do it if I could.

You shouldn't let having 11 basses stop you getting another one. Where would the world be if there were limits on the amount of basses you can have 😂.

I love Pat Benatar, but that 'huge footprint' has a bit to do with the guy she's married to.