mrtcat

We all wear quality plugs in our band (functions) and we don't have issues. We have a great pa so use that to get correct foh level and our onstage level is generally very low. Imo not wearing plugs is pretty daft.Occasionally at larger shows we use in ears where it's not an issue. anyone who plays for us and then turns up his / her volume throughout the gig to the point that they start to blow the mix gets one warning. If they continue to do it they're out. Luckily we don't have any morons in the band so it's not a common issue. Very rarely do we play pubs but if we do will usually have some mics on the kit. Our regular drummer is more than happy to play quietly whilst still maintaining great energy and dynamics. Mics on drums is fine anywhere if done to get a full sound. Using mics and making the kit too loud for the venue is no different to having your amp too loud.

Royal British Legion in the Challows south Oxon. Really nice place with a big stage decked in fairy lights and lots of real fir trees. Big range of ages (14-90) but a very enthusiastic crowd of over 250 and a packed dancefloor. 3x40 min sets and a couple £k made it not only fun but a very tidy earner. Calendar for 2016 already pretty much full - happy days.

I'm afraid I'm not building cabs at present as I'm flat out with running a small business these days. As mentioned above your local cabinet maker will be able to help if you provide plans.

Had the exact same cab and paired with a 500w head it was loud enough to slaughter a very loud drummer for volume. If you can't make it work in a pub with a 500w head then there's something massively wrong somewhere.

Because I wasn't allowed to play drums when I was 12. Had absolutely no interest in guitar (and still don't) and my mates dragged me to see The Hamsters in a local pub. The bass player had this massive trace elliot stack and a really scooped sound that shook the foundations. He grooved so hard and I just I just loved the sheer size of the bass sound. Job done. Next week I had my 1St bass. A week later I was in my first band.

Yep I had one until I let it go with a bass in a trade. Was very happy with it although the lining tore in mine along the internal stitching edge. Didn't bother me at all though and was perfect for my needs.

We're doing functions so are used to long journeys to gigs but we rarely rehearse all together. Drummer and I get together from time to time to work on groove but hes only 30mins away.

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1450293895' post='2931494'] Not sure of this 'town' thing either. Most bands round here spread across 4 or 5 towns in the county. [/quote] +1 We're spread across 4 counties. I'd still walk or kick out the problem guitarist if I was in the OP's position. Poor players with bad attitudes never result in a decent band. If the rest of the band are decent they should be happy to see him go.

Welcome To The Jungle intro - Killer start to the utterly brilliant Appetite For Destruction.

Maybe somebody returned one so they had one in stock again. Either that or they did a stock take and found one they didn't realise they had. Either way you win.

Total respect for a great artist. I would love to see her broaden her horizons now though as I don't doubt she would be utterly brilliant at whatever she does and I can't listen to sad songs endlessly. Genuine talent though and a great grounded person.

I've played bass for 24yrs and drums for less than 2. I'm a far better drummer than bass player and have already done functions, festivals and a corporate show on drums but I just have no urge to play anything but bass. I think it's the pulava of transporting and setting them up. I'm not a bad bass player and have done some great (for me) gigs but naturally drums come more easily. I almost have to be talked into playing them. I also have issues with depression.

We're booked for a good payer at a social club. Email from guitarist today saying he won't be available so if anyone knows a good dep in Oxon area who wants to earn on NYE give me a pm.

[quote name='redbandit599' timestamp='1449078395' post='2920630'] we've grabbed a second hand pair of RCF 325's [/quote] Really really good choice. They'll sound lovely and do the job for years.

Enjoy the breathing space and the fact you can have a fuller bass sound that doesn't clash with a rhythm player.

It always really makes me nervous when a drummer leaves as for me they are the most important member of the band. Good drummers are worth their weight in gold. All I'll advise is that you try a few as well as your mate and go for the one that puts a smile on your face when you play together. Good luck.

Johnny B Goode is a great tune with great energy and folk love it so why shouldn't it be played? People sometimes forget that playing live is for the enjoyment of the people listening and the players. If the open mic night is in a place with a mixed audience and the people playing enjoy it then it's going to be a winner. Glad you enjoyed your night

+1 for an active pa speaker or wedge monitor. It'll essentially just put out what you put in but louder.

I have used pmt Oxford, Northampton and Birmingham regularly. Oxford is a friendly shop although the smallest of the three. The other two are good also. I had to look after my nephew who lives in Birmingham for a day a few weeks back so we popped into pmt brum for a nose about. They let him play drums without batting an eyelid even when he wanted to try a £5k electric kit. I rarely buy basses or amps new so usually only pop in for smaller bits. Oxford and Northampton don't carry a wide selection of strings which is probably my only disappointment but it's hardly the end of the world.